Published: Thursday, May 27, 2010

City officials change commercial zoning ordinance to reflect recent growth

By Brooke Rawlins
Madison Magazine

It's clear that Madison is continuously growing in terms of both population and development. Because of this progression, improvements have been made to the city's zoning ordinance.

The Madison City Council unanimously agreed at its May 24 meeting to amend the commercial zoning district sections of the ordinance. A public hearing was scheduled for the meeting, but no Madison citizens made comments regarding the ordinance revisions.

Although there weren’t many changes made to the overall ordinance, developers and Madison business owners may now find it easier to read and understand. Minimum lot sizes, yard setbacks and dimension requirements are detailed for each specific zone in the city. For example, with the exception of the new hospital's potential height of 10 stories, buildings cannot exceed 35 feet.

“The zoning ordinance 20 years ago has not kept up with the kind of development that's now occurring,” said Councilman Jerry Jennings after the meeting. The council has had to look at changes as they are evolving in nature, he added.

Commercial areas such as Highway 72, County Line Road and the corner of Zierdt Road and Highway 20 are just a few examples of locations that have vastly developed over the last few years. And local businesses and even neighborhoods are popping up throughout the city.

But there is the potential for a lot of improvement, and Madison residents have requested more restaurants and more retail businesses, Jennings said. Many residents currently have to drive to Huntsville to make many simple, everyday purchases, and it would be more convenient for citizens to not have to drive out of the city, he said.

“We would certainly like to see and also encourage these retail needs so that Madison dollars will stay in Madison,” Jennings stated. Despite the economic downturn nationwide, Madison has prospered, Jennings said, and “I actually see Madison growing up.”