Commission recommends several ordinance changes
By Greg Pearson STAFF WRITER

The Chesterfield Planning Commission voted 4-0 last week to recommend amending an existing ordinance that could be used to discourage illegal immigrants from living in the county. No citizens spoke during the public hearing, and there was no public discussion by the commission.

The proposed amendment would enable the county to levy a fine of $2,000 - up from $1,000 - if four or more unrelated persons are found living together in a single-family dwelling. Each additional violation would carry a fine of $2,500.

The amendment is similar to a recommendation proposed in a staff report on illegal immigration released last month.

Entry into a residence would require a valid search warrant unless the property owner gives consent or the violation occurs "in plain view." Some mobile homes in the Jefferson Davis Highway corridor are suspected of housing several families each, a possible violation. Because of overcrowding, those residents often congregate outside of the trailers. If Chesterfield became known for its strict enforcement, illegal immigrants might choose to live elsewhere.

The amended ordinance will now go to the board of supervisors, which will hold another public hearing on the issue.

Vehicle operation

The commission also recommended approval of additional restrictions on the operation of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and go-karts on land zoned residential or agricultural. If approved by the board of supervisors, physical improvements like dirt tracks, lights and grandstands would be prohibited as would paths on residential lots and near other residential lots that adjoin agricultural land. The goal is to reduce the noise, light and dust associated with the vehicles' use.

During a public hearing, three citizens generally spoke in favor of the restrictions. Commissioners voted 4-1 with Dale Commissioner Sherman Litton opposing the restrictions.

Parking restrictions

The commission voted to hold a public hearing on Jan. 15 for a new restriction that would prohibit parking vehicles on grass in front yards. Assistant County Attorney Rob Robinson acknowledged that enforcement will be a problem since a violator will be able to move his vehicle onto pavement or gravel as a remedy to the infraction.

"Recidivism will be a problem," he said, "[and for repeat offenders] the penalty will be up to the judge."

The issue is being pushed by Clover Hill Commissioner Russ Gulley, who sees it as part of a larger package to sustain older neighborhoods.

Neo-Traditional zoning

The commission set a public hearing for next month on a proposed code amendment for Neo-Traditional zoning since those kinds of developments have become increasingly popular.

Neo-Traditional design - also called New Urbanism - mimics towns of yesteryear by creating a commercial center with retail and office development surrounded by different types of housing. Since its design is so compact, there's less reliance on automobiles, and residents are encouraged to live, work and play without leaving the development. On-street parking with tree-lined streets is prevalent, and large parking lots are discouraged. There is an emphasis on compatible architecture, and first floor retail and office space often has multifamily above it.

Bermuda Commissioner Jack Wilson, county staff and members of the development community worked together on the concept.