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Council asks planning commission to study allowing churches as special use in light industrial zone
Summary
Council directed the planning commission to consider an amendment to city code to allow churches as a special use in the I‑1 (light industrial) district, subject to board-of-zoning-appeals review; motion carried by voice vote.
Ellsworth City Council voted to initiate a city‑code amendment so churches could be allowed as a special use in the I‑1 light industrial district rather than by full rezoning. Staff explained the approach would allow property owners or churches to seek special‑use review at the board-of‑zoning‑appeals level with public notice and hearing.
A council member moved to refer an amendment (city code 15.68.030 referenced in discussion) to the planning commission for study and public notice; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff said the amendment would include required notice and a public hearing before the planning commission, then return to council with a recommendation if the commission voted to advance the change.
Council agreed the special‑use pathway would provide transparency and public review while avoiding ad‑hoc rezoning in some cases.
