Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/21/2010 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Jason Peters Mr. David Radford Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, County Attorney Ms. Lindsay Blankenship Guests: Ms. Maryellen Goodlatte Mr. Don Giececk Ms. Mary McCallum CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Radford made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Nonconforming Uses of Buildings, Structures or Land Mr. Thompson provided a brief history of the proposed changes to the ordinance. He reviewed the August 24, 2010, resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors initiating an amendment which would allow non-conforming properties to expand within certain criteria. Mr. Jarrell requested clarification regarding the allowable size of the expansion. Mr. Thompson explained the expansion could not exceed 50% of principal structure. Mr. McNeil inquired if the amendment would apply solely to residential issues. Mr. Thompson explained it is designed to assist single family homes within commercial or industrial zoning. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding setbacks. Mr. Thompson discussed various zoning setbacks, noting most applicable cases would be older homes along commercial corridors. Ms. Hooker expressed concern that adjoining neighbors may disapprove of expansion. Mr. Jarrell inquired about C-2 setbacks. Mr. Thompson discussed setback requirements. Mr. Jarrell suggested restricting these types of expansions allowing the use of residential setbacks only. Mr. Thompson noted the owner would still be required to acquire permits and approval for any expansion. Mr. Jarrell requested clarification regarding setbacks. Mr. Thompson stated staff will research building separation requirements. Page 1 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 Wind Energy Regulations Mr. Thompson provided a brief history of the proposed regulations. He reviewed the revisions, including various types of turbines. The commission agreed all poles will be monopole, prohibiting guyed wires. Mr. Thompson discussed height allowances. He provided a comparison of regulations which have been implemented in other localities. Mr. McNeil inquired about the size of both the tower and blades. Ms. McCallum stated the blades can be 25 feet in diameter. Mr. Jarrell suggested requiring a special use permit if the parcel is less than one acre. Ms. Hooker stated the height restriction should include the entire system. Mr. Peters stated the owner's house would likely be within the fall zone. Ms. McCallum stated not all properties have adequate wind resources. Ms. Blankenship noted solar energy is an option for many property owners. Mr. Thompson and commissioners discussed setbacks especially from private roads, pools, trails, schools, and other common areas. They discussed property owner liability issues. Ms. McCallum stated a turbine was previously located at Salem High School. Mr. McNeil suggested incorporating liability language into the ordinance. Mr. Thompson discussed the importance of protection within common areas. Mr. Radford stated it may not be advantageous to be restrictive regarding the placement of the turbine since the wind efficiency may be better in another location on the property. Ms. Hooker stated they should consider that technology is rapidly changing. Mr. McNeil suggested using 110% fall zone allowance. Mr. Radford and Ms. Hooker concurred. Mr. Peters inquired about permitting requirements. Mr. Thompson stated a building permit would be required prior to the construction of a turbine. Mr. Peters inquired about maintenance for safety purposes. Ms. Blankenship stated most localities require annual or bi- annual inspections. Mr. Thompson noted the applicant is responsible for the upkeep of the system. Mr. Peters inquired about allowable locations for the structures, suggesting adding a front setback requirement. Mr. McNeil discussed the importance of implementing the regulations. Mr. Radford suggested being conservative initially and changing the ordinance in the future, if needed. Ms. Hooker expressed concern regarding lighting of structure. Mr. Thompson stated erosion and sediment regulations would apply regarding clearing of property. Mr. Jarrell suggested requiring a certificate of insurance from the applicant. Mr. Obenshain noted enforcement of this issue would be difficult. Staff and commissioners discussed the procedure when a tower is abandoned or in disrepair. Ms. Mary McCallum, 4824 Wade Road, stated her property has been approved by the state for a rebate. She suggested using her property as a demonstration project. Other Comments Mr. Thompson stated the Planning Commission Public Hearing on Nonconforming Uses of Buildings, Structures or Land and the petition of Laura Bryant will be held on October 5, 2010. Mr. Thompson stated the Private Road Standards are not going forward at this time. With no further business or comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Page 2 of 3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Respectfully Submitted: CCU Susan Carter Recordi a Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip Th pson Secretary, Roanoke Coun y Planning Commission Approved: z�a Gary Jar II Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 Page 3 of 3