Augusta council adopts zoning text amendments to clarify BZA authority, hearing notices and C‑3 kennel rules

The Augusta City Council adopted Ordinance 2253 at its Nov. 3 meeting, approving text amendments to Section 15.3 (powers and jurisdiction), Section 15.6 (notice and conduct of hearings) and Section 5.5 (secondary uses table) of the city’s zoning regulations.

Assistant City Manager Cammie Schruf told the council that staff had identified inconsistencies between the board of zoning appeals’ described jurisdiction and the zoning code that applies to the city’s planning area. “The prior language limited the board of zoning appeals authority to property is located just within the city limits,” Schruf said, and staff recommended aligning the BZA language with the zoning code’s coverage of the city’s planning area.

Schruf said the amendment to Section 15.6 clarifies that BZA decisions are final and that the city will follow the procedure used in Derby, Kansas, of filing a decision letter with the Butler County Register of Deeds so future property owners will be notified of an approved variance. The final change, to the Section 5.5 secondary uses table, adds outdoor kennel runs and play yards as an approved secondary use in the C‑3 district to remove a contradiction the team found when a dog kennel and training facility applied for a variance.

Councilor questions focused on how the changes aligned with existing code and that the amendment did not alter substantive setback or acreage requirements for kennels. Staff said that kennels still must meet five‑acre and setback requirements and that the recent kennel application prompted the review.

Erica, the city clerk, called the roll for the ordinance adoption. Councilors Martin, Burke, Bailey, Scott, Richardson, Davis, Brown and Maher each voted yes; the motion carried.

The amendments take effect per the ordinance schedule and were recommended by the planning commission.