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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/6/2013 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Gene Marrano Mr. Jason Peters Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Ruth Ellen Kuhnel, County Attorney Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Tara Pattisall Ms. Becky Mahoney Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Work Session: Mr. Peters called the work session to order at 4:07 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Marrano made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Approval of Minutes Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the minutes of July 16, 2013, which passed 5-0. Consent Agenda Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint Presentation regarding Brambleton Baptist Church, including zoning designation, future land use designation, and concept plan. Ms. Cronise, Mr. Thompson, and the Commissioners discussed the surrounding zoning and parking availability for the parishioners. Ms. Mahoney provided a handout regarding the 3 B Properties LLC petition, including a brief overview and history of the parcel. Ms. Mahoney, Mr. Thompson, and the Commissioners discussed the 1988 proffer statement and current signage regulations. Mr. Woltz made a motion to approve the consent agenda, which passed 5-0. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Thompson reviewed a list of speakers which have requested to speak at the evening session. With no further comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the work session at 4:25 p.m. for site viewing. Page 1 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 EVENING SESSION Mr. Peters called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Marrano gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The petition of Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center to obtain a Special Use Permit in a R-1, Low Density Residential, District for operation of an educational facility, primary /secondary on approximately 2.967 acres, located at 8132 Olsen Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. Thompson presented the staff report, including future land use and surrounding zoning designations. He reviewed use and design standards for educational facilities. He stated the students will be shuttled from the main center to the proposed facility. Mr. Sean Horne, Balzer & Associates, introduced Ms. Angie Leonard, Executive Director, Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center and Mr. Craig Balzer, Board of Directors, Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center. Mr. Jarrell inquired about transportation of students. Ms. Leonard discussed this issue noting vehicle counts will most likely be less than single family vehicle trips. She stated the proposed facility will be helpful in teaching independence to older students. Mr. Peters opened the public hearing for public comment. Mr. Danny Camper, 8269 Olsen Road, stated he was concerned about traffic safety due to the narrowness of the roadway leading to the facility. He stated the organization also has special events at other times. He stated mailboxes are frequently knocked down due to the blind curves of the roadway. He inquired about the additional entrance at the existing center which has been closed. Ms. Rebecca Hanson, 8337 Strathmore Lane, stated she is concerned about safety because of the narrowness of the road and the curve near the property is too tight. She stated she is concerned adjacent properties may be rezoned if the petition is approved. Mr. Al Bedrosian, 8346 Cardington Drive, stated issues regarding this petition are traffic including a blind curve on Bobby Lane. He discussed property access from Peters Creek Road onto Dwight Street which has been closed by a security gate. He suggested reopening the gate to spread out the traffic. Ms. Diane Bell, 1173 Old Sessler Mill Road, Troutville, VA, stated she is a proponent of the Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center (BRAAC). She stated her oldest daughter has autism and needs the assistance of the center. She commended the teaching method used at BRAAC. She discussed the benefits of teaching life skills to the students. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Peters closed the public hearing. Page 2 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 Mr. Jarrell requested staff research the gate closure located at the main center on Dwight Street since that entrance would divert some traffic from Olsen Road. Mr. Peters concurred with Mr. Jarrell's request. Mr. Craig Balzer, BRAAC, Board of Directors, discussed the history of the gated entrance, noting the previous use of the property was a church. He stated staff did not want traffic coming back through the neighborhood. He stated they were required to have the gate locked as a condition of the previous rezoning. He stated the concern was that traffic would use the entrance as a shortcut into the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Jarrell stated he would like to see the gate reopened. He also commended BRAAC for being a good neighbor. He stated the petitioner has indicated they are not interested in expansion at this time. