1999 Planning Commission Packets

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i i . _ . : -" -- . ; ' _ � � `��'-5��. f -C�-�'� r � ce� _ _ _ . .�: ' * -`� _ l - �c ��'� 1/' c. }� /// � .��j '-�-� J�j' ��y ��py�vy .ij.i �'/�'C�wP f/ G �i " � G.��_� ..r ��l,y!J /!Y�-��ii�AV� �S =6✓�vwill � l � � /-tC�-u!_` "'' �� -� �� � :�'" - f � �� ',`';:} : � � :� � :; • .; �_ , . _ . ; . . . �. � ,� - : .: ,: � ; �: .: , �; ��,� � ,_ �. � ,'�/ , � ,�� ' .�� � � � The zoning ordinance is ihe primary tooi ihat communities have to guide and contrai iar►d use. It �s also ane of the most tangible and direct means for implementing the comprefiensive plan. When all is said a�d done, the sum iotal of a community's authority to regulate the use of property is what is written in its ordinance, However well vvritten or inten�led, ordinances are prepared ai a single point in time, in response to the community's then current objectives and valu�s. Ordinanc�s also change incrementally over time, with individual sections being prepared in response to problems. It is inevitable ihat plans and ordinances becorr►e outdated. Often this obsolescence shows up as simple irreledancy, but there are also times when the adopted ordinances are compleieiy opposite the preva��ing sentiment in the comm�aniiy, or the apinions of its a.ppainted and elected officials. One of ihe main reasons why ordinances are allowed to slide in�o inef%ctiveness and obsolescence is that the process of amending them is complicated. Often rNhen a community wades into what seems Iike a rather straightforward amendment, they a�re confronted with the realizatior► that the same deficiencies they were aware of in one section of the code are aiso present in others, or they may realize that to make the changes they wan� to make in ane section, will create internal inconsistencies, confiicts and illogicat consequences somewhere else. When th�y recoge�ze the scope aithe effort and ti�e time (and often money) it would take �o tacicle the whole problem, many �urn away in frustration. I� is tnte that a complete rewrite of a community's zoning ordinance can be a mammoth undertaking. Even a tofial overhaul or a major section can result in a great deal of tirne and energy. Unfortunately, in many cases, there simply isn't much choice. Since the only authority communities have is what is written in its ordinarzces. There really isn't anywhere to hide. Local planners are building their community one pern-ut after anoiher, just as a carpenter builds a house step by step. Neither the carpenter, nor the planner can �vork without the right toots. ._'`. ° �. : .,�, `: j�� i.-�_� ti��;_ _ ■' � , � �� . � � ' �� ?� Th� purpos� of a zoning ordinance is to imptement the comprehensive plan. F'ar the sake of this discussion, it is assumed that the community's comprehensive plan is current and refle�ts its �vision for the fu�ure, complete with goals and policies related io aIl rnajor plan elements. If this were n.ot the case, this mi�ht assume an even higher priority than the zoning ordinance. �.