ITEM TITLE:
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Consider holding a public hearing and approving an ordinance pertaining to Planning and Zoning amending Section 18-1-1-106, Division 18-1-1, Article 18-1 and Section 18-6-16-671, Division 18-6-16, Article 18-6 both of Chapter 18, Lawton City Code, 2015 by creating a definition for blockchain, digital asset, digital asset mining, home digital asset mining, and node; and allowing digital asset mining businesses to be a permitted use within an I-1 Restricted Manufacturing and Warehouse District; providing for severability and establishing an effective date.
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INITIATOR: Christine James, Planning Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Kameron Good, Senior Planner
BACKGROUND: The Planning Department received a phone call asking what zoning district a digital asset mining facility would be allowed in. The use is not currently listed in code and therefore, would not be allowed within the city limits. The City Planning Department conducted research through peer cities and otherwise, to gain true real-time perspective as to how our own code could be modified to allow this use. Only one of our peer cities possessed such a project, however the digital asset mine resides just outside city limits and therefore did not require any zoning regulations. The Legal Department provided information about an approved House Bill that will become effective November 1, 2024, that allows for a digital asset mining business in any area that is zoned for industrial use. A discussion item was taken to the City Planning Commission (CPC) on July 25, 2024, to discuss digital asset mining, the possible community impact and what zoning district(s) the CPC would recommend this activity be located. It was determined by the CPC that consideration be made to modify Section 18-1-1-106 and Section 18-6-16-671 to define blockchains, digital assets, digital asset mining, home digital asset mining, and nodes; and consider allowing mining businesses to be a permitted use within an I-...
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