The Camden County Commission voted to table the revisions to Article 600 proposed by the county’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Article 600 specifies the enforcement of county zoning codes.
The Planning and Zoning Commission changed the wording of the zoning code and the possible fines in Article 600 in efforts to modernize the code. These revisions have sparked public debate and scrutiny due to vague language and concern that such ambiguity will result in a violation of their fourth amendment rights.
By tabling the article, the County Commission has chosen not to take action at this time. Commissioner Cliff Luber said the proposed revision to punishment of Article 600 violations should be changed before the Commission will act.
“Even though it’s up for a judge to make the final decision whether or not to assess these fines, I think they’re pretty harsh- to charge somebody $500 a day, and each day a new violation,” Luber said.
Luber also said that Camden County’s existing relationship with the Planning and Zoning Commission is a good one, but that this resident reaction is justified. Ultimately, the Planning and Zoning commission will need to rework Article 600 in order to assuage public concern and have their changes be put into effect.