PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA REQUEST

Sponsor:

Board of Supervisors Meeting Date:

Planning Commission

August 10, 2006

Staff Lead:

Department:

W. Todd Benson, Assistant Zoning Administrator

Community Development

Topic:

A Proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment to Section 15-300 to Amend the Definition of Park Facilities (Governmental), Non-Athletic

Topic Description:

The purpose of the text amendment is to redefine governmental park facilities in a way to allow flexibility to the Department of Parks and Recreation in the use and programming of their facilities.

Requested Action of the Board of Supervisors:

Conduct a public hearing and consider adoption of the attached Ordinance.

Financial Impact Analysis:

No financial impact analysis has been conducted.

Summary Staff Report:

The Department of Parks and Recreation recently decided to sponsor a farmers’ market at Monroe Park.  Upon inquiry to the Zoning Office, it was determined that a special permit was required and that a zoning text amendment also was needed.  By the time these changes occur, it will be July or August, well past optimal time for a farmers’ market. 

While this amendment will not cure the problem at Monroe Park in a timely manner, the text amendment will shift regulation of typical park uses from the Zoning Office to the Department of Parks and Recreation.  This change will allow the Department of Parks and Recreation to continually and timely develop new and innovative programs while remaining under the ultimate control of the County Administration and Board of Supervisors.

This proposed text amendment was initiated by the Planning Commission on May 25, 2006. After public hearing on June 29, 2006, the Planning Commission unanimously voted to keep the hearing open and schedule a work session for July 27, 2006. Subsequent to a work session and public hearing, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the Ordinance.

Identify any other Departments, Organizations or Individuals that would be affected by this request:

Department of Economic Development

Department of Parks and Recreation