HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/4/2003 - MinutesROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES - MARCH 4, 2003
Present: Mr. Al Thomason
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Don Witt, Chairman
Mr. Todd Ross
Mr. Steve Azar
Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary
Mr. David Holladay
Mr. John Murphy
Mr. Chris Lowe
Mr. Tim Beard
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
WORK SESSION:
Session opened at 4:00pm by Mr. Witt.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Thomason moved to approve the agenda. Motion passed 5 -0.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Hooker moved to approve the minutes. Motion passed 5 -0.
Approval of Consent Agenda
Mr. Ross moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 5 -0.
Joint PCIBOS Worksession
The Planning Commissioners agreed that although the joint session with the
BOS was helpful, future sessions between the PC and BOS should be limited to
fewer topics so more time could be spent on each. The commissioners
expressed interest in participating in future Worksessions with the BOS.
Sign Ordinance
Mr. Thomason asked for clarification of a non - conforming sign with regard to
moving signs. Ms. Scheid stated since the BOS did not indicate any change to
this portion of the code, moving signs are illegal. Mr. Holladay reported he has
sent a letter to Charles Franklin Advertising notifying them of the violation. He
stated they are being legally represented by Mr. Ed Natt. Mr. Holladay
suggested making the sign revolve at longer intervals such as every 12 hours.
Mr. Thomason stated if the moving sign turned at less frequent intervals it would
be more appealing. Mr. Ross stated the moving signs are creative advertising,
although he does not think the sign should have been installed in violation of the
existing sign ordinance. Mr. Azar stated he is not opposed to moving signs. He
reiterated it should not have been installed illegally. Ms. Hooker stated she is
opposed to moving signs. She stated she would be more agreeable if the sign
rotated less frequently such as every 8 to 12 hours creating less of a traffic
hazard. She suggested allowing the sign company to keep the moving sign if
they lessen the frequency of the rotation. Mr. Holladay stated he is unsure the
sign company will agree if the intervals required are very long. He noted if we
allow this moving sign more will follow. Mr. Witt recommended that language
should be included that only allows tri- vision on conforming signs, i.e.,
nonconforming billboards could not be upgraded to have tri- vision. Mr. Holladay
stated moving signs could be distracting if several were placed closely together.
Mr. Murphy stated if the ordinance is revised to include off premise moving signs
only, it would be necessary to offer justification for the exclusion of on- premise
moving signage. Ms. Scheid stated non - conforming signs should not be allowed
to upgrade. Mr. Thomason stated he is opposed to the frequency of the moving
signs not the tri- vision sign itself. Ms. Scheid reported on moving sign
regulations in other localities. She stated staff will draft language that will provide
for off - premises conforming tri- vision signage prior to the April 1 st PC
Worksession. Mr. Holladay suggested allowing the BOS to chose frequency
guidelines.
Residential Growth
Mr. Witt reported on his meeting with Mr. Elmer Hodge. He stated Mr. Hodge
expressed concern regarding residential growth without adequate public utilities,
roads, and schools to support the new developments.
Ms. Scheid stated Mr. Fuzzy Minnix has requested that VDOT review traffic at
the intersection of Cotton Hill Road and Route 221. She noted the road budget
has been diminished since last year. Ms. Scheid discussed the advantage of
improving 5 or 6 smaller roads as opposed to other roads that are less traveled.
Mr. Azar asked if it would be possible for Cotton Hill Land Co. to proffer placing a
street light at the intersection with Rt. 221. Ms. Scheid stated the proffer would
need to be in the form of an "impact fee." She pointed out that in the case of
Cotton Hill, the lanes leading to the intersection would need to be developed prior
to the placement of the traffic signal. Mr. Thomason agreed it would be helpful
for the developer to proffer a cash contribution. Ms. Scheid stated it will be
necessary to develop guidelines in order to implement "Impact fees." Mr.
Thomason stated Mr. Boone and Mr. Strauss have requested to meet with him
regarding the Cotton Hill rezoning. He stated he and Mr. Witt plan to meet with
Mr. Boone and Mr. Strauss prior to the April 15t PCPH. Mr. Thomason noted
Cotton Hill Road is currently unsafe for high traffic volume.
