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Abattoirs in, sales pavilions maybe, planners say
BY JAMES JACENICH • STAFF WRITER
MONTEREY - No one complained at the joint public hearing last Thursday about changes to the zoning ordinance to allow abattoirs (slaughterhouses) as a conditional use in agricultural (A-2) and light industrial (M-1) zones. No one was opposed to removing "livestock markets and sales pavilions" from general business (B-2) and placing it in A-2 and M-1 zones and adding telephone exchanges to A-2 and M-1, either.
At a joint meeting of supervisors and the Monterey Town Council, supervisors approved the change for abattoirs, but didn't have a chance to approve or deny the livestock market change because the planning commission tabled it pending a rewrite.
The planning commission in January approved a resolution to remove livestock markets and sales pavilions as a conditional use from B-2 districts, added conditional use for livestock market and sales pavilions and telephone exchanges to A-2 and M-1" said zoning officialJim Whitelaw.
"I have a problem with moving sales pavilions from B-2," said town councilman Ron Wimer.
The "and" puts it together (with livestock markets)," said county attorney Melissa Dowd. "I don't think it is an issue." Besides, other sections of the ordinance allow sales pavilions in business districts, she said. But that didn't convince the planners.
"It's confusing; we'd better clarify," said planning commission chairman Doug Gutshall.
Wimer suggested changing the phrase to "livestock market and livestock sales pavilions" to make it clear that other sales pavilions, such as the farmers' market at The Highland Center, would not be affected.
Whitelaw will draw up a new resolution with new language. Another public hearing is needed before the change becomes law.
The abattoir change, however, sailed through the hearing and approval process. It had previously failed passage mostly due to concerns over the proposed setback. Citizens and officials had expressed concerns the setback from a residential use would unnecessarily limit where abattoirs could be placed. Supervisor Jerry Rexrode argued that any setback should be decided on a case-by-case basis, a sentiment echoed by Gutshall. Others, at a previous hearing, including town councilman Francis Fenn, argued that 100 feet was not enough and setback requirements should be mandated, not left to the discretion of the planning commission or governing bodies.
After a joint work session between the board, the town and the commission, county and town leaders agreed to a setback of 100 feet from structures and operations to a residentially zoned property line.
"There is a need (for this) in the county," said Rexrode. He added that the amendment was approved because it contributed to good zoning practice.
"We want to go along with the board, we want it to be consistent between both localities," said Monterey mayor Janice Warner.
"We had an extensive work session with the town and planning commission," said supervisor Robin Sullenberger. "We arrived at consensus. I don't think we have a problem with it."
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