11/13/1996 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • Planning & Zoning Board November 13, 1996 Mr. Brixius stated that a review of the City Zoning Ordinance was initiated in July 1995. The major focus of the draft ordinance being presented is that it has been reformatted in a manner that is more user friendly. Single topics were referenced in several places in the old ordinance, some with conflicting provisions. The new draft maintains the original content as much as possible to avoid conflicts with past City decisions, but it has been rearranged so that information on one topic is all in one place. The new format also has a new page numbering system to facilitate future amendments. Although there are some redundancies from one zoning district to another with different types of uses, the new ordinance attempts to establish each zoning district as a single entity. The draft ordinance contains nine sections, and Mr. Brixius summarized the following changes: Section 1. Title /Application /Rules: This section contains new language that relates to the Comprehensive Municipal Plan. New uses not provided for in the current zoning districts are prohibited until the City has time to respond with proper public hearings. The relationship of zoning to planning is a vital element. Definitions and additional rules are included in Section 1. One significant change is the definition of "Agricultural Farm Building," which is defined as, "An accessory building designed, constructed, used or intended to house farm implements or agriculture areas, as defined by this Ordinance, on an active farm operation of more than twenty (20) acres." The old zoning ordinance stipulated 10 acres. This was a suggestion by the Building Inspector. Agriculture farms do not require a building permit, and it was felt that 20 acres is more appropriate than 10 acres. Section 1 also includes flood plain rules. Mr. Brixius noted the additions of paragraphs G. Authority and H. Comprehensive Revision on page 1 -3. The Municipal Planning Act requires that zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans be consistent. Should there be any inconsistencies between them, the Comprehensive Plan will supersede the zoning ordinance. How the Comprehensive Plan relates to City policy will be the criteria by which zoning changes and conditional use permits are approved or denied. Specific findings will be established for approval and denial. Section 2. Administration: One significant change in this section is the state requirement that all development applications be acted on within 60 days of receipt. Within the first 10 days, the City must determine whether or not the application is complete. The City can extend the 60 -day period but cannot go beyond 120 days without the permission of the applicant. Page 2 -1, under Administration: Amendments and Rezonings, Mr. Brixius noted that within the past year the City approved a text amendment that expanded notification for any zoning change or Municipal Utility Service Area (MUSA) change from 350 feet to 600 feet. Language for that change has been incorporated into this section.