The Starkville Planning and Zoning Commission today will have a second round of public hearings regarding the city’s use of form-based codes.
Since the spring, city officials have worked with Placemakers planning firm to address inconsistencies in zoning classifications, particularly along Highway 182 and downtown.
At 5:30 tonight at City Hall, the commission will consider repealing and replacing the city’s permitted land uses chart to include form-based codes, an alternative to traditional zoning that shapes construction to achieve a community vision, according to the agenda and supporting materials posted to the city’s website. Form-based codes encourage certain types of development through more specific architectural guidelines. A new set of codes would encourage more mixed-use development, which the city is experiencing along its corridors to Mississippi State University and major highways.
At a second public hearing, members will consider amending the city’s zoning map and include a “downtown/MSU corridors code,” which would establish form-based codes for Highway 182 and downtown, the online material said
As part of Placemakers’ suggestions from the spring, the city issued a request in November for qualifications for a consultant to help target areas for redevelopment and establish a redevelopment authority. The redevelopment authority would establish policies to spark development in target areas. City officials have long identified Highway 182 as a key thoroughfare primed for revitalization.
Cellular South Real Estate Inc., represented by CMI Acquisitions, is requesting a special use variance to erect a communications tower behind Pinelake Church on Highway 25 South. The tower, which would be in a general business zone, needs to be a half mile from the nearest residentially zoned district. Cellular South’s tower is .34 miles from the nearest residential zone.
The board also will take action on a pair of final plat proposals for High Cotton condominiums and Country Club Estates.
High Cotton will consist of four condos to be built on .26 acres of land, which violates a density code stating no more than 15 units are to be constructed on 1 acre. The High Cotton density is 15.38 dwelling units per acre. High Cotton developers Boardtown Development cleared its density variance issue after review from the Board of Adjustments and Appeals and approval from the commission and Board of Aldermen.
Country Club Estates is in the second phase of its subdivision expansion, which include 37 single-family lots on a 21.50-acre site.
The commission also will review a preliminary subdivision plat for Brammelwood Apartments, which would consist of three lots on a 27.66-acre site on the Highway 25 Bypass South, about 1.3 miles from Highway 12. Applicant Sid Crigler plans to develop apartments on one lot and lease the other two lots for commercial use.
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