HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/3/2016 - MinutesCommissioners Present:
Mr. Wayne Bower
Mr. Don Butzer
Mr. Rick James
Mr. Jim Woltz (arrived during Zoning Ordinance Amendments discussion)
Commissioners Absent:
Mir. Gene Marrano
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. John Murphy
Ms. Megan Cronise
Ms. Becky James
Mr,. Brian Hughes
Mr., Tori Williams
Ms. Susan, McCoy, Recording Secretary
Work Session
Mr. James called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Mir. Butzer made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 3-0.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the minutes of April 5, 2016 and' April 19, 2016,
which passed 3-01.
Consent Agenda
There were no consent agenda items.
Citizen Comments
There were none.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Mr. Murphy provided an overview of the proposed amendments, including zero lot lines,
variances and the Board of Zoning Appeals, business or tirade schools, and commercial
kennels. He discussed the zero lot line options, noting this amendment would mostly
apply to new development. He discussed current standards and proposed standards
Page 1 of 6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES MAY 3, 2016
for residential and agricultural zoning, including reducing minimum lot size, road
frontage, and front and rear setbacks requirements. He stated most of the proposed
standards would apply to lots which have public water and sewer availability. Mr.
Thompson noted few agricultural sites within the County currently have both public
water and sewer.
Mr. James made a motion to move forward with the amendment to public hearing,
which passed 3-0.
Mr. Murphy discussed the Board of Zoning Appeals proposed amendment, noting
adopting the amendment would allow the Zoning Ordinance to match the regulations in
the Code of Virginia. Mr. Murphy, Mr. Lubeck, and the Commissioners discussed the
proposed changes regarding this amendment.
Mr. Butzer made a motion to move forward with the amendment to public hearing, which
passed 3-0.
Mr. Murphy discussed proposed changes regarding business and trade school,
including the definition and adding use and design standards. Mr. Murphy discussed
the addition of requiring a permanent facility on the site and requiring a special use
permit to ensure conditions are addressed. Mr. Murphy and the Commissioners
discussed proposed definitions and use and design standards.
Mr. Butzer made a motion to move forward with the amendment to public hearing, which
passed 3-0.
Mr. Murphy reviewed current commercial kennel zoning requirements. Mr. Murphy
stated the members of the Board of Zoning Appeals have requested that the Planning
Commission review the commercial kennel regulations. Mr. Murphy and the
Commissioners reviewed options for revising the current commercial kennel standards.
They discussed regulations of other localities. The consensus of the Commissioners
was to delay this discussion until all members are present to provide input regarding this
issue.
Mr. Murphy and the Commissioners discussed reviewing the halfway house definition
and use. They discussed expanding the definition. Mr. Murphy discussed amending
the Zoning Ordinance to be consistent with the State Code.
Mr. Thompson, Mr. Murphy, and the Commissioners discussed previous changes to the
Zoning Ordinance regarding accessory apartments. They also discussed the current
subdivision ordinance. The Commissioners and staff discussed other possible issues,
including distilleries, wineries, wedding venues, signage, and parking regulations. They
also discussed preparing for potential changes in wireless communications. Mr.
Thompson and the Commissioners discussed revising the floodplain regulations.
Page 2of6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 3, 2016
Commissioners' and Staff Comments
The Commission thanked Mr. Murphy for his input and guidance regarding the
proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments.
Mr. Thompson provided a brief update regarding the Community Strategic Plan
meetings. He stated staff will create initiatives from the information received. He stated
the process will assist with future Comprehensive Plan updates. The Commissioners
and staff discussed the advantages of the process, including creatively utilizing County
resources.
Mr. Thompson provided an update regarding the Request for Proposal {RFP} to hire a
consultant to conduct the Route 419 Town Center Planning Study. Mr. Thompson and
the Commissioners discussed the RFP process and the potential development
opportunities in this area.
Mr. Thompson provided a status update regarding the Planner II position. He stated
Ms. Bailey Dubois will be joining the Planning Department on June 6, 2016.
Mr. Williams provided a status update on Air Bed and Breakfast State legislation. Mr.
Thompson and the Commissioners discussed issues regarding short-term rentals. The
Commissioners discussed that the area should be tourism friendly.
Mr. James adjourned the meeting for dinner at 5:50 p.m.
