The Knox City Council this week tentatively approved the first readings of two ordinances, but expressed their intent to revise those ordinances before passing them on their second or third readings. The council first discussed the revised fees ordinance for the Planning Commission that replaced the entirety of the fees laid out previously.
One large change in the fees, according to Building Inspector Bruce Williams, involves a substantial increase in the permit fee for commercial or industrial structures involving new construction. He said he would like to see it raised to a maximum of $7500, allowing more room in charging a fair price to ensure the city’s expenses are covered.
The council approved the ordinance on its first reading, but said they will review the document before the next meeting. The motion passed with Greg Matt opposed.
The council also approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance regarding outdoor storage. Williams said this changes the ordinance quite a bit, because as of right now, no outdoor storage is allowed – no outdoor sales or displays are mentioned. He said the ordinance will now allow for 15 percent of the gross floor area of the building to be used for outdoor sales and displays, except outdoor garden displays; those can use up to 50 percent.
The council asked that the section regarding outdoor garden displays be revised for clarification and approved a motion approving it on its first reading.
