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Commission opts to pursue special‑use permit path for proposed dwelling in B‑1 district; staff to draft ordinance language
Summary
An applicant sought permission to convert an existing business building in a B‑1 zone into a single‑family dwelling. Commissioners debated whether to amend the ordinance or treat the request case‑by‑case via a special‑use permit; the body agreed to pursue an SUP while staff prepares redlined definition language for concurrent consideration.
Staff presented an application for a "use not provided for" on behalf of property owner Janine Jensen to convert a secondary building at 27 Jack Shop Road (Tax Map 55‑24) from business use to a single‑family residence. The proposal would require either an ordinance change, a rezoning, or a special‑use permit because the Madison County Code (appendix provisions referenced at the meeting) does not currently permit a detached single‑family residence in the B‑1 district.
Evan Zoker, representing the family, said the conversion would house a family member who provides services to on‑site businesses and that the building has an existing drain field installed around 2011 and one well serving both structures. He said he consulted the drain‑field designer, who indicated the system could meet criteria for a two‑bedroom residence possibly with low‑flow fixtures. "This building at this point has its own drain field…this could meet the criteria for 2 bedroom residents as it is right now," Zoker said.
Commission discussion focused on a narrow but important drafting issue: the ordinance ties the word "apartment" to multifamily in a way that currently blocks a single‑family conversion. Commissioners debated whether a broad ordinance amendment allowing single‑family dwellings in B‑1 would have unintended consequences elsewhere. Multiple members recommended using a special‑use permit for this one case while staff prepares a redlined definition update and advertises the SUP and any accompanying ordinance language together. Staff agreed to draft the changes and present the language at the joint meeting prior to advertising a public hearing.
