Council sends proposed business‑zoning change to ordinance review committee, approves officer title change

The Harpers Ferry planning commission recommended that the town revise a business‑zoning buffer so the restriction reads 25 feet from the nearest residential structure rather than 25 feet from the commercial lot line. The change is intended to preserve buffer protections next to existing residences while giving flexibility where adjacent lots are undeveloped.

Council member Chris (planning representative) said the proposal retains protections where residences are present but avoids blocking new restaurant uses where an undeveloped lot sits adjacent to a commercial parcel. The council voted to send the proposed change to the Ordinance Review Committee for formatting and review; the motion passed 7‑0.

Separately, the council approved an ordinance to change the title “Ordinance Compliance Officer” to “Code Enforcement Officer.” The title‑change ordinance passed on first reading (vote recorded as 7‑0).