County commission stands firm with density issue
Marion County Commission rehashed Monday its reasons for changes to the county's zoning regulations.
Eileen Sieger, county planning commission chairman, asked for some direction from the governing body regarding the reviewing of the list of changes.
A public hearing was held with proposed changes but the county commission wanted more density of houses per section.
Sieger reminded the commission that net density issues will require changes to the county's comprehensive plan. According to state statute, the county's planning commission has to initiate changes to the plan. She asked commission chairman Dan Holub if he understood that the county commission cannot make changes to the plan without cooperation from the planning commission.
Holub said the planning commission does not have veto power. He understood the statute to be to initiate a new plan, not make updates.
Holub continued that he does not understand the inconsistency of allowing housing development in some areas of the county and not others.
Sieger said consistency by the planning commission is in making decisions to avoid lawsuits.
"Different districts allow different development," said David Brazil, county zoning administrator. Sieger agreed and added zoning regulations have to be consistent with development allowed in that district.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he didn't understand why the LESA (Land Evaluation and Site Assessment) system was used for smaller lots and not 40 acres.
"Smaller lot developments limit uses," said Brazil.
"We need anybody and everybody to move to Marion County," said Dallke. Sieger responded, "Be careful what you wish for."
Sieger again encouraged the commission to attend formal training and seminars for planning and zoning.
She told the commission that the planning commission and board of zoning appeals is about land use, not people.
"We can't make decisions based on individuals," said Sieger. "We're a quasi-governmental group, like a jury."
The planning commission will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23 to discuss the commission's requests. Proposed changes to the regulations were already approved as presented by the planning commission. The county commission can accept, deny, or make changes to the document and return to the planning commission.
Sieger and Brazil emphasized if 16 houses per section is approved by the county commission, changes to the county's comprehensive plan must be made prior to the adoption of changes to the regulations.