Stormwater Management
Mr. Witt inquired about NPDES. Mr. Lowe gave a brief update. He stated Mr.
Ken Carbarle will be submitting Roanoke County's proposal Friday, April 7 He
stated Explore Park will be implementing the educational portion of the proposal.
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Mr. Lowe stated it is a regional stormwater management approach. He stated
the County is working on a hazardous waste day along with Roanoke City. Mr.
Lowe stated he would acquire documents for Mr. Witt to review.
Windsor House
Ms. Scheid discussed personal services allowed in C -1 zonings. She reported
on research of services allowed by right in C -1 in other localities. Mr. Witt
suggested limiting the square footage of the business. Mr. Thomason suggested
limiting the number of employees. Ms. Scheid asked the commissioners if they
want to exclude any services. Ms. Scheid reviewed C -1 personal services that
are currently allowed in C -1. After discussion among the PC and staff, the
commissioners stated they would like to revise the zoning ordinance to allow
beauty salons by right in C -1. Ms. Scheid stated she will place this item on the
April 1 public hearing agenda.
Colonial Avenue Corridor
Mr. Beard invited the PC to a Community Meeting on March 13 at 7:00 p.m. at
the Brambleton Center to discuss a rezoning at 3406 Ogden Road.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Mr. Witt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Todd Ross gave the
invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
There was the petition of Fellowship Community Church to obtain a
Special Use Permit to construct and operate a daycare on 15.652 acres
located at Red Lane Extension at Interstate 81, Baptist Children's Home,
Catawba Magisterial District. Mr. Chris Lowe, Roanoke County Planning,
presented the staff report.
Ms. Mary Ellen Goodlatte gave a brief history of the property. She noted
the phasing is the same as petition previously approved by the Planning
Commission for the religious assembly on this property. She stated
Phase 1 includes a daycare that would accommodate 100 children. She
reviewed the site plan. She stated the overall response from neighboring
citizens has been positive. She stated the conditions attached to the
previous SUP do not need to be modified for this use. She stated the
previously imposed conditions on this site are: 1) Signage on Red Lane
would be monument type only and would be front lit, if lit at all; 2) The
property be developed in substantial conformity with the Concept plan
dated February 20, 2002 subject to any modifications required during site
plan review or agreed to by Roanoke County, including requirements
related to buffering and screening the proposed use from adjoining
properties. She explained floor plan and artist's rendering of the facility.
She stated the petitioner plans to have completed Phase 1 and open the
facility for worship services by April 2004. She stated the projected
completion date for Phase 4 is approximately 15 years. She introduced
the Student Pastor, James Tippins, and Building Committee members,
Sheldon Henderson and Janie Whitlow. Ms. Hooker inquired if the
church currently has childcare in the facility. Ms. Goodlatte stated they
have no childcare other than those incidental to worship services. Ms.
Hooker asked if the number of children would be less than the projected
100 children during the first year after opening. Ms. Goodlatte stated the
number would probably be less than 100 children at first, although she
noted the church is a very young and rapidly growing congregation. Mr.
Azar asked if there is a commitment to build Phase 4 in 15 years. Ms.
Goodlatte stated the church thought it was important to include future
plans as part of the original master plan.
There were no citizen comments.
Ms. Hooker noted the petition conforms with the Community Plan and the
site has ample space to conform to all applicable development standards.
Ms. Hooker then made a favorable recommendation to approve the
Special Use Permit:
AYES:
Witt, Hooker, Thomason, Ross, Azar
NAYS:
None
ABSENT:
None
Citizens Comments
There were no additional citizen comments.
Comments
Ms. Scheid reminded the Commissioners of the March 12 VDOT hearing on
design of Mountain View Road. Two issues are important to express to VDOT:
1) Mountain View is designated for a bike lane; and 2) Mountain View needs to
accommodate the crossing of Wolf Creek Greenway in two places.
Final Orders
1. The petition of Carroll Investment Properties, Inc., to Rezone 17.034 acres
from R -3 Medium Density Multi - Family Residential District to R -4 High
Density Multi - Family Residential District in order to construct multi - family
dwellings located at the east side of Plantation Road at the intersection
with Hershberger Road, Hollins Magisterial District was approved with
conditions by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on
February 25, 2003.
There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 7.14 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted,
Approved:
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission