Planning director outlines consolidated 'table of uses' and new guidance for second kitchens and accessory structures

Kenny Cook, Miami County planning director, updated the commission on recent Planning Commission work and staff priorities for zoning updates. He said the department will move to a consolidated 'table of uses' that lists allowed and conditional uses across zoning districts, which should simplify how residents and reviewers find applicable regulations.

Cook also described work to centralize performance standards in Article 14, create clearer documentation for second kitchens and accessory structure kitchens (including a recorded affidavit so future property owners know the structure is not an independent dwelling), and to handle sign, solar and data‑center regulations through a series of targeted planning commission meetings. The department will bring specific text amendments back to the commission for review in stages.

Commissioners asked about priorities and software reporting capabilities to track permit denials and recurring issues; staff said they would continue to break the work into manageable chunks and prioritize items that have repeatedly surfaced (short‑term rentals, kitchens, signs).