Hinckley planning commission recommends updates to building and zoning codes and map

The Hinckley Town Planning and Zoning Commission voted April 8 to forward modified updates to Hinckley Town Code Title 10 (Building Regulations and Flood Control) and Title 11 (Zoning Regulations), and to submit an updated zoning map to the Hinckley Town Council for final action.

Commission Member Clark Mortensen moved that the commission recommend modification and approval of Title 10, which the commission described as including a new annexation section, adoption of the recently adopted Wildland Code, and minor corrections to definitions. Joy Partridge seconded the motion.

Commission Member Margene Stevens moved that the commission recommend modification and approval of Title 11, citing proposed edits to definitions — adding the term “structure” to the definition of building — potential growth-zone designations, creation of new residential categories (R2, R3 and R4), provisions to encourage businesses in certain residential zones, a municipal non-profit zone, limits on minor subdivision splits, and a requirement for curbs and gutters. Joy Partridge seconded that motion.

The commission also approved an amended zoning map intended to align with the proposed Title 11 changes; the map change motion noted that four landowners (Donald Brown, Anthony Hathaway, Diane Greener and Nathan Crop) would remain in their current zones.

All three recommendations were made after a public hearing held March 11 and were recorded as motions to forward the modified code and map to the Hinckley Town Council for consideration and formal adoption. The commission did not take final legislative action; the council will review and vote on the ordinances and map at a later date.