HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/21/2013 - MinutesMs. Martha Hooker
Mr, Gary Jarrell (arrilved after approval of agenda)
Mr. Gene Marrano
Mr. Jiirn Woltz
Commissioners Absent:
Mr. Jason Peters
Staff Present:
Mr. Phl1p Thompson, Secretary
Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuhn 1, Assistant County Attorney
Mr,, John Murphy
Ms, Megan Gronis,e
Mr. Chris Patria.rca
Ms. Becky Mahoney
Ms. Susan McCoy, IRecording Secretary
Guests:
Mr. Doug Blount, Director of Parks and Recreation
Ms. Lindsay Blankenship, Greenway Pianner
Call to Order
Ms. Hooker called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Approval of A-genda
Mr. Marrano rnade a motion to approvethe agienda, which passed 3-0.
West Roanoke River Greenffay
Mr. DOLAg Blount and Us, Undsay Blankenship providers PowerPoint presentation
which included a project overvieWr and update of the West Roanoke River Greenway,
He discussed funding options, engineering services performed by AECOM, and a
design charrette/workshop. He stated originaliy ten alternative gre.enway alignments
were evaluated from which three of these alternatives were chosen for detailed
environmental, hydrauhc, and structural analyses. He reviewed the various alternatives
and iSSILWS which included topography, costs, and access, through residential
neighborhoods. He stated Roanoke County has acquired approximately 14 acres in this
area which will alleviate some issues, regarding the project. Mr. Blount and Ms,
Blankenship discussed the three options, inciuding Alternative 3A whichreciluires no
bridges, Alternative 4 which requires 2 bridges, and Alternative 9A which requires 4
bridges. They discussed the feasibility study of each alternative, nodng the, best option
is Alternative 9A. He discussed issues inrluding <acquisition of right-of-wayr, jn1paCtS to
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 21, 2013
property owners, constructability, and environmental impacts. He discussed project
funding and regional cooperation to complete the greenway. He stated the Roanoke
River Greenway will extend from Green Hill Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway when
completed. He reviewed design challenges and alternatives due to the steep slopes in
this area. He stated the regional jurisdictions, Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Salem,
and Town of Vinton, will share in the maintenance of the greenways.
Mr. Blount reviewed the next phases of the greenway timeline, including AECOM
finalizing the conceptual alternatives report, procuring an architectural /engineering firm
for the final design, right of way acquisition, environmental permitting, acquiring
construction documents, and construction. Mr. Blount, Ms. Blankenship, and the
Commissioners discussed the various alternatives and issues of the project.
Mr. Blount and the Commissioners discussed accessibility of the greenways. Mr.
Thompson and Mr. Blount discussed updating the 2007 Masterplan to better meet the
needs of the citizens. He provided an update of other Roanoke County recreational
facilities including the Green Ridge Recreation Center. Mr. Blount and the
Commissioners discussed membership and various programs at the center. He noted
Splash Valley is scheduled to open May 24, 2013.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners reviewed the Permitted Use Table regarding
Miscellaneous Uses including aviation facilities, general and outdoor gathering. He
stated currently no aviation facilities are located within the County. He stated that staff
will continue to research aviation regulations for future discussion. He stated that
current regulations require a special use permit if the outdoor gathering will have 500 or
more attendees. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed developing a
permitting process which would require approvals of County staff including fire and
rescue, building safety, and zoning administrator in order to expedite the process. He
noted current regulations do not require churches, universities, and parks to acquire a
special use permit for gatherings.
Mr. Woltz discussed the current large and utility wind energy ordinance, stating more
analysis should be performed regarding issues associated with industrial windmills. He
requested consideration from the Commissioners regarding reviewing the wind energy
portion of the zoning ordinance and special use permit application process. He
expressed concern regarding property values of nearby parcels. Mr. Thompson and the
Commissioners reviewed the public hearing amendment process and the history of the
ordinance. Mr. Woltz discussed aviation clearance issues and FAA regulations, noting
increasing height of clearance may adversely affect aircraft which serve businesses in
the area. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed these issues and options.
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed accessory uses, noting temporary
portable storage regulations would be considered an accessory use and would be
deleted from Article IV. He reviewed Article V, including landscaping standards and
procedures.
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 21, 2013
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed including berms as a buffering option
in the use and design standards for a particular use.
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed regulations regarding automobile
dealerships, including the removal of the words "new" and "used" vehicles. Mr.
Thompson, Mr. Murphy, and the Commissioners discussed general restaurant use in
various zoning districts and levels of intensity. The consensus of the Commissioners
was to allow general restaurants in industrial areas by- right.
Mr. Thompson and Commissioners discussed drive -in fast food on outparcels of
shopping centers. Mr. Thompson discussed standards including minimum lot size,
setbacks, landscaping, and parking which already exist in these areas. The consensus
of the Commissioners was to allow this use in C -2 districts by- right.
Mr. Thompson discussed the timeframe regarding the amendments, noting the
proposed Planning Commission Public Hearing would be August 6, 2013.
Other Comments
Mr. Thompson informed the Commissioners that a group photo would be taken at the
next meeting on June 4, 2013.
Mr. Thompson stated Ms. Tammi Wood has accepted a position with the City of
Roanoke and would be leaving on May 25, 2013. He stated Mr. Chris Patriarca would
be leaving Roanoke County in July or August.
Ms. Cronise provided an update on the Regional Surface Transportation Program
(RSTP) funding. She stated the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will be
voting on funding distribution on May 24, 2013, regarding Roanoke River Greenway,
Plantation Road improvements, West Main Street sidewalks, and Route 311 Park and
Ride.
Ms. Hooker stated she will be unable to attend the June 18, 2013 Planning Commission
Work Session. Mr. Thompson discussed options with the Commissioners.
Mr. Woltz disclosed he has a conflict of interest regarding the Charles S. Wells petition.
Ms. Kuhnel discussed this issue.
With no further business or comments, Ms. Hooker adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
C�
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
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ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Philip Thor son ,
Secreta ,oanoke County anning Commission
Approved:
Jason lteters
Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
MAY 21, 2013
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