Upcoming Public Hearing to Allow Increased Outdoor Coverage in B1/B2 Zones

Do you live in a residential zone in Monroe that borders a B1 or B2 zone? Then you should be aware of a proposed amendment to the regulations that is on the agenda for this Thursday's Planning and Zoning Commission's meeting, Feb 16.

The proposed change would increase the maximum amount of outdoor storage from twenty percent (20%) of the gross floor area of the principal building to one hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the gross floor area of any and all buildings on the property. As is the case many of these business district properties abut residential properties. The images below show how the coverage of a B1/B2 property may be changed.

An increase in storage capacity on these B1/B2 properties has the potential to decrease the property values of those abutting private properties. There are valid reasons why the Zoning Commission set a cap of 20% maximum storage allowed. We strongly urge resident who oppose this proposed amendment to immediately write the Planning & Zoning Commission a letter to dismiss the proposal. Or better yet attend the hearing this Thursday at 7:00 PM and tell them of your opposition.

If you would like more information or details we recommend you contact the Monroe Planning and Zoning office and ask for details on RAA-2016-08, File 983E – Zoning Text Amendment §4.1.4D – Outdoor Storage B-1/B-2 Districts.