2015-28 ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION XVI. M-1 INTENSE COMMERCIAL / LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT AND SECTION XXIV. OFF - STREET PARKING AND LOADING REQUIRMENTS

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Book: 444 Page. i Excerpts from Plan Commission Minutes of June 4,2015: Cal. No. 15-19 Petition of BILLY TYUS, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER, for amendments to the City of Decatur Zoning Ordinance (Ord. 43512, as amended) Section XVI.D.4.-M-1 Intense Commercial/Light Industrial District-Performance Standards, Section XXIV.D.7.-Design of Parking Spaces and Lots- Surface and Section XXIV.I.7.-Loading Space Requirements-Adequate Access Required. Mr. Billy Tyus was sworn in by Mrs. Janet Poland. Mr. Tyus stated the Plan Commission will not be considering Design of Parking Spaces and Lots-Surface, Section XXIV.D.7. at the meeting today. Mr. Tyus presented the recommendation of staff. The proposed amendments will make clarifications, give certain authorities to the Public Works Department and amend the requirements for outdoor storage screening if industrial properties are located more than 300 feet from non-industrial properties. One of the proposed amendments is to the M-1 Intense Commercial/Light Industrial District which involves only requiring screening for outdoor storage if the property in which the storage yard/area is located is within 300 feet of a property not zoned industrial or being used for non- industrial purposes. This change is being proposed as a means to the meet changing needs of the industrial development community and to make Decatur more competitive in the attraction of business while protecting the needs of other non-industrial users of land. The amendments to the Off-Street Parking and Loading Requirements involve clarifying that the Public Works Department will continue to determine adequate access for loading spaces where unique circumstances are present. This change is being proposed to allow the Public Works Department to waive the adequate access requirement as the department is charged with helping to maintain the safety of our streets and sidewalks in the right-of-way. Staff recommends approval of the amendments as proposed. Section XXIX.G. of the Zoning Ordinance requires the Plan Commission to hold a public hearing and make recommendations to the City Council on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. A motion to forward Calendar Number 15-19 to City Council with a recommendation of approval is suggested. Mr. Tyus said requests for changes to the Zoning Ordinance are made when prompted by developers and City staff also tries to review the Ordinance on a fairly regular basis to make changes to help make development easier while also protecting surrounding land uses. Mr. Terry Smith asked who enforces the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Tyus said Neighborhood Service Officers are out in the field daily and complaints are also called into the office. Mr. Tyus stated there are a variety of ways to enforce the Ordinance including taking the violator to court.