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WEIRTON -- Two years after implementing it, Weirton officials are discussing a rewrite of the document which regulates the zoning and development aspects of the city.
As part of business before the Weirton Planning Commission Wednesday, commissioners agreed to recommend Weirton Council repeal the 2021 version of the city's Unified Development Ordinance, going back to a previous version enacted in 2005 until a new document could be established.
"Several instances have come up where there have been inconsistencies," explained Planning and Development Director Mark Miller.
In particular, Miller pointed to issues within the zoning map and text, and a need to better align regulations with goals established in the city's 2018 Comprehensive Development Plan. Miller said an updated UDO also will help better prepare the city for future anticipated growth, pointing to new businesses and industries which have started to target Weirton in the last two years.
"There have been a lot of changes since then," Miller said.
The 2021 UDO was enacted through the passage of Ordinance 2155, the final reading of which was approved by council in June 2021. It went into effect that July.
Development of the 2021 UDO was started by Miller during his previous tenure as planning director, and completed by his successor, over a years-long process, which included guidance from consultants with Mackin Engineering, several public hearings and community surveys.
Miller said he has reached out to Mackin, and the firm is willing to assist again. Miller, himself, since returning to the city, has kept a binder of issues he would like to address in the UDO.
While the 2021 UDO would be repealed, pending approval from council, it would serve as a jumping-off point for establishing the new regulations.
"We're not going clear back to the drawing board," he said.
City Attorney Vince Gurrera noted there have been instances where regulations in the UDO have resulted in obstacles to businesses looking to set up operations in Weirton, offering praise to Miller for his work in finding ways to assist in those situations.
Planning Commission Vice Chair Nate Mazur said any regulations established by the city should help to smooth out the process of starting a business.
"I don't want any impediment from the Planning Commission," he said, with he and commission Chair John Porco recalling a time where a request often would take two to three months before the commission could give its blessing. "It's got to make it easier for you guys."
In other business, the commission recommended the abandonment of a right-of-way on an unopened, dead-end portion of South 20th Street for resident James R. Reardon Jr., of 300 Booker St. Reardon said his plan is to pave a portion of the right-of-way to provide easier access to his garage. Officials noted it would assist neighboring residents as well.