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| Linwood Township tackles building code |
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| Wednesday, 04 November 2009 | |
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Alice Pickering Linwood Reporter Linwood Township needs to update some of its building code, according to Barry Olson, township building inspector. State mandates require that a city or township building code meets the state universal building code. Currently, the township is operating by the 1997 version of the UBC, not the 2007 version. While there are two versions/methods of updating township codes, Olson recommended adopting a self-perpetuating code which automatically updates the township’s rules when there is a change in the state UBC. Olson reported to the Linwood Town Board at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 27. There are optional provisions which cover some smaller buildings and requirements of sprinkler systems when interior area is more than 2000 square feet. Adopting some of these provisions actually puts more restrictions on homeowners. Most communities do not adopt these. Building officials are notified when there are changes in the state building code; these are usually minor revisions, not radical differences. Olson told the town boardlast week that even with changes in the ordinances the fee schedule would remain essentially the same. Olson anticipates the impact on Linwood to relate to changes in requirements for out buildings and sheds. There may be building permit requirement changes related to the square-footage. An additional aspect related to cabins which have been converted to year-round living spaces. The Linwood Planning and Zoning Commission must consider recommending variances for remodeling and expansion of these homes on smaller, non-conforming lots or lake lots. For the very small lots variances should not be recommended by P&Z, nor granted by the board, officials said. Options for upgrades and improvements must be also considered. Olson advised the town board supervisors that the township needs to develop a permit fee refund policy, for instances where residents change their minds about remodeling or expansion. A motion to adopt the 2007 Minnesota State Building Code as the Linwood Township building code passed by a vote of 4-0. Mike Parker did not attend the meeting. More reports As part of the Linwood Road and Bridge report, excavation of slightly deeper ditches on both sides of Amazon, using the dirt to build up the street and topping with Class 5, seems to be the solution for the annual flooding on the street, according to Supervisor Phil Osterhus. Engineer Craig Jochum is to work out a payment plan with Rum River Paving for the Cranberry Drive street work which has been completed. Supervisors Mike Budde and Osterhus attended the ICS 300 training session. Osterhus thought it was a worthwhile session. He said that part of it was an analysis on emergency response to the I-35 bridge collapse. The two-hour session examined how well and quickly local public safety and emergency responders in Minneapolis and St. Paul worked as a team during the disaster. Attorney Gerald Randall continues to communicate with residents about the permitted uses of land in the township. There are separate ordinances covering domestic animals and small livestock. Both are permitted, but under different regulations. Rudi McCurdy is beginning the work of the third update of the township code book. The work includes removing references to codes enacted since the most recent review. He is highlighting errors so that town board members can see the changes. The board selected Forest Lake Printing to print the 2010 Linwood Township calendar at a price of $1930 for a quantity of 2000 calendars. Three bids were received for the same specifications. The vote was 4-0. The board gave approval for Budde to attend a continuing education septic licensing short-course on Feb. 16-17, 2010. This is part of the continuing education requirements for Budde to maintain his license. The $240 fee for the course is to be paid from the building department budget. The vote was 3-0, with Budde, also a town board supervisor, abstaining. Other business In other business, the town board: •Approved the township contract with building inspector Barry Olson for November 1, 2009 to April 31, 2010. •Approved the provisional appointments of Kyle Brooks, Derek Dovolus, Brian Meyer and Dennis Young as members for the Linwood Volunteer Fire Department. •Accepted the resignation of Thomas Searing from the road and bridge committee. The board accepted his service with thanks. •Approved payment of the October 27 bills in the amount of $18,254.89. •Approved minutes for the town board meeting Oct. 13. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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