A. It is the intent of this chapter that new storm shelters shall not be located in the front yard of one- and two-family residences. However, when there is no reasonable access for construction equipment to a rear yard because of the location of existing structures, a storm shelter shall be permitted in the front yard of the property provided:
1. The aboveground height of the shelter shall be no greater than twelve inches (12") above the surrounding grade.
2. Landscape materials shall be provided on all sides of the storm shelter, excluding an approach for entry into the shelter, for the purpose of screening its view from the street and all adjoining properties.
3. The shelter and approach shall only be visible from the primary structure, or in the case of a side yard installation, the shelter and approach may be oriented to face the rear of the property, in order to adequately screen it from view from the street and adjoining properties.
4. Failure to adequately screen the storm shelter from the view of the street and all adjoining properties shall constitute a violation of this chapter, with each day of noncompliance constituting a new and separate violation of this chapter.
5. All preexisting storm shelters shall be subject to the screening regulations herein, regardless of the height of the existing structure; and said screening shall not exceed the height of the storm shelter any more than is necessary to adequately screen the preexisting shelter from the street and all adjoining properties.
6. There shall be no encroachment on public or private rights of way or easements.
B. When a safe room or storm shelter is included in the construction of a new residence or other building, said facility shall specifically be identified on plans, registered with the city, and inspected as a part of the building permit approval and inspection process.
C. Existing structures may be retrofitted with a storm shelter or safe room subject to city approval of a plan meeting the standards of this section and to the issuance of a building permit by the city building official. (Ord. 2016-8, 1-19-2017)