Planning & Zoning panel recommends alley-vacate ordinance after clarifying utility-access language

The Milford Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously on Dec. 10 to recommend Ordinance 01-2026, which establishes the process for petitioning to vacate an alleyway, after amending unclear language about utility access.

Staff introduced the ordinance and described it as a document setting out the petition process for alley vacation. During discussion, an unnamed commissioner raised concern about wording in section 13.4.90.25 that referred to providing "current or potential future access for the maintenance, repair, or installation of utility lines," calling the phrase "pretty gray." Members questioned how "future potential" would be determined and whether it should be treated as a prohibition.

Several commissioners proposed narrowing the clause to remove the term "potential." One member suggested the Planning & Zoning review future access during project review rather than relying on an open-ended phrase in the ordinance. Staff agreed to remove the word "potential" so the clause would refer to current access for maintenance, repair and installation of utility lines and to circulate the revised text.

An unidentified commissioner moved to send Ordinance 01-2026 to the Milford City Council with the change to section 13.4.90.25; another unidentified commissioner seconded the motion. The chair called the vote; members answered "Aye," and the motion carried unanimously. The commission recommended the ordinance to the city council for final action.

The commission did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript. The staff member present said they would update the ordinance language and provide the commission a copy. The meeting adjourned after a brief round of reports and informal remarks.