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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/2/2004 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES NOVEMBER 2, 2004 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Arnold Covey Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Mr. David Holladay Mr. Tim Beard Mr. John Murphy Mr. Chris Lowe Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:00 p.m. by Mr. Al Thomason. Approval of Agenda Ms. Hooker moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 5-0. Approval of Minutes Ms. Hooker moved to approve the October 5, 2004 PCPH minutes and October 99, 2004 PCWS minutes. Motion passed 5-0. Approval of Consent Agenda Mr. Azar requested details regarding the Vaughn & Jackson petition. Ms. Scheid described details of the petition noting the petitioner wants to acquire vested rights prior to any future ordinance changes which may affect development of this property. Mr. Azar expressed concern that a concept plan has not been submitted. Ms. Hooker moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 5-0. _Review of Land Use Maps (Commercial Corridors) Mr. Doug Chittum, Director of Economic Development, provided an explanation of revisions made to the Economic Development Opportunity Maps. He explained areas which he proposed should be changed to Transitional or Core designation. He noted these maps are for future land use and do not change the zoning of these areas. The Planning Commission and staff reviewed and discussed each map. The Planning Commission members voted unanimously to approve the Economic Development Opportunity Maps as revised. Comments Ms. Scheid discussed Asheville, North Carolina's development of an ordinance protecting the surrounding ridgetops. She noted the area is similar in many ways to the Roanoke Valley area. Site Viewing The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 5:11 p.m. 2 PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Al Thomason called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Gary Jarrell gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The petition of New Century Development Co., LLC to rezone 9.78 acres from R1, Low Density Residential District, to 11, Industrial District in order to develop a warehousing and distribution area, located at 7704 — 7706 Friendship Lane, Hollins Magisterial District, Mr. Tim Beard, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented staff report. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the existing pond. Mr. Beard stated DEQ is addressing the pond area. He explained the pond is dammed at one end to prevent water from running over in case of stormwater runoff. Mr. McNeil inquired about the entrance intersection. Mr. Beard stated it will be similar to the road in the development across the street from the petitioner. Mr. McNeil inquired about future road improvements and traffic impacts. Mr. Beard stated the road may need to be placed on the 6 Year Road Plan. He stated that due to uncertainty of who the tenants would be he was unsure of the impact the traffic will create. Mr. McNeil asked whether the proposed development would change the level of service for the road. Mr. Anthony Ford, Traffic Engineer, stated VDOT did not require a traffic impact study. He stated that VDOT will need to check on additional impact from increased truck traffic. He stated if heavy truck traffic increases with more development, the road will need to be placed on the 6 Year Road Plan. He noted the numbers used in his evaluation of the petition were given as worst case scenarios. Ms. Hooker inquired about proffer #2. Mr. Beard explained. Mr. John Shoulders, New Century Development Co., LLC, provided a history of the company. Mr. Jarrell requested more detailed information regarding proffer #2. Mr. Shoulders explained the plat of the property. He stated his main concern is that VDOT has numerous alternative routes for 1-81. He stated VDOT is unsure which route they will choose at this time. He stated this property is a speculative piece of land until VDOT makes their final decision. He expressed concern regarding not being allowed to construct any structures near the proposed 1-81 expansion sites. Mr. Azar asked for background information regarding proffer #2. Mr. Shoulders stated staff told him it would be less costly during VDOT's condemnation process for 1-81 construction. Mr. McNeil stated since VDOT's plans are ambiguous, proffer #2 should not be required. Mr. Ford stated this type of situation will occur more frequently in the future. He commended the petitioner for approaching VDOT about his property. He stated the purpose for proffer #2 was to limit future impacts to VDOT and limit impacts to the petitioner. Mr. Thomason asked the petitioner when 1-81 improvements would begin. Mr. Shoulders stated he was not given a definitive timeline. 3 Mr. Azar suggested removing proffer #2. The other commissioners concurred. There were no citizen comments. Mr. Jarrell then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning with the following conditions: 1. Owner/developer shall prepare the site in full accord with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality regulations pertaining to wetlands and Roanoke County stormwater management requirements. 2. The property shall be accessed from Friendship Lane by a street built to Virginia Department of Transportation standards directly opposite the center line of existing Garland Circle as depicted on the rezoning exhibit by Lumsden Associates, PC, dated September 22, 2004. AYES: Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell NAYS: None ABSENT: None 2. The petition of Roanoke County Board of Supervisors to rezone 4.83 acres from 11 C, Industrial District with Conditions to R1, Low Density Residential District in order to construct a public park and recreational area, located in the 5600 Block of Hollins Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. David Holladay, Roanoke County Planning Department, presented staff report. Mr. Azar commended the county's proactive approach regarding the expansion of the park. Mr. McNeil inquired about zoning of surrounding property. Mr. Holladay explained surrounding zoning. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the intent of the park. Mr. Holladay stated no specific plans have been made at this time. He stated they are unsure if they will ad additional ball fields, open space, or additional parking. Ms. Suzanne Bentley, Director of Depaul Family Services, stated the park is a wonderful idea. She requested the back portion of her organization's property be designated as neighborhood conservation space. She stated they plan to provide group homes for mentally retarded adults. She stated they want the designation in conjunction with the park rezoning. Ms. Scheid stated Ms. Bentley has been in contact with staff regarding this issue. She explained Depaul Family Services will need to complete the rezoning process separately. Ms. Hooker thanked Ms. Bentley for expressing her support for the petition. There were no citizen comments. 