Gov't
Moratorium on New Commercial Building Permits in Central
By |
From the City of Central
At the city council meeting on June 11, 2013, the city council approved an ordinance placing a moratorium on new commercial building permits for up to 90 days while a committee reviews new design standards for commercial buildings on main corridors in Central. The ordinance, sponsored by Councilman Tony Lobue, passed with a vote of 4-0. Councilman Aaron Moak was absent. The ordinance had the support of numerous citizens who spoke at the council meeting.
Mayor Mac Watts has been in favor of placing new design and architectural standards on new commercial buildings in Central. He has received comments from citizens that some newly constructed commercial business buildings appear plain with metal facades and other undesirable building materials which have been used on some of the buildings. The city currently has no restrictions on building materials. Mayor Watts consulted with other cities which have design guidelines and came up with a list of appeasing building materials for new commercial businesses. Councilman Ralph Washington agreed to sponsor an ordinance back in April based on the mayor’s recommendations, and the proposed ordinance was brought before the city’s Planning & Zoning Commission for consideration, since it would be an additional to the city’s Unified Development Code.
At the P&Z meeting in April, some P&Z members felt they didn’t have enough information, and voted to defer the item. A couple of local building contractors also expressed concerns that the proposed ordinance would create additional costs for builders. They again deferred the item at their May meeting as well.
Concerned that some builders may want to construct buildings with undesirable materials in the meantime, and also hoping to speed up the committee’s review time, Councilman Lobue proposed an ordinance which would prohibit the issuance of building permits for non-residential structures within 200 feet of the rights-of-way of certain roads for a period of up to 90 days while a committee reviews the original ordinance. The roads included are Magnolia Bridge Rd, Wax Rd, Joor Rd, Hooper Rd, Greenwell Springs Rd, Sullivan Rd, and the Central Thruway.
During the public hearing on Lobue’s ordinance, several citizens spoke in favor of the moratorium and no one spoke against it. Those speaking in favor said it’s time for Central to demand quality development, and an ordinance seemed to be the best way to do it. One citizen, who felt that Central is losing its rural atmosphere, said the moratorium is a good idea and may help Central grow in a positive manner.
Lobue’s ordinance passed with support of other council members and the mayor. It goes into effect later this week after being signed by the mayor. Council members also said during the 90 day moratorium, if a commercial builder submits plans for a commercial building with upscale materials, the council may consider a waiver of the ordinance.
2 Comments