Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/3/2023 - Minutes + ' h ROANOKE COUNTY s 4 n " = PLANNING COMMISSION S. .' PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2023 Commissioners Present: Mr. Kelly McMurray, Chairman Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Rick James Mr. Jim Woltz (arrived during the evening session) Commissioners Absent: Mr. Troy Henderson, Vice-Chairman Staff Present: Mr. Phillip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Mary Beth Nash, Esquire, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Rebecca James Mr. Alex Jones Mr. Lionel Cruz-Cruz Mr. Isaac Henry Ms. Alyssa Dunbar Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary Call to Order Mr. McMurray called the meeting to order at 4:08 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the agenda, with the amendment of moving the election of officers to the evening session which passed 3-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. James made a motion to approve the minutes from October 4, 2022, which passed 3-0. Mr. James made a motion to approve the minutes from October 19, 2022, which passed 3-0. Consent Agenda 1. The petition of Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon Wireless to amend a proffer condition and to obtain a special use permit for a broadcasting tower approximately 124 feet in height on approximately 4.81 acres of land zoned C- 2C, High Intensity Commercial District with conditions located at 2918 Peters Creek Road, Catawba Magisterial District. Ms. Dunbar explained the proffered conditions on the parcel stating that it will only be used for mini-warehouses. She reviewed the existing zoning and future land use. Mr. Thompson noted that there will not be a community meeting. He explained that they had talked with Ms. Hooker, the Board of Supervisor member for that district, who did not believe a community meeting would be needed. Staff explained that the applicant did a ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 3, 2023 balloon test for the photo simulations, but the County is also required to have a balloon test and notify adjoining citizens. Mr. James questioned what would inform the Planning Commission of the need for a cell tower in the area by requesting or requiring a propagation map. Mr. Thompson noted that typically what could happen with location that makes cell towers questionable is being located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, a school, or a park. Mr. Thompson reminded the Planning Commission that they had discussed approving wireless communications towers in this zoning district up to 80 feet by right. Mr. Bower noted that the tower is 124 feet tall, including the lightning rod. Mr. Thompson noted that they would have the ordinance read the height of the tower. Mr. Thompson also noted the need to hire a new consultant for future projects like this one. 2. The petition of Engineering Concepts, Inc. to obtain a special use permit for a water tank(major utility service) approximately 42 feet in height located on approximately 1.82 acres of land zoned AG-3, Agricultural/Rural Preserve District, located in the 2600 block of Summit Ridge Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. Thompson noted that it is staffs intent to notify the adjoining subdivisions that the proposed water tower is being requested to provide water to a proposed subdivision on the adjoining parcel. He explained that staff is working to schedule a community meeting to ensure citizens are informed of the project. Mr. James questioned what the driving purpose for this tower is. Mr. Thompson noted that it is mainly for fire pressure, but is unsure if that is for the existing development or the proposed development. . Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which was passed 3-0. Proposed Revisions to Planning Commission Bylaws Mr. Thompson discussed potential changes to the Planning Commission bylaws. He noted many of the updates are to change Community Development to Department of Planning. He explained that part of updating the bylaws would be to include the adopted RemoteNirtual Participation Policy. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Mr. Thompson reviewed proposed amendments to the Wireless Communications section of the Zoning Ordinance. He noted that most of this the Planning Commission has seen, and noted that the definitions have not changed. However, there are some new definitions being added. He noted that they had discussed having different classes related to the height of towers. He discussed where they had discussed allowing them by right and what would require a special use permit. He reviewed that this started during the pandemic when it became apparent that there was a large need for an increase in Rural Broadband. Mr. Thompson discussed updating the intent in the ordinance when updating the definitions. Mr. James noted that it may also be a factor of public safety for people to have access to service. Mr. Thompson and the Planning Commissioners discussed stealth design and viewsheds. Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 3,2023 Citizen Comments No citizens were present. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. James congratulated Alex Jones on being mentioned by The Roanoker on their 40 under 40 list. Mr. Thompson noted that Ms. Cronise and Ms. Benke had both received awards from the Board of Supervisors this year. Adjournment for Dinner Mr. Woltz made a motion to adjourn for dinner, which passed 4-0. Call to Order Mr. McMurray called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Mr. McMurray led the invocation. Public Hearings 1. The petition of Greg and Amanda Speiran to obtain a special use permit to operate a short-term rental on approximately 0.1608 acre on land zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, located at 3113 Fleetwood Avenue, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. Mr. Henry noted that they purchased the property in October of 2022. They are currently operating it as a long term rental. Mr. Henry reviewed the existing zoning and future land use designation of the parcel. Mr. Woltz questioned if staff received any comments from citizens. It was noted by staff that no comments had been received. Mr. Woltz questioned what platform they would list the property on. Ms. Amanda Speiran noted that they intend to list the property on AirBnB and VRBO. Mr. Woltz questioned if they intend to have any rules for the property. Ms. Speiran noted that they have an outline for the rules, and noted that they will only be accepting verified guests. She noted that the occupancy level is limited at 6 people, and the number of parking will be limited. Mr. Woltz questioned if they would accept pets, and recommended not allowing them due to the wear and tear they can do on the property. Mr. Speiran noted that he had talked to the neighbors on both sides of the property and told them about their plans to have a short-term rental. He also gave the neighbors his phone number should they have any problems with the tenants. Ms. Speiran explained that they currently offered the rental for traveling nurses, but plan to fill the gaps with short-term rentals. They are going to see how the booking plays out. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the application with the following condition: 1. That the number of overnight guests shall not exceed six (6) people. The motion passed 4-0. Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JANUARY 3,2023 Approval of Minutes Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the minutes from November 1, 2022, which passed 3-0-1 with Mr. McMurray abstaining. Election of Officers Mr. James made a motion to nominate Mr. Troy Henderson as chairman, which passed 4-0. Mr. Woltz made a motion to nominate Mr. Rick James as vice-chairman, which passed 4-0. Citizens' Comments There were none. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson and the Planning Commissioners further discussed viewsheds in relation to the Broadcasting Tower Zoning Ordinance Amendments. Final Orders Mr. Thompson noted that Barnett Properties land use application was approved by the Board of Supervisors. Mr. McMurray adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: (7A LL&1 LP MO 4 , Cecelia Thomas Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission to" Al- 3 Philip Th.; pson / Secreta A Roanoke County Planning Commission KSa *Z52 Ili Mc 4 2� Chairman, Roanoy Planning Commission Page 4 of 4