To the Editor-

We received a letter from the city with regards to our membrane shed structure being in violation of Municipal Code Chapter 36 Section 106.

Chapter 36 Section 106 states residential MEMBRANE CANOPY STRUCTURES that are intended to provide shelter to vehicles or personal property are not permitted. When I did research on some other cities and their codes I found a description of MEMBRANE CANOPY STRUCTURES it stated a membrane canopy structure is a structure enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner, except by air or the contents it protects, and is OPEN WITHOUT SIDEWALLS OR DROPS on 75 percent or more of the perimeter.

My shed with 4 sides that are secured all the way to the ground making a secure shed has been up for more than 11 years during that time we have replaced the cover 3 times to keep it in good repair and looking new.

Since our city code does not have a description I guess we are relying on opinions to enforce this. What is driving this new interest in our sheds? Maybe the city is trying to protect the fasted growing business in the city, Rental Storage Units with new ones going up again this year in the Oak St. area.

If it is for beautification purposes I think there are many other things they could focus on, that look worst than our sheds. Also I find it interesting that the city itself has a membrane storage structure if you drive across the expressway just before the mall look to your left you will see a white membrane structure by the city garage.

Some say they are not safe because of snow, well the snow slides right off, and if they are not safe why can businesses and the city have them?

Joan Revers
Wisconsin Rapids