By Linda Stinnett

 

 

The final agreements are still being hammered out, but it appears an annexation process for a north side neighborhood – the Hillsdale Addition – will leave some aspects of country life intact.

“It is a little bit different than our typical annexation and development,” said Charlie Brown, director of community development.

As the city grows, it anticipates growing into more developments, such as Hillsdale, which have multi-acreage lots and residents who enjoy a rural lifestyle.

“The interruption of lifestyle is a paramount concern,” said Jim Craig, council member. “I believe we have to protect the property owner and the lifestyle as much as we can.”

Brown presented the points under discussion with the Hillsdale residents, who continue to oppose the annexation:

• Code enforcement. Allow up to six months for residents to comply with dead tree, limb and brush debris violations issued by code enforcement. Burning permits must be obtained from Derby Fire Department. Removal of the brush piles will help reduce unwanted vermin. No waivers are recommended for inoperable vehicles or other bulky waste.

• Animal control. Derby police recommend not allowing the practice of shooting animal pests. Instead, police will perform those duties.

• Gravel driveways. Existing gravel driveways would be considered legal nonconforming uses and future driveways, such as one to an accessory structure, could be done with gravel.

• Trash service. Upon approved annexation, all residents would be required to switch to Waste Connections within three months. Burning in trash barrels would be prohibited.

• Pool enclosures. All 48-inch fences surrounding pools could remain as legal nonconforming uses and routine maintenance and repairs would be allowed. A total replacement of the fencing would be required at 60 inches as required in the city.

• Livestock. No one presently has livestock, but some have accessory structures which accommodated livestock in the past. A reasonable number will be allowed, but council members asked that “reasonable” be better defined. For example, the county currently allows 20 hoofed animals on five acres, but many rural subdivisions limit large livestock to only two or three and puts a cap on poultry and small animals.

• Police beat. Police Beat No. 1 would serve the addition.

• Mapping correction. Some maps show a street stub from Stone Path into Hillsdale, but it was an error in mapping and has been corrected.

• Front yard fences. In the city, only split rail fences are allowed to enclose front yards. In Hillsdale, the current fences can remain as legal non-conforming uses. All new fences would have to have a city fence permit.

• All-Terrain Vehicles. ATVs can be ridden on private property within the city. Riding on the street is illegal in both the city and county.

• Discharge of firearms. Derby police recommend that no exceptions be granted on discharging firearms. Several council members favored outlawing guns, but allowing pellet, BB and paintball guns, and bows and arrows.

• Dog licenses and bicycle registration. Both are required to aid the police department’s efforts to identify lost or stolen items and would be required in Hillsdale.

• Tall grass and weeds. Front yards would be expected to comply with the maximum 10-inch height. The remaining property would be recognized as agricultural use and exempt from those requirements.

In addition, the township mows the ditches in Hillsdale approximately one time a month during the growing season. In an effort to match or exceed the service, the city will assume that responsibility.

• Snow removal. The township also has Hillsdale on a snow removal route, as the streets tend to drift shut. The city recently added Woodlawn/Triple Creek to its route and will add 60th Street as well, if annexation is approved.

• Addresses. To avoid confusion in an emergency, the city wants to change the addresses in Hillsdale. The neighbors asked that this also be waived due to the hassle each would face in changing addresses on all legal papers.

• Accessory apartment. The rural zoning would allow such buildings and one resident is interested in constructing a second building on his acreage for housing for aging parents. Brown said a lot split could accomplish the same thing, but he was asked to clarify items, including the cost of making a lot split.

The city council tabled the annexation process indefinitely, to allow the staff and Hillsdale residents an opportunity to work out specific agreements. The changes could be made through additions to city zoning codes or changes in other regulations.

Council members specifically told staff to be sure that Hillsdale residents were aware of advisory board meetings which would include discussion of items related to the annexation. 

“I think everything we do has to be well thought out and passed so everybody to come knows the rules,” said Tom Haynes, council member.  

 

 

 

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