After almost two years of public meetings, long hours studying maps and city ordinances, the proposed new Zoning Code and Land Development Code are available for public viewing to gain input from those affected most by the new codes – Oxonians.

These documents reflect the policy directions in the Vision 2037 Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2016, according to City Planner Judy Daniel.

Additionally, documents to aid in the understanding of the Zoning Code are available on the city website, www.oxfordms.net, and as printed documents in the Planning Department.

Several public hearings have also be scheduled over the next two months to give the public time to view the documents and ask questions.

The first Open House/Public Viewing will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. on July 27 at the Oxford Conference Center. The public is invited to review enlarged copies of the current and proposed zoning and code documents, ask questions and leave comments and suggested changes.

“All comments will be evaluated by the Planning Commission and then the Board of Aldermen, who will make all final decisions on any changes to the zoning code and map,” Daniel said.

On Aug. 1 -3, the documents will be available to view during a Drop-in Open House from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m. in the old RSVP room at City Hall.

On Aug. 14, the Oxford Planning Commission will be reviewing the proposed zoning code and map during their regular meeting at 5 p.m. at City Hall. There will be time for public comment during the meeting.

The first reading of the proposed zoning code and Land Use Map will be heard during the Oxford Board of Aldermen meeting tentatively on Aug. 15 and on Sept. 5, a second reading and public hearing is tentatively scheduled during the aldermen’s regular meeting; however, the public hearing may be held at another location to be announced closer to the date.

For any Oxford residents or property owners who want to understand how Oxford’s zoning code and map are changing, these meetings and open houses are their opportunity to learn about the changes, ask questions, and submit requests for changes to what is proposed, Daniel said Wednesday.

“While most of the zoning regulations and zoning districts are not drastically different, there are differences that people may want to understand,” she said. “For example, most of the zoning districts have different names, but most serve the same essential characteristics of their predecessor zoning districts. And most properties are proposed to be in zoning districts with the same or similar characteristics as they have now.”

For any further information regarding the public review options for the proposed zoning code and map, contact Judy Daniel at jdaniel@oxfordms.net or Ben Requet at bjrequet@oxfordms.net. To leave a comment, question, or request for modifications contact Paige Barnham at pabarnum@oxfordms.net or call the Planning Department at 662-232-2305.