HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/7/2023 - Minutes *,+ Y''+ ROANOKE COUNTY
LT PLANNING COMMISSION
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 7, 2023
Commissioners Present:
Mr. Troy Henderson, Chairman (arrived during the consent agenda)
Mr. Rick James, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Kelly McMurray
Mr. Wayne Bower
Mr. Jim Woltz(arrived during the consent agenda)
Staff Present:
Mr. Phillip Thompson, Secretary
Ms. Mary Beth Nash, Esquire, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Ms. Alyssa Dunbar
Ms. Megan Cronise
Mr. Will Crawford
Mr. Ross Hammes
Mr. Alex Jones
Ms. Cecelia Thomas, Recording Secretary
Call to Order
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 3-0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. McMurray made a motion to approve the December 6, 2022, minutes and the
December 20, 2022, minutes which passed 3-0.
Consent Agenda
1. The petition of Sovereign Grace Community Church, Inc. to obtain a special use
permit for religious assembly located on approximately 1.29 acres of land zoned C-2,
High Intensity Commercial District, located at 4167 Electric Road, Cave Spring
Magisterial District. Ms. Dunbar presented the petition and reviewed the current use,
zoning, and future land use designation. Mr. James questioned if there is an access
easement, which was confirmed. It was noted to not be in conformance with the future
land use designation or with the 419 Town Center Plan. Mr. Bower questioned if the
applicant has spoken with Economic Development about finding a better location that is
in conformance with the future land use designation. Mr. Thompson noted that he does
not know if they have spoken with Economic Development, but planning staff has tried
to discourage moving forward with the application due to it not being in conformance.
He noted that they have also spoken with their Board of Supervisor member who
informed them that it is not in conformance with the future land use designation. Mr.
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2023
James questioned if they have representation. Mr. Thompson noted that he believes
that they do.
2. A proposed amendment to the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. The
proposed amendment would incorporate the U.S. Route 460 Land Use and Connectivity
Study into the Roanoke County Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Thompson reviewed the
history of the study.
Mr. James made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which passed 5-0.
Discussion of Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Ms. Dunbar noted that staff would like the Planning Commission to review the
commercial kennel permit and definition. She noted that the zoning ordinance states
that a commercial kennel is not allowed in R-1. She explained that Ms. Anderson was
open to rezoning to AG-3, but would not meet the 100-foot setback requirement for a
commercial kennel. Mr. James noted that his understanding for the 100-foot setback
was to address concerns regarding noise and obtrusive smells. Mr. Thompson noted
that he is unsure of the reasoning for the 100-foot setback, and explained he has not
seen a request for a commercial kennel in the 16 and half years he has been with
Roanoke County. Mr. Thompson noted that Ms. Anderson already has a multiple-dog
permit, which is allowed by right on her property. He explained that to have a multiple-
dog permit you have to meet a 25-foot setback requirement, which she does. Ms.
Anderson noted that she has been breeding for 8-9 years. She explained that she only
breeds italian greyhounds, and on average sells 20 puppies a year. She went on to
explain that there only two times each year that the dogs are in heat and can have
puppies, and not all of the puppies survive due to their fragile nature. She informed the
Planning Commission that she is certified through the American Kennel Club (AKC),
and that most reputable breeders are AKC certified. Mr. James questioned AKC
standards for the living facilities. Ms. Anderson noted that she was not aware of any
standards, but was motivated due to buyers coming to her house to maintain high
standards.
Mr. Woltz made a motion to authorize staff to develop proposed amendments to the
zoning ordinance. The motion passed 5-0.
Discussion and Action on 2022 Planning Commission Annual Report
Mr. Jones reviewed the major highlights of the 2022 Annual Report. Mr. Bower made a
motion to approve the 2022 Planning Commission Annual Report, which passed 5-0.
Discussion on Roanoke County 200 Plan
Mr. Thompson reviewed the draft of the Roanoke County 200 Plan maps. Mr. Jones
presented the Planning Commissioners with the summary of the data from the Spring
200 Plan meetings.
Citizen's Comments
There were none.
Page 2 of 6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7,2023
Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff
Mr. Thompson reviewed the proffer statement from Cellco Partnership DBA Verizon
Wireless and noted that they had been updated.
Adjournment
Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting for dinner at 5:38 p.m.
EVENING SESSION
Mr. Henderson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Invocation
Mr. James led the invocation and the pledge of allegiance.
Public Hearings
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. Dubar presented the current
zoning, proposed use, and future land use designation. It was noted that the
proposed use is consistent with the Future Land Use designation. She reviewed
the proposed conditions. Charlie Alvis did a presentation on behalf of Verizon
Wireless that went over the site plan for the project. Mr. Woltz questioned the
number of how many co-locators there might be. Mr. Alvis noted that they are
only proposing three.
Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing, and with no speakers closed the
public hearing.
