Front yard setbacks on the docket

BRIDGEPORT – Citizens who want to speak their piece about zoning and land use issues inside the city limits will have their opportunity next month. The Bridgeport Planning Commission will convene a public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at City Hall to consider amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code.

City planner Kurt Danison of Highlands Associates will deliver an explanation of the proposed amendments at the start of the hearing.

Copies of the proposed amendments are available for viewing at City Hall or downloaded from the city’s website at www.bridgeportwashington.netplanningcommission/

Uses relating to data mining, agriculture, parking, wireless facilities, setbacks, and non-conforming uses are among amendments under consideration.

Proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan include
• Addition of an Agricultural Overlay designation from which to amend the Zoning Code to permit commercial agricultural uses.
• Change land use designation from residential to commercial on the northeast corner of Columbia and 10th.
• Change land use designation from light industrial to residential on the block bordered by Tacoma, Monroe, 24th, and 26th.
• Modify a goal statement relating to commercial agriculture in the city.

Proposed amendments to the Zoning Code include:
• Replace definition “data mining operation” with “cryptocurrency mining.”
• Modify off-street parking requirements and add stall dimensions.
• Reduce residential setbacks at designated city rights-of-way.
• Address commercial agricultural uses.
• Variances for construction on non-conforming lots.
• Address time limits for discontinued or destroyed non-conforming property.

The hearing will also discuss a new Wireless Communications Facilities measure required per the Spectrum Act approved by Congress in 2012.

“The City wants the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code to accurately reflect the needs and desires of the community,” a Planning Commission media release said.

The planning body relies on resident and business input as part of that process. Those wishing to discuss amendments can contact Deputy Clerk Amparito Martinez at 684-4041, or Kurt Danison at Highland Associates at 322-4037.