City Commission Changes Zoning Rules

Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Madison City Commission is changing the way appeals to Zoning Regulations are handled. At the commissions regular meeting Monday, Commissioners approved a 2nd reading of ordinance 1481 regarding zoning regulations. Under current ordinance, an appeal is brought to the City Planning Commission which then makes a recommendation to the Board of Adjustments. The Board of Adjustments decision is then subject to a challenge in circuit court.

The new ordinance will place the appeal decision solely in the hands of the Planning Commission. Their decision is still subject to a court challenge.

Commissioner Scott Delzer said Monday, that the new ordinance will not only speed up the decision making process, but will also leave the appeal in the hands of the Planning Commission whom Delzer says are more qualified to make such decisions. The ordinance was approved unanimously.

Also approved was an Alcohol Consumption Permit from Larry Kotten for a wedding reception at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse; a bid by Double H. Paving for the construction of the Highway 19 Recreation Trail Addition; and the 2nd reading of ordinance 1482, regarding water reconnection fees.

The City Commissions next meeting will be Monday, August 31st, at 5:30pm