04-18-1991 Workshop Session of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 18, 1991 Page 4 of 5 The last item to discuss for this meeting was Zoning Permits, Section 11-300. This item was presented by John Armstrong, Assistant City Attorney. The Zoning Permit is the means for insuring that a prospective business is moving into an appropriately zoned area. Utility connections, are the key to this program, neither HL&P nor the City's Revenue Collections office will connect any nonresidential utility service without first receiving an authorization from the Code Enforcement Division. While Section 11-303 clearly spells out the relationship between Building and Zoning Permits, the relationships to other types of permits and licenses are not addressed. Examples of other permits and licenses are Food and Health (County), Beer & Wine (City), Mixed Beverages (State), and Industrial Waste (City). Presently Zoning Permits are issued based solely on zoning considerations and without regard to these other licenses. It should be noted however, that staff does advise applicants of other permit requirements which need to be met. A question has been raised regarding the type of relationship that should exist between zoning and other permits. . The purpose of this discussion is to seek guidance from the Commission on this matter with a goal of making the Zoning Ordinance more enforceable. Another subject for consideration is the revocation of Zoning Permits. In situations where the violation becomes chronic, forfeiture of a business' right to continue may provide the only solution. This is presently no procedure established for the revocation of a Zoning Permit. Mr. Armstrong noted a procedure that could be followed: 1) Hold hearing to be chaired by appointed Hearing Examiner. Hearing to be held as public hearing and examiner would decide issue based on testimony and facts presented. 2) Appeals if requested would be made to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. 3) H the Zoning Permit is revoked, the City would seek injunctive relief. 4) Disconnection of utilities. A formalization of handling Zoning Permits is what is being requested by ~taff. After discussion the Commission agreed with the procedure and felt this was something that needed to be done. 4) ADJOURN A motion was made by Wayne Anderson and seconded by Eugene Edmonds to adjourn. All were in favor and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM.