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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/3/2022 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY (tryPLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES MAY 3, 2022 Commissioners Present: Mr. Kelly McMurray, Chairman Mr. Troy Henderson, Vice-Chairman Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Rick James Commissioners Absent: Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Phillip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Rebecca James Ms. Alyssa Dunbar Mr. Isaac Henry Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mr. McMurray called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. James made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4-0. Mr. Bower gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. Approval of Minutes Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the April 5, 2022 minutes, which passed 4-0. Consent Agenda Mr. Thompson noted that there were no land use applications for the June 7, 2022 meeting and that the Planning Commissioners will need to discuss their upcoming meetings after the public hearing. Public Hearing 1. The petition of Chyrel Gregorieff to obtain a special use permit to operate a short- term rental on approximately 0.5 acre on property zoned R-1, Low Density Residential District, located on 4309 Cresthill Drive, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. Ms. Dunbar presented the property information and noted the suggested conditions of staff. It was noted they were acceptable to the applicant. Ms. Gregorieff noted that when she began operating a short-term rental she was hesitant. She continued saying that she has only had positive experiences since ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3,2022 operating the short-term rental in her home. Mr. James questioned if Ms. Gregorieff has had any issues due to limiting her parking to one vehicle. She noted that she has lost reservations, but she has not had any problems. She noted that everyone has been quiet knowing that she resides upstairs. Mr. Henderson questioned why the applicant chose short-term rental rather than long-term rental. She answered noting that she would have less control over long-term rental. She noted it is easier to keep everything in good condition with short-term rentals due to wear and tear. Mr. Bower questioned how long the applicant has resided at the location, which she noted is seven years. Mr. McMurray opened the public hearing. Joseph Colosimo, 4315 Cresthill Drive, he noted he has lived there with his wife since 1984. He noted that he lives adjacent to where the visitors' cars park. He noted that some people do come in late or leave early, and that area is adjacent to where he and his wife sleep. He questioned how much the County makes from the business next door, and how that will affect his property taxes. Mr. Bower questioned if Mr. Colosimo has done any research regarding living next to an Air BnB and how that would affect adjacent property values. Mr. Colosimo noted he had not done any research. It was noted that the noise is coming from people coming and going. Mr. McMurray closed the public hearing. Ms. Lower noted that the only income that the County would receive from an Air BnB would be the business tax that the County would receive from the tenants. She noted that she was not aware of any impact to personal property taxes in the County. Mr. James noted that the cost of the short-term rental was to cover the costs of processing and is not intended to be a revenue stream for the County. Ms. Lower noted that the noise ordinance would also apply to the Air BnB. Chyrel Gregorieff noted that parking noise is a concern for her, and her neighbors as well. She noted she can add it to her conditions to have renters reduce their noise coming and going. Mr. Bower made a motion to recommend approval of the request with one condition: 1. The short-term rental shall be limited to the basement apartment of the existing residential dwelling that is approximately 1300 square feet in size. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Henderson, James, Bower, McMurray NAVES: None ABSTAIN: None 2. The petition of Om Shree Hospitality, LLC to obtain a special use permit to allow a multi-family use to account for more than 50 percent of the gross floor area on the site of approximately 9.99 acres zoned C-2, High Intensity Commercial District, located near the 2700 block of Wildwood Road and the 1700 block of Skyview Road, Catawba Page 2 of 8 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2022 Magisterial District. Ms. James noted that the parcels were rezoned in 2020 from AG-1 to C-2 for hotel use that was not built on the site. Ms. James explained that the Special Use Permit is needed because you can only have up to 50% Multi-Family Residential as well as a commercial component as a by-right use. She explained that since they are applying for a standalone Multi-Family Residential use that is over 50% of the gross square footage on site, they needed to apply for a Special Use Permit. The application is not in conformance with future land use designation of Core, and she reviewed suggested conditions from staff. Steven Wandrei spoke on behalf of OM Shree Hospitality. He noted that his client has no issue complying with the suggested conditions of staff. He discussed how this request answers a need for housing in Roanoke