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Planning Commission approves Article 7 revisions; agrees review process and timeframes for non-conforming structures
Summary
The commission unanimously approved first-draft revisions to Article 7, clarifying sign-review authority, allowing interior alterations to non-conforming structures without exterior expansion, and setting a 30-day/3-month timeframe for owners to seek permits after an 'unsafe' declaration under Section 6-291.
STOCKBRIDGE — On June 5 the Village of Stockbridge Planning Commission unanimously approved first-draft revisions to Article 7, which clarify administrative review authority for sign permits, adjust rules for non-conforming uses and structures, and set a limited timeframe for owners to pursue reconstruction after a building is declared "unsafe."
The revisions formalize a three-step review process: the Zoning Administrator (ZA) issues initial determinations and permits; the ZA consults relevant village personnel as needed (public works, village manager, police); uncertain matters can be referred to the Planning Commission, which in turn may send items to the Village Council. Commissioners agreed the review process wording should be tightened in the ordinance text.
Key changes - Non-conforming uses/structures: The commission directed language clarifying that non-conforming uses should not expand their exterior footprint but that interior structural alterations within the existing footprint (for example, moving interior load-bearing walls) should be permitted, provided no exterior enlargement occurs. Members recommended removing or clarifying the phrase "structurally altered" where it would unintentionally prohibit interior work.
- Reconstruction of "unsafe" structures (Section 6-291 E): To avoid unduly penalizing owners who may be unaware of concealed deterioration, the commission adopted a timetable requiring owners to apply for a building permit within 30 days of an "unsafe" declaration and to obtain the permit within three months to preserve non-conforming reconstruction rights.
Next steps and context: The commission tasked staff and counsel with wordsmithing the review process language and directed consultant Mario A. Ortega to incorporate the agreed changes into a clean draft for distribution before the July 14 meeting. Article 7's approval was unanimous.
The meeting record shows no public comment; the commission adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
