Electric City zoning proposals drawing comment

Electric City has received about 20 letters from residents giving public comment on a number of zoning changes proposed by the city’s planning commission.

The main item of controversy is the size of accessory buildings.

The planners had recommended 1,728 square feet as the maximum size, and the city council bypassed the work of the commission and lifted the square footage restriction completely.

That prompted three of the four members of the planning commission to resign in protest.

Citizens still have until May 26 to submit comments to city hall, and before the council has a public hearing June 2, on the matter.

While the size of accessory buildings is the major zoning change in the document, it also addresses fences and operating a business from home.

A complete copy of the changes is available for reading at city hall or can be found on the city’s website at http://www.electriccity.us.

A handful of local citizens had been working both with the planning commission and city council to urge expanding the size of accessory buildings as outlined in the zoning code, which currently restricts them to a maximum of 850 square feet.

Some property owners contended that was not enough space and their efforts to enlarge the size met with some action by the planners and the council.

The proposed zoning changes have been sent to the state for review, and Electric City is now about halfway through the public comment period.

Citizens have about five weeks to get their comments to city hall.

The council’s public hearing will enable residents to respond in person June 2, and to review public comments on the zoning changes.

The council then will meet at its regular meeting, June 9, to decide what changes members wish to make.