Warden sends zoning code to state

WARDEN — The Warden City Council approved sending the draft of its zoning plan to the state Department of Commerce.

The city is revising its zoning code as part of an update to its comprehensive plan. The former plan, which expired last year, covers all aspects of the city from parks to utilities. While the revised code is larger than the city’s present code, much of it is similar to the original code, said Darryl Piercy, the consultant helping the city with the plan.

The more detailed procedures help protect the city from potential lawsuits and help developers understand what the city expects, he added.

The plan was updated after councilmembers made recommendations following a workshop held Aug. 17. Councilmembers, the mayor and city attorney brought up concerns with animals being allowed on city property, length of time people can live in RVs or trailers on their property, and whether people can build on lots smaller than 6,000 square feet. The council also asked about having regulations concerning the airport.

“I have reviewed that. It’s modeled after Ephrata’s and the Port of Ephrata’s relationship. I reviewed it with state aeronautics and they feel that meets their needs for airport protection,” Piercy said.

Councilmember Tony Massa asked about where the document allowed the council to grant exceptions to the rule about building on smaller lots.

Piercy said it was under the section referring to non-conforming uses. Also there is a “reasonable use” exception in the code, so if people can’t meet the required distance from the road or other lots, they can bring their plan to the council.

“I can give you assurance that there are provisions in the code, if you have a sub-standard lot from these requirements. It’s a legally created lot and under state law, we have to recognize it as such,” he said. “The idea is not to create unbuildable lots. The idea is to find a way to allow these lots to be developed and to encourage that development.” 

The Department of Commerce will review the plan. Piercy said officials will be looking at whether it meets state guidelines.

“They’ll also be looking at whether or not there’s consistency between the zoning code and the comprehensive plan we forwarded them several months ago and they’ll need to see that kind of consistency from plan to plan,” he said.

Once the department reviews the plan, it will send their comments to the city in the late fall for a final public hearing and adoption, Piercy said.

“There will be additional opportunity for public input and council input prior to the final adoption,” he said.