Mr. James questioned if there were any propagation maps that would disclose
the need for a cell tower. Mr. Thompson noted that the County is no longer
allowed to require propagation maps per state code. However, he does not find
that towers are being built if there is no need. Mr. James asked Mr. Sam Averna
to elaborate on the need for the tower. It was noted that the tower is being
proposed to improve the overall quality of service for the area.
Mr. Henderson made a motion to approve the application to amend a proffer
condtion and approve a special use permit for a 124-foot broadcasting tower with
two (2) conditions:
1. The broadcasting tower shall be developed in substantial conformance with the
concept plans for VZW — Westminster — Rawland prepared by Tectonic
Engineering Consultants P.C., dated July 14, 2022, subject to any changes
required during the comprehensive site plan review process.
Page 3 of 6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7,2023
2. The broadcasting tower shall not exceed 124 feet in height.
The motion passed 5-0.
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. Crawford presented on the current zoning, proposed use, and future
land use designation. He noted that the proposed use is consistent with the
future land use designation. Mr. Woltz questioned if the water tower is allowed
under the conservation easement. It was confirmed by Mr. Crawford that the
water tower is allowed within the restrictions of the conservation easement. Mr.
Bobby Wampler reviewed the history of the project. Mr. Woltz questioned if the
property will be given to the Western Virginia Water Authority, which was
confirmed.
Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing.
Robert M. Door, 2866 Summit Ridge Road, thanked the Planning Commissioners
for their time. He noted that he received the adjoiner letter a month ago and that
he was caught off guard by the project. He noted that he is interested in
understanding the scope of the project, and noted his concerns with the fairness
of the money and if it is being spent correctly. He explained that he is concerned
about the water being pumped down the mountain. He is worried about who will
be given the water when things get tight. He questioned who is paying for the
project. He noted that it looks like the County prepared it with their consultant
with a $378,000 construction estimate. He noted his concern about who was
going to pay for that. He wanted to know the other costs, excluding construction.
He noted the area on the adjoiner letter stating that water excess is going to be
prepared for the potential 180 homes. He wants to ensure that F&W will be
charged the same amount as the people who live in the communities. He wants
to ensure that they will have to pay a connection fee. He believes that the people
who move into the homes need to pay that fee too. He questions if the design
has future design expansion capabilities. He also questioned if an essential
electrical system is going in if the pump on the water tank fails. He noted his
concern about losing water pressure on Summit Ridge Road. He assumes that
Western Virginia Water Authority will be controlling the valves. He questioned if
any other studies were being done. He also questioned if there is sufficient water
pressure to put out a fire on the mountain. He noted that he is surprised more
Page 4 of 6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7,2023
people have not shown up from the area. He noted that the aesthetics of the
tower probably are not an issue.
Mr. Henderson closed the public hearing.
Mr. Bower questioned Mr. Wampler who is paying for the water tank. Mr.
Wampler noted that the special use permit is strictly for the right to build the tank.
At the time they originally planned for the water tank, that would have been done
by Fralin & Waldron Inc., and then given to the Western Virginia Water Authority.
Mr. Bower had Mr. Wampler clarify that he is hired privately by Fralin & Waldron
Inc., and is not being paid by Roanoke County which Mr. Wampler confirmed. Mr.
Bower noted that he was informed that the additional water tank should increase
the water pressure if there were to ever be a fire, which Mr. Wampler also
confirmed. Mr. James questioned if electrical service is supplied. Mr. Wampler
noted that he does not believe there would be, and clarified that the tank would
operate by gravity. Mr. Wampler addressed expansion, and given the strict
easement, there is no room for expansion.
Mr. Door commented on the water pumps and the elevation difference between
the existing water tower and the proposed water tower. Mr. Bower questioned
Mr. Henderson that if Fralin & Waldron Inc., builds 150 houses they will be
required to pay connection fees. Mr. Henderson noted that they will have to pay
for each individual connection.
Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the application for a special use permit with
two conditions:
1. The site shall be developed in general conformance with the Development Plan
for Summit Ridge Water System (Plan Sheet#5) prepared by Lumsden
Associates, P.C. dated February 14, 2007.
2. The water tank shall not exceed 43 feet in height.
The motion passed 5-0.
Citizen's Comments
There were none.
Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff
Mr. Thompson noted that all of the Planning Commissioners should have received a
finalized copy of their 2023 Work Plan as well as a copy of the Board of Supervisors
Strategic Plan.
Final Orders
Page 5 of 6
4
` ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 7, 2023
The special use permit for Panda Storage and Rentals was approved by the Board of
Supervisors at its January 10th meeting. The special use permit for Greg and Amanda
Speiran was approved by the Board of Supervisors at its January 24th meeting.
Adiournment
Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully
Submitted:
i2ll1up
s
Cecelia Thomas
Record' . ecret�Roanoke County Planning Commission
Philip Tho p on ,
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
� C
Troy Hend o
Chairman, noke County Planning Commission
Page 6 of 6