One of the more major efforts the city is currently undertaking is that of implementing the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Numerous actions have already been accomplished with more to come. One such goal was the establishment of an Airport Zoning District. The Plan had considered the possibility of the Airport eventually going away but also recognized that as a current land use it should have parameters that address this area. The airport as we know it is here to stay and embracing it is important. With the current zoning district land uses of Recreation, Utility and Airport (RUA) were combined. This district in some respects doesn’t make sense as it contains the airport and resort related recreation property with no utility orientated land uses. So splitting out the Airport use makes sense and became a goal with the Comprehensive Plan.
A number of approaches have been considered. The Planning Commission met with individuals from the airport to get their perspective of what this district should include. The commission looked at existing land uses within the area to be considered for this district. Other uses were also considered for addition such as light industrial or manufacturing. Residential uses other than hanger homes were not felt appropriate. Retail sales were also rejected. In the end the balance was to have airport related activities as permitted uses and other acceptable uses as conditional ones, requiring a conditional use permit.
After months of weighing the possibilities and considering the issue the Planning Commission recommended the adoption of an ordinance providing for the language needed for an Airport District to be added to the Zoning Ordinance. This ordinance was presented to the City Council and adopted at the January 7th meeting. This was the last new district proposed under the Comprehensive Plan.
The Zoning Map will be changed to reflect those properties that will fall within this district along with others with changed designations at a future date.
