Dexter council approves rear-yard accessory building and three parcel actions

The Dexter City Council approved multiple property actions during its Dec. 1 meeting, including a building permit for an accessory structure at 239 Pleasant Street and two separate parcel adjustments.

Miranda and Scott Riles requested a permit to install a pre-fabricated accessory building in the rear yard at 239 Pleasant Street. Councilmember Diane O’Connor moved and Casey Erwin seconded approval; the council voted unanimously and the $25 permit fee was paid. Council clarified that both the Dexter Zoning Ordinance and a subdivision covenant prohibit constructing an accessory building on a vacant lot without a primary dwelling.

Travis Schneider presented a legal description that would add 0.26 acres to his property by splitting an original parcel owned by Molly Garrison at the drainage ditch. Councilmember Christian Padilla moved and Diane O’Connor seconded to accept the legal description and allow the split; the motion carried unanimously. Schneider’s parcels will remain separate for the time being.

Property owner Matt Rahlf asked to split a portion of the parcel at 249 Pleasant Street to allow a pre-fabricated home to be built on the new lot. The council approved the parcel split contingent on Rahlf providing a legal description and plat drawing for final council approval (motion by Casey Erwin, second by Tim Taylor; unanimous vote).

The parcel decisions affect small-scale residential land use and will be recorded per standard plat and legal-description procedures. Rahlf must return with the required documentation for the final approval step.