More changes to come for county regulations
It's back to the drawing board for Marion County Commission regarding county zoning regulations.
After a sometimes heated discussion between the commission and David Brazil, county planning administrator, it was determined the recommended changes to the county's zoning regulations was not sufficient.
Commissioners Randy Dallke and Dan Holub expressed concerns about the county's net density rule of one residential dwelling per 40 acres.
Brazil explained that if the commission wanted to change the net density ruling, changes would need to be made to the county's comprehensive plan.
Dallke said he has heard from people who want to build a second home on five acres within a 40-acre tract which current zoning regulations do not allow.
The planning commission has approved temporary housing of a manufactured home on a family farm to be used by a family member who assists with the operation of the farm.
"Net density is different than what I understood," said Holub. "I'm ready to go back to the comprehensive plan (and make some adjustments)."
Brazil said he was concerned about "opening up development for random subdivisions" within the county.
"What are we afraid of?" asked Holub. "We're circumventing our own rules."
Brazil responded that Marion County history has been to preserve agriculture land and operations.
"We've got to get where development happens," said Dallke. "We died in 1992 (the year the zoning regulations were adopted) and we're still dead. "
He added the county needs to allow growth.
"Part of the problem and past hard feelings has occurred because people have to go to the planning commission to get permission to do anything," said Dallke.
Holub said all the county wanted to control is overcrowding.
Brazil was instructed to obtain a definition for net density and to contact Jim Kaup, the county's planning consultant, regarding changes to the comprehensive plan.
In other department business:
— Seacat Hardware of Marion was awarded the low bid of $1,448 for a sump pump and hose for the transfer station. Deer Trail Implement, Inc. also submitted a bid of $1,423 without a hose.
Holub abstained from discussion and did not vote on the matter.
