The amendments now head to Gov. Benigno Fitial.
In an interview yesterday, Zoning Board Chairman Henry Hofschneider said they are very pleased with the action taken by the lawmakers.
He said the changes will ease the burdens of some investors who may suffer from unforeseen consequences under the zoning law.
Some businesses may have to shut down when the zoning law as originally proposed takes effect.
Hofschneider said some business have planned to scale down the operation of their businesses in anticipation of the new zoning law, and this will not be good for the economy.
The Zoning Board earlier asked lawmakers to make the following changes to the zoning law:
• Revision of Article 10 regarding signs and lighting to provide exemptions and clarify standards for ground signs, banners and window signs.
• Establishment of a cutoff date after which all nonconforming banners and portable sings will have to be removed.
• The addition of a procedure for lot line adjustments to streamline processing.
• An increase in the number of lots in a minor subdivision which will simplify applications and speed processing.
• The addition of standards for fences and retaining walls.
• Relaxing of road standards and provide more flexibility to address individual circumstances.
• A requirement that adult business in overlay zones should be separated from each other by 500 feet.
• Easier rules for microbreweries and day care centers.
• Formalization of the authority of the Zoning Board to approve rezones.
