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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9/2/2003 - MinutesAMENDED ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 2, 2003 Present: Mr. Al Thomason Ms. Martha Hooker (arrived after Approval of Minutes) Mr. Don Witt Mr. Steve Azar Mr. Todd Ross Ms. Janet Scheid, Secretary Mr. John Murphy Mr. David Holladay Mr. Chris Lowe Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary Guest: Mr. Clay Goodman, Town Manager, Town of Vinton WORK SESSION: Session opened at 4:01 p.m. by Mr. Don Witt. Approval of Agenda Mr. Ross moved to approve the agenda as amended. Motion passed 4 -0. Approval of Minutes Mr. Thomason moved to approve the August 5, 2003 public hearing minutes. Motion passed 2 -0. Mr. Ross and Mr. Witt abstained. Mr. Azar moved to approve the August 19, 2003 work session minutes. Motion passed 3 -0. Mr. Ross abstained. Approval of Consent Agenda Ms. Scheid gave an explanation of the Town of Vinton petition. She stated the parkway viewshed mapping has been revised. She stated the purpose of the petition is to improve the compatibility of the petitioner's design guidelines with other guidelines in the area. Mr. Thomason moved to approve the consent agenda. Motion passed 4 -0. Discussion of Lighted Signs in R -1, Residential District Mr. Witt explained the backlit signs are commercial in appearance. He stated it is not compatible to the neighborhood conservation usage. Mr. Holladay stated he had not received complaints on these types of signs, however, he has received complaints on externally -lit signs which have lamps shining towards the signage. He stated changing this ruling will create many non - conforming signs primarily schools and churches. He noted 'glare' is addressed in the ordinance. He expressed concern since many churches have raised funds for these signs. Mr. Witt noted that out of respect for the surrounding residential community, members of his church in the City of Roanoke chose not to install this type of sign. He noted the Penn Forest Christian Church sign has a commercial appearance. In response to Mr. Ross' question regarding churches in R -1 districts, Mr. Holladay stated churches are allowed in R -1 areas by SUP. Mr. Ross suggested addressing this issue prior to issuing an SUP. Mr. Witt stated he does not want to always address this issue during the SUP hearing. He also stated this does not address the signage of existing churches. Mr. Thomason noted the size of the property is important since deeper setbacks on larger parcels would allow signage to be less obtrusive. Mr. Azar questioned the reason so many churches are now located in neighborhood conservation areas. He stated he does not believe signs should be allowed in R -1 areas. He suggested the PC and BOS consider limiting church development in R -1 areas. He stated neighbors may be afraid to complain about signage fearing alienation from the church or neighborhood. Mr. Ross stated he does not want to put churches in prime commercial areas in which businesses potentially could bring in higher tax revenue for the county. Mr. Holladay again noted backlit signs are popular especially with schools and churches. Mr. Witt made a motion to amend the Sign Ordinance to restrict backlit signs in R -1 districts. Mr. Murphy asked if the Sign Ordinance includes a definition of'backlit.' Ms. Scheid stated that page 7 of the Sign Ordinance Revisions - Illuminating Signs - addresses this issue. Mr. Witt suggested using the wording 'unless otherwise prohibited.' Mr. Azar suggested also including front -lit signs. Mr. Witt stated front -lit signs are more manageable. The Planning Commission and staff discussed the inclusion of this revision as part of the Sign Ordinance Revision or separately. Mr. Ross stated it is important to send the revision to the BOS with a unanimous vote. He suggested adding the R -1 backlit signs amendment separately. Ms. Hooker stated she had changed her position since this revision would mainly target schools and churches. Mr. Witt noted this proposed change regarding backlit signs is a political risk. Ms. Scheid noted the BOS could disapprove this portion of the revision. Mr. Witt then made the motion to recommend approval of the backlit sign revision being added as part of the total Sign Ordinance Revision: AYES: Azar, Witt, Thomason NAYS: Ross, Hooker ABSENT: None Other Comments Ms. Scheid reported Mr. David Vaughn has withdrawn his Bent Mountain 2232 Review request. She stated he has requested to speak to the PC. She stated he will speak the commissioners during the Citizen Comments portion of the PCPH. Site Viewin The meeting was adjourned for site viewing at 4:40 p.m. 2 PUBLIC HEARING: Mr. Don Witt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Todd Ross gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. The petition of EP Properties, LC to rezone .777 acres from 1 -1, Industrial District to C-2, General Commercial District to operate a retail sales facility located on Plantation Road, Hollins Magisterial District. Mr. Chris Lowe, Roanoke County Planning, presented the staff report for the