Commissioners Approve Readings on Three Ordinances

Marshall County Commissioners (L to R) Mike Delp, Kevin Overmyer, Kurt Garner

The Marshall County Commissioners held a public hearing Monday morning concerning an ordinance amendment that makes changes to side yard fences in certain zones.

The ordinance changes the side yard fence height to “six feet in height and must be of uniform, color and style construction materials.” The ordinance amendment pertains to L-1, T-1, C-1, C-2, and industrial districts. Agricultural districts are excluded.

Additionally, a public hearing was held to set a fee structure for solar energy systems and fence permit fees. A $40 permit fee will be assessed for a micro solar energy system, $80 for a small system, $150 for a medium system and $250 for a large solar energy system.

A fence permit would be $25.

Jack Roose commented on the solar energy permit fees. He asked if it has to do with solar lights for boats or anything of a similar nature. Plan Director Ralph Booker explained that it is just for energy systems.

Both ordinances passed on a 2-1 vote with Commissioners Mike Delp and Kurt Garner with the supportive vote and Commissioner Kevin Overmyer with the dissenting vote.

Another ordinance was presented for second and third reading. An ordinance amendment changing the zoning from an agricultural to a commercial zone at 12131 U.S. 6 adjacent to the La Paz Sewer Plant was approved unanimously on first reading during the last commissioners meeting. Booker said the property is located just south of U.S. 6 and west of U.S. 31 owned by Donald Abbott.

Marshall County Economic Development Corporation Director and CEO Jerry Chavez said during a public hearing on this ordinance that this is a step in an economic strategic plan by La Paz officials.

The commissioners passed the second and third readings of the zoning change with a unanimous vote.