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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/7/2006 - Minutes ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES –MARCH 7, 2006 Present: Mr. Steve Azar(present at Public Hearing only) Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. John Murphy, Alternate Secretary Mr. David Holladay Mr. Tim Beard Mr. Josh Gibson Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guests:Mr. Cody Lowe, The Roanoke Times Mr. Bob Flynn, RRHBA Ms. Melody Williams, RRHBA WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00p.m.by Mr. Jarrell Approval of Agenda Mr.McNeil moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4-0. Approval of Minutes Ms.Hookermoved to approve the February 7, 2006and February 21, 2006 minutes. Motion passed 4-0. Approval of Consent Agenda Ms.Hookermoved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4-0. Discussion of the Slope Ordinance Mr. Holladay discussed tying the Slope Ordinance with the E & S Ordinance. Mr. Thomason suggested using VDOT slope regulations. Mr. Covey and Mr. Bob Flynn discussed VDOT slope standards. Mr. Flynn noted roads can be engineered to traverse the property. Mr. McNeil notedthe focus of the ordinance will be to regulate building lots. Mr. Holladay stated the process should be a gatheringof information and suggestions from everyone. He suggested using 25% slope as a cut-off pointand looking at maximum fill slopes. Ms. Hooker noted fill would increase land disturbance.Mr. Covey stated drainage is also an important issue to consider. Mr. McNeil stated steeperslopesrequire more engineering. Mr. Holladay stated the ordinance is intended to require more engineering not prohibit building on slopes. Mr. Jarrell inquired about length regulations. Mr. Holladay stated length regulations are being developed. Mr. Flynn suggested using the International Building Coderegulations as a guidefor consistency. 1 Adjournment for Site Viewing The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 4:20p.m. 2 PUBLIC HEARING: Mr.Azarcalled the meeting to order at 7:00p.m. Mr. Thomasongave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 1.The petition of Grant Avenue Development, Inc. to rezone 1.3014 acres from C-1, Office District and .0786 acres from C2C General Commercial District with Conditions to C-2C, General Commercial District with Conditions and to obtain a Special Use Permit for the construction of a fast food restaurant with drive-thru, located at 3814 Challenger Avenue, (Continued to April 4, 2006) Hollins Magisterial District. 2.The petition of Eric Eanes and Todd Conner to rezone 8.92 acres from C- 2S, General Commercial District with Special Use Permit to R-3, Medium Density Multi-Family Residential District for the construction of a townhouse development, located at 7656 Williamson Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. Tim Beard, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented the staff report. He reviewed the previously stated concerns of the commission and the revisions made by the petitioner. Mr. Sean Horne, Balzer & Associates, spoke representing the petitioner. Mr. Jarrellnoted the petitioner had addressed questions from the commission. Mr. McNeil inquired about staff support ofthe petition. Mr. Beard stated staff did not support the petition due to the current land use designation for this property which isprimary industrial. Mr. McNeil and Ms. Hooker concurred with staff. Mr. Azar inquired about zoning of surrounding property. Mr. Hornediscussed surrounding zoning. He also stateda central greenspace area has been included in the revision. Ms. Hooker asked about the greenspace design. Mr. Horne stated it would most likely be an access point to the development and a passive recreation area. Mr. Jarrell statedthe location is suitable for townhomes with Hollins University being in close proximity. Mr. Beard informed the commission the petitioner has not submitted proffers. Mr. Horne stated the petitioner would proffer the March 1, 2006 site plan. Mr. Azarstated the in-fill development will allow for mixed uses. Mr. Jarrell then made a favorable recommendation to approve the rezoning with the following conditions: 1. The project shall be constructed in general compliance with concept plan titled “Williamson Road Subdivision” prepared by Balzer & Associates dated March 1, 2006. 2. A maximum of 51 residential units shall be constructed on the property. AYES:Azar, Jarrell, Thomason NAYS:Hooker, McNeil ABSENT:None 3 3.The petition of Judy Taylor Wagner to rezone .369 acres from R-1, Low Density Residential District, to C-1, Office District for the operation of a beauty salon, located at 3722 Colonial Avenue, Cave Spring Magisterial (Continued to April 4, 2006) District. 4.The petition of WG Indian Trail, LLC, Warehouses, Inc. to obtain a special use permit on 15.63 acres for the operation of a drive-thru coffee shop, locatedat Route 419 near its intersection with Keagy Road, Windsor Hills Magisterial District.Mr. John Murphy, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented the staff report. Ms. Mary Ellen Goodlatte, Esquire, spoke representing the petitioner. She discussed the Starbuck’s site plan. She discussedthe location of the access points,traffic circulationand the traffic study findings. She noted VDOT would have the final word on road decisions. Mr. Thomason inquired about access near Sugar Loaf Mountain Road. Ms. Goodlatte described the location of the access point. She statedaccording to VDOT, this entrance does not warrant a traffic light at this time. Mr. Frank Porter, 6529 Fairway Forest Drive, stated all should comply with the zoning ordinance. He referred to Section 30.91 of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. He