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NILES -- The city's code enforcement officer discussed changes to the city's zoning code, emphasizing the importance of easing future development.
At a zoning hearing ahead of a recent city council meeting, officials heard from Matt Durno, the city's code enforcement officer, who spoke about proposed changes to the city's B3 General Commercial District.
Durno explained the changes keep in line with the zoning changes the city has made to make future development easier.
"This is applying the P3 General Commercial District basically, due to adding a residential component, which we did with the last zoning changes," Durno said.
He said they didn't have a consultant involved in this change, and his office plans on making changes as they continue to go through the districts, adding that B3 General districts show up the least, making it a faster review process.
Durno noted the senior apartments behind Toyota of Warren and the ones being built behind Vernon's Cafe are already B3 zoned with a residential component, keeping up with the city's comprehensive plan.
Durno said they have added allowing any permitted use in the city's neighborhood or commercial districts. Durno said they've also added a section of the code for stormwater management requirements, which they will be adding to other commercial districts.
"Again, this just makes it easier for development and to promote development of the city within the commercial districts," Durno said.
Durno noted that open ditch roadways are being made acceptable, but roads dedicated to the city will be subject to the zoning code's minimum requirements.
In terms of when more changes to the city's zoning code will come, Durno said his office will be able to focus more on the changes in the winter, adding that they'll be addressing more of the commercial districts.
"The rest of the commercial districts involve a lot more parcels, so there's a lot more to consider, with where they border residences, things like that," Durno said.