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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/16/2007 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES —January 16, 2007 Commissioners Present. Commissioners Absent: Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Tarek Moneir Ms. Megan Cronise Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary WORK SESSION: Session opened at 6:15 p.m. by Mr. McNeil. Approval of Agenda Mr. Azar moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Discussion of Cluster Ordinance Revisions Ms. Cronise briefly reviewed the status of the proposed revision of the ordinance. She and the commission reviewed the survey which was distributed to the Planning Commission. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding excessive septic systems in the development if water and sewer are not available for the area. Ms. Cronise stated staff could research the possibility of developing communal septic systems for rural areas. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding congesting the property. Ms. Hooker stated the ordinance was intended to help guard against urban sprawl. She requested more information on septic issues. Mr. Thomason inquired about the opinion of realtors regarding cluster development. Ms. Cronise noted the RRHBA is in favor of the ordinance. Mr. Azar stated he is unsure if all zoning districts need cluster development provisions. He suggested allowing cluster developments only where services have already been established. Mr. Thompson discussed options to restrict clustering developments in various zoning districts. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding the benefit to the county and the development's impact on current property owners. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of protecting open land. Mr. McNeil discussed the importance of the topography and condition of the land being preserved. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of preserving some land in its natural state. Mr. Moneir discussed providing options. Mr. McNeil discussed the importance of maintaining control of development. He stated information needs to be compiled regarding weaknesses of current cluster developments. Ms. Hooker stated the developments should be beneficial for all entities involved. Mr. Moneir stated realtors want alternative types of housing. Mr. Azar stated options should be available on an as needed basis. He stated septic fields should not be considered open space. He stated damage may occur to septic systems. Mr. McNeil inquired about current cluster submissions. Ms. Cronise provided an update. She stated developers will build what market dictates. She stated there is a market for compact development. Ms. Cronise conducted a survey of the commissioners regarding various aspects of the ordinance. Mr. Azar asked what is driving the need for the ordinance. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Cronise explained the Planning Commission included the Cluster Ordinance in their 2005 Planning Commission Workplan. Discussion of Annual Report Mr. Thompson reviewed the Planning Commission Annual Report with the commission. They adopted the 2006 Annual Report 4 -0. Discussion of Planning Commission Retreat Mr. Thompson discussed plans for a Planning Commission retreat. Mr. Moneir discussed various topics to be discussed during the retreat. He requested the commissioners return the information request by 1123107. Mr. Thompson discussed possible dates for the retreat. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson updated the commission on the status of CRT. He stated a survey had been sent to Mount Pleasant residents in order to acquire citizen input for the Mount Pleasant Community Plan. He stated Community Meetings with be held on 1122107 for Loblolly Mill, LLC and Oppidan Investments. Mr. Azar requested all emails be sent to his county Groupwise address only. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip T mpson Secret , Roanoke County Planning Commission 2 Approved: Gary � Cha', oanoke County Planning Commission