Car charging stations addressed by city
RIDGELAND — Electric car charging stations and future landfill use were part of changes to the city’s zoning ordinance approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Community Development Director Alan Hart made a presentation to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen during a public hearing at the board’s second meeting last month. Approximately eight total sections or topics in the ordinance were amended.
Hart said the amendments would clean up some nonconforming uses in the areas annexed in 2020 and 2016. He said many of the existing properties and businesses would receive “grandfather” status to remain operating as they were before the annexation. Hart said the land-use map of the city has been updated so that currently unused land in the annexed areas is zoned consistently with the city’s zoning classifications.
Hart said the amendments add language concerning charging stations for electric vehicles. The language will allow Level 1 and Level 2 electric vehicle charging facilities for residential use to be installed in driveways or carports.
He said the charging station classification is a “national standard” and not one established by the city.
Another amendment establishes the stations as an “accessory use” to “principal commercial structures” and “principle industrial structures.”
New requirements for new landfills within the city limits were also added. Requirements include a 500-foot setback between landfill activity and adjoining properties with at least a 250-foot buffer of natural vegetation. To be included in the initial design plans of any proposed landfill. They also must be located no less than 5,000 feet from the nearest existing residential structure. Any landfill that encroaches on these setbacks will be subject to daily fines.
Landfills will also have to submit a “Good Neighbor Plan” and a “closure” plan.
Ward 1 Alderman Ken Heard said Hart and his team did a “good job” drafting the changes. The amendments passed unanimously 6-0 with Alderman-at-Large D.I. Smith absent.