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Show Annexation policy to be reconsidered for Comp Plan by Christopher Smart City officials are considering a review of Park City's annexation policy that could change the proposed Comprehensive Master Plan and affect commercial zoning. In a five-hour joint city council-planning council-planning commission work session Feb. 21 it was noted the city's current policy not to annex additional county lands may be shortsighted. The Comprehensive Master Plan will act as a guide to future zoning decisions. During lengthy discussions of zoning topics the main concern voiced was whether the draft plan contains enough detailed information informa-tion and if the addition of data would significantly delay completion of the plan. City Councilman Tom Shellenber-ger Shellenber-ger suggested outlying areas be considered while developing the plan that will guide the town's future. He explained that if such areas as Richardson Flat are considered for annexation the zoning problems ; would change for grounds within the city limits, such as Prospector Square. Shellenberger added the city needs more commercial and light industrial zones. But City Councilmen Jim Doilney and Al Horrigan said they favored passage of the current draft without major amendments. Doilney noted that zoning decisions were being put off until the plan could be completed. "If this drags out, I'm going to start talking about zoning." City Councilman Bill Coleman, however, said he wanted a plan that took a broader view and was more detailed. "This (Comprehensive Plan) is very myopic. It doesn't consider Synderville at all." Coleman added that the current draft did not have enough detailed information. Specific definitions on commercial use are needed, he said, along with data on soil, water, sewer and roads so that informed zoning decisions can be made. The integration of such information informa-tion into the Comprehensive Plan would be worth the wait, Coleman said. "In the next three to six months we could consolidate the interrelated information. That would give us a real good tool for zone changes." Planning Commission Chairman Cal Cowher agreed with Coleman. "W e still need fine tuning before we can talk about zoning. It isn't all here yet." But he admonished the group not to discuss the plan in terms of specific parcels, adding that it should be general in nature. City Planning Director Bill Ligety, who is organizing and drafting the Comprehensive Plan, said he didn't believe highly detailed information was needed. "Details will change, so I'm not bothered by a lack of hard numbers." Ligety added that details can be considered when the planning commission and city council specify zone changes. He noted that many times zoning decisions come down to judgement calls rather than analysis." Agreement between the bodies that the city's annexation policy be reviewed could very well change the Comprehensive Plan, said City Manager Arlene Loble. A change in that policy could affect commercial zoning, she said. She added that with fixed boundaries, Park City is a tourist town with some commuters. If the town expands its boundaries that could change, she said. |
