PLANNING, ZONING AND BUILDING Council to review changes, accept input

One idea proposes people who do not clean up after their dogs could be fined.
CORTLAND -- The city is inviting public input on planned changes to its zoning regulations, and city council also is suggesting even more changes for some future point.
Many of city council's suggestions would tighten oversight on new development.
First on the city's calendar is a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. July 18 in council chambers, 400 N. High St., on amendments the Planning, Zoning and Building Commission on May 12 approved and recommended to council.
These changes include drainage system requirements for erosion and sediment control, and increasing the size of waterlines.
In a separate matter, council also has scheduled a 7 p.m. July 25 work session with the Planning, Zoning and Building Commission and the city's engineering firm, ms consultants, on further suggested changes.
Items of concern
City council continues to hear resident complaints about flooding, and oversight over new streets and housing growth. Council now has suggested that the following areas be addressed:
UBuilding the cost of inspection and plan review into a builder's permit, adding a step to the platting sequence requiring presentation of all relevant permits and easement before work starts, surveying zone change by parcels by a professional engineer, and an update of subdivision regulations in general.
URequiring street lighting at the entrances of new developments -- supplied by the developer -- having road permit/fee roadway bonding, updating roadway specifications and roadway construction details, and increasing water retention.
UUpdating catch basins, requiring box culverts.
UStorm water permits, wetland permits.
UExterior appearance of commercial, office, central business and service districts.
UFines and rules for people who allow their dogs to defecate on others' property or street and do not clean up after them, establishing leash laws for dogs, fines for enforcement of dumping grass or debris into waterways.
UNoise, street sweeping.