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Commission reviews multiple zoning code items including setbacks, fence rules and foundation 'as‑built' requirements
Summary
Commissioners discussed six zoning code topics June 17 — foundational as‑built documentation for R‑3/R‑4, dwelling square footage standards, Highway Commercial ground coverage, R‑1 front yard setback, fence setback measurement and front yard alignment rules — and directed staff to draft clarifying language where needed.
At its June 17 meeting the Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed several zoning code text items and directed staff to prepare draft language for future consideration.
Staff and commissioners began with foundational "as‑built" requirements for new homes in R‑3 and R‑4 districts, noting some permitted structures lacked documentation tying foundations to approved site plans and that the commission may require surveys where as‑built foundations deviate from approved plans. Michael Meyers, Okoboji district administrator, said he has encountered similar documentation gaps.
Commissioners discussed square footage devoted to dwelling purposes and expressed concern about very small or hybrid "shouse" structures that blur the line between accessory and principal living space. They asked staff to prepare clarifying definitions and thresholds.
The commission also noted Highway Commercial lacks an explicit maximum ground‑coverage standard and discussed aligning it with Industrial (proposed 80 percent). Commissioners considered reducing the R‑1 Suburban Residential front yard setback from 75 feet to 50 feet to match the A‑1 district. On fences, they proposed clarifying that setbacks are measured from inside the property line and must account for fence material width (posts, string line). For bulk front‑yard alignment, commissioners discussed using the two nearest homes as a basis when block improvements exceed 30 percent.
No formal code amendments were adopted at this meeting; staff will draft ordinance language for the commission’s future review.
