Bellefontaine schedules Aug. 13 hearing on proposed solar zoning changes

Bellefontaine officials set a special public hearing for Aug. 13 at 7:00 p.m. to take public comment on proposed zoning changes affecting solar systems and related code enforcement provisions.

Law Director Stahl told the council the planning commission discussed and approved a proposed new section to the zoning ordinance covering residential and commercial solar installations and a separate change to chapter 11.27 addressing code-enforcement violations. "The planning commission suggested after discussion that that council consider approval of the legislation," Stahl said, adding that the rules committee later voted 2-1 against the commercial portion of the proposed solar zoning.

Stahl explained the process and possible vote thresholds: if the council accepts the planning commission's recommendation unchanged, a simple majority would suffice; but if the rules committee offers an amendment that differs from the planning commission recommendation, an amended ordinance would require three-quarters of the council (six of seven members) to pass.

President Wagner set the hearing and instructed the clerk to publish 30 days' notice. "We will, have that special hearing on the zoning modifications ... August 13, at 07:00PM," Wagner said, adding the hearing will be held before the regular council meeting that evening.

The city did not adopt changes at the meeting; the scheduled hearing will give residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed zoning changes before the council considers second or third readings.