Questions and explanations about a new zoning designation were a key part of a special meeting Thursday night.
The city of Emporia and Lyon County are taking input on proposed zoning regulations in different categories after the Joint Comprehensive Plan was approved at both levels of government two years ago, and Thursday’s focus was industrial zoning — notably for industrial flex, which would dramatically expand the possible uses beyond traditional industrial zoning but would also add more building restrictions. Here’s City Zoning Specialist Joe Foster:
Foster says the area with the largest potential for industrial flex zoning is just west of Emporia, along US Highway 50 between F and G and including Industrial Park IV. He says that area already has a mix of zoning uses, so it makes sense to have the new zoning designation available.
Examples of flex zoning include but are not limited to business or professional office space, research parks, body shops, banks, theaters, sports arenas and car dealerships.
Lyon County Zoning and Floodplain Director Sam Seeley tells KVOE news the flex zoning would affect new projects, not existing structures. He also says the new regulations will help both city and county.
Both Foster and Seeley say there are no major changes to the standard light industrial or heavy industrial zoning designations currently in place.
Two similar zoning meetings are planned between now and early December:
*Commercial: 6-8 pm Nov. 21, Trusler Business Center
*Residential: 6-8 pm Dec 5, White Auditorium City Conference Room 1 AB.
Click here for a link to the current regulation draft documents. For more information, visit www.lyoncounty.org and click on the Planning and Zoning link under the government drop-down tab. You can also find Lyon County KS Planning/Zoning and Floodplain Management on Facebook.
