Changes made to Greensburg zoning ordinance in effort to reduce red tape

Recent amendments made to a Greensburg zoning ordinance will make it easier for homeowners to make improvements, such as building decks and sheds.

The changes, which city council passed unanimously, reduce the required space between buildings and other structures.

“… People wanted to put sheds up, they wanted additions, decks, different things like that and they couldn’t because of how the setback rules and regulations were set up,” said Councilman Donnie Zappone Jr.

He noted that changes to setback requirements — the size of which varies based on property type and whether it is front, rear or side yard — could help encourage people to stay in the city because they can now make wanted changes to their homes.

Jeff Raykes, city planning director, added that vacant lots that previously did not support development could now be open to it thanks to the changes.

“Infill development (rebuilding on vacant lots in built-out areas of the city) has been a focus for city leaders, including planning commission and council,” Raykes said via email. “Our hope is that the most recent updates will encourage and enable good development in these areas.”

Last week’s vote also removed the approval process for replacing signs as long as it is the same type and size as the existing sign. It also streamlines the approval process in the health care district.

City leaders have been working to improve construction and development regulations for about a year after a planning consultant listed 11 suggested changes that would make development easier.

“We’re simply acting on his recommendations that were endorsed by the elected body in planning commission,” Raykes said of the report. “That gave us license to adjust the ordinance in ways that made it friendlier, it made it understandable, it made it clearer.”

Since the report was completed, city officials have completed a first round of changes focused on cleaning up the old zoning ordinance by clarifying language, deleting duplicate sections and updating overlay districts, Raykes said.

“I think we’ve still got a long way to go but I think we’re moving in that direction,” Raykes added.