Moratorium on excessive size buildings
Moratorium on excessive size buildings
By STU MERRY
The City of Garrison has placed a moratorium on construction of what it calls oversized pole barns or buildings in the city.
At its meeting Monday, the council took the first steps, rescinding a building permit by Lisa Otteson that was approved at last month’s meeting. Otteson planned to build a 40x72x17 pole-type building in northeast Garrison near the Benedictine Living Center.
Voting in favor of rescinding the permit were council members Richard Lehnherr, Chad Betz, Gene Hummel, Susan Steinwand and Chris Gratton. Voting “nay” was Alderman Steve Hasenwinkel.
“If we don’t get a grip on this now, we’re going to be in trouble,” reasoned Mayor Shannon Jeffers. “This may be the place to start.”
Jeffers said he is concerned with the precedent that has been set related to garages, pole barns or otherwise, that are being constructed on lots zoned residential. The council fears, that if steps aren’t taken or guidelines established, that the community could turn into a pole barn city.
“We don’t have to be allowing these big buildings in town,” Jeffers said.
