HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/20/2006 - Minutes4
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ROANOKE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
MEETING MINUTES
PUBLIC HEARING — SEPTEMBER 20, 2006
BZA Members Mr. Kevin Barnes, Chairman
Present: Mr. Richard Jones
Mr. Eric Thomas
Mr. Eldon Karr
Mr. Carlton Wright
Staff Present: Mr. John Murphy, Secretary
Mr. Philip Thompson, Deputy Director of Planning
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
Mr. Barnes called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Wright moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Thomas seconded the
motion, which carried unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARING PETITION
1. The petition of a variance requested by First National Bank of Section
30- 91 -5(B)2 of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the
minimum entrance separation on a primary or arterial highway from the
required 500 feet to a proposed 108.5 feet. The purpose of this request is
to construct a financial institution located at 4203 Electric Road, Cave
Spring Magisterial District.
Mr. Barnes, Chairman, recused himself due to a potential conflict of
interest. Mr. Jones, Vice - Chairman, assumed the role of Chairman.
Mr. Greg Feldmann, Chief Operating Officer of FNB, spoke regarding the
request. He also introduced Ms. Kay McCoy, Executive Vice - President of
FNB, and Mr. Sheldon Bower and Mr. Aaron Shearer both from Parker
Design Group. Mr. Feldmann stated the site design addresses their
concern for patrons. He requested allowing a second `exit only' access to
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prevent stacking of vehicles. He noted if the use remained a gas station
the entrance would be permitted by right. He stated strict application of the
Zoning Ordinance would be very limiting. He stated it is a hardship not
shared by most other establishments. Mr. Thomas inquired about VDOT
recommendations. Mr. Feldmann stated VDOT has requested narrowing
of the second access from 18 ft. to 14 ft. Mr. Karr questioned if a
hardship exists. Mr. Feldmann stated having only one access point would
limit the capability of the facility. He stated one access point would cause
excessive stacking at the traffic light during busy times. He stated
previous use as gas station would have had more traffic. Mr. Feldmann
stated he respectfully disagreed with Mr. Karr, expressing concern
regarding stacking problems and traffic flow. Mr. Karr stated it would be
an economic hardship. Mr. Jones stated stacking would make it difficult
for customers to get in and out. Mr. Feldmann reiterated difficulty with
traffic stacking exiting the lot. Mr. Sheldon Bower, P.E., explained the
Concept Plan. He stated without the exit only access there would be an
increase in delay time creating more congestion on Route 419. Mr. Karr
expressed concern the location of the exit would be a hazard. Mr. Bower
stated traffic engineers thought this was a better plan. Mr. Aaron Shearer
stated the former Roanoke County Traffic Engineer, Mr. Anthony Ford,
thought a second access point would be acceptable if it was exit only. Mr.
Bower expressed concern regarding safety if the access is not exit only.
Mr. Bill Hume, architect with Interactive Design Group, stated he did not
feel it would be a workable site if the property does not have the second
exit. He stated the property is compact with high visibility. Mr. Karr and
Mr. Jones explained the guidelines.
Mr. Wright made the motion to approve the variance with the minimum
entrance separation being 108.5 feet. His motion was based on the
findings that the property was acquired in good faith, a strict application of
the County's Zoning Ordinance would unreasonably restrict the use of the
property by the owner, the property is narrow, shallow and an unusual
shape, such hardship is not shared generally by other properties in the
same zoning district and the same vicinity, the authorization of the variance
will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent property and the character of
the district will not be changed by granting the variance. Mr. Jones
requested the second access on the site plan be amended from 18 ft. to 14
ft. per VDOT requirements and configured as exit only. Mr. Thomas
agreed it would be safer with the additional exit
Mr. Thomas seconded the motion, which carried with the following vote:
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AYES: Thomas, Wright, Jones
NAYS: Karr
ABSTAIN: Barnes
Mr. Jones excused himself and Mr. Barnes reassumed the position of
Chairman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Jones moved to approve the August 16, 2006 minutes.
Mr. Wright seconded the motion, which carried with the following vote:
AYES: Thomas, Karr, Barnes, Jones, Wright
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
COMMENTS
Mr. Barnes informed the board he had attended the Village Center Overlay
meetings. He requested staff keep him informed of .future meetings. - -
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Approved:
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John Murphy, Secretary Board of Zoning Appeals
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