County. Mr. James noted that a few years ago it was thought this site would be good for a hotel, and questioned if Mr. Wandrei could provide an explanation for why they chose to change what would go on the site. Mr. Wandrei noted that the last proposal to rezone was general, whereas this applicant is more specific and provides more information. He also noted that there are many hotels already in the area, so they chose to focus on the housing needs in Roanoke County. Mr. Henderson questioned what this five-stories tall property is expected to look like. Mr. Hussein Allam and Mr. Andrew Lumsden explained their reasons for choosing to pursue apartments rather than a hotel. Mr. Lumsden noted that they are looking at an additional 57 cars during peak hour added to the road. Mr. James noted only one property line requires a buffer. Mr. Lumsden noted the one undisturbed area on steep terrain, and he noted that it drains down to a water course which is being considered for a conservation easement for Stormwater Management. Mr. Bower clarified that a new Traffic Impact Analysis was done for this application. Mr. McMurray opened the public hearing. Pamela Simpkins, 1081 Walton Road, Christiansburg who is speaking on behalf of her sister who lives at 2715 Brogan Lane, Salem, VA 24153. She noted her sister's house is close to the entrance. She noted that her and her sisters grew up in Roanoke County. She noted that Rhonda, and nine other adjoining property owners, received the letter informing them of the SUP application. She noted the zoning of C-2 and how that was changed before her sister bought her current home. Her sister inquired into the history of her property after receiving the adjoiner letter. Ms. Simpkins stated that it seems they are trying to place a five-story tall apartment building on a piece of property not meant to fit something like that. She noted that only 9 of the neighbors were notified, with two being businesses with owners who lived out of state. She stated not many people were notified about the application, and you pass the notice of hearing signs by the time you noticed them. She stated there not much time to talk to the neighbors or to put together a community meeting. She noted that anyone who lives on Wildwood Road and surrounding streets will be affected due to the increase in traffic. Her sister was informed that the previous owner of 2715 Brogan Lane had someone veer off the road and into her garage. She re-emphasized that the entrance to the proposed apartments is directly across from her sisters house, and commented that the concept plans do not show a turn-in lane. She stated many people go 50 miles per hour through there and Page 3 of 8 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3,2022 are in danger of being hit if they stop to turn in to the proposed apartment building lot. Mr. James noted that the project was not denied, but was approved as a hotel. She stated that the County needs to take into consideration the affect this would have on schools, garbage pickup, and other services. Ms. Simpkins stated her sister already has a blind spot turning out of her driveway, and emphasized the danger of adding more traffic to the road. Jefferson Meade, 2715 Brogan Lane, Salem, VA 24153. He noted that his property is directly across from the proposed project. He noted that he has lived in the County for sixty years, and he has never seen anything like what is being proposed. He noted that he has seen dump trucks and tractor trailers on the road, despite the sign that tries to prohibit that. He noted that he is not aware of any accidents concerning a semi-truck on the road. He noted his main concern is traffic, and that his property is directly across from the proposed entrance. He noted that if there is a big winter storm, the people living in the apartments are going to slide down the hill and into his driveway. He noted people could get injured, and he does not want to see that happen. Mr. James questioned if the realtor who sold the property to him gave him any history on the property, regarding the approved hotel across the street, when he purchased it. Marlene Macintosh, 2768 Wildwood Road, Salem, VA, she noted they have only been there for a year. She noted that her realtor told her about the proposed hotel. She questioned the height of the hotel, and questioned why they did not put the parking underground to reduce environmental impact. She questioned if the stormwater would affect the area on her land where the animals like to cross her driveway. She questioned if there will be only one entrance to the property. She questioned if it would be possible to put the entrance on Skyview Road. She noted that her husband is retired and she is disabled, so she sees the traffic on the road. She also questioned the height because she does not want to lose her beautiful view. Glen Runions, 2531 Wildwood Road. Salem, VA 24153, noted that development needs to happen. He noted his concern is traffic, as the traffic is high on the narrow road. He noted that whenever there is an accident on the interstate that traffic is very heavy. He thinks that a higher impact traffic study should be done, and that a turn lane should be constructed into the site. He questioned if there could be two entrances. He noted concerns about who would be living in the apartments. He noted that five stories is a concern due to wanting a country setting. He reiterated his concerns of traffic, quality