petition. He noted the petitioner is downsizing his building requirements. Mr. Ross requested an explanation of core zoning changes of the property. Mr. Lowe provided an explanation of the site plan. Mr. Lee Osborne, Attorney, introduced Mr. Gene Podell, property owner, and Mr. John Morrison, Hughes & Associates. Mr. Ross then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning: AYES: Hooker, Ross, Azar, Witt, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None 2. The petition of Richard Anderson to rezone .37 acres from AVC, Agricultural Village District with Conditions to C -2, General Commercial District to operate a retail sales facility located on 5999 Franklin Road, S.W., Cave Spring Magisterial District. Mr. Tim Beard, Roanoke County Planning, presented the staff report for the petition. Ms. Hooker confirmed limiting signage to 140 square feet would be included in conditions. Mr. Ross asked if the petitioner had proffered the suggested conditions. Mr. Beard confirmed the suggested conditions have been proffered. Mr. Witt asked if property was in the floodplain. Mr. Beard stated FEMA maps indicate the property is in the floodplain but a Balzer & Associates surveyor has offered to verify that the property is not within the 100 year and 500 year floodplain. Mr. Richard Anderson, 5999 Franklin Road, gave a brief history of the property. He noted the property had been a retail outlet store since its construction in 1920. He stated he has received several letters from surrounding businesses and landowners who approve of the proposed use for the property. Mr. Azar asked if antiques and farm equipment would continue to be sold outside the store. Mr. Anderson stated the farm equipment is being sold to generate extra income. He stated the new owner would be selling rugs and antiques. Mr. Witt asked if VDOT would be requiring a new entrance. Mr. Anderson stated the 180 ft. entrance has R] been in that location as long as the business has been at that location. He stated he has witnessed two accidents which have occurred in that location in the southbound lane. He requested antique tractors be included in the conditions. He noted the proposed business will be moving from Roanoke City to Roanoke County. Mr. Witt suggested changing the conditions from 'antique seats' to 'antiques.' Ms. Hooker asked if 140 square feet of signage includes off premises signs. Staff replied no that the 140 square feet of signage just applies to on- premise signs. Ms. Scheid and Mr. Holladay noted C -2 zoning allows off premise signs. Mr. Beard discussed portions of the property eligible for signage. Mr. Anderson agreed to restrict the installation of a billboard. Mr. Witt noted many C -2 uses are not appropriate for this property. Mr. Ross stated he will not be supporting the motion due to the poor site plan and access. He noted the area will become problematic if the business expands and begins selling more than antiques and rugs. Mr. Witt then made the motion to recommend approval of the rezoning with the following conditions: 1) Use of the property will be restricted to the sale and storage of the following: Oriental /Persian rugs, area rugs, flooring material and antiques; 2) Signage shall be limited to a maximum of 140 square feet; 3) No off - premises signage shall be permitted. AYES: Hooker, Azar, Witt, Thomason NAYS: Ross ABSENT: None Sign Ordinance Revisions The petition of the Roanoke County Planning Commission to amend the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance Section 30 -93, Signs. Mr. David Holladay spoke regarding the Sign Ordinance Revisions. He gave a brief history of the revision process. He noted on page 9 the section regarding 'good repair' with reference to the VA State Code. He stated an amendment will be added regarding backlit signs in R -1 districts. Mr. Ross noted there has been a lot of give and take with the sign industry and the county during the revision process. He stated overall changes have been good. Mr. Witt stated the Sign Ordinance has been revised so that it will be acceptable to everyone. Mr. Thomason made a favorable recommendation to forward the Sign Ordinance Revisions to the BOS: 0 AYES: Hooker, Ross, Azar, Witt, Thomason NAYS: None ABSENT: None FINAL ORDERS There was a petition of Ground Up Inc. to rezone 1.31 acres from AG -1, Agricultural Low Density District to AV, Village Center District and to obtain a Special Use Permit on 7.37 to operate a construction yard located on 5788 Kathryn Drive, Cave Spring Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on August 26, 2003. 2. There was a petition of M. L. Leonard Inc. to obtain a Special Use Permit to operate a car wash located in the 1600 Block of Washington Avenue, Vinton Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on August 26, 2003.. 