111 Mr. Jarrell then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning: AYES: Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell NAYS: None ABSENT: None 3. Resolution of the Roanoke County Planning Commission to recommend revisions to the Community (Comprehensive) Plan for Roanoke County, Virginia. Ms. Scheid discussed the background and history of the Community Plan revisions. She provided a brief summary of each section. She reviewed the implementation schedule, noting it is important that this schedule be followed. She thanked the Planning Commission, all staff members, Dr. Chandler, and citizens for their time and input during this process. Mr. Thomason then thanked Ms. Scheid for her hard work on this plan. Mr. Holladay reviewed the maps including the Economic Opportunity maps and Future Land Use maps. He explained some changes have been made to the 419 corridor Economic Opportunity maps which will be sent as an addendum to the Board of Supervisors. He reviewed those maps. Four representatives of Roanoke Regional Homebuilders Association spoke regarding the plan: Mr. Steve Schmitt, President of RRHBA, provided background information on his association. He stated the group is in favor of some of the strategies and others are not in the best interest of the county. Mr. Kevin Barnes commended staff on mapping now available to citizens. He stated the maps allow the citizens to see how the revisions will affect them. Mr. Jim Woltz stated he is concern about growth management as it is related to rural properties. He stated he strongly urges the county to purchase easements and viewsheds. He stated better definitions for "lot" are needed. He requested cluster housing be permitted but not required in rural areas. He stated rural road standards should be used to provide less invasive roads. He suggested allowing private road developments. He expressed concern regarding the ridgetop protection definition and restrictions for development since it is a mountainous region. He also offered to donate his services regarding the development of the ridgetop protection ordinance. He stated it is important to preserve the equity of county landowners. 5 Mr. Bob Flynn stated some portions of the plan are not in the county's best interest. Regarding Economic Development, he stated additional references should be made regarding the importance of residential housing. He stated home building is a key component of the county's economy. He stated building of homes complements and supports the county's efforts to attract commercial development. He stated he encourages the Economic Development Department to stay actively involved in the Capital Improvement Plan regarding funding for infrastructure needs. He stated, regarding the Growth Management section, they disagree with requiring 40% tree canopy, refusing to extend new utility lines, refusing to build new pump stations or community wells without a 2232 Review, and decreasing residential density in rural areas. He encouraged the county to consider property rights of citizens when considering steep slope development guidelines and public facilities for rural village centers. Regarding Storm Water Management section, he stated they applaud the implementation strategy to develop a system for stormwater discharge control which emphasizes regional and community facilities. He requested information regarding fee schedule for mitigating development impacts on water quality. He stated they applaud the financing implementation strategy. He stated regarding the Transportation Section, an Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance is inappropriate because it is illegal in Virginia and misleads citizens. He stated they believe VDOT should remain the sole entity authorized to request a Traffic Impact Study. He stated they support increased densities being allowed in designated growth areas. He stated his organization supports all regionalization of public services. Regarding Public Utilities, he suggested including language explaining connection fees and infrastructure provided by the developers contribute significantly to funding of public utilities. He questioned whether or not the CIP would reference the land use maps. He recommended including all of the county's policies regarding extensions within the Comp Plan. He stated the RRHBA recommend that the Planning Commission not adopt the Camp Plan until all expressed concerns are given additional consideration. Ms. Elizabeth Abe, 6909 Mary B Place, commended staff. She expressed concern regarding enforcement: of DEQ non-compliance issues. She stated the 2232 Reviews should be included within the Comp Plan guidelines. Ms. Hooker asked staff about Ms. Abe's DEQ comments. Mr. Covey stated the E & S county ordinance is currently enforced. He stated regarding the DEQ permit, agency officials have informed the county they will enforce their own ordinance. He stated the county does contact DEQ if they M discover a violation. He stated if a developer is disturbing more than one acre of property, the permit is placed on the county's checklist. Mr. McNeil asked if a developer states they have a permit and it is discovered they do not, can the county stop development of a site. Mr. Covey stated the county cannot stop development for that specific reason. He explained the process which is followed. Ms. Helen Sublette, 5577 Valley Drive, expressed concern regarding higher concentration of development in areas already impacted. She stated stormwater management is not sufficient in her area. She expressed concern the Comp Plan may be lofty goals, questioning whether or not it is an achievable document. She expressed concern regarding increased development causing increased stormwater runoff. Mr. Thomason expressed appreciation for the citizen comments. He noted some comments have solutions and some do not. Mr. McNeil thanked the citizens for their input. He noted everybody is not going to be satisfied with the plan. He stated the document can be changed in the future. He recommended proceeding. Mr. Jarrell commended the citizens on their involvement. He concurred with Mr. McNeil's comments. Mr. Azar stated the Planning Commission is aware of concerns and will be working on them within the ordinance revisions. He stated the Implementation Strategies are a guideline. He stated they will be prioritizing the list. Mr. Hooker stated valuable comments have been made by the citizens. She stated she believes it is an achievable document and it is tied into the CIP. Ms. Hooker requested Ms. Scheid read the resolution. Ms. Scheid read the Resolution Recommending the Adoption of a Revised Community Plan for Roanoke County Virginia, and Forwarding the Plan to the Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County for Their Review and Adoption. Ms. Hooker then made the motion to forward the Resolution to the Board of Supervisors: AYES: Thomason, Hooker, Azar, McNeil, Jarrell NAYS: None ABSENT: None Citizens Comments There were no citizen comments. Comments The commissioners made the decision to cancel the Planning Commission Worksessions scheduled for November 15th and December 21st 7 Final Orders 1. 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 was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on October 16, 2004. 2. 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 was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on October 16, 2004. There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: Se-2rtary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 0