LACIE SILVA
Editor
The Jasper Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently held a public hearing and conducted the final readings of Ordinances 440 and 441, as well as the first reading of Ordinance 442.
The session began with the public hearing for Ordinance 440, which involves amending the Jasper Code regarding water and sewer regulations, specifically addressing capacity limits at the sewer plant. The ordinance, consisting of 86 pages, was presented for its final reading and public hearing.
Next, the board opened the public hearing for Ordinance 441. This ordinance amends the Official Zoning Ordinance to standardize provisions for non-conforming uses. Previously, commercial and residential sectors in town had different standards—18 months for commercial properties and 6 months for residential—to rebuild or place a replacement structure in a non-conforming area. Ordinance 441 would standardize both to 18 months, as recommended by the Planning Commission, to eliminate confusion and streamline the process for builders and inspectors.
No public comments were made regarding either ordinance during the hearings. The board unanimously approved Ordinances 440 and 441 before moving on to the first reading of Ordinance 442.
Ordinance 442 proposes amending the zoning map to rezone a property at the intersection of State Route 150 and Highway 28. The property, currently zoned as I-2 (heavy industrial), would be reclassified to G-2 (general commercial). The location, across from the new middle school and near New Beginnings, is being considered for a fuel station and fast-food restaurant.
The Planning Commission recommended the rezoning, and although the board noted they lacked information on why the area was initially zoned for industrial use, they unanimously approved the first reading, moving the process forward.
