Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Procedural Package topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews multiple code amendments: narrower lot widths, zoning-map updates and procedural rule changes
Summary
Planning staff presented a package of Code of Ordinances amendments including reducing single-family lot widths from 60 to 50 feet, adding conditional-use notation to the zoning map, adopting the official zoning map, and routing certain applications (variances, text amendments, conditional uses, residential-business reviews) to the Board of Commissioners; the board discussed practical implications and recordkeeping changes.
During the Sept. 10 Planning Board workshop, staff presented several proposed amendments to the Effingham County Code of Ordinances and to Planning Board procedures.
Single-family lot widths: Staff proposed reducing minimum lot widths for single-family lots from 60 feet to 50 feet to address difficulties that cul-de-sac lots encounter meeting the 60-foot requirement. Board members questioned whether the front building-setback line or frontage definition was the core issue; no final decision was made.
Zoning map: Staff presented a revised zoning map and proposed including conditional-use notations and a legend showing zoning-percentage breakdowns. The board discussed how often the map will be updated and the user interface for viewing conditional uses.
Official zoning map adoption: A separate item introduced the consideration of adopting the county's official zoning map. Staff indicated that conditional-use markers and map updates would be part of the package; no adoption vote occurred at the workshop.
Planning Board procedural changes: Staff proposed moving the Planning Board's term-start meeting to January (instead of February), naming the Director of Development Services as the zoning administrator, renaming the secretary position to clerk, and keeping formal records of motions passed and failed. Staff also proposed routing variances, text amendments, businesses, conditional-use matters and pond approvals straight to the Board of Commissioners to improve process efficiency; Chairman Dave Burns said variance language might be reconsidered because variances often generate lengthy discussion.
Residential businesses: Staff proposed that residential-business reviews be routed directly to the Board of Commissioners rather than the Planning Board.
No formal votes were recorded on these items at the workshop; board members asked for clarification on definitions, map-update frequency and the public-hearing order. Staff will return with revised language and process details for future consideration by the board and, as appropriate, referral to the Board of Commissioners.
