Hide Article Text (OCR)
Revised Zoning Ordinance Permits High-Rise BuildingsBy HELEN MARINEAIKEN -- With a resounding No .lane Davis cast the only dissenting vote on a new Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance at a special meeting of the Aiken Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday.The P and Z then recommended t he ordinance to city council for approval.1'he commission had included 10 major changes in the ordinance which was last revised in 1971. Chairman 1-rank Alexander noted the had been looking at changes tor two or three years and had received input from the city and citizens through workshops and several public meetings.The main objection from citizens attending Tuesday s meeting, and from commission member Davis, concerned changes in the height permitted for buildings in the city and allowing condominiums and townhouses to be built in Kl (single family residential! zones.After opening the meeting with t he reading of a six-page document listing the major proposed changes. Alexander asked for comments from the persons in attendance.W'. M. Sloan, a resident of Summit Drive, said. “We in single family (Kl! zones are opposed to high density housing, be they townhouses, condominiums, or whatever you call them. He then alluded to buildings in Martinez, w here apparently apartments were built next to single-family dwellings.The change in Kl zoning which was objected to reads: “The following special exceptions shall apply in an Kl zone and may be permitted upon approval of location bv the Aiken City Council, upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.Cluster subdivisions with variations in the minimum lot area and dimension requirements - provided that they meet the requirements for group housing - are permitted, provided, a concept plan for total development of a site is approved bv the P and Z.Also, variations from approved concept plan may be granted as detailt*d plans in whole or in phasesClergymenIfas presented after public hearings tor preliminary and final plan recommendation by the P and Z and approved by City Council.Several homeowners asked why the city wants to go to cluster housing. and were told by P and Z member Maurice Williams that the day has arrived when we must face reality. In these economic conditions 90 percent of those needing housing cannot afford single family dwellings. This provides needed and economical housing.M rs. Davis then said she did not agree with that, and felt those needs can be taken care of in oti.er zones. She added that another of her concerns was the proposed change in height provisions.In the revised ordinance, there is no height limitation, provided the building has interior sprinklers.A resident of Berrie Koad. Mrs. Davis said she has strong feetngs about the skyline of Aiken, and wants the tallest things to remain church steeples and pine trees.I share your concern about heights. Mrs. Nancy Wilds said, but 1 came to this meeting to ask questions, specifically about horses. The changes seem to be easing for everything, but toughening for horses.'The proposed ordinance reads: private stables are permitted in all residential zones providig the lot shall have a minimum width of oneNominations are now being sought for outstanding tourist attractions in South Carolina and awards will be made at the Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism in Charleston Feb. 19-21.The deadline for entries is Jan. 15. Eligible are community-developed attractions, such as a museum; tax-supported attractions, such as historic renovation; privately-financed projects, such as Keowee-Toxaway Visitors Center, and commercial attractions.Other community festivals and annual events which draw tourists are eligible.June Murff, executive vice president of the Greater Aiken Chamberof Commerce, said a number of en- 111 u.. ...a ahundred (100) feet, and a minimum area of one acre for the first two (2) horses or horse stalls, plus an additional one-half acre for each additional horse or stall, except that stables in K-1S and R-1E Zones shall be as stated for those zones. Lots originally platted less than one acre may not be combined for the purpose of meeting minimum area requirements.1’he present ordinance requires the lot ha\e a minimum area of one acre for the first three (3 horses or horse stalls, plus an additional two thousand (2,000( square feet for each additional horse or stallObjections were also raised regarding the Planned Unit Development (PI Dl proposal, and uses permitted in the Professional Zone.Mrs. Jane Vaughters of Hayne Avenue concluded: it seems to me we are changing from an ordinance that protects the individual to a development tool.After the vote to recommend the revised ordinance to city council. Assistant City Manager Mike Strickland announced first reading would be Jan. 25, with second reading and public hearing Feb. 8.Mrs. Vaughters asked if the public could obtain copies of the ordinance in order to study it. and was told by Alexander that he hoped the media would publish most of the information.Entries may be submitted through the chamber or by those who sponsor the attraction. A summary of the objectives, the cost, and the results, along with photos and brochures, should be submitted. It must be limited to six pages.Awards will be given in eight categories and the overall winner will be presented with the Governor's Cup.Entries should be mailed to Bill Conlon. S. C. Chamber of Commerce. Box 11278. Columbia. S. C. 29211.MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTCommunity Festivals Eligible for State Awards
Newspaper Details
Aiken County Rambler
Aiken, South Carolina, US
Thu, Jan 07, 1982
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
Linda J.
USA 25 Apr 2024
Other Publications Near Aiken, South Carolina
Aiken Daily Mail
Aiken County Rambler
Aiken County Register
Aiken County Journal
Aiken Standard
