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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/17/2015 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Rick James, Ms., Martha Hooker Mr., Gene Marrano Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Ms. Ruth Ellen Kuihnel, County Attorney Mr. John Murphy Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Tara Pattisall Ms. Tammi Wood Ms. Becky James Ms. Naomi Siodmok Mr. Brian Hughes Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guest: Mr. George Condyles, The Atlantic Group of Companies, Inc. Call to Order Mr. Marrano called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Wireless Technoloy Mr. Thompson introduced Mr. George Condyles, President, The Atlantic Group of Companies. He stated the County has contracted him as a consultant for review of the Zoning Ordinance regarding technological issues, noting he will also be available to review future petitions. Mr. Condyles, provided an overview of his company and its mission, noting the company is client base and consists of government agencies onlly. He stated his organization understands Virginia County funding, including taxation. Mr. Condyles, and the Commissioners discussed taxation of towers and wireless service providers. Mr. Condyles discussed planning wireless communication facilities. He stated all counties have the same requirements regarding construction of towers. He reviewed day to day ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 17, 2015 services, including co -locations on existing towers, re -building existing towers, and law enforcement and public safety. He discussed long term services, including master plan development, ordinance modifications, economic development, and grant writing. He discussed wireless services, including market penetration, use, and service evolution. He discussed wireless broad band, noting two important elements are signal strength and signal speed. He discussed in -building penetration, including download and upload speed. He discussed wireless internet service providers (WISP), including land mobile radio and fixed wireless. He discussed the radio frequency spectrum, including licensed and unlicensed. He reviewed the United States frequency allocation. He discussed the needs and trends of the wireless services providers. Mr. Condyles and the Commissioners discussed examples of wireless communications facilities. They discussed new tower considerations, including historic, environmental, provider wireless justification, and technology advancement. Mr. Condyles discussed development of the master plan and ordinance update, noting the ordinance should synchronize with the master plan. Mr. Thompson reviewed the application process for a special use permit to construct a tower. Mr. Condyles and the Commissioners discussed alternative locations for antennas. They discussed determining the difference between speculative interest and the need for additional towers. The Commissioners and staff discussed having Mr. Condyles review the Zoning Ordinance and make recommendations regarding wireless communications. Mr. James made a motion for Mr. Condyles to review the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance and make recommendations for wireless communications, which passed 5-0. Possible Zoning Ordinance Amendments Mr. Thompson reviewed the 1-1, Low Intensity Industrial District permitted uses. He and the Commissioners discussed adding Communication Services to the by -right permitted uses. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners also discussed amending the Multi -Family Dwelling and Two Family Dwelling standards in the C-1 and C-2 Districts, requiring a special use permit only if the multi -family use or two family use accounts for more than fifty (55) percent of the gross floor area on the site. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed reviewing other by -right uses in the industrial zoned areas and comparing allowable uses to surrounding jurisdictions. Mr. Thompson discussed Bed and Breakfast standards within the Zoning Ordinance. He reviewed regulations regarding this use in surrounding localities. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed definitions and use and design standards which could be used to regulate this use in various zoning districts, including the number of guest rooms and size of the lot. The consensus of the Commissioners was for staff to move forward regarding research of these issues. Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners reviewed fee comparison for services in the County and surrounding jurisdictions. Page 2of3 ROANOKE COUNTY PLAWNG COMMISSION WNUTES MARCH 1T, 2015 Citizens' Comments There were none. Other Comments Mr. Woltz discussed the need to develop information for prospective buyers regarding advantages of'residing in the Roanoke area. With no further business or comments, Mr. Marrano adjourned the meeting at 8:29 p.m. Respectfully Submitted - Susan McCoy Record i 9g-$ecretary, Roan County Planning 9-2 me, I Approved. NI Gene Marrano) Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3 of 3