MOUNT VERNON — Proposed changes to Monroe Township zoning codes came to the Regional Planning Commission’s Land Use Committee for a second time in two months this week.
Changes to the township’s zoning codes, largely regarding signage, were reviewed in May with recommendations returned to the zoning commission, Darrel Severns, secretary of Regional Planning Commission told commission members Thursday night. Township officials made changes based on those recommendations and submitted a second proposal earlier this week.
Severns explained it is RPC’s duty to make sure such changes are well-written and clear to the average citizen, consistent, in compliance with township or county’s comprehensive plan and that it will serve the public welfare.
Following review by the Land Use Committee, it was recommended that the commission not approve the proposed amendments based on eight findings throughout the amendments.
Some examples sighted in RPC’s thorough recommendation include adding clear definitions when needed; more direct wording for certain passages; explanation of specific housing developments with water and sewer needs and where conflicts could occur with other county agencies.
Commission members advised Severns to construct a letter to Monroe Township’s Zoning Commission advising them to make the recommended changes and then seek approval of Knox County Prosecutor’s office which makes the official approval of zoning changes.
In other news,
•The commission agreed to return $5,306.49 to the Knox County Commissioners in response to the commissioner’s request for a 9-percent budget cut with an agreement the money be returned to RPC should the funds become available again.
•Agreed to pay $100 registration fee for Severns to qualify as a certified flood plain manager.
•Discussed Severns’ attendance of the County Planning Director’s Association’s summer conference and other topics ranging from Census 2010, flood plain mapping and wind-powered electric generation zoning.
