Tipp City Council adopts ordinance allowing simple-majority override of planning board recommendations

Tipp City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 12-24, changing how the council may act on zoning text and map amendments and allowing a simple-majority vote to override a planning board's negative recommendation.

The ordinance amends the city code provision addressing council review and decisions on zoning matters. Administration staff told the council the planning board issued a negative recommendation on a proposal and said the administration's view is that an appointed board should not have authority superior to the elected council.

"This treats all of our boards equally," Council Member Litton said when urging adoption, arguing the change "brings everything back on an even keel" and reflects voters' expectations about decisions made by elected officials. Council Member Liddy introduced the ordinance and served as its sponsor.

A public hearing on the ordinance drew no public speakers. After discussion, Litton moved for adoption. The clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed with affirmative votes from the council members present.

The change reduces the margin previously required to override a planning board recommendation and makes it possible for a simple majority of council to approve an override. Supporters said the amendment preserves deference to boards while recognizing council's final policymaking role; opponents did not register substantive objections during the meeting.

Council recorded the item as Ordinance 12-24. The ordinance will be incorporated into the city code according to the council's usual administrative process; the council did not specify an effective date during the meeting.