The Knox Planning Commission continued their discussion over the definition of accessory buildings when they met last week.
Plan Commission Attorney Martin Bedrock was absent from the meeting where members initially discussed accessory buildings and other storage structures. He asked them to recap their progress so far during last Tuesday’s meeting.
They shared that they’ve been distinguishing the difference between temporary and permanent structures.
For instance, members reported seeing many canvas-based, tent-like storage structures pop up recently. At their last meeting, they decided they’d like to add something in about those tents requiring a $25 permit and only permitting them for an allotted amount of time such as 6 months. They said the permits for temporary structures would also be non-renewable.
Members conferred that they need to be very careful with the way they word a rule about those structures to prevent recreational tents like those used for graduation parties or overnight camp-outs from being lumped in with the ones used for storage.
Members also specified that tents and other temporary structures should only be allowed in backyards. The types of storage buildings need to be personally assembled and those that can be bought pre-made would also be included in the structures which are only permitted in the rear of someone’s property. Commission President Greg Matt colloquially referred to these types of structures as a “shed-in-a-box” or “garage-in-a-box.”
Members took no official action but Bedrock and Planning Administrator Kenny Pfost said they would work together to write up some potential amendments that could be made to the existing ordinance to assist with clarity. This matter will be readdressed at the Knox Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, April 3rd.
