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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/16/2010 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. David Radford (arrived after approval of agenda) Commissioners Absent: Ms. Martha Hooker Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. David Holladay Mr. John Murphy Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Tammi Wood Ms. Becky Mahoney Ms. Amanda Micklow Ms. Nicole Pendleton Ms. Lindsay Blankenship Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Azar called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval 2L.�i . Agen a Mr. Jarrell made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Ms. Blankenship reviewed various types of wind systems, including micro, hybrid, metrological tower (MET), and windmills. She discussed onsite power, horizontal and vertical type systems, monopole or guyed towers, and on or off grid systems. She stated most turbines remain operational for 20-40 years. She discussed class as it relates to turbine size. She introduced Mr. and Mrs. McCallum, Roanoke County citizens, who are interested in wind energy. Ms. Blankenship stated windmills are generally associated with agricultural areas for use as a water pump or electrical generator. She stated the maximum permitted height for amateur radio towers is up to 75 feet tall. Mr. McNeil inquired about current regulation regarding wind energy current. Mr. Murphy stated currently there are no regulations regarding this issue. Ms. Blankenship discussed rebate and incentive programs, including Federal Tax Credit and VA State Energy Program (SEP) Rebate. She reviewed General Use and Design Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 16, 2010 Guidelines. She discussed the visual appearance of various towers, including guyed, lattice, and monopole towers. Mr. Azar inquired about maximum allowed height especially in residential areas. Ms. Blankenship discussed height restrictions and noise issues, noting shorter towers often generate more noise. Ms. Micklow then discussed building integrated wind systems. Mr. Azar inquired about height and setbacks of integrated systems. Ms. Blankenship and Mr. Thompson discussed these issues. Ms. McCallum stated requiring that the foundation should be a ratio of 1/1 would be a disincentive for development of systems. Ms. Blankenship stated James Madison University's opinion is the foundation should be a ratio 1/1. She stated cell phone towers do not have required fall zones. Ms. McCallum stated wind towers are engineered to collapse not fall over. Mr. Azar discussed the importance of reviewing the design standards, noting guyed towers are not visually aesthetic in residential areas. Mr. Jarrell noted 1/1 ratio would be difficult in some residential areas. Mr. Radford inquired about insurance coverage. Ms. Blankenship stated more research will be needed regarding insurance coverage. She reviewed a simulation of a collapsed structure. She discussed standard noise control issues, including noise which will be generated from the gearbox, generator, yaw drive, and cooling fans. Mr. Obenshain discussed issues involved with measuring noise levels. Mr. Thompson noted the importance of developing basic standards. Mr. Jarrell stated it would be better to measure from the property line for setbacks. Ms. Blankenship then discussed ground clearance, safety, abandonment, and decommissioning regulations. Mr. Azar suggested using the term "inoperable." Staff and commissioners discussed allowable time regulations for repair and removal of towers. Ms. Blankenship compared permitted uses and conditional uses. Mr. McNeil suggested consolidating regulations as much as possible. Mr. Azar suggested R -3 and R -4 be allowed without a special use permit. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding discriminating against certain zoning. Mr. Radford stated regulations should be applied consistently within zoning districts. Mr. Holladay stated some lots in R -3 and R -4 are larger. Mr. Radford discussed the importance of setting standards. He expressed concern regarding technology being too new for the commissioners to regulate certain portions. Mr. McNeil suggested researching regulations in other localities prior to development of county standards. Mr. Holladay discussed placing multiple systems on one lot. Ms. McCallum stated it is more cost effective if one large system is used. Mr. Murphy stated cell towers are limited to 200 feet without a guy wire. Mr. McNeil noted there is less turbulence on a broadcast tower. Mr. Thompson noted larger systems in western states are utility systems. Mr. Azar suggested measuring overall height of the tower instead of from the roof line. Mr. McNeil suggested studying Nelson County's regulations. Mr. Azar requested more information from staff to be reviewed at another work session. Ms. Blankenship requested commissioners concentrate on commercial and industrial borders. Ms. McCallum suggested studying Suffolk, VA. Comprehensive Planning Studies Ms. Micklow provided an update on the Glenvar Corridor Study. She stated 179 surveys have been received with the majority of surveys being completed online. She stated the survey will close on April 15 She stated they will be conducting a meeting Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 16, 2010 for area businesses on April 8 th to determine needs. She stated an interactive map is available on the website in order to receive input. She stated a community meeting is being planned with area residents. Mr. Radford inquired about acreage of Richfield Retirement property. Mr. Holladay discussed the acreage. Mr. McNeil inquired about land use changes along the corridor. Mr. Holladay stated some zoning designations may change after researching this issue. Ms. Pendleton provided an update on the Peters Creek Corridor Study. She stated they will be conducting analysis of housing, economic opportunities, and historical data, as well as updating the land use catalog. She discussed classifying land use data. Mr. Thompson stated real estate and land use information needs to be more applicable to planning issues. Ms. Blankenship stated the Vinton Corridors Plan has been adopted by both Roanoke County and the Town of Vinton. She provided an update on the CDBG grant and implementation status of the plan. She stated quarterly meetings will begin in April 2010. Other Comments Mr. Thompson scheduled a tour for the commissioners with staff for the Plantation Road area on March 30 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Mr. Thompson stated since no public hearing is scheduled for April 6 a Planning Commission Work Session will be held beginning at 4:00 p.m., which will include a site visit for the upcoming petition. He stated a tour of Koppers Industries Inc. has been scheduled on April 20 With no further business or comments, Mr. Azar adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: C-xn Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip T ompson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Approved: Steve Azar Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission MARCH 16, 2010 iaem