(KMZA)--The Nemaha County Commission has learned about the process they would need to follow to establish zoning regulations in the county.

Commissioners and about 40 county residents in attendance heard a presentation Monday from Gary Stith, director of the Flint Hills Regional Council.

Stith said if the county is going to implement zoning the first step is to create  a comprehensive plan, which communicates a community’s goals and objectives, and provides a blueprint for future land use.

Stith recently helped Wabaunsee County update its comprehensive plan, which he said was about a year along process.

He said  a comprehensive plan is still beneficial even if the county doesn’t  implement zoning.   Stith said it can be used for economic development purposes, to identify infrastructure needs and provide information useful in seeking grants.

He said if the county wants to do a comprehensive plan, the first thing is to  set up  a steering committee. The committee would guide the information-gathering phase.  Stith said public participation in the process is critical.

A draft comprehensive plan would be submitted for adoption to a county-appointed planning commission, which would then submit the document to Commissioners for final approval

Stith estimated it would cost the county $55,000 to $60,000 to create a comprehensive plan.

In May, Commissioners said they are considering establishing zoning regulations as a way to regulate large-scale energy projects—including wind farms.  At the same, they implemented a six-month moratorium on new energy developments, which expires at the end of October.   Commission Chairman Gary Scoby said he anticipates the Commission will extend the moratorium.

Commissioners will hear from David Breiner, Wabaunsee County Zoning Officer, on Monday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. in the Nemaha County Courtroom.