Public Hearings - CHR 2-2014 Permitted Principle Uses and Structures

A public hearing was held today at 6:14 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, R. Clayton Mitchell Jr., County Government Center, Chestertown, Maryland, for Code Home Rule Bill No. 2-2014 Permitted Principle Uses and Structures which is AN ACT to amend Article V, Section 7.2 – Village District Permitted Principal Uses and Structures, of the Kent County Land Use Ordinance for the purpose of adding language which will allow the Planning Commission the authority to approve outdoor sales.

County Commissioners, Ronald Fithian, William Pickrum, and William Short were in attendance. Ernest A. Crofoot, County Administrator and County Attorney, Carla Gerber, Community Planner, Planning, Housing, and Zoning, Kevin Shearon, Davis, Moore, Shearon & Associates, LLC, and Oddmund Angell, Business Owner, were also in attendance.

Commissioner Fithian read the public notice into the record. Mr. Shearon explained that Mr. Angell submitted an application to amend Article V, Section 7.2, Village District Permitted Uses of Kent County Land Use Ordinance by adding “except where otherwise approved by the Planning Commission” to 7.2.16. The Commissioners also received a letter from Elizabeth Morris, Chairman, Planning Commission, dated April 11, 2014, providing a favorable recommendation of the proposed amendment.

Ms. Gerber further shared the Planning Commission found that a public need existed to enhance opportunities and provide flexibility for small businesses and the proposed text amendment was consistent with the comprehensive plan, to expand and provide more diversity in the size, number, and types of businesses in the County. The site plan review process still applies and allows for enforcement action if required.

Commissioner Fithian invited comments and questions from the audience. There were no further comments.

Written comments will be accepted in the Commissioners’ Office until Friday, June 13, 2014, at 12:00 p.m.

The hearing was taped for reference and the Commissioners adjourned the public hearing at 6:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,



Sondra M. Blackiston
Clerk

Approved:
Ronald H. Fithian, President
The County Commissioners
Of Kent County, Maryland