EVENING SESSION
Mr. James called the Public Hearing to order at 7:01 p.m. Mr. Butzer gave the
invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
The petition of Star City Church of Christ to obtain a Special Use Permit in a C-2,
High Intensity Commercial, District for the operation of religious assembly on
approximately 1.21 acres, located at 5933 Williamson Road, Hollins Magisterial
District. Mr. Brian Hughes presented the staff report, including a brief history of
the petition, surrounding zoning, future land use designation, and suggested
condition. He stated approximately fifteen people currently attend the church.
He reviewed a letter from Mr. Brian Simmons, Roanoke County Fire Marshall,
and Mr. Morgan Yates, Roanoke County Building Commissioner, regarding
requirements and regulations for the proposed use. Mr. Hughes introduced
property owners, Ms. Rhonda Thomas and Mr. Luigi Greco.
Mr. James Martin, Star City Church of Christ, provided a brief history of the
church, noting the church moved from Roanoke City and did not realize they
were not compliant. He stated the members of the church like the current
location of the church. Mr. Bower inquired if the petitioner is willing to comply
with the Fire Department's regulations. Mr. Martin stated they are willing to
comply with all regulations. Mr. Bower inquired if the church would need more
Page 3 of 6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 3, 2016
than 1,250 feet to accommodate their membership. Mr. Martin discussed this
issue, noting they are aware they would need to relocate if the membership
increases to forty-nine. Ms. Thomas stated a fire hydrant is located directly
across the street from the facility.
Mr. James opened the public hearing for public comment.
With no citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing.
Mr. Woltz made a motion to recommend approval of the petition with the
following condition:
1. The Religious Assembly use shall be limited to a maximum of one -thousand
two -hundred and fifty (1,250) square feet.
Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote:
AYES: Bower, Butzer, James, Woltz
NAYES: None
2. The petition of Julie Abernethy, Friendship Apartment Village Corp., to obtain a
Special Use Permit in a C-2CS, High Intensity Commercial, District with
conditions and special use permit for outdoor gatherings on approximately 10.51
acres, located at 450 Springbeauty Street and Florist Road, Hollins Magisterial
District. Mr. Brian Hughes presented the staff report, including a brief history of
the petition, current zoning, future land use designation, and concept plan. He
reviewed citizen input received at the community meeting. He stated the petition
plans to limit the ticket sales to 600 attendees with five events and rain delay
provisions. Mr. Thompson noted the suggested condition does not limit the
number of attendees.
Ms. Julie Abernethy, Friendship Apartment Village Corp., stated two concerts
were held last year with no complaints received. Mr. James commended the
petitioner for donating proceeds to charity. Mr. Butzer stated the concert
changes the facility from nursing home to a retirement community, noting
donating to charity is admirable. Mr. Bower inquired about limiting attendees.
Ms. Abernethy discussed this issue, noting she is willing comply with County
regulations and restrictions. She discussed entrance/exit gate control and
grounds control. She discussed the overall operation of the concerts, including
access, volunteer staff, and required licenses. Mr. Woltz inquired about previous
concerts. Ms. Abernethy discussed attendance and parking.
Mr. James opened the public hearing for public comment.
With no citizens requesting to speak, Mr. James closed the public hearing.
Page 4of6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
MAY 3, 2016
Mr. James inquired about dates of concerts. Ms. Abernethy discussed this issue.
Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed possible conditions, including
altering the special use permit next year if needed. Mr. James inquired about the
time of the concerts and lighting needs. Ms. Abernethy affirmed lighting would
only be needed for clean-up after the concert.
Mr. Bower made a motion to recommend approval of the petition with the
following condition:
The outdoor gatherings shall be limited to five outdoor concerts between May
1 st and September 301h of 2016.
Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote:
AYES:
Bower, Butzer, James, Woltz
NAYES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
Citizen Comments
There were none.
Commissioners' and Staff Comments
The Commission discussed positive feedback received from citizens regarding working
with County staff.
Mr. Thompson and the Commission discussed the potential topics for the May 17, 2016
Planning Commission meeting.
Final Orders
1. The petition of David B. McClure, Apex Towers, LLC to obtain a Special Use
Permit for a broadcasting tower (cell tower) approximately 154 feet in height in a I-
2, High Intensity Industrial, District on approximately 4.58 acres, located at 5119
Hollins Road, Hollins Magisterial District was approved by the Board of
Supervisors at a Public Hearing on April 26, 2016.
With no further business or comments, Mr. James adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Susan McCoy
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Page 5of6
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Philip Th pson
Secreta ,Roanoke County Planning Commission
Rick James
Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission
Page 6 of 6
MAY 3, 2016