Madison County commissioners can now approve zoning requests even if applicants are not present at the board’s meeting.
The county BOC approved the policy change Jan. 4.
Zoning applicants must still appear before the county planning commission, but if they are unable make the BOC meeting, the commissioners now have the option of approving the request. Prior to the change, the failure for an applicant to attend the BOC meeting resulted in an automatic withdrawal of the application.
Zoning commission chairman Wayne Douglas said removing the attendance requirement gives the commissioners the leeway to vote on the matter or postpone it and is also “more friendly” to citizens.
“This keeps them (the zoning applicant who misses the BOC meeting) from going through the waiting process again,” said Douglas.
In other matters, the board approved a rezoning for a garage/used car lot on Hwy. 106 and clarified guidelines for allowing farm animals in an R-R (residential) zone.
The group also agreed by a 4-1 vote — with Stanley Thomas abstaining — to name Thomas the BOC’s vice-chairman for 2010.
Do they also have the option of denying the request?
Clarification appreciated.
All of these "minor" zoning rule changes that are not publicized in detail beforehand that happen at virtually every BOC meeting are where the citizens of this county are getting screwed.
It's not just zoning applicants who don't have to show up. Apparently, county employees aren't required to show up for work to get paid, either!
Maybe onlineathens.com scooped madisonjournaltoday.com
Thnx
Guess I will post it on ABH !
Maybe we should change policy to send the Wayne Douglas to wipe their rears for them and hold their hand when they cross the street as well.