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Home My WebLink About8/21/2012 - MinutesCommiissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr, Gene Marrano Mr, Jason Peters Mr. Dawvid Radford Staff Present: Mr, Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr, Paul Mahoney, County Attorney Ms, Ruth Ellen Kuhnet, Assistant County Attorney Ms, Megan Cronise Mr, John Murphy Ms, Becky Mahoney Ms.'Tarnmi Wood Mr. Bih Richardson Mr.. Chris Patriarcai Ms. usan McCoy, it Secretary Call to Order: Mr Radford called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Anproval of Agenda Mr. Peters made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0., ZoninalEnforcernent Mr. Murphy provided a PowerPoint presentation, 'riclod'ing an overview of the Zoning Division Enforcement Process, Nye reviewed the intemet cornplaint forum i which strearnlines, the enforcernent process, He reviewed the five step procedure 'to the resolution of an issue, including zoning vioMation detern*ation, contact procedure, violation follow-up, and court proceedings or civii] penalties when needed. He noted the procedure accelerates the process and allows better tracking of'issues, Ms. Hooker inquired about the arnount ofinfoirmation needed to follow-tip on a complaint. Mr, Murphy noted that the more information acquired about the violation the easier the investigation. Mr, Murphy reviewed the map of the county and the areas of coverage for the Code Compliance Officers. Mr. Murphy provided sample of letters for code and zoning violations, noting some violations are referred to other departments for action, He re Mewed the posting process if the v ofaflon letter is not answered by the owner of the property, Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 21, 2012 Mr. Murphy discussed zoning violations including the changes in the code regarding the appeal of a violation. He reviewed the appeal process and the process if the violator does not appeal the violation, Mr. Marrano inquired if verbiage was included with the letter regarding civil penalties. Mr. Murphy discussed this issue. He stated the enforcement officers need to work on weekends and at night to determine patterns of violations. He reviewed illegal signs, noting many illegal temporary signs are removed by staff. Mr. Jarrell inquired about yard sale sign removal, suggesting sending tickets to citizens who leave the signs up past the date of the event. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Richardson discussed this issue. They discussed night work when investigating lighting complaints which require measurement by the light meter. Mr. Murphy stated a photometric design is currently required as part of the site plan process. Mr. Marrano suggested crafting better rules for placement of lighting. Mr. Murphy noted other localities have larger light codes but this would require an engineering specialist. Mr. Mahoney stated many neighbors have disputes over lighting and some problems cannot be enforced since they are subjective complaints. He stated having a lighting standard is a good method to use. Mr. Murphy stated although code violations do not have an appeal process, zoning violations do. He stated some violations have civil penalties such as grass and debris. He noted with the increase of foreclosures more complaints have been received regarding high grass and debris. He noted having an unlicensed vehicle is a criminal offense and may require a court hearing. Mr. Murphy reviewed the Code and Zoning Totals for the past two years, including neighborhood sweeps and violations by types. He stated the applicable code and pictures of the violation are put in each violation letter sent out by staff. He stated the code was modified in order for the County to acquire an Authorization to Mow form and the property owner is charged for the mowing of the property. He stated the County is allowed to apply civil penalties for trash and debris violations. He stated commercial vehicles with duel wheels, such as tow trucks and dump trucks, are considered a zoning violation unless the property has an active building permit. He stated recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers are zoning violation issues primarily in the spring and summer. He stated zoning conditions are reviewed during the site plan review process to insure restrictions are applied to the property, Mr. Murphy discussed the importance of having the petitioner proffer exhibits of signage to show the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors. Ms. Cronise discussed monument signage in the Hollins area. Mr. Jarrell asked if plans are available to the public. Mr. Murphy affirmed that the plans are available on the County website. He discussed additional responsibilities including reciprocal agreements with other agencies. Mr. Thompson discussed the location of the online complaint form and encouraged Commissioners to direct constituents to the website. Mr. Richardson stated it is advantageous to have contact information of the complainant. Mr. Thompson stated sometimes access is needed from other properties to view the violation and permission would be needed from the property owner. Mr. Mahoney stated if it is a criminal Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 21, 2012 complaint staff can go onto the property without acquiring a warrant. He explained proposed judicial changes for criminal cases which could change access of records after the case is resolved. He stated so far this proposed bill has failed. Mr. Richardson stated witnesses strengthen the case if court proceedings are necessary. Mr. Thompson stated additional issues in the future may include overcrowding of houses, hoarding, and unsanitary conditions. Mr. Richardson stated some inoperable cars impede Fire and Rescue's emergency access. Ms. Mahoney discussed the difficulty of enforcement when trying to determine if people are unrelated when a complaint is received regarding overcrowded housing, Mr. Thompson stated violation letters may need to be bilingual in the future. Mr. Murphy noted changes can be made to the ordinance in the future, if needed. Williamson Road/Peters Creek Road Landscaping Proiect Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation, including VDOT Comprehensive Roadside Management. She reviewed various sites and the history of the maintenance program, including new trashcans, Mr. Jarrell inquired about cost. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. She provided a project overview and timeline of the areas including renderings by Ms. Tara Pattisall. Ms. Cronise discussed the VDOT Comprehensive Roadside Management Program, including funding, landscaping requirements, and signage maintenance requirements and limitations. Ms. Hooker inquired about the limiting of signage display time. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. She stated proposed landscaping would be maintained in medians spring, summer, and fall. She reviewed VDOT requirements, including land use permit forms, maintenance agreement for landscaping, Board of Supervisors public hearing on August 28, 2012, including a resolution and endorsements. Mr. Radford inquired about bonding. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell inquired about VDOT maintaining these areas. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. She discussed other areas which may be sponsored and maintained within this program. Other Comments Mr. Thompson stated a Planning and Zoning Conference for the Planning Commissioners will be held in October. He stated he will be sending the Commissioners additional information. He informed the Commission the Planning Journal has now moved from hard copy to their website. He stated since the September Planning Commission was cancelled the next meeting would be the September 18, 2012 Planning Commission Work Session, Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise provided a brief update on the Old Heritage Corporation petition, noting the traffic impact analysis will need VDOT's review and approval. Ms. Hooker requested an update on Route 11/460 and Mr. Radford requested an update on Route 221 at the next meeting. Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLAN14ING COMMISS0N MINUTES AU G U ST21 , 2012 With no further busine,ss or comments, Mr, Radford adjourned the meeting at 7 P,rn, Respect Submitle& Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission P hHip VT_ompson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning mmjssion Approved: 7 . .... . ...... f 'Ra ford - n,a n, Roan e County Planning Commission Ctirman. Roan e C�Lintv PI Page 4 of 4