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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/20/2007 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES -- March 20, 2007 Commissioners Mr. Gary Jarrell Present: Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Steve Azar Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson Mr. Tarek Moneir Ms. Janet Scheid Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary WORK SESSION: Session opened at 6:02 p.m. by Mr. Jarrell. Approval of Agenda Mr. McNeil moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5 -0. Approval of the Minutes Mr. Thomason moved to approve the February 6, 2007 PCPH minutes; Ms. Hooker moved to approve the February 20, 2007 PCWS minutes. Both motions passed 5 -0. Discussion of _Clear-cutting Ordinance Ms. Scheid reviewed the VA Department of Forestry recommendations regarding clear - cutting. She stated there are no laws supporting the recommendations. Ms. Scheid and the commissioners discussed clear - cutting issues and management options. She discussed steep slope erosion issues. Mr. Thomason suggested the city and county work in conjunction with each other. Ms. Scheid noted the ordinance will only involve Roanoke County property. She discussed issues regarding land disturbance. She discussed possible restrictions according to zoning. Mr. McNeil inquired about the size of parcel which would be restricted. She discussed the importance of uniformity with other county regulations. Mr. McNeil inquired about requirements for the property after clear - cutting. She stated Department of Forestry does not require reforestation after clear- cutting. She noted the county is required to allow timbering. Mr. Moneir discussed methods used in other areas. Mr. Azar suggested developing a timbering ordinance. He suggested slope restrictions. He stated clear - cutting should not be allowed by -right without an approved development plan being submitted. Mr. Thompson discussed buffering and timbering definitions. Mr. McNeil suggested limiting the size of the trees allowed to be cut. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Scheid discussed the difficulty of enforcement. Ms. Scheid stated enforcement is handled by the Department of Forestry. Mr. Thompson stated the county inspectors may also be able to assist with enforcement. Mr. Azar inquired about the use of aerial photos. Mr. Moneir noted aerial photos are only taken every 5 -7 years. The commissioners and staff discussed possible penalties if plans are not submitted. Ms. Scheid discussed laws which govern foresting. Ms. Hooker suggested requiring a Special Use Permit in certain zoning districts. Mr. Azar stated requiring replanting of clear -cut areas would assist with erosion prevention. Mr. McNeil suggested making definitions more specific and applying more restrictions. Mr. Thompson discussed access roads for timbering. He also discussed applicable laws governing timbering. Mr. Jarrell inquired about buffering. Ms. Scheid discussed buffering type suggested by the forestry service. She also noted the forestry service works closely with DCR and DEQ regarding streams, Mr. Thomason suggested discussing easements with the power company. Update of the Development of Greenways Ms. Scheid provided a brief history and an update on the development of area greenways. She reviewed the Draft Roanoke Valley Conceptual Greenway Plan dated February 2007. She stated a revised plan is scheduled for presentation to the BOS for inclusion in the 2005 Revised Comprehensive Plan. She stated corporate donations are being pursued for development of trails. Mr. McNeil inquired about right of ways. Ms. Scheid discussed easements, noting many of the greenways are located on public land. Discussion of Time of Worksession Mr. Thompson and the commissioners discussed the meeting time for the Planning Commission Worksessions scheduled on the 3 rd Tuesday of each month. The general consensus of the commissioners was to continue to begin the worksessions at 6:00 p.m. Final Orders 1. The petition of Loblolly Mill, LLC to rezone approximately 10.3 acres from AG -3, Agricultural/ Rural Preserve District, to PRD, Planned Residential District, and to amend the existing Loblolly Mill, LLC Master Plan on 94.229 acres. The development will have a maximum density of 0.33 houses per acre, and will be located at 3672, 3804, and 3796 Sterling Road, Vinton Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on February 27, 2007. 2. The petition of Oppidan Investment Company, to remove proffered conditions on 35 acres of property, located south of Interstate 81 and west of Plantation Road, Hollins Magisterial District. (Withdrawn by Petitioner) 3. The petition of Oppidan Investment to obtain a Special Use Permit to operate a recreational vehicle sales and service facility on 8.18 acres, located at 8010 Plantation Road and Interstate 81, Hollins Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on February 27, 2007. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Ms. Scheid discussed the planning department newsletter which is scheduled to be released on the Roanoke County website in April 2007. Mr. Thompson encouraged the commissioners to offer suggestions for the newsletter. 9) Mr. Thompson provided updates on the Roanoke County sign at Bonsack, Walmart litigation, new applications received, and the Six Year Road Plan. Mr. Moneir reminded commissioners to forward their comments to him regarding the March 6 th retreat. He also stated the department would have a booth at the Home Show this weekend. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip T mpson Secret y, Roanoke Cou ty Planning Commission Approved: ary J ell` Chair an, Roanoke County Planning Commission