Initiative, Streamlining, and Industrial Zoning at County Planning Commission Meeting

The evening of December 12 was eventful for the County Planning Commission, featuring a work session and a regular meeting. The work session was oriented around the Capital Improvement Program, in which the commissioners initially heard from IT Director Todd Jones about the Government Center’s need for a generator and then rated the need in terms of priority according to a list of considerations that range from public necessity to economic development. They then heard from Planning Director Kelly Wahl and Interim County Administrator Jane Meadows about a handful of other projects, often roof replacements, such as Samuels Public Library, the Courthouse, and the locker rooms at the Bing Crosby Stadium.

The County Planning Commission held a work session prior to the regular meeting on December 12. Royal Examiner Photo Credits: Brenden McHugh

Before the commissioners at the regular meeting, in addition to a short-term tourist rental, were three text amendments, each with a public hearing. The first would correct the process by which text amendments originate, removing property owners’ right to take that initiative and placing it solely with the commission and the board. While property owners would still have the right to initiate rezonings, the previous path to a text amendment would be closed, limiting their involvement to whatever contact they might have with the commissioners or the supervisors.

At 7 p.m., the County Planning Commission’s regular meeting commenced.

Concerned citizen Edwin Wright spoke against the amendment, raising points about the handicapping of public participation in government. During discussion, Vice-Chairman William Gordon indicated the many instances in which owner-initiated amendments have reflected the needs of a specific location at the expense of the wider county. Arguing for a less random process, Gordon favored the amendment as a check and a balance to keep issues focused on standards that can be applied more broadly. The amendment was forwarded to the board with a unanimous recommendation for approval.

(L) Planning Director Kelly Wahl and (R) County Attorney Jason Ham.

The second amendment would make approving a final site plan an administrative task. Assuming all prior boxes have been checked, this streamlining measure would save time. Chairman Robert Myers quoted a developer who compared Warren to Fairfax, arguing that the former is qualitatively worse at expediting the process. Again, the recommendation for approval was unanimous.

Warren County Economic Development Director Patrick Barker addressed the commissioners concerning a text amendment that would facilitate target industries within the zoning ordinance for the industrial designation.

The third text amendment would bring greater clarity to the industrial zone’s zoning ordinance. Gordon made extensive comments here, specifically about floor space and the potential for a use to maximize the premises and create a building that does not honor the rural nature of Warren County. Commissioner Scott Kersjes noted that such establishments are already possible under the code as it currently stands. Gordon and Economic Development Director Patrick Barker exchanged views, and Gordon’s position appeared to soften, leading to another unanimous recommendation for approval, with the understanding that a few minor tweaks would be made and the commissioners would have recourse to any future resolutions they may wish to initiate.

Watch the Warren County Planning Commission Meeting of November 12, 2026.