HomeMy WebLinkAbout1/4/2011 - Minutes« - CaAHtj em i af all mm "' _
a <1
a ti PLANNING COMMISSION
.z� PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
JANUARY 4, 2011
Commissioners Present:
Ms. Martha Hooker
Mr. Gary Jarrell
Mr. Rodney McNeil
Mr. Jason Peters
Mr. David Radford
Staff Present:
Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary
Mr. Paul Mahoney, County Attorney (work session only)
Mr. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. Arnold Covey
Mr. Tarek Moneir
Mr. George Simpson
Mr. David Holladay (work session only)
Mr. John Murphy (work session only)
Ms. Megan Cronise
Ms. Tammi Wood
Mr. Brian Epperley
Ms. Lindsay Blankenship (work session only)
Ms. Amanda Micklow
Ms. Susan Carter, Recording Secretary
WORK SESSION:
Mr. Jarrell called the work session to order at 4:03 p.m.
Approval of Approval of Agenda
Mr. Radford made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5 -0.
Approval of Minutes
Ms. Hooker made a motion to approve the minutes of December 6, 2010, as amended,
which passed 5 -0.
Election of Officers
Mr. Thompson opened the floor for nominations of chairman for the 2011 calendar year.
Mr. McNeil nominated Mr. Jarrell. No other nominations were received and the
commission unanimously voted for Mr. Jarrell as chairman for 2011.
Mr. Thompson opened the floor for nominations of vice - chairman for the 2011 calendar
year. Mr. Jarrell nominated Mr. Radford. No other nominations were received and the
commission unanimously voted for Mr. Radford as vice - chairman for 2011.
Page 1 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 4, 2011
Wind Energy
Mr. Thompson reviewed the proposed ordinance revisions, including decibel level,
length of time allowed to remove structure, and zoning compliance. He reviewed the
proposed application process, including consultation requirements. He stated the cost
of the independent analysis would be the responsibility of the applicant. He stated the
decision to conduct public meetings would be handled on an individual case basis. Mr.
Radford inquired about receiving information from FAA. Mr. Thompson discussed this
issue. Mr. Radford inquired about classification data. Mr. Thompson discussed
importance of reviewing all available information before making a decision to approve or
deny the request. Mr. Obenshain discussed the possible need to consult an
independent engineer. The commissioners discussed whether economic feasibility
was a necessary component for review of the application. Mr. Thompson stated this
portion of the proposed ordinance can be removed. Mr. Thompson noted many of the
documents could be used from an informational standpoint. Mr. Peters discussed the
importance of an independent analysis.
Mr. Thompson and the commissioners discussed a letter received from Mr. Ed Elswick,
Board of Supervisors, Windsor Hills Magisterial District. Mr. Thompson discussed the
timeline regarding the proposed large wind ordinance. He stated the board plans to
discuss this issue on January 11, 2011.
Commissioner and Staff Comments
Ms. Wood reviewed a revised proffer statement regarding the petition of Fountain Head
Land Company, LLC.
Mr. Thompson provided a brief update regarding the proposed Private Road Standards.
With no further comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the work session at 4:47 p.m.
EVENING SESSION:
Mr. Jarrell called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. Ms. Hooker gave the
invocation and led the pledge of allegiance.
Mr. Jarrell recused himself from the public hearing regarding the petition of Jatin Patel,
explaining he has a conflict of interest regarding Mr. Patel's business. Mr. Radford
presided over the public hearing on this petition.
1. The petition of Jatin Patel to obtain a Special Use Permit in a C -2, General
Commercial, District for the purpose of operating a convenience store and fast
food restaurant on 0.844 acre, located in the 8000 block of Plantation Road,
Hollins Magisterial District. Ms. Micklow presented the staff report, including
suggested conditions. She noted the request is in compliance with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Ms. Hooker inquired about exterior lighting. Ms. Micklow discussed this issue.
Mr. McNeil inquired about the entrance to the property. Ms. Micklow reviewed
the proposed entrance to the property. Mr. Peters inquired about sharing an
Page 2 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
entrance with the nearby property. Ms. Micklow discussed this issue, noting the
proposed entrance may provide future access for McDonald's.
Mr. Sean Horne, Balzer & Associates, stated the entrance is currently being
reviewed by VDOT. He discussed revising condition #1. He stated concept plan
may need to be flipped. He stated access to McDonald's would be to allow
flexibility regarding the entrance which would be beneficial to both properties if
needed.
Mr. McNeil discussed the steep slope surrounding the property. Mr. Horne
discussed placement of guardrails and fencing for public safety.
Mr. Radford opened the public hearing for public comment.
Mr. Carl Slate, 7538 Friendship Lane, expressed concern regarding stormwater
runoff, location of fuel tanks, and entrance to site.
Mr. Horne discussed signage, stating that he prefers that proffer #5 read in
substantial conformity with Exhibit D regarding the canopy and signage.
Ms. Hooker inquired about being in compliance with overlay guidelines regarding
signage. Ms. Micklow discussed the Williamson Road Overlay guidelines. Ms.
Hooker discussed the importance of following the guidelines.
With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Radford closed the public
hearing.
Mr. McNeil inquired about "fill" being used on the property. Mr. Horne stated the
property was approved by a geