February 29, 2024 |
Photo – City of Rawlins website – Bigfoot99 file photo
In Rawlins, time is running short for members of the public to submit comments on proposed zoning changes.
The deadline to comment on amendments for the zoning ordinance known as Title 19 expires this Monday, March 4. Lou Lascano, the city’s Community Development Director, said the goal of amending the ordinance is to make it easier to understand.
In January, city officials opened a public comment period on proposed changes. Lascano said the city needed to define clearly what constitutes a junk, salvage, or wrecking yard.
Also, under consideration is eliminating the requirement on salvage and junk yard owners to install opaque fencing. Lascano said blocking the view does not deter theft. The community development director also said wind catches the plastic panels and blows them down, creating another problem.
Community Relations Manager Mira Miller said the process of amending Title 19 has just begun. Miller said many more steps are needed before any changes are officially made to the city’s zoning ordinance.
The deadline for public comment was set to end on February 20th. Changes to the definition of salvage yards and removing the fencing requirement have caused Rawlins officials to push the comment period back to this coming Monday, March 4th. Miller said the city has tried to make it as easy as possible for the public to make their voices heard.
The city is asking everyone to comment on the proposed Title 19 changes. However, Miller encouraged industrial business owners, who are most likely to be affected by the ordinance modifications, to pay close attention to the Title 19 amendments.
City Manager Tom Sarvey said officials welcome all public comments on Title 19. Sarvey said after the ordinance amendment process is complete, the city intends to begin more strictly enforcing its zoning regulations. The city manager said collecting as many suggestions as possible will ensure Title 19 meets the needs of all Rawlins residents.
The deadline for public comment on the proposed Title 19 changes is this Monday, March 4th. To review all proposed changes and to submit public comment, please visit www.rawlinswy.gov/comment. The proposed changes and comments can also be viewed at the Public Works office, located at 915 3rd Street in Rawlins.
For more information about the proposed Title 19 amendments or the public comment period, contact Rawlins Community Relations Manager Mira Miller at 328-4500 extension 1022.
