Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Grain Valley aldermen advance first reading of zoning change limiting rear-yard parking on small lots
Summary
After public comment raising enforcement and visibility concerns, the Board moved Bill B25-08 (amending Section 400.290 to limit parking of boats/trailers in rear yards on lots under 0.75 acres) to a second reading with a 4-2 vote; the ordinance includes an exception if items are not visible from public places or neighboring property.
The Grain Valley Board of Aldermen on April 28 advanced a zoning code change that would limit how many recreational vehicles and similar items may be stored in rear yards on small lots.
Community Development Director Patrick Martin described the amendment to Section 400.290 of the city code. Under the draft language lots under 0.75 acres would be limited to two items from a specified list (trailers, boats, RVs, etc.), while lots of 0.75 acres or larger would not be subject to the restriction. The ordinance as drafted includes an exception: if the stored items are not readily visible from a public place or surrounding private property, the limitation would not apply.
During the public hearing Dale Arnold of 31603 E Ryan Road and Brian Schowengerdt of 780 E Ryan Road argued the visibility exception could create enforcement challenges and uncertainty about grandfathering and lot-size determinations. Alderman Rick Knox said he was concerned the exception would allow items to be obscured from view and still be subject to complaints from neighbors (he used an example of visibility from a deck several houses away). City Attorney Joe Lauber and City Administrator Ken Murphy clarified that code enforcement would verify lot size before issuing a violation and that plantings or fences could be used to obscure items.
Aldermen voted on the motion to accept the first reading of Bill B25-08: Ayes — Limberg, Myers, Skinner, Sole; Nays — Bray, Knox. The motion passed 4-2. Board minutes record the item will return for a second reading at the next regular meeting.
