Sterling merges plan commission, zoning board of appeals

Members of the Sterling Plan Commission will now wear two hats. The Sterling City Council on Oct. 19 voted unanimously to approve an amendment to an existing ordinance to change the composition of the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals. “We are trying to do some consolidation to make things more efficient for the city and for residents and businesses,” said Tim Zollinger, city attorney. While cities are required to have a zoning board of appeals, that board can also serve in other capacities. “We are now simply designating the planning commission to serve in that capacity,” Zollinger said. Zollinger said the city will move ahead with consolidating some more boards. “Some of them do require – for instance, the plumbing board has to have someone who is a licensed plumber on it. The electrical board has to have someone with electrical knowledge. We are trying to be mindful that we have these requirements, but we also need to consolidate,” Zollinger said. Building and Zoning Superintendent Ama