Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Code Revisions topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hinckley planning commission hears public concerns over proposed zoning and building code revisions
Summary
At a March 11 public hearing, the Hinckley Planning and Zoning Commission heard residents and developers weigh in on proposed comprehensive revisions to Title 10 (building regulations), Title 11 (zoning regulations) and an updated Zoning Map, with key concerns about converting agricultural land and Main Street commercial sites to residential uses. The commission tabled final action and scheduled a March 16 work meeting to review documentation.
The Hinckley Town Planning and Zoning Commission on March 11 opened a public hearing on comprehensive revisions to Title 10 (building regulations), Title 11 (zoning regulations) and a proposed Zoning Map amendment intended to align the map with the updated code. Commission Chairman Joe Taylor opened the hearing at 7:06 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.
Several residents urged the commission to retain agricultural and commercial land uses in areas they said have longstanding community purposes. "My two-acre property has been used as a roping arena and corrals for over 30 years," said Donald Brown, who asked that his parcel remain zoned agricultural rather than be redesignated residential. Steven Howes said his family's small lot at 105 N. Main St. is "useless for residential purposes" and argued it should remain commercial, saying earlier maps showed commercial zoning and that Main Street zoning was removed in 2003 without owners being notified.
Commission Chairman Joe Taylor responded that "most businesses can operate in residential zones if permitted or with a conditional use permit," but said such activity must conform to the uses listed in the Hinckley Town Code. Mayor Alan Miller added that residential zoning can allow commercial activities in specific areas and pointed to the town's Light Industrial Park as one strategy to promote economic opportunity.
Other commenters described competing priorities. Diane Greener urged preserving Main Street for businesses "for safety and tradition" and opposed changing a family parcel from agricultural to multi-family housing. Long-time farmer Justin Louder said agriculture has become financially unfeasible for some owners and that selective development could generate revenue to help sustain remaining farm operations and pay for town infrastructure. Developer Michael Zurn said high building costs and state growth planning mean towns must accommodate development to expand the tax base and support infrastructure, and he noted a need for affordable housing options for younger residents.
After public comment ended, the commission debated the proposed code text. Commissioners discussed allowing certain commercial activities in residential zones, updates to annexation language, minor corrections to definitions, and a change in section 11.4.7 regarding yard requirements and the inclusion of secondary dwellings. Rather than act immediately on the draft, the commission voted to table further review until all documentation was available and scheduled a work meeting for Monday, March 16, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.; Chairman Taylor said he would compile the changes for that session.
The hearing record and the scheduled work meeting mean final decisions on the comprehensive Title 10 and Title 11 revisions, and any associated map changes, will be considered at a later date by the Planning and Zoning Commission and then by the Hinckley Town Council for final action.
