Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Process topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge planning commission not to rush major zoning changes
Summary
Residents and commenters said council moved zoning items on short notice and warned against retroactive enforcement; a county planning commissioner clarified the commission is advisory and council-initiated ordinances are common.
Public commenters criticized how recent zoning proposals reached the council and urged the planning commission to press for more process and notice.
Jonathan, a resident who said he attended a recent town council meeting, told the commission that two zoning categories affecting "98% of the town" were placed on the council agenda with little discussion and warned that changing zoning retroactively "is basically an overhaul of the entire zoning code" and could harm long-standing lot divisions. "Changing the zoning code of 2 categories that makes up 98% of the town is not 1 of those items that should go with no discussion," he said.
Susan Cox, who identified herself as a county planning commissioner, responded that the planning commission is an advisory body and that it is not unusual for council members or counsel to submit ordinances. Cox said this practice is within the normal process and sought to reassure listeners the commission's advisory role continues to matter.
The commission did not reverse or block the council's action during this meeting; commissioners discussed arranging a joint meeting with council to address process questions and to coordinate on future changes.
