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Council sends discussion of allowing religious facilities on agricultural land to Planning Commission
Summary
Council voted unanimously to refer a proposed discussion about permitting religious facilities in A-10 agricultural zoning to the Planning Commission after council members said the commission is the appropriate venue for technical land-use review.
Council staff described motion 26-204 as a request from council members to ask the Planning Commission to consider whether religious facilities should be permitted or allowed conditionally in A-10 zoning.
"Proposed motion 26 dash 204 was first introduced at the May 19 planning committee and is to refer a discussion item to the planning commission," Deb Bell said, explaining the motion is intended to solicit the commission's technical recommendation.
During discussion, a council member said he had been approached about the issue by Pastor Russell Johnson on prior occasions and that the item was appropriate for the Planning Commission’s review rather than immediate council action. Council member Nehring and others said the Planning Commission and ag advisory groups could provide useful technical input.
Public commenters raised concerns that the code revision might benefit a specific individual and asked for transparency about who requested the change; one commenter asked whether political donations were involved, a claim council members disputed during the discussion.
Council moved to refer the matter to the Planning Commission; the motion passed 4 to 0. No zoning changes were adopted at this meeting; the referral initiates a staff and commission review process.
