ONLY 20 MINUTES NEEDED FOR HEARING ON JACKSON ZONING PLAN

JACKSON -- The Jackson Planning and Zoning Board asked for comments on a proposed plan that would add several new zoning class~ifications to the zoning ordinance.

"Basically, we've done a pretty extensive study on a zoning ordinance and want to hear what the public has to say," said Larry Hall, chairman of the board. "This is in no way set in concrete; we'd like to hear your questions and comments."

Only two people spoke at the hearing.

One man asked about commercial zoning; another man asked if horses would be allowed in residentially zoned areas.

"The new codes are designed in a fairly readable fashion," Hall said. "It lays out definitions for things that have and will come into play in the city."

The plan strictly defines total square footage, minimum standards for front and rear yard areas, total lot coverage allowances and utility building provisions.

Commercial district guidelines have been slightly redefined, but Jackson City Inspector Robbie Roberts said that almost all area businesses fell neatly into the proposed districts.

"The central business district, which was previously zoned C-3, will be changed to C-4," Roberts said. "The Bent Creek Golf Course area will also be zoned C-4."

The new commercial definitions are:

C-1 would provide for retail trade and personal services to meet regular needs and for the convenience of residents of adjacent residential areas;

C-2 provides areas for general commerce and services typically associated with major thoroughfares;

C-3 would provide for compact commercial development in the core are of the city and to maximize the utilization of the area of the city by minimizing lot restrictions and height requirements; and

C-4 provides modern retail shopping facilities of integrated design in appropriate locations to serve residential neighborhoods.

Detailed lists of "appropriate" businesses follow each classification.

It was brought to the attention of the board by John Lichtenegger that "thoroughfares" should be explicitly defined if the city does not want to have problems in the future.

"I think it is very important to define what a major thoroughfare is, especially if it is the key to a C-2," he said. "We'll have our Mt. Auburn Road's and our Lexington's just like Cape Girardeau, and we have to be prepared to deal with them and the zoning allowances."

The hearing was closed 20 minutes after it began. Hall said that the board will consider the comments it received as it revises the plans.