expressed concern regarding stacking of vehicles into the driving area of the parking lot. He stated parking is not sufficient for the businesses potentially locating in the mall. He expressed concern regarding safety due to traffic entering into the surrounding neighborhood. He expressed concern regarding runoff issues and traffic congestion. Mr. Azar asked staff about the drive-thru. Mr. Murphy stated based on the concept plan, it is in compliancewith the zoning ordinance. Mr. Steve Noble, 5376 Canter Drive, stated the drive thruis not an upgrade for the center. He expressed concernabout the parking standards being inadequate. He stated the approval for this project has been in piecemealform. He stated more spaceshould be designated for parking. He suggested all restaurants be required to apply for an SUP. Ms. Virginia Burns, 5614 Valley Drive, compared Rt. 419 to Williamson Road. She stated although the tax base will grow, development will diminish the quality of life in the area. She stated growth should be compatible with the neighborhood. She expressed concern regarding school bus safety. Ms. Helen Sublette, 5577 Valley Drive, stated the stormwater management plan has not been completed. She expressed concern regarding Starbuck’s serving breakfast sandwiches which would increase traffic. She stated the plan is ill-conceived and ill-planned. She statedthe citizenswere promised anupscaledevelopment. She stated there are too many unanswered questions. 4 Ms. Beverly Porter, 6529 Fairway Forest Drive, stated the original zoning was for office buildings. She reviewed the history of the property. She expressed concern regarding increased traffic. She stated she is opposed to changing residential zoning. She stated neighbors were threatened during the previous rezoning. She expressed concern regarding excessive trash. She stated Kahn Development should develop the property like they promised. She stated a drive-thru is not upscale. Mr. Azar inquired about traffic issues. Mr. Ford stated the petitioner had Ms. AnneBooker, P.E., reassess the area including the drive-thru. He stated they were not required to submit a full traffic study since Keagy Road would later require a final study. Ms. Hooker asked about stacking spaces. Mr. Murphy stated the planned stacking spaces are adequate according to code. He stated the bypass has not been fully engineered at this time. He stated this would be addressed in Plan Review. Ms. Hooker inquired about parking spaces. Mr. Murphy stated with multi-tenant developments they may need to adjust the design. Mr. Ford explained stacking spaces arebased on the traffic impact study. He stated stacking spaces could be adjusted during the Plan Review processif needed.Mr. McNeil discussed the purpose of the Plan Review Process. Mr. Thomason inquired about planned improvements forKeagy Road. Mr. Ford and Ms. Goodlatte both discussed improvements planned for Keagy Road. Mr. Azar stated this is not a good location for a drive-thru. Mr. Thomasonthen made a favorable recommendation to approve the rezoning with the following conditions: 1. The development will be constructed in substantial conformity with the “Keagy Village Preliminary Site Development Plan”, prepared by Gay and Neel, Inc. and dated January 17, 2006. AYES:Hooker, McNeil, Jarrell, Thomason NAYS:Azar ABSENT:None 5.The petition of Loblolly Mill, LLC to rezone 94.229 acres from AG-3, Agricultural Preserve District, to PRD, Planned Residential District with a maximum density of 0.33 houses per acre, located at 3672 and 3804 (Continued to April 4, 2006) Sterling Road, Vinton Magisterial District. Citizens Comments Mr. Steve Noble suggested requiring all new restaurants to acquire a SUP. He expressed concern regarding inadequate parking at restaurants. He stated the ordinance is not currently up to date on requirements. Mr. Frank Porter stated the public should be able to hear and comment on all information in each petition. He expressed concern regarding stacked vehicles backing up onto the roadway. He stated if there isnot enough parking,tenants 5 will become unhappyand seek another location. He expressed concern for pedestrians. He stated a drive-thru is not upscale. Comments Mr. Beard stated plans are being made to hold Community Meetings in order to discuss Village Centers with area citizens. Mr. Jarrell thanked the Chairman for keeping everyone on task. Mr. Azar requested Planning Commission Worksessions be held at 6:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. Ms. Hooker seconded the recommendation. Mr. Azar stated Mr. Covey would check on the legality of changing the time. Ms. Hooker asked about parking standards. Mr. Murphy stated stormwater management is important factor when considering parking areas. Final Orders 1.The petition of Vistar Eye Centerto rezone 1.14 acres from C-2C, General Commercial District with Conditions to C-2, General Commercial District for the operation of a medical office, located at 5296 Peters Creek Road, was approved by the Board of Catawba Magisterial District Supervisors at the Public Hearing on February 28, 2006. 2.The petition of Western Virginia Regional Jail Authority to rezone approximately 43 acres from I-2, Industrial District to AG-3, Agricultural/Rural Preserve District, and to obtain a Special Use Permit, and a review of a proposed public facility per section 15.2-2232 Code of Virginia for the construction and operation of a regional jail, located at was approved with 5859 West River Road, Catawba Magisterial District condition by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on February 28, 2006. There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Alternate Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 6