Ordinance Changes Coming!

Good morning. On Friday, April 11, our Town Council, P&Z Board, and Development Ordinance Committee met with the folks from "Greenplan/Chenevert Architects" here in Jamestown. Greenplan was selected from a group of applicants to assist the Town's staff in re-writing our Development Ordinances. These Ordinances control how development occurs in our jurisdiction and includes things such as sign regulations, subdivision, zoning, design/appearance standards, watershed, parking, and much MUCH more!

Our Ordinances reflect a typical "post-WWII" style of development, where large single-family lots with large setbacks dominate the landscape. However, as land has become a premium, pressure has been mounting in the development community to add more density to lots. This typically leads to more mixed-use-type developments and multi-family (townhouses, condos, apartments) uses. Our Ordinance is simply outdated when it comes to this style of development. Additionally, there has been some discussion among local business owners and the Town staff to develop more flexible signage regulations, parking regulations, and the like. Therefore, we have kicked-off an effort to rewrite our Ordinances.

Yes, it is an expensive endeavor...but it is my sincere belief that we will have a more flexible Ordinance which will allow the Town of Jamestown to grow and develop in a way that will enhance our community and the lives our citizens. The rewrite will take approximately 12-18 months...but we have agreed to take a look at our signage regulations first, and adopt an interim module which will help our local businesses. I hope that this portion will be completed by the end of the summer (August). Obviously, we will share draft portions of this section with our Development Ordinance Rewrite Committee (new name to come soon...since this one is cumbersome), local business owners, and other citizens. Stay tuned to this Blog for more details!

-Matthew