Sweetwater planning commission tables proposed zoning ordinance after crowded public hearing

The Sweetwater Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday heard a presentation from consultant Ashley Woolsey of Kendig/Kist Collaborative on a draft zoning and land-use ordinance intended to align the city’s zoning map with the comprehensive plan the city adopted in 2022. After the presentation and hours of public comment, the commission voted to table the item and return to the matter at a special meeting on Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m.

Woolsey described the update as a consolidation and modernization of zoning language and maps, including three residential districts (Suburban Residential, Traditional Neighborhood and Neighborhood Mix), four mixed-use and retail districts, and revised industrial and agricultural districts. She said the ordinance would add a consolidated use table, dimensional standards, graphic illustrations, and new categories like “limited uses” to allow objective, administratively approved uses rather than discretionary conditional uses.

The consultant said two overlay districts are proposed — a gateway overlay along Interstate 20 and several main corridors, and an infill overlay meant to relax some…