HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/5/2004 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 5, 2004
Present: Mr. Al Thomason
Ms. Martha Hooker (arrived after approval of consent agenda)
Mr. Steve Azar
Mr. Rodney McNeil
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Mr. Arnold Covey
Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary
Mr. John Murphy
Ms. Tammi Wood
Mr. David Holladay
Mr. Chris Lowe
Mr. Tim Beard
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
Guests: Mr. Charles Hofer
Ms. Melody Williams
Mr. Tim Thornton, The Roanoke Times
Ms. Annie Krochalis
Mr. Bob Flynn
Mr. Jerry Grubb
WORK SESSION:
Session opened at 4:01 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Azar moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4 -0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Azar moved to approve the September 7, 2004 PCPH minutes. Motion
passed 4 -0.
Mr. McNeil moved to approve the September 21, 2004 PCWS minutes. Motion
passed 4 -0.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Jarrell moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4 -0.
Discussion of Comprehensive Plan
• Final Review of Economic Development and Transportation
Sections
• October 4, 2004 Board of Supervisors Worksession with Dr. Mike
Chandler
• October 13, 2004 Open House
Mr. Anthony Ford reviewed the latest revisions to the Transportation section. He
discussed proposed authorization regarding requesting traffic studies. Mr.
McNeil inquired about the consideration of roads if development is by right. Mr.
Ford stated VDOT can make it a consideration. Mr. McNeil asked about
entrance permit onto public roads regardless of size. Ms. Scheid stated VDOT
can request mitigation for extra lanes.
Mr. Azar asked if citizen input from the October 13 Open House would be
included in the draft Plan. Ms. Scheid stated all coments will be reviewed and
presented to the Planning Commission. The Commission will determine if
revisions are warranted. Mr. Ford noted many of the revisions to the
Transportation section were based on citizen input. Ms. Scheid explained the
process regarding approval of the Comp Plan.
Ms. Scheid reviewed the most recent revisions made to the Economic
Development section by Mr. Doug Chittum. She noted guidelines have been
added in order to mitigate impacts of new developments. Mr. McNeil asked
about the inclusion of overlay corridors. Ms. Scheid stated text will be added
referencing the overlay areas within the Implementation Strategies section. Mr.
Mahoney stated the overlay corridors would be addressed in the Zoning
Ordinance.
Ms. Scheid noted the Growth Management section would be discussed at the
Planning Commission Worksession on October 19 She stated staff has been
working on land use maps following recommendations from Dr. Chandler, Ms.
Scheid discussed tentative dates for a PCIBOS Joint Worksession with Dr.
Chandler in November. She noted the Planning Commission will have better
guidance for the Zoning Ordinance changes after the Comp Plan is approved.
She reminded the commissioners about the Comp Plan Open House to be held
on October 13, 2004 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. She stated they will have
available land use map changes and final versions of chapters except for the
Growth Management section.
Discussion of Spot Blight Abatement Program
Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney, stated that on September 28, 2004 the BOS
adopted a Spot Blight Abatement resolution. He provided an explanation of the
resolution. He stated the county had received many citizen complaints
regarding deteriorating structures. He stated this creates blight in the
neighborhood. He stated other Virginia localities have utilized this type of
program. He explained the review process used when making the determination
whether the property is a blighted area. Mr. Thomason asked for clarification of
blight. Mr. Mahoney stated blight will be measured from a higher standard than
other normal zoning violations. He stated this procedure will be somewhat
expensive. Mr. Azar expressed concerns regarding time frame for property
owner to raise capital for repairs and cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Mahoney stated
the property owner could submit a plan to the committee for its review and
approval in order to allow the owner time to make improvements. Mr. McNeil
inquired about other localities using this type of program. Mr. Mahoney stated
the City of Norfolk has had success with this type of program. Mr. McNeil
expressed concern regarding this type of program application. Mr. Mahoney
stated the county plans to closely follow state standards regarding the application
of this program.
