Members of the Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission found themselves back at the drawing board Tuesday evening, when the group’s attorney — Steve Underwood — advised the body to cancel a public hearing scheduled for city annexation.
The reason, Underwood said, was because the cart had, unfortunately, “been put before the horse,” and that under Kentucky Revised Statute 100.209, the order of operations needed to be rectified.
The property in question is a coming expansion of the Cadiz RV Park. Located on North Rocky Ridge Road near I-24, ownership is seeking to add at least 20 lots to the business — adding to a profile that already has access to the city limits, city utilities and is responsible for city taxes.
Theoretically, Underwood said this measure would fall under what he called “consensual annexation,” in which the commission — after a request from the Cadiz City Council — would then review its five-year plan, and return any advisement back to city officials for review and a final say.
What’s further unique in this scenario is that outside of subdivision ordinances, Trigg County has no zoning laws beyond the city limits — meaning Cadiz RV Park could, on paper, expand as far as ownership wanted.
Annexation, however, changes the spectrum — and newly-elected board chairman Tom Lawson noted that the park’s expansion needs access to a 10-inch water/sewer main that runs through the I-24 Business Park and near I-24.
Commissioner Chappell Wilson, however, tried to site the body’s own law as a way to legally conduct the hearing.
Underwood, however, noted the property first had to be annexed — before a zoning amendment can be originated from the commission.
All parties will reconvene for a public hearing at a later date.
In other planning commission news:
— Commissioner Gary Blakeley said he’s observed several issues regarding ABC enforcement inside city limits, with excessive signage on local liquor stores.
Blakeley noted that’s not the only location in non-compliance.
Reflecting city and county ordinances, Blakeley added that there aren’t supposed to be any illuminated or flashing signs at a liquor store.
— In the future, the commission may review the possibility of adding city planner internships or a part-time employee. Lawson said the commission deserves full care and attention, as well as full understanding of the laws and ordinances within its jurisdiction.
A review of the body’s bylaws also remains underway.
