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Council to ask planning and zoning to clarify shed rules, excavation permits due to Superfund‑site soil rules
Summary
Councilors agreed to send the question of auxiliary buildings and shed size limits to planning and zoning after finding contradictions between local ordinances and state codes; staff emphasized excavation permits are required because the town sits in a Superfund site and soils must be handled per EPA rules.
Council members discussed confusion over whether small garden sheds require building permits and whether local ordinances align with the state code. One councilor said they could not find a local ordinance adopting the state code and recommended sending the matter to planning and zoning for clarification and possible ordinance updates.
Councilors and staff discussed excavation rules at length: staff said excavation permits are required within city limits because the area is part of a Superfund site and soils must be handled in compliance with EPA guidance. One councilor referenced the state standard and "10‑12‑5" and cited the state code language that generally sets a 200‑square‑foot threshold for exempt structures. The council asked staff and planning and zoning to draft clear local language that aligns with state code and the city's procurement and enforcement needs.