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Site Viewing
The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 4;48 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Al Thomason called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Rodney McNeil
gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance
1. Public Hearing to receive public comments on a proposal to adopt a
revised Community (Comprehensive) Plan for Roanoke County, Virginia.
The proposed Community Plan is comprised of both text and maps. Once
recommended by the Planning Commission and adopted by the Board of
Supervisors, the plan will serve as a general guide for a long range use
and development of all land within Roanoke County. The proposed plan
has been prepared in accordance with guidelines contained in Sections
15.2 -2223 and 2224 of the Code of Virginia, and Section 30 -8 -1 of the
Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. (Continued to November 2, 2004)
2. The petition of Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. to rezone 2.37
acres from C1 C, Office District with conditions to C1 C, Office District with
Amended Conditions and rezone .28 acres from R1 Low Density
Residential to C1 C Office District with Conditions in order to construct a
general office, located at 3640 Colonial Avenue and a portion of 3612
Parkwood Drive, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. Tim Beard
presented staff report.
Ms. Hooker inquired about the proffer #2 regarding rental activities. Mr.
Beard stated the petitioner had informed him rental activity would be
mostly wedding celebrations. Mr. Azar asked reason the petitioner is
increasing parking at this time. Mr. Beard stated the petitioner is taking
advantage of a unique opportunity to purchase property at the rear of lot.
Mr. Azar asked about stormwater management. Mr. Beard stated the
pond should be designed to adequately control stormwater runoff. He
deferred both questions to the petitioner.
Mr. Sam Lionberger, Lionberger Construction, spoke regarding the
petition. He stated they intend to comply with all county regulations. He
stated they do not want to exacerbate the stormwater problems on
Colonial Avenue. He provided a brief history and site plan of the
property. He stated the petitioner has an option to purchase 50 feet of
property to the rear of the petitioner's parcel. He stated if they have more
parking spaces they will not need to work out an arrangement with Dr.
Bittel. He stated residents who attended the Community Meeting thought
the request was reasonable. He stated the citizens did express drainage
concerns on Colonial Avenue. He stated all parking will be on original
parcel. He presented a rental agreement form to be completed by the
renters. He stated all renters will be sponsored by a club member. Ms.
Hooker stated she is more comfortable since reviewing the agreement.
Mr. Thomason asked if the club would be acquiring an ABC license. Mr.
Lionberger consulted with Ms. Phyllis Holton, Roanoke Council of Garden
Clubs, who indicated an ABC license would not be acquired by the club.
Mr. Lionberger stated each renter would address that issue with the ABC
Board.
Dr. David Bittel, DDS, expressed concern regarding stormwater runoff
draining onto his adjoining property. He stated he is not against the
project. He reported that the latest storm caused mud to spill onto his
property. He suggested having the retention pond lead into a ditch. He
stated he was required to provide a stormwater grate, a slow down lane,
and maintain grass on an area to stop water runoff.
Mr. Lionberger stated they did not anticipate having two hurricanes back
to back. He stated they will take necessary provisions to make sure the
project is satisfactory.
Mr. McNeil made the motion to recommend approval to rezone 2.37 acres
from C1 C to C1 C with amended conditions:
1) The subject property will be developed in substantial
conformity with the "Proposed Plan" bearing revised date of
,January 14, 2004 and with the architectural rendering dated
January 30, 2004 prepared by Rife & Wood Architects.
2) Use of the property will be limited to activities of or sponsored
by the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs, Inc. including offices,
meetings and rental of the building.
3) Applicable Colonial Avenue Corridor Design Guidelines shall
be in effect with the word "shall" replacing the word "should" as
determined during the site plan review process.
4) The proposed building shall be limited to 6,000 square feet of
gross floor area and 26 feet in height.
5) Exterior building materials shall be of brick and wood.
6) Total parking including rear and building -side dropoff shall
not exceed seventy -seven (77) spaces and no parking shall be
constructed in front of the building.
