Ask Jenks: City Planning from Different Perspectives

This "Ask Jenks" episode brings together city officials and a long-time resident to discuss the ins and outs of Jenks' city planning and zoning processes. From the perspective of city staff, the Planning Commission, the Mayor, and a concerned citizen, we get a look at how decisions are made and how residents can get involved.

Understanding the Planning Process

The city planning process involves several key players, each with a distinct role. City staff, like the Director of Planning, facilitate discussions and ensure adherence to state laws and city ordinances. The Planning Commission evaluates new developments based on the city's comprehensive plan and citizen input. The Mayor and City Council make the final decisions, taking into account all previous evaluations and public feedback. A deeply involved resident offers a valuable citizen's viewpoint, highlighting the importance of community engagement.

Key Takeaways

• City Staff Role: Facilitates communication between all parties and guides developers and property owners through the comprehensive plan and development ordinances.
• Planning Commission Role: Evaluates new developments for land use compatibility, considering laws, property owner rights, citizen concerns, and the community's overall environment.
• Mayor/Council Role: Listens to all input, makes final decisions, and aims for balance, understanding that every decision has long-term consequences.
• Citizen Role: Understands community happenings, engages in the process, and provides feedback to influence decisions.

The Role of City Staff

Marcae Hilton, Director of Planning, explained that Jenks is a statutory city, meaning state law heavily influences its planning and zoning ordinances. Her role involves coordinating with the Planning Commission and acting as a liaison between the council, staff, developers, and the commission. For anyone with questions about a property, she's the first point of contact, guiding them through the city's comprehensive plan and development ordinances.

The Planning Commission's Perspective

Rob Sellers, a member of the Planning Commission for a year, described their role as making determinations about how new developments fit within the city's comprehensive land use plan. They must follow the law, consider citizen concerns, and balance property owner rights with the need for a vibrant community. While it can seem black and white, they weigh various factors before making a recommendation.

The Mayor and City Council's Role

Mayor Cory Box emphasized that the council's primary role is to listen – to residents, applicants, the Planning Commission, and staff. He noted that council members take an oath to uphold the constitution and state statutes, which means stripping emotion from decisions, a difficult task. Council members understand that every decision, whether a "yes" or a "no," has consequences, sometimes impacting projects years down the line. They strive for balance rather than perfection. The Mayor also pointed out that the council meeting is the last chance for all sides to influence a decision, and effective communication and presentation of ideas are important for residents to sway opinions.

The Citizen's Voice in Planning

Charlotte Montgomery, an 18-year resident and active participant in city meetings, stressed the importance of citizen engagement. She believes residents need to understand what's happening not just next door, but across the entire community. Being informed and involved is beneficial because planning decisions impact everyone.

How Citizens Can Get Involved

Charlotte offered practical ways for residents to stay informed and participate:

• Sign up for "Notify Me": On the city website, this service sends automatic email and text alerts for meeting agendas and updates.
• Check Zoning Applications: The city website also lists upcoming zoning and land use applications, allowing residents to track potential developments.
• Watch Meetings Online: Most meetings are recorded and available on YouTube, allowing citizens to watch at their convenience and focus on agenda items relevant to them.

These methods provide early insight into the planning process, giving citizens a chance to voice their opinions before decisions are finalized.

Understanding Development Decisions

A common question is why certain businesses, like multiple restaurants of the same type, are approved for the same area. The panel explained that the U.S. is a market-driven society. The city's role, through planning and zoning, is to determine if a location is appropriate for a business, not to dictate market demand or business types. If a business type is permitted by the zoning code for a specific area, and it meets all requirements, it can be approved. The success of such businesses often depends on their product and customer service, as the free market will ultimately determine their viability.

Mayor Box added that while he might personally disagree with certain developments, the city's goal is to have a fair system that allows people to understand the development climate without excessive bureaucracy. He prefers a system where the market plays a significant role rather than giving the government too much control over business choices.

Public Notification Process

Marcae Hilton detailed the city's public notification process, which often exceeds state requirements. For most zoning changes, a 300-foot radius report is generated, sending letters to nearby property owners. Additionally, signs are posted on properties undergoing significant land use changes, and notices are published in the newspaper. While state law has minimal requirements for these notices, Jenks implements robust methods to inform the public, including online notifications and easily visible signs, to ensure citizens are aware of potential developments in their community.

This discussion provided a clear look into the collaborative and sometimes complex nature of city planning, emphasizing the importance of informed citizen participation.