Highway overlay narrowly passes on second reading

NORFOLK, Neb. -- In a narrow vote, the city of Norfolk successfully passed a proposed highway overlay zoning change.

The proposed overlay covering Highways 275 and 81 was passed on second reading in a 5-3 vote after being previously tabled in May due to concerns over billboards.

These concerns were addressed earlier in the meeting with an amendment that removed the language requiring a conditional use permit to construct billboards in the area. The amendment also will now allow food trucks to stay in the area during non-operational hours.

Those against the proposal are concerned the landscape and visual requirements in the overlay will force businesses away. 

Councilman Shane Clausen said he believes the overlay is a good thing and supports a majority of the requirements. However, he said he remains concerned the aesthetic requirements will drive away new businesses.

"Again, this isn't a bad thing for a community," Clausen said. "I just feel like maybe the 44 line items that are included this and nine of those deal with green space and trees and what not. I think it can get somewhat problematic in how you enforce that and then have to go and get your waiver."

Clausen proposed having an overlay district committee to oversee projects that would have the authority to approve projects.

Mayor Josh Moenning said the overlay has tried to be as flexible as possible and that the waiver system in place was a way to give businesses an opportunity to not be restrictive.

The highway overlay will be voted on one more time by the city council, however, the third reading will not have a public hearing.