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7) Monument -style signage at the entrance of the property shall
not exceed 35 square feet. Total site signage shall not exceed 70
square feet. Temporary signage shall be limited to activities
directly related to the Roanoke Council of Garden Clubs, Inc.
AYES: Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
Mr. McNeil made the motion to recommend approval to rezone .28 acres
from R1 to C1C with above conditions.
AYES:
Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
None
3. The petition of Roanoke Cheerleading Academy to obtain a Special Use
Permit to operate a commercial indoor sports and recreation facility,
located at 5205 Starkey Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. David
Holladay presented the staff report.
Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding parking along Terminal Road.
He inquired about prohibiting parking on this road. Ms. Scheid stated this
issue can be addressed with the Roanoke County Police Department.
Ms. Mandi St. John, Roanoke Cheerleading Academy, spoke regarding
the petition. She provided a brief history and overview of the cheerleading
organization. She stated the approval of this petition would provide the
cheerleaders the state of the art facility they deserve. Mr. Azar asked if
the facility would be used only for training. Ms. St. John stated
competitions would not be held at this facility. She stated competitions are
usually held at a local high school.
Mr. David Wood, Copty & Company, stated this portion of Starkey Road is
in transition. He stated the petitioner would require minimum parking. He
stated most activity would be in the evenings and weekends. He stated
the proposed use would be an appropriate transitional fit for this site.
Ms. Kristi Doolan, 3875 Vauxhall Road, stated she represented the
parents of the cheerleading students. She spoke in favor of the petition.
Mr. Lewis Jamison and Ms. Laurie Hartwell, owners of the property, spoke
in favor of the petition. Mr. Jamison stated although they agree the
entrance should be moved for safety reasons, they do not want to vacate
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the Terminal Road entrance since this would restrict the property. Ms.
Hartwell spoke in favor of the program.
Mr. McNeil asked if the Starkey Road entrance is a valid entrance. Mr.
Holladay stated he is unsure if it is a valid entrance. Mr. McNeil asked if
the Starkey Road entrance would be grandfathered. Mr. Holladay stated
VDOT will allow use of an entrance provided no changes are made to that
entrance. Ms. Scheid noted the eastern most entrance is the property
entrance. She noted the property owners have indicated they do not
want to close the entrance on Terminal Road. Mr. Azar stated he is not in
favor of proffer #2. He stated VDOT should make decisions about the
entrances. Mr. Holladay stated the Planning Commission could place
limits on the patrons' entering the property but it would be difficult to
enforce. Ms. Hooker suggested eliminating proffer #2.
Mr. McNeil then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning
with the following condition:
1) The facility shall be used for training purposes only.
AYES:
Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
None
Citizens Comments
There were no citizen comments.
Final Orders
The petition of Pinkerton Properties, LLC to rezone 6.15 acres from R1
Low Density Residential District to R3 Medium Density Multi Family
District in order to construct townhouses, located at the northerly end of
Byron Road, Catawba Magisterial District was approved by the Board of
Supervisors at the Public Hearing on September 28, 2004.
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
Respectfully Subm'"ed,
Approved:
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
C
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
WORK SESSION MINUTES — OCTOBER '19, 2004
Present: Mr. Al Thomason
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Rodney McNeil
Mr. Arnold Covey
Ms. Janet Scheid
Mr. David Holladay
Mr. Chris Lowe
Mr. Tim Beard
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
Absent: Mr. Steve Azar
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Guests: Mr. George Simpson, Assistant Director, Community Development
Mr. Joey Stump, Manager, Fire and Rescue
Mr. Tim Thornton, The Roanoke Times
Mr. Bob Flynn
Ms. Melody Williams
Mr. Al Cooper
Ms. Helen Sublette
Ms. Annie Krochalis
WORK SESSION:
Session opened at 4:02 p.m. by Mr. Thomason.
Approval of Agenda
Ms. Hooker moved to approve the amended agenda. Motion passed 3 -0.
Discussion of Land Use Maps
Mr. Holladay presented maps and map guide. He explained land use designations for
each area of the county. Ms. Scheid explained density allowed by zoning. Both Mr.
