Community leaders seeking new approaches to zoning appeals

ROBERT PIERCE
• Leader & Times

In August 2017, the staff of the City of Liberal’s Building Department and Seward County’s Planning and Zoning department proposed forming a joint building safety board of appeals to serve the needs of both entities.

County commissioners are scheduled to hear  from Zoning Administrator Marcie Weatherly at Monday’s meeting about the possible new board.

Information in the agenda packet said both the city and county would benefit from having such a board by allowing any appeals arising from the enforcement of the building codes or regarding the use of new types of materials to be heard.

“This board would also be instrumental in determining what amendments should be made when adopting updated codes,” the information said.

The information also said due to the limited number of local contractors and the difficulty in maintaining full volunteer boards, county staff feels it would be most beneficial to the city and the county to share the board.

“Since the original proposal in 2017, city and county staff have worked with both legal counsels to draft the required interlocal agreement and joint ordinance/resolution, which are presented for approval,” the information said.

There is no known financial impact from this item, and the agenda information likewise said the interlocal agreement and ordinance/resolution have been approved by both city and county legal counsel.

“These documents have been approved/adopted by the Liberal City Commission at their regular meeting on May 22, 2018,” the information said. “These items are awaiting county commission action. If approved, the interlocal agreement will be submitted to the state for approval.”

County staff is recommending approval of the interlocal agreement and approval/adoption of the ordinance/resolution.

Monday’s meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the commission chambers in the Seward County Administration Building.