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the suggested condition included in the staff report. Ms. Hooker noted allowable building space on the property is limited. Mr. Woltz discussed potential traffic flow issues. Mr. Balzer discussed the concept plan including construction of a small greenhouse which would be used to teach students about gardening. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed subdividing and floodplain issues of the property. Mr. Horne stated the petitioner agrees with the suggested condition regarding general conformance of the concept plan. Mr. Marrano stated traffic concerns are primarily VDOT issues. Mr. Jarrell made a motion to recommend approval of the special use permit with the following condition: 1. The site shall be developed in general conformance with the concept plan. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5-0) with the following vote: AYES: Hooker, Jarrell, Marrano, Peters, Woltz NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None 2. Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments to Article I (General Provisions), Article 11 (Definitions and Use Types), Article III (District Regulations), Article IV (Use and Design Standards), and Article V (Development Standards) would revise and incorporate regulations dealing with, but not limited to: enforcement procedures; definitions; use types; maximum building coverage; maximum lot coverage; minimum lot frontage; minimum front yard setback; home beauty/barber salon; temporary portable storage containers; religious assembly; antique shops; golf course; fine arts studio; bed and breakfast; home occupations; agricultural services; new automobile dealership; used automobile dealership; business support services; commercial outdoor sports and recreation; construction sales and services; equipment sales and rental; mini-warehouse; general restaurant; retail sales; Page 3 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 family day care home; veterinary hospital/clinic; consumer repair services; personal improvement services; automobile rental/leasing; drive-in or fast food restaurant; recycling centers and stations; convenience store; industry, type 1; construction yards; multi-family dwelling; townhouses; site development plans; off street parking, stacking and loading; and screening, landscaping and buffer yards. Mr. Thompson provided a brief history of process regarding the proposed amendments, noting staff and the Commissioners have been working on the amendments for approximately six months. He summarized changes including an amendment regarding retail sales in agricultural village which requires further discussion by the Commission. He reviewed definitions including enforcement procedures. He reviewed Definitions and Use Types, including beauty salon, home occupation, civic uses, and family day care home. He discussed proposed changes regarding religious assembly, antique shops, auto dealership, and support services. He reviewed construction yard, convenience store, and golf course use regulation changes. He reviewed regulations regarding planned residential development, general restaurant, fine art studio, and veterinary services. He reviewed proposed changes regarding utilities, setbacks, building coverage, and lot coverage. He stated the Commission will need to determine the maximum square footage for retail sales allowed in agricultural areas. Ms. Hooker inquired about limiting residential chicken keeping to six chickens since the chickens have a limited time span for laying eggs. She stated this may be limiting the ability of the owner to provide eggs for their family. Mr. Peters stated six chickens is the generally the minimum number of baby chickens you can purchase. He also noted the Commission was being conservative when choosing this amount and can revisit this issue in the future. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed basing the allowable number of chickens on the lot size. Ms. Hooker also suggested allowing roosters by stipulating a minimum acreage amount. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the square footage maximum for retail sales in agricultural zoning. The consensus of the Commission was to allow up to a maximum of 3000 sq. ft. for this use in agricultural village zoned areas. Mr. Peters opened the public hearing for public comment Ms. Susan Worrell, 2937 Neil Drive, was not present when called. Mr. Bill Gregory, 3312 Pamlico Drive, stated he has lived in the area approximately 20 years. He stated the proposed amendments are promoting the U.N. Agenda 21 and occurred after the County joined ICLEE. He stated the amendments will adversely affect the area by increasing density with infill development. He stated it would affect neighborhoods. He inquired about methods used to provide information to the public. He stated the public did not know when to express their concerns. Page 4 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 Mr. Eldon Karr, 8011 Poor Mountain Road, stated he has been a resident of Roanoke County 38 years. He stated he also serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals. He inquired about addressing easier changes prior to addressing more controversial issues. He expressed concern regarding lot coverage and density increases. Ms. Tammy Balinsky, 9544 Pine Forest Road, stated changing allowable density is the same as rezoning property. She stated the change is shallow and violates the rights of the citizens. She stated property should be required to go through the rezoning process in order to make citizens aware of changes. