FAIRFIELD - Owners of recreational vehicles should know next month what changes will be made in zoning codes following a year-long study.

Development Services director Tim Bachman reviewed recommended changes during a joint public hearing Monday of the Fairfield City Council and planning commission.

Any changes would apply to recreational vehicles, watercraft, trailers and motor homes in agriculture or residential zones. The proposal calls for the vehicles to be parked on asphalt or concrete, maintained in good condition, licensed and be operational.

Each would have to be parked at least three feet from sidewalks - or two feet from the public right of way. Watercraft would have to be parked on a trailer suitable for use on the road.

Resident Steve Barrett, who served on the committee, said he would have preferred a limit on the number of vehicles parked on properties.

"This is a good start, but I think there are many holes," Barrett said.

Kim Blackwell, who also served on the committee, said she was pleased with the changes and didn't want to see restrictions placed on the number of recreational vehicles.

Planning commission is set to vote on the changes at today's 7 p.m. meeting. That decision and recommendations would be forwarded to city council for action. The earliest the matter would be decided is Dec. 6.

Water, sewer bills will be redesigned

HAMILTON - A new billing system for the Butler County Department of Environmental Services will bring several important changes for county water and sewer customers.

Starting in December, the monthly bills will be redesigned, and have new account numbers. Customers must note their new numbers, especially if they pay by credit card, electronic transfer or automatic payment systems, said Shannon Gillespie, the department's public relations officer.

The old phone number for customer payments also will be discontinued. The department may be reached at (513) 887-3066.

Contributors: Sue Kiesewetter, John Kiesewetter