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Board discusses zoning overhaul and 'similar use' language to reduce conditional‑use hearings
Summary
During a zoning review the board discussed adding 'similar use' language that would allow the zoning officer to classify unlisted uses and reduce conditional‑use applications; proposed ordinance language will be drafted for a future meeting.
Board members walked through a proposed zoning table and discussed changes the township consultant suggested. One member proposed 'similar use' language so the zoning officer could determine the closest listed use for any unlisted activity rather than forcing a conditional use hearing for every novel business; the member said this would "save a lot of work" and allow appeals to the zoning hearing board if applicants disagreed.
Members agreed the change could reduce time and legal fees for routine matters but that some sensitive districts (for example R‑1 residential zones) should retain conditional‑use reviews. The board asked staff to draft an amendment ordinance with the 'similar use' language and circulate it for review at a future meeting.