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Peters closed the public hearing Mr. Woltz stated the amendments increase use and building coverage not density. Mr. Thompson discussed impacts of changes and stormwater management issues. Mr. Woltz discussed the amount of time spent by staff and Commissioners reviewing and revising the amendments. He stated the purpose is to make the process easier for the citizens. Ms. Hooker stated the intent of the amendment process is to be good to the citizens and make the area more business friendly providing broader uses for the citizens in order to have additional options for the use of their property. Mr. Woltz discussed revision of the easier sections of the ordinance. Mr. Peters recessed the public hearing at 8:20 p.m. He reconvened the public hearing at 8:25 p.m. Mr. Marrano discussed amending easier portions of the ordinance first. He noted the changes will simplify and standardize the processes for citizens and businesses. Mr. Peters compared current regulations and the proposed amendment regarding home beauty/barber salon. He concurred with other Commissioners the need to make the area a more business friendly environment. Mr. Jarrell made a motion to recommend approval of the Zoning Ordinance Amendments as amended with retail sales in agricultural village being a maximum of 3000 sq. ft. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5-0) with the following vote: AYES: Hooker, Jarrell, Marrano, Peters, Woltz Mr. Thompson stated the Board of Supervisors will have a work session regarding the proposed amendments on August 27, 2013, and the public hearing will be held on September 24, 2013. Page 5 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 Final Orders 1. The petition of Larry and Rhonda Conner to obtain a Special Use Permit in a R-1, Low Density Resident, District for an accessory apartment on approximately 4.68 acres, located at 6185/6183 Bent Mountain Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on June 25, 2013. 2. The petition of Fellowship Community Church to obtain a Special Use Permit in a R-1, Low Density Residential, District for the construction of an overflow parking lot on approximately 0.412 acre, located at 1230 Red Lane Extension, Eagle View Estates, Catawba Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on June 25, 2013. 3. The petition of Carol Lachowicz to obtain a Special Use Permit in a AV, Agricultural/Village Center, District for the operation of a automobile repair services, minor on approximately 4.476 acres, located at 8364 Bent Mountain Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on June 25, 2013. 4. The petition of Pelewoo Properties LLC to obtain a Special Use Permit in a C-2C, General Commercial, District with conditions for the operation of an automobile dealership, used on approximately 1.57 acres, located at 6802 Peters Creek Road and 7323 Deer Branch Road, Hollins Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on June 25, 2013. 5. The petition of Charles S. Wells to rezone approximately 1.0 acre from C-2C, General Commercial, District with conditions to I-2C, High Intensity Industrial, District with conditions, located at 3327 Shawnee Drive in the Glenvar area, Catawba Magisterial District, was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on June 25, 2013. Citizen Comments Mr. Steve Hanes, 10250 Mill Creek Road, discussed wind energy issues. He requested the Commission revise the ordinance regarding large wind turbines, noting it would be an industrial use in AG-1 and AG-3 zoning. He discussed noise issues and setback requirements. He requested the standard be reduced to 35 decibels. He stated noise levels were taken at the base of the turbine and should have been taken at the top where the blades are located. He discussed property loss. He stated blades are closer to the property line. He suggested changing the setback to 2500 ft. He stated the County needs to represent the citizens not the wind energy companies. Mr. Jarrell requested copies of Mr. Hanes information. Mr. Hanes provided copies for the Commissioners. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Peters closed the citizen comment period. Page 6 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 6, 2013 Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Marrano discussed the closure of bridge on Starkey Road for repair. He stated Cresent Heights area should have been blocked from detoured traffic since it is narrow with blind spots and children ride bicycles in the area. He stated VDOT's Community Meeting was held on July 25, 2013, which was 10 days prior to the closure of the bridge and did not allow for proper signage. He stated more time should be allowed for public notification. Mr. Woltz discussed Mr. Hanes information regarding wind energy, suggesting the County revisit new information for noise and impact on the airport. He suggested creating a committee to study these issues. With no further business or comments, Mr. Peters adjourned the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Page 7 of 7