Opinion ID: 1922966
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: the need for zoning and overall planning

Text: ¶ 32. The special chancellor found, after considering the testimony and evidence presented by both parties, that the zoning and planning ordinances of the City of Madison are superior to that of the county and it would be beneficial for the city's ordinances to be enacted in the PAA. However, the special chancellor did not conclude that the Madison County zoning and planning ordinances were inadequate; therefore, while it may be beneficial to enact the city's ordinances, the special chancellor could not say if the need existed for the municipal-level codes and regulations in the PAA. ¶ 33. In City of Ridgeland, 651 So.2d at 559, this Court upheld an annexation even though the county already had a suitable zoning ordinance in place. Thus, the fact that a county may have zoning ordinances does not mean that an area of the county cannot be annexed. Id. Also, the City of Madison's Zoning and Planning Commission already has been involved in the planning and development of some of the commercial and residential areas in the PAA. Therefore, we find reasonable the special chancellor's determination that the city's zoning and planning ordinances are superior to those of the county.