LACIE SILVA
Editor
The Jasper Mayor and Board of Aldermen unanimously approved moving forward with two ordinance changes for the city after reviewing them in detail.
The first ordinance, Ordinance 440, pertained to the Sewer Use Ordinance. Judge Raines explained that changes were necessary due to updates in state law and regulations from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). One key reason for approval was the need to adjust the legal limits at the city’s sewer plant, particularly as the facility is undergoing rehabilitation to expand its capacity. The ordinance outlines monitoring, sampling, discharge permits, and local limits, with a full packet of changes totaling 170 pages. A public hearing for Ordinance 440 was scheduled for Monday, October 14, at 6 p.m.
The second ordinance, Ordinance 441, focused on zoning regulations, specifically regarding nonconforming structures, often referred to as “grandfathered” buildings. Judge Raines clarified that these structures, which existed before zoning laws were enacted, are permitted to remain even if they don’t comply with current zoning rules. If a commercial building is destroyed, the property owner has 18 months to rebuild the same structure, even if it doesn’t align with current zoning regulations. However, for residential structures, like mobile homes, the time limit had been six months. The new ordinance extends this timeframe to 18 months for both commercial and residential buildings, aligning the two timelines.
The Planning Commission, which initially recommended the change, sought to address concerns about dilapidated structures by allowing owners to replace older buildings with newer, improved versions. This was intended to enhance the overall appearance of the city, even if the replacement structures still did not conform to zoning rules. The board agreed with this reasoning and unanimously approved Ordinance 441.
Both ordinances were approved, and the meeting concluded with their plans to hold a public hearing on the sewer ordinance at the following board meeting.
