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Commission moves to advertise change allowing single-family units in B1 by special use
Summary
The Planning Commission discussed a request tied to a Janine Jensen application and agreed to advertise a zoning-text amendment to permit single-family dwellings in B1 as a special-use option limited to existing structures; staff said variances do not apply to land-use exceptions and the amendment would be consistent and subject to public hearing.
Madison County planning staff and commissioners on March 18 discussed whether to amend the B1 (business) zoning district to allow a single-family detached residence by special-use permit, in response to an application from property owner Janine Jensen.
Mr. Nichols framed the question for the commission: the B1 business district currently does not allow a single-family detached home either by right or by special use, and the commission needed to decide whether allowing such a use would undermine the intent of the comprehensive plan or be an acceptable, limited exception.
Evans Okerson, agent for the property owner, explained the proposal is to convert an existing business office to a residence on a 3.567-acre B1 parcel at 27 Jack Shop Road (Tax Map 55-24). Commissioners focused on limiting any change to conversions of existing structures rather than new-build residential construction in B1. Suggested language included adding a special-use entry for ‘‘single-family dwelling in existing structures only’’ or tying the change to an amendment such as 8-2-12 in the ordinance draft.
Commission members generally indicated consensus to advertise the ordinance amendment and move the matter to a public hearing in the coming weeks. Staff was directed to prepare draft permit language and notify the board; Mr. Nichols noted that any approval as a special-use entry would be public and available for others with B1 property to apply under the same rule.
What happens next: staff will prepare ordinance language limiting the allowance to existing structures, draft conditions for the special-use permit, and advertise the item for public hearing.
