Daviess County advisory commission forwards zoning-rescission certification to commissioners after public hearing

The Daviess County Advisory Plan Commission voted on Feb. 27, 2025, to forward a certification on the proposed rescission of the county zoning ordinance to the Daviess County Board of Commissioners after a public hearing that drew multiple residents, planners and local officials.

The recommendation does not by itself repeal the ordinance; it forwards the commission’s certification and recommendation to the county commissioners for final action. "I, Bill Jolliffe, secretary of the Davis County Advisory Plan Commission, do hereby certify to the commissioners of Davis County that a rescission of the zoning ordinance was considered by the Davis County Advisory Plan Commission at their meeting held on 02/27/2025," the secretary read aloud during the meeting record before commissioners were to receive the document.

Why it matters: Public commenters and local development officials told the commission that the county’s zoning code is an essential tool for guiding industrial and residential growth, protecting agricultural uses and supporting infrastructure planning — including development at the Westgate/Crane technology area. Several speakers asked the commission to recommend that the Board of Commissioners not weaken or repeal the ordinance.

Board and staff framed the vote as an administrative step. The commission chair opened the required public hearing and followed the process set out…