Planning staff outlines zoning text amendments, next steps after moratorium

In a work session following the public hearings, Planning & Zoning staff reviewed a slate of proposed zoning text amendments intended to correct omissions and respond to implementation concerns from last year's ordinance rewrite.

Planner Will Hegar walked commissioners through six amendments: allowing electronic message centers at certain public recreation reader boards; extending the sunset for exception-lot approval by one year; modifying replacement-planting ratios in the critical area in limited circumstances; clarifying home-occupation rules so that in-home daycares and small kennels may use outdoor space and kennels would require Board of Appeals approval; moving some agricultural-preservation provisions into updated rules and regs; and restoring a commercial setback policy for Dunkirk Town Center. Staff said those items will proceed to the Planning Commission work session and then to public hearings.

Staff noted the language to remove data centers as an allowed use is scheduled for advertisement and that any substantive text amendment that differs materially from advertised language will require re-advertisement and additional public hearings. The board directed staff to begin the process for the advertised amendments and to return with timelines to the Planning Commission and BOCC.