Holladay and Ms. Scheid answered specific questions from the Planning Commission
regarding each area.
Discussion of Disaster Mitigation Plan
Mr. George Simpson provided an overview of the plan. He stated the plan is required in
order to continue to receive assistance if a disaster occurs. Mr. Joey Stump stated the
plan is required in order to receive disaster funds. He stated the plan addresses all
hazards. Mr. Simpson stated this plan covers flooding, wildfires, earthquakes, along
with other natural disasters. He stated the most pertinent sections to read would be the
Executive summary and pages 187195. He noted 16 houses in Roanoke County have
been purchased that were in flood areas. He stated grant money has been used to
establish a dedicated drainage maintenance team. He explained the procedure which
will be necessary in order to acquire approval and adoption of the plan.
Mr. McNeil, Ms. Hooker, and Mr. Thomason unanimously recommended endorsement
of the Disaster Mitigation Plan.
Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan — Growth Management
Ms. Scheid reviewed the Growth Management section. Ms. Hooker congratulated staff
on a job well done. She expressed some anxiety regarding the private road issue on
page 7 — number 6, although she feels this is the correct direction to take at this time.
Mr. Thomason stated it is important to have a specific definition regarding steep slopes
as mentioned on page 3 — number 6. Mr. McNeil stated the steep slope issue can be
addressed when the ordinance is revised. He questioned density growth on page 3 —
number 4. Ms. Scheid explained the purpose is not to stop growth but instead manage
growth. She stated the goal is to build where infrastructure already exists. Ms. Scheid
said that if the County goal is to limit growth in rural areas then we will see an increase
in urban and suburban areas. Mr. McNeil noted it will place more pressure on existing
infrastructure if density is increased. He stated it could create clutter in urban areas.
Mr. McNeil inquired about the cluster development. Ms. Scheid stated some revisions
are needed in the cluster ordinance to make these developments easier to design. Ms.
Hooker asked about the timeframe ordinance revisions will begin. Ms. Scheid stated
14 -15 ordinance revisions and new ordinances need to be developed in order to
implement the Comp Plan. She requested the Planning Commission prioritize the
changes needed. Ms. Scheid presented a summary of the October 13, 2004 Open
House Public Comments to the Planning Commission. She stated changes will be
included where appropriate. She stated most suggestions do not require revision of the
text.
Comments
Ms. Scheid noted Land Use maps can now be purchased by the public at a cost of
$8.00 per map. She stated these maps will also be made available on -line. She noted
a BOS Worksession will be held on November 1 st to discuss steep slopes, ridgetops,
and clear - cutting provisions of the Comp Plan. She stated the Planning Commission
has been invited to attend.
Ms. Helen Sublette expressed concern regarding protecting the rural areas while
harming the established urban and suburban neighborhoods. She expressed concern
regarding stormwater runoff from development. She stated many residents have
invested a great deal in the area and need to be considered regarding development
planning.
Ms. Melody Williams discussed semantics of the document. She stated some wording
in the document is contradictory. She made recommendations for changes.
Mr. Bob Flynn provided several suggestions regarding Growth Management revisions
on roads, steep slopes, sprawl, and public services. He inquired about page 3 -
paragraph 5 regarding roads. Ms. Scheid provided an explanation regarding private
and public road differences. He stated page 6 - number 2 could be adding to sprawl in
the rural areas. Ms. Scheid explained maps showing current water and sewer
availability which would be designated as future growth areas. Mr. Flynn expressed
concern about Rural Village designations addressed on page 8 — number 9.
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Ms. Annie Krochalis suggested a section on cash proffers be added. She expressed
concern regarding sprawl in agricultural zoning and rural roads. She requested citizens
be included in cluster development discussions with the Roanoke Regional Home
Builders Association. She invited the PC and staff to attend the Bent Mountain Civic
League meeting on October 28`
Adiournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Approved:
C). S
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission