ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 21, 1995 TAG: 9512210059
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHARLES STEBBINS STAFF WRITER
Vinton Town Council members adopted a revised comprehensive zoning ordinance Tuesday, but said they may make some minor changes in the future.
Council adopted the ordinance with the provision that citizens' concerns would be studied to see if their requests could be included in the new ordinance.
During a public hearing citizens said they are concerned about new zoning designations that deal with signs, child- and adult-care centers and impound lots where repossessed vehicles are held.
Edward Natt, a lawyer representing several residents, told councilmen that impound lots would be prohibited under the revised ordinance, but such a lot exists in the town.
Natt asked council to revise the regulations to allow these types of businesses under a special use provision in limited industrial districts.
Larry W. Etzler told council he's concerned about several new provisions that place limits on portable signs and the size of some permanent signs in various zoning districts.
Etzler, owner of Etzler Signs in Roanoke, also objected to a provision that would prohibit illuminated portable signs and place a 30-day limit on their use at a single location.
He said some size limits in the new ordinance would prohibit businesses from erecting signs large enough to be of any practical use.
In other action:
Council voted to support "Site No. 5" for a visitors information center in conjunction with the Blue Ridge Parkway and a yet-to-be constructed Roanoke River Parkway.
This site is on the south side of the Roanoke River on land that formerly was a regional landfill. Council's resolution said the site will be easily accessible to the Blue Ridge Parkway once a Roanoke River Parkway is built.
Council adopted a new business, professional and occupational license tax ordinance as a step toward standardizing it with other Virginia localities.
Town Manager Clay Goodman said the new ordinance will change definitions and some provisions but not the current tax rate.
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