Planning board approves rezoning applications
Marion County Planning Commission and board of zoning appeals approved two applications Thursday by a Hillsboro couple.
Warren and Ruby Dalke of Hillsboro requested a zoning change and setback variance to construct a new home on Jade Road, just east of Hillsboro.
The Dalkes own a four-acre parcel that currently has a metal building. In order to build a residential home on their property, a rezone was necessary from agriculture to suburban residential.
Serving as the Marion County Board of Zoning Appeals, the board approved a variance that would allow a setback of 15 feet instead of 50 feet for agriculture zone or 30 feet for suburban residential.
Warren Dalke said he had purchased the property on Jade Road in 1994 with plans to build a house. A 50-foot side setback requirement would require the house to be built next to the shop area.
David Brazil, county zoning administrator, said a conditional use permit was approved in 1994 for the shop and future residence but remained zoned agriculture.
"The area is a residential neighborhood," said Brazil. He suggested the area be rezoned which would have less strict setbacks.
The parcel is located adjacent to city limits of Hillsboro and within the city's area of urban influence.
Commission chairman Eileen Sieger said the area had the appearance of a subdivision.
"Even though it's zoned agriculture, it doesn't have characteristics of an ag district," she said.
The commission recommended the approval of the zoning change with the conditions that the City of Hillsboro provide water and sewer, and only one other structure is constructed on the parcel.
The county commission will review and approve or deny the zoning change in the next few weeks.
The appeals board then approved the setback change.
In other business:
— Members of the planning commission and zoning appeals board applauded Brazil for his dedication, professionalism, and expertise.
This was Brazil's last meeting as zoning administrator for the county since he announced his resignation April 24.
— The planning commission reviewed zoning regulation changes proposed by Marion County Commission but did not want to have a public hearing until Brazil's successor was in place.
The planning commission also expressed its desire to include input from county townships regarding the loosening of density restrictions.
During a meeting Friday of Marion County Commission, commission chairman Dan Holub, who was in attendance at the planning commission meeting the previous evening, said the groups had been working on these changes for the past 16 months and did not want to wait.
He suggested consultant Jim Kaup assist with a public hearing to keep the process moving forward.
Brazil said resolutions already were drawn and all that remained was a public hearing to discuss the newest rendition of proposed changes. If more changes are desired after the public hearing, the county commission can then submit those changes to the planning commission for review. In the end, the county commission would have the final say.
He added if the planning commission did not want to take any action at this time, the county commission could take the lead and take the proposed changes to a public hearing.
Contact will be made with Kaup by the county commission to assist with the hearing.
