HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 PLL I - Sigel Comments.pdfProposed Shed Law Comments
December 7, 2010
I respectfully submit the following comments:
The square footage of exempt portable sheds shall not be included in lot coverage calculations.
What is the rationale for exempting portable sheds from lot coverage calculations?
Roofed porches, decks, and carports as well as unroofed porches and decks over 2 feet
above the ground are all included in lot coverage calculations. A portable shed would
seem to have an impact similar to (if not greater than) those other items.
B. has a maximum height of _________ feet;
I would suggest adding “above the ground” or “above the natural grade” or something
similar. A shed that measures 12 feet high when sitting in a parking lot may be
considerably higher when placed on cinder blocks in someone’s (possibly sloped) yard.
C. does not have a permanent foundation or is not affixed by any means to the ground;
What is the rationale for distinguishing sheds based on foundation type? A shed’s impact
would seem to have little to do with foundation type and mostly to do with the size and
height of the shed. If a 12x12 portable shed is ok close to the lot line then why wouldn’t
the same shed on a permanent foundation also be ok?
If this requirement is kept, I would suggest changing the “or” to an “and”. I think you
mean to require that a portable shed not have a permanent foundation and not be
affixed to the ground.
General Comments
Rather than trying to “patch” the Zoning Ordinance with this proposed Shed Law it may
make more sense to wait until a more systematic overhaul of the Zoning Ordinance can
be done. Assuming such an overhaul would include definitions like “accessory building”
and definitions of various yard locations (front, side, and rear yards), it would then be
easy to clearly state a desired policy. For instance, you might decide that accessory
buildings (regardless of foundation type) are allowed in the rear yard only. Contrast that
with the proposed law which would appear to allow portable sheds to be placed directly
in front of someone’s house.
Sincerely,
Kirk Sigel
223 Highgate Road
kmsigel@ksx.com
257-6413