Specifics of a conditional use permit to allow residential living on the first floor of a commercial building in the downtown historic district were debated at the Tuesday meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission.
Commissioners and other city officials discussed a draft of a permit commissioners approved at their Aug. 7 meeting that will allow local residents Jerry and Judy Witt to live on the first floor of a commercial building at 9 N. Main St.
Residential living in the downtown district is only allowed on the second floor of a building, according to current city ordinance.
The commission at that meeting opted not to change the ordinance, but granted a conditional use permit for the Witts to reside in the building, which only has one floor. The commission also approved Witt’s designs for the building. On Tuesday, discussion centered around wording in the permit and who would be allowed to live in the building once the permit is approved. Commissioners discussed whether the permit should refer to the “Witt family” or only Jerry and Judy Witt.
City Attorney Bob Farmer told commissioners the conditional use permit is a draft for them to review. Community Development Director Rhonda Dunn said the draft of the permit was created based on stipulations commissioners approved at their last meeting.
Dunn said she researched the International Zoning Code “to make sure of what we’re doing.” She said the permit is not activated until a building permit is issued.
(Read more: Fort Scott Tribune)