After much discussion, and some confusion, Kosciusko County Area Planning Commission recommended approval for a rezoning petition during its regular monthly meeting Wednesday afternoon in Warsaw.

Nifong Farms Holdings petitioned the APC to have an 8.9 acre tract of ground rezoned from agricultural to agricultural II. The property is located on the west side of CR 875 West, about 425 feet south of CR 200 North in Etna Township. Dan Richard, area planning director, said the tract was once part of a much larger tract known as the Klinger farm.

Richard noted the petitioner was informed there were too many sell-offs from the land. There were essentially three options for the petitioner to include asking for a variance from the county board of zoning appeals, combining the tract with another one at least 20 acres in size or asking for the rezoning that was ultimately chosen.

It was determined the tract became in violation in February 2014 during a deed transfer to Nifong Farms.

Agricultural II allows for housing subdivisions. Steve Nifong, half owner of the property, indicated he wants to sell the tract. If it is rezoned, it would become a one lot subdivision.

After much discussion, Nifong gave his assurance he would combine four other tracts of property on the east side of the road and not subdivide them in order to clear up other sell-off violations. The APC recommended approval for the petition and it will now be considered by the county commissioners at their May 20 meeting.

The only other business on the agenda was a proposed ordinance amendment for cellphone towers. One notable change would be reducing the distance required between towers from 6 miles to 2 miles for those seeking to build a new tower, excluding electric transmission towers. Approval was recommended by the APC and it will now be considered by the county commissioners May 20. There were no public comments about the amendment.

APC meetings are held at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month in the county commissioners room of the courthouse in Warsaw. Meetings are open to the public.