of people, and height of the building. Norma Franciso, 2058 Wildwood Road. Salem, VA 24153, noted they are concerned for their neighbors, property values, and traffic. She noted that many people use Wildwood Road to cut through. She noted her and her husband have lived there for fifty years, and are concerned about the area. Gregory Harvey, 1865 Patrick Lane, Salem, VA 24153, noted his concerns with the applicants saying that neighbors would not be able to see the property when it's intended to be five stories tall. He noted that the average time a renter lives in a location Page 4 of 8 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3,2022 is 1-2 years. He stated that they should put something permanent in the area for the quality of the neighborhood. He noted many people are concerned about housing for their children, but are not creating permanent residences for them. He stated 1-2 bedroom apartments do not feel super high end to him, and feels cheaper. He commented that he knows there are single people needing housing, but with apartments they are going to be coming and going. He noted that 57 additional cars seems low for 128 apartment units. He noted that the car crashes discussed happen where people are turning left from the interstate. He noted that there needs to be stoplight there. He noted that if they are building something there, there has to be a turn lane. He noted that an entrance from Skyview Road would be preferred over an entrance on Wildwood Road. He noted that apartments are not going to drive quality to the area. Branden Mason, 2724 Lane, Salem, VA 24153, he noted that he is directly across the street from the proposed entrance. He noted that all of the concerns regarding traffic is correct, if not understated. He noted that County police does not come out to that area very often because they need to come through Salem. He noted that when living in a similar style of apartments, police were called frequently. He noted that an entrance on Skyview Road. would be preferred, but a turn lane would be mandatory. He noted that he, his step-brother, and his father have all been in accidents in that area. He noted stormwater concerns, and how that increases concerns of flash flooding. He noted a better traffic impact study should be done. He noted he did not have a problem with a hotel, but apartments are a different type of clientele that he does not want. He emphasized that the County does not patrol that area due to it being so close to Salem. Mr. McMurray closed the public hearing. Mr. McMurray asked the applicant to answer some questions that citizens had posed. Mr. Henderson questioned if the applicant did look at putting an entrance on Skyview Road. The representative (engineer) noted that side of the property was almost vertical and not suitable for an entrance. Mr. Bower questioned if the entrance was the same as the hotel that was approved, and it was noted that it was the same proposed entrance. Mr. Bower also asked the applicant to address stormwater and the stringent requirements they enforce. The representative (engineer) discussed the requirements for stormwater. Mr. Bower questioned the height of the building, and asked them to speak to the concerns regarding that. The representative (architect) noted that the parking lot is to allow it to be congruent with the County ordinance regarding parking spaces. Mr. Bower asked them to expand on the 57 cars mentioned in VDOT calculations. It was noted that 57 cars was the number proposed for additional cars added to the road during the peak hour. Mr. James questioned the turn lane and how close they are to needing one. The engineer spoke to how much traffic is going that direction and turning. Mr. Henderson questioned staff if this is a by-right core use, how that would affect property value if at all. Mr. Thompson noted that it is hard to quantify not knowing what the commercial entity would be. Mr. Henderson noted the concern about school capacity. Mr. Thompson noted that many agencies in the County are sent the packet and asked to send any review comments. Mr. Thompson noted that if they Page5 of 8 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3,2022 had concerns they would have said such in their comments. Mr. McMurray asked for the comments regarding Police and Fire and Rescue to be addressed. Mr. Thompson addressed the process of discussing the parking numbers. It is noted that they can provide numbers from other studies, provide them to the zoning administrator, and the numbers for parking can be adjusted. It was noted that if that number of parking spaces is reduced enough, it could reduce the overall height of the building. Mr. James recommended that and asked that the handout be provided in the application. Mr. Henderson made a motion to approve the request with three conditions: 1. The site shall be developed in substantial conformance with the concept plan titled "Exhibit A" prepared by Lumsden and Associates dated March 1, 2022 subject to any changes required during the site plan review process. 2. The maximum number of apartments shall be limited to 128. 3. The construction will be constructed in general conformance with the Alam Design Group conceptual building plans dated 3/10/22 as per the building code review process. