On Thursday, the East Ridge City Council passed on second reading amendments to zoning ordinances that will help the city develop in coming decades.
The council passed an ordinance that decreases the set back on the front of properties from 25 feet to five feet. Officials said this would make the commercial district more pedestrian friendly and could provide parking in the back of businesses.
The council approved another ordinance that increases the heights of buildings. No building will exceed 72 feet with a parapet not to exceed 48 inches above the roof. This applies to buildings in the Planned Commerce Center District (C-4).
During the meeting it was noted that the Municipal Technical Advisory Services (MTAS) has clarified that short term vacation rentals are legally considered “hotels,” and subject to the hotel/motel tax of four percent. City officials said that there are eight such businesses registered in the city.
City Council meeting will now begin at 6 p.m. starting on Oct. 24. The last item on the regular meeting agenda will be establishing the meeting for the next meeting.
The city will participate in the Tennessee River Rescue event on Oct. 5. Once again Larry Clark will coordinate the event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers should meet on Yale Street behind Parkridge East Hospital.
The council stayed the demolition of a condemned structure at 1317 Pleasant St. The East Ridge Housing Commission had ordered the house razed. Turned out there is legal wranglings over ownership of the property. Memphis Premium Trust is claiming ownership of the property and wants to renovate the house.
Click on the link below for a video of the full city council meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFfEPNIt6h4&feature=youtu.be
