Nome Planning Commission backs flowcharts to guide zoning applicants

Nome applicants seeking a variance or rezoning could eventually follow visual flowcharts that supplement written application materials. The Planning Commission backed the approach Tuesday, though Planning and Zoning Administrator Erin Nerbovik said she still must verify accuracy and consult staff.

Nerbovik presented narrative memos and several pages of decision trees covering variances, conditional use permits, rezoning and platting. The documents open a broader effort to standardize procedures, including deadline conversions, meeting schedules, staff reports and application forms.

Nerbovik said the charts cite code sections and fees, and she cautioned that dollar amounts printed on them could fall out of date. "We could create kind of just a fee sheet that goes with all of this material that's easy to swap out," she said.

City code requires the commission to meet within 14 days of a completed variance application reaching the clerk's office. The commission's next meeting moves to Oct. 13, avoiding the Oct. 6 election.