JACKSON OKs REVISED ZONING ORDINANCE

JACKSON - After a year of preparation, study, discussion, and public hearings, a revised city zoning ordinance has been approved by the Jackson Board of Aldermen.

The revised ordinance contains some major changes, including: an increase in the minimum lot size for all new R-1-zoned property and multifamily R-3-zoned areas; a change in the parking space requirements for R-2 multifamily areas; changes in building space for apartment buildings; and creation of an I-4 industrial classification.

Mayor Paul Sander said the revised ordinance doesn't make any involuntary changes in the existing zoning classification. "If you live in a R-1 area, your property will remain in that zone," said the mayor. Any non-conforming property brought into the city by annexation will be "grandfathered" and not subject to any changes in the revised ordinance.

The revised ordinance eliminates duplexes, apartments, and condominiums from the R-2 single-family designation.

It sets the parking space requirements for duplexes and multifamily dwellings to 1.5 spaces for the first bedroom and a half-space for each additional bedroom in the unit.

The ordinance sets the minimum lot size for all new R-1-zoned lots at 12,000 square feet, with 100-foot front and a 15-foot setback from the side property line.

The ordinance increases the square-footage-space requirement for new apartment buildings based on the total number of units in the building. "That item probably attracted more attention, concern and comment from citizens and developers than any of the other changes," said the mayor. "The lot size was increased when compared to the old ordinance, but the figure was reduced significantly from the proposed ordinance as a result of a compromise with the builders and developers."

One section of the revised ordinance that would have required three-quarters approval of the planning and zoning commission and the Board of Aldermen on any opposed zoning change was rejected by the aldermen. Instead, it will remain at a simple majority for both bodies. "We felt like there are already adequate safeguards in place," said Sander.

John Lichtenegger, who is developing commercial and residential property along the East Main Street corridor, agreed with the mayor. "I was very glad to see the simple majority requirement left in the revised ordinance," said Lichteneger. "I couldn't understand why it needed to be changed in the first place."

The revised ordinance also maintains the height restriction for new buildings to 2 1/2 stories unless a special-use permit is granted for a taller structure. Lichtenegger questioned that requirement, saying that some apartment buildings in Jackson are already three-stories high. Lichtenegger said as Jackson continues to develop it is more cost effective to build three-story office and commercial buildings.

Jackson Fire Chief Gary Niswonger said because of the type of firefighting equipment the city has, the department can only provide fire rescues in buildings up to three stories and fight fires in buildings as high as five stories.

Jackson appraiser Larry Cunningham said he has concerns about the increase in the lot size (12,000 square feet) requirement for the new and more stringent R-1 classification. "I'm afraid it may hinder future development," said Cunningham. "Sure, you can apply to have the zoning changed, but it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to do. If you have a large number of tracts that need to be rezoned, it can become a major problem and expense for a developer."