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Henderson, James, Bower, McMurray NAPES: None ABSTAIN: None 3. The petition of Zye Reinhardt and Gaven Reinhardt to obtain a special use permit in an AR, Agricultural/Residential, District for a special events facility on approximately 42.08 acres, located at 2875 Timberview Road and the 2400 block of Loch Haven Drive, Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Henry overviewed the application and the suggested conditions. Mr. James questioned the sense of the community meeting, and what information was gleaned from attendees. Mr. Reinhardt noted many questions at the Community meeting was in regard to the road. He noted his neighbor is not concerned about a row of trees as a buffer, but he is happy to plant the trees regardless. He noted that he did not want to limit the number of guests to 250. Mr. Henderson noted concerns about well and septic for 250 people. He noted that it may affect neighboring wells. Mr. Henderson discussed the sprinkler system with the applicants. Mr. James noted the approval of the easement, he asked what protects the applicant should that property be sold. It was noted the applicants would be subject to the noise ordinance. Mr. Reinhardt noted his opinion on the future of Roanoke County and its citizens. Mr. McMurray opened the public hearing. David Lofgren, 3024 Timberview Road, noted his only concern is the condition of access to the property, and the way that condition is stated "as proposed by the planning staff'. He noted that if you read the application narrative, it discusses the parties that attend events, and event staff parking behind the gymnasium. His concern is that the condition that the County recommends should be more comprehensive such Page 6 of 8 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2022 as "all servicing, maintenance, support services, including wedding rehearsals, and similar activities, both before and after events are to access the facility via Loch Haven Drive entrance'. He noted that is not mentioned in the conditions written by Planning staff. He emphasized any vehicle that is traveling to the venue for an event should use the other entrance. Mr. McMurray closed the public hearing. Mr. Thompson spoke to the concern, he noted that was the intent of the condition but he is not opposed to refining the language of the condition. He noted that there are by-right uses that the applicant may explore such as a bed and breakfast or short-term rental, thus the fuzziness between access and uses. He noted the need to take the by-right uses into consideration when refining the language. Ms. Lower refined the language of the conditions. Mr. Thompson noted the intent to the tree buffer, and noted that the tree buffer was to limit light from vehicles headlights shining in adjacent properties as they are leaving events. Mr. Thompson discussed the need to limit the number of people allowed to attend events. Mr. Bower questioned how many feet of property a tree buffer is being requested. Mr. Bower offered for the condition to be 250 guests, excluding any staff. Mr. James noted that due to the amount of parking available they should limit the number of guests to 250. Mr. Henderson made a motion to approve the request with 5 conditions: 1. The site shall be developed in general conformance with the concept plan titled "Conceptual Development Plan for Mark S. Reinhardt" prepared by Caldwell White Associates, dated March 8, 2022, subject to any changes required during the site plan review process. 2. Access during the operation of special events, including access for guests, venue staff, catering staff, entertainment staff, and other staff, shall only be from Loch Haven Drive. During special events, the access from Timberview Road shall be closed with gate(s). 3. A row of large evergreen trees shall be placed along the eastern property line from the existing vegetation by the existing tennis courts southward to the existing vegetation south of the proposed parking area. The large evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six (6)feet tall when planted and shall be spaced twenty(20)feet apart from center. 4. Any outdoor portable restrooms shall be screened from public view. 5. The number of people attending each event shall be limited to two hundred and fifty (250) guests, excluding staff. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Henderson, James, Bower, McMurray NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Page 7 of 8 • ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3,2022 Upcoming Planning Commission Meetings Mr. Thompson noted that the Planning Commissioners need to make a motion to add a special meeting for May 10, 2022 with the Board of Supervisors. Mr. Thompson noted that there are no applications for June, and suggested canceling the June 7th meeting. Mr. James made a motion to add the special meeting on May 10 and to cancel the June 7th meeting, which passed 4-0. Citizen's Comments There were none. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson noted there will be a Timberview Road meeting on May 11th from 5- 7p.m. at the Fire E.M.S. Building. He invited the Planning Commissioners to the Route 460 meeting on May 18th. Final Orders There were none. Adjournment With no further comments, the meeting adjoumed at 10:23 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: elan0a ,Ofifilkle4 .Ce Thomas Re ecretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip T mpson Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Kelly cM ay / Chairman, Roanoke S. - • ' arming Commission Page 8 of 8