The Oak Grove Planning Commission on Oct. 30 spent more than two hours on an ordinance discussion about accessory-building ("pole barn") sizes, heights and count limits, and opened a lengthy public-comment period in which residents pressed the commission to raise allowed building sizes and sidewall heights to accommodate vehicle and equipment storage.

Staff presented three draft size proposals and a series of technical code-cleanup items. Commissioners said their priority was to keep the code easy to interpret for residents and applicants while addressing common requests: more covered storage for recreational vehicles and classic cars; clearer rules on whether attached garages and lean-tos count toward accessory limits; and reasonable height standards so vehicles and lifts fit inside.

Public comments: More than a dozen residents spoke. Common themes included requests to raise maximum square footage for lots in the 2'to'2.5-acre range (the single largest parcel group in Oak Grove), to allow taller sidewalls so trailers and lifted vehicles will fit, and for clearer rules that do not force frequent variance applications. Several speakers tied the request to practical concerns such as winter construction timing and fire-safety improvements after a recent house fire.

Commission guidance to staff: Commissioners said they wanted staff to prepare a draft ordinance that:

- simplifies the lot-size strata and makes the chart easier for residents to read;
- clarifies that small, exempt storage sheds (200 sq. ft. or less) remain exempt per state law,
- treats lean-tos consistently (staff will add a definition and clarify whether they count toward total accessory square footage), and
- reduces redundant definitions and conflicting language throughout the zoning code.

Height: Commissioners discussed whether to keep both an interior sidewall limit and an overall building height limit. After discussion, commissioners directed staff to remove the separate sidewall-height rule and to use the city's dimensional (maximum-structure) height standard to govern accessory buildings (the staff packet and the zoning table will be updated to reflect that approach). Commissioners said technical building-code engineering requirements (truss spans, wind and snow loads) remain a matter for the building-permit review and an engineer's stamp where required.

Next steps: Staff will draft the ordinance language reflecting the commission's direction, post it for public review and publish a public hearing for the commission's November meeting. If the Planning Commission adopts a recommendation, the language will then move to City Council for final action.

Public safety: Multiple speakers asked the city and property owners to incorporate fire-safety best practices (battery storage, separation of shop spaces) into site planning; commissioners asked staff to include clear conditions and references to fire-department input when appropriate.

Ending: The commission closed discussion and asked staff to return a clear, consolidated ordinance text that reflects the commission's direction and reduces inconsistent code language so residents and permit applicants have an easier, predictable permitting pathway.