Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Berkley planning commission recommends new zoning ordinance, sign rules and map to city council
Summary
The Berkley Planning Commission voted to recommend a comprehensive rewrite of the city's zoning ordinance, including repeal/replacement of the sign chapter and an updated zoning map; the recommendation goes to City Council for two readings and would take effect 30 days after the second reading.
The Berkley Planning Commission voted Jan. 28 to recommend approval of a revised zoning ordinance package — a move that would repeal Chapter 94 (signs), repeal and replace Chapter 138 (zoning) and adopt an updated Berkley zoning map, then forward the package to City Council for two readings.
The recommendation follows a months-long review that incorporated public hearing testimony and staff edits. Planner Megan (staff) told the commission the packet included a long table of changes and that staff had corrected typographical errors and restored higher-education uses inadvertently removed from a parking table.
Megan said, "Based on the public hearing and your comments on Nov. 26, we updated the zoning ordinance. We also had some comments from staff." She noted one drafting error had removed colleges and universities from a use table and that staff corrected that omission.
Commission discussion focused on a few drafting and diagram issues — notably yard definitions and corner-lot exterior side-yard rules — and on the packet of setback measurements staff e-mailed to commissioners for reference. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether certain diagrams and text matched and about how exterior side-yard minimums preserve a consistent street wall on older, built-out blocks. One commissioner said the updates "matched the recommendations of the master plan and modernize[d] sign and zoning regulations." Chair Kempner thanked staff for their work and noted the ordinance will go to council for two readings and would become effective 30 days after the second reading, meaning the earliest effective date would likely be mid-April if Council adopts both readings on schedule.
Vote at a glance: The planning commission recorded a roll-call vote recommending approval. Commissioners recorded as voting yes were Commissioner Dahlin, Commissioner Stapp, Commissioner Arnsman, Commissioner Woods and Chair Kempner; the motion passed.
The commission's recommendation will be transmitted to City Council for formal consideration. If Council approves both readings, the ordinance package becomes effective 30 days after the second reading.
