Tune-up scheduled for Saipan Zoning Law

The Commonwealth Zoning Board is seeking comments on updates to the Saipan Zoning Law.

Since the law went into effect on Feb. 1, the Zoning Board has received several requests for changing the boundaries of the zones and the standards for development.

“We agree that the law could use some fine-tuning and want to hear from the community about these proposed changes,” said Zoning Board chair Henry Hofschneider.

The proposed amendments affect many parts of the law including: definitions of terms; exemptions and area of jurisdiction; the types of uses permitted in certain zones; standards for temporary uses and roadside merchandise stands; standards for certain uses; building design; signs and lighting; lot line adjustments; subdivisions; road standards; and editorial cleanup. The proposed map changes would affect 19 of 29 sheets on the official zoning map. These rezones include proposals from property owners and developers, government agencies, and Zoning Administrator Steve Tilley.

To help the public understand the proposal, the Zoning Office will offer a public information session on April 22, 2007 at 2pm, with a repeat session at 6:30pm. The sessions will be held at the Multi-Purpose Center, Susupe.

The Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on the proposal on April 29, 2008 at 6:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Center, Susupe.

The public may view the proposed amendments and map changes at several locations: Zoning Office, 2nd Floor, Joeten Building, DanDan; Joeten-Kiyu Public Library; and on the Zoning Board website: www.zoning.gov.mp (publications page).

After the public hearing, the Zoning Board will make a decision on whether to approve any or all of the changes to the official zoning maps. The board will also decide whether to recommend any or all of the amendments to the Saipan Zoning Law for adoption by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted orally or in writing at the public hearing. Written comments may be submitted directly to the Zoning Office and they must be received at the Zoning Office by 4:30pm, April 30, 2008. People should send written comments via e-mail to staff@zoning.gov.mp, via U.S. mail to Caller Box 10007, Saipan, MP 96950, or deliver them to the Zoning Office, 2nd floor, Joeten Building, DanDan, Saipan.

Anyone with questions about the proposal may call the Zoning Office at 234-9663. [B][I](Zoning Board)[/I][/B]