Roman Forest pushes zoning board decision to post-election council

Roman Forest officials have decided to wait until the November 3 election results are in before forming a zoning commission. The body will be responsible for hearing variance requests from residents who want to build structures outside of future zoning rules. Until this commission is established, the city council will continue to serve as the zoning authority.

Mayor Chris Parr announced the delay at the council meeting on October 26. He stated that while the council's interim role was useful initially, the city now needs outside citizens involved in the decision-making process. Parr said the council will bring potential names to the table, but only after the new council members are sworn in next month.

The move follows the city's approval of a comprehensive plan in September 2025. City Attorney Scott Francis explained that this plan lays the groundwork for specific zoning regulations. Although a zoning commission is not a legal requirement, officials chose to create one to handle individual requests for variances. The plan outlines 10 potential land-use categories, ranging from single-family residential detached homes to forested and open space.

Francis noted that the proposed regulations would not stop a specific business from entering the city. However, they would restrict where certain types of businesses can operate within city limits. Mayor Parr expressed interest in limiting future commercial development to specific corridors, including portions of Roman Forest Boulevard, Galaxy Boulevard, and Appian Way, during a meeting on June 9.

The next step in the process is scheduled for November 23, when the council meets. At that time, each council member will be expected to submit recommendations for individuals to serve on the new commission. This timeline ensures that the incoming council has a hand in selecting the commission members who will oversee the early stages of the city's zoning implementation.

The delay effectively pauses the formal creation of the board until the new leadership is in place. This approach allows the city to align the commission's membership with the current elected officials rather than the outgoing council.