Commercial buildings: MH Council to vote on metal exterior faces
New commercial buildings in Mountain Home will not have metal exterior faces if an ordinance approved Monday by the Mountain Home Planning and Zoning Commission is passed at Thursday's City Council meeting.
The ordinance would ban the use of metal on the fronts of buildings. Stone, brick, glass, brick veneer, cultured stone, architectural precast, stucco, wood siding or decorative concrete block would be allowed on all visible exterior faces. The material must extend 3 feet from the facings.
If passed, the ordinance will not affect current commercial buildings, said Commissioner Jim Brown.
Mountain Home City Council member Marshella Norell said she is concerned about the ordinance.
"I have a problem with the thought that metal buildings are bad," Norell said.
She said the ordinance could hurt small businesses that may have to pay more to make special additions to their buildings.
Councilwoman Mary James said she thinks the ordinance is needed. James said city planners need to consider the aesthetic appeal of new buildings, including the green spaces that surround them.
"It's a very difficult thing (the ordinance), and I'm glad you've (Planning and Zoning Commission) made the decision," James said.
All new commercial buildings would be subject to this ordinance, but in extreme, special circumstances, a variance might be issued, relaxing the new provisions, Brown said. Before any variance is issued, safety and future growth around that building are taken into consideration, he said.
Several businesses in the Mountain Home area have been denied variances in recent years, but continue to operate, Brown said. He said fines or stopping the business from operating might be the only way to get owners who have been denied variances to comply.
Buildings already constructed will not be subject to the new ordinance but older buildings that are remodeled could be, Brown said. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. inside City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Source: www.baxterbulletin.com
The ordinance would ban the use of metal on the fronts of buildings. Stone, brick, glass, brick veneer, cultured stone, architectural precast, stucco, wood siding or decorative concrete block would be allowed on all visible exterior faces. The material must extend 3 feet from the facings.
If passed, the ordinance will not affect current commercial buildings, said Commissioner Jim Brown.
Mountain Home City Council member Marshella Norell said she is concerned about the ordinance.
"I have a problem with the thought that metal buildings are bad," Norell said.
She said the ordinance could hurt small businesses that may have to pay more to make special additions to their buildings.
Councilwoman Mary James said she thinks the ordinance is needed. James said city planners need to consider the aesthetic appeal of new buildings, including the green spaces that surround them.
"It's a very difficult thing (the ordinance), and I'm glad you've (Planning and Zoning Commission) made the decision," James said.
All new commercial buildings would be subject to this ordinance, but in extreme, special circumstances, a variance might be issued, relaxing the new provisions, Brown said. Before any variance is issued, safety and future growth around that building are taken into consideration, he said.
Several businesses in the Mountain Home area have been denied variances in recent years, but continue to operate, Brown said. He said fines or stopping the business from operating might be the only way to get owners who have been denied variances to comply.
Buildings already constructed will not be subject to the new ordinance but older buildings that are remodeled could be, Brown said. The City Council meets at 6 p.m. inside City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
Source: www.baxterbulletin.com
posted by AM at
11:14 PM
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