Zoning Changes Could Give Central’s Citizens More Clout

CENTRAL — Attorneys who represent the City of Central on planning and zoning matters are about to submit a proposed revamp of the city’s zoning ordinances that could give Central’s residents and the City Council more influence in helping decide what projects come to the city, according to David Barrow, the city’s chief administrative officer.  Developers could also have a little more flexibility, he said.
The changes relate to large developments, which are called PUD’s, or Planned Unit Developments.  Currently, a residential development of eight or more lots has to be a PUD.  The new ordinance would raise that number to 15, something developers would favor.  However, PUD’s would get more scrutiny from the Council and give residents more control over their destiny.
At present, the “concept” of a PUD has to be approved by the Planning & Zoning Committee and then the City Council.  However, final approval of the actual project is done by the P&Z alone, with no involvement by the Council.  The new ordinance would require the final project to also get Council approval.  This would keep the Council and the public involved throughout the process.