COMMISSION STUDIES END TO PLANNING

JACKSON - The Cape Girardeau County Commission Thursday began reviewing steps necessary to formally abolish the county planning department and related ordinances.

Most of the discussion by the three commissioners involved the federal flood insurance ordinance that was approved in 1979, and has been revised several times since.

The commissioners agreed that whatever action it took needed to keep the county in compliance with federal flood insurance guidelines. Compliance is required by real estate lenders.

They also agreed that action taken by voters last week abolishing planning and zoning in Cape County has no impact on abolishing the flood insurance ordinance since that is required by federal law.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said he had reviewed the records on flood insurance and wanted J. Fred Waltz, the attorney for the county planning commission, to review the files in detail.

"We want Mr. Waltz to write the official resolution the commission will pass abolishing planning and zoning because he understands the federal flood insurance regulations and how to keep us in compliance," said Huckstep.

Waltz was out of town Thursday, but Huckstep said he hoped to get a resolution drafted soon.

Huckstep said flood insurance will be the only component of the planning department that will remain after the commission completes its action.

"By their no vote last week, it is my understanding that the setback ordinance, subdivision regulations and master plan are all abolished by the people of this county," said Huckstep.

Once the planning office is closed, building permits required under flood insurance regulations likely will be issued through the mapping and appraisal office. However, the County Commission has made no final decision on that.

As the result of a petition drive last spring, the issue of planning and zoning was put before voters. The petition effort was started by opponents to a zoning ordinance prepared by the planning commission in cooperation with the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission.

The County Commission had approved the ordinance with the stipulation it would take effect Jan. 1 unless voters rejected the issue on Nov. 3.