Troy Planning Commission sends six items to city council for final approval
By Kathy Turner • The Troy Planning Commission met on Thursday, Apr. 9 and hosted public hearings on three items prior to the regular meeting. These items were approved and will be sent to the Troy City Council for final approval.
The first hearing was for the approval of a document that will further define the duties of the zoning hearing officer and the planning commission. The zoning hearing officer is an appointed position and is an attorney. The amendment approved establishes procedures for appeals and variances and provides information for application, notice and review requirements for actions that involve zoning issues.
The second hearing was for an ordinance that addresses encroachments within public rights-of- way. The ordinance comes as the result of a recent remodeling of a downtown building that will house a restaurant. It was discovered the current ordinances do not clarify responsibilities for any part of the construction that impedes city property.
“Almost all of the businesses downtown have steps and/or ramps that are actually in the easements of the city,” said Tom Cissell, the city engineer. “As such, we need to define who is responsible for those things and identify their responsibilities.” The city is not looking to attach a fee structure to this but rather identify that property owners are responsible for meeting building and zoning requirements as well as liability and maintenance of those encroachments.
The ordinance defines the following: a licensing system, codified standards, means to actively enforce the ordinance, strict ADA compliance requirements, mandatory 180-day compliance requirements for identified violations, the fact that the owner is responsible for insurance and indemnification and a requirement to record the agreement with property records.
The third hearing was to introduce an amendment to the zoning ordinance that updates landscaping requirements for parking lots and site developments. The goal is to establish a set plan for new construction projects in the city that includes required landscaping to improve the site design, enhance environmental performance and establish clear standards for landscaping. It will include buffer requirements, interior landscaping, the types of plant materials that can be used and maintenance obligations.
Following the hearings, the planning commission members met in regular session. The first action was to recommend all the items discussed during the hearings move forward for city council approval at the next meeting.
In addition, the commission heard a proposal from Cade Osborn. He was requesting approval of the Stonebriar Manors Phase 3 Preliminary Plat. This is the next addition to the Stonebriar Manors development. City Engineer Tom Cissell pointed out to the members that the plan allows for a shared-use path that the city hopes to include in all developments moving forward.
Building and Zoning director Ann Byrd presented a proposed extension to a temporary use permit that will allow for fireworks sales in the city. This extends last year’s permit. The commission passed the motion with the addition that requires the building and zoning personnel along with someone from the fire department make a site visit prior to the temporary sales site opening to approve the site.
Finally, Tom Cissell presented the 2026 version of the city’s official zoning map. This is a required action each year to identify updated rezoning, boundary changes, annexations and new developments. The map will be sent to the city council for approval and then posted in the city’s administrative offices.
Tom Cissell and Ann Byrd closed the meeting with a presentation on items they hope to address in the next fiscal year. Their goal is to assure that all ordinances and policies align with the continuing growth of the city.
The next Troy City Council meeting is April 20 at 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 116 E. Market St.
