Previous Story
‘Zoning Board authorized to amend zoning districts’
|
Posted on Apr 26 2008
Saipan lawmakers have adopted a resolution affirming the authority of the Zoning Board to change zoning district boundaries.
The resolution came in response to recent requests from businesses for changes in the zoning classification of specific locations on Saipan.
The Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation noted that the Zoning Code, as passed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, granted the Saipan Zoning Board the authority to initiate and make determinations on changes in land use district boundaries. The Zoning Board also could amend the zoning code.
The delegation also urged the Zoning Board to make changes in land use district boundaries after adequate public notice and public comment. The delegation added that the Zoning Board should immediately inform it after making any changes.
Senate President Pete P. Reyes, who sponsored the resolution, said the document was written to remind the public that the delegation “was not asleep” when it passed the Saipan Zoning Law in the 15th Legislature.
The House of Representatives recently passed two resolutions asking the Zoning Board to amend the zoning plan for one lot in Kagman, and for a microbrewery on Capital Hill.
Rep. Tina Sablan has opposed both legislative requests for spot zoning, saying the resolutions were tantamount to exerting undue influence on the Zoning Board.
According to Sablan, there is already a process in place for appeals to the board to consider amendments to the zoning plan. The board is currently entertaining such requests.
“We should respect the laws that we have created and the processes that are in place, and allow agencies to do their jobs,” said Sablan, who voted against the resolution.