3. There was a petition of Richard J. Sidor to obtain a Special Use Permit to construct an accessory apartment on .52 acres, zoned R -1 Low Density Residential District located on 5916 Blackhorse Lane, Cave Spring Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on August 26, 2003. Citizen Comments Mr. David Vaughn, 4059 Overlook Trail, spoke regarding his proposed Bent Mountain area development. He stated his development partner is Mr. Ron Jackson. He gave an overview of the plans to develop 215 acres off of Route 221. He stated it will be an upscale development with trails, tennis courts, ponds, and a clubhouse. He stated he has worked with VDOT, the Corp of Engineers, and DEQ regarding this area. He stated he has met with Mr. Gary Robertson, Director of Utility Department regarding a water system for this area. He provided an overview of the proposed water system he would like to install. He stated the water tank he plans to use is the top of the line. He stated 210 homes will be built in this large lot community. Mr. Witt asked if any test wells have been drilled. Mr. Vaughn stated to date no wells have been drilled, although a well driller has been on the property with a divining rod. He stated several strong water producing wells are located on nearby parcels. He stated wells on the left side of Route 221 are good producers but wells on the right side are not. He stated this property will eventually be developed whether in the near or distant future. Mr. Ross agreed stating the water and schools situation issues can be addressed now or at a later date. Mr. Witt stated if development in this area is imminent, it will be necessary to review all services in the area. Mr. Vaughn reiterated development in this area is forthcoming. Ms. Scheid stated staff is currently doing research on this area of the county. Mr. Ross noted his regret regarding Mr. Vaughn`s withdrawal of the 2232 Review request. Mr. Witt noted if problems regarding the proposed water system occur the county would be required to truck water to this area at a large expense. Mr. Thomason inquired about the size of the water tank. Mr. Vaughn stated he plans provide a tank which is double the required tank size. He stated the developer has the same concern as the county regarding adequate water supply for a development. Mr. Azar asked if any test wells have been drilled. Mr. Vaughn indicated test wells will be drilled when he returns with his proposal. Mr. Azar also expressed concern about providing water to the development if the wells fail to produce enough water to support the development. Mr. Vaughn stated it would take approximately 15 -20 years for development to be completed. He stated he will also sell lots with very strict guidelines attached. He stated it will be a first class community. Ms. Scheid requested an approximate timeframe for submitting the proposal. Mr. Vaughn noted he plans to bring the proposal back to the Planning Commission after he digs test wells and finalizes lot lines. Update On Status Of Community Plan Revisions Mr. Chris Lowe presented and reviewed a copy of the proposed guidelines regarding the Stormwater Management portion of the Community Plan Revisions. Mr. Witt stated regarding Goal #1, Managing the Stormwater Effects of New Development, the Roanoke River study recommendations should be incorporated into the document. Regarding Goal #2, Managing the Stormwater Effects of Redevelopment, Mr. Azar asked about discharge of rainwater into the county water system. Mr. Lowe stated most problems have occurred from neglect and lack of regulations regarding stormwater management. Ms. Hooker asked if Goal #3, Managing Stormwater Quantity, was providing the groundwork for taxing authority. Mr. Lowe stated this goal is for developments to connect to existing stormwater system. He noted a stormwater utility fee may be considered in the future. Regarding Goal #4, Managing Stormwater and Stream Quality, Mr. Witt asked if the county is in support of the low impact design. Mr. Lowe affirmed the county's support of this design. He stated it will be necessary to develop an authority including procedures for maintenance and enforcement. Mr. Lowe stated Goal #5, Correcting and Funding Existing Drainage Deficiencies, is setup to look for various ways to produce funding for stormwater management. He provided examples of other localities which apply stormwater management fees. Mr. Witt stated he hoped a regional stormwater management program will be implemented. He commended Mr. Lowe on his presentation, noting the importance of implementing and enforcing the revised Stormwater Management guidelines. The other commissioners also commended Mr. Lowe on his presentation. Mr. David Holladay stated the Community Meeting will be held on September 16, 2003 from 3:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. in the first floor BOS room. Ms. Scheid and Mr. Holladay explained the public outreach methods being used to encourage attendance and participation at the meeting. 2 Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Ms. Scheid asked the commissioners if a joint worksession with the BOS was needed prior to the BOS Public Hearing regarding the Sign Ordinance Revisions. The commissioners agreed a joint worksession would not be needed prior to the hearing. There being no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, E �. Approved: Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission 7