No accounting for business. Unfair limits to growth. Tying the hands of future generations.
Those are just some of the complaints levied against Monroe County’s proposed rural zoning plan.
Residents have turned out at public meetings in recent weeks to express complaints about the changes that have been called “unfair.”
However, plan commission members say that the changes are necessary to ensure fragile areas are protected and growth occurs in areas that can handle it.
“Currently, the county has no ability to say ‘no’ to a proposed tract subdivision that will overcrowd the road, will require more sheriff runs, must have a bridge a mile away improved so two cars can cross at once between the development and the town,” said John Irvine, president of the county plan commission.
Those who drafted the ordinance say it lines up with what was outlined in the comprehensive plan — a document that was controversial among residents. The premise of keeping urban areas urban and rural areas rural was the basis of many of the zoning changes that are being proposed.
The plan recommended nontraditional and flexible standards be put in place, along with an increased focus on maintenance of rural areas and using certain types of zoning — farm and forest and rural residential — in rural areas.
“Is this ordinance reflective of the comprehensive plan? The answer is yes,” said plan commission member and county commissioner Julie Thomas.
The proposed changes reduce the number of zones in rural areas to two: farm and forest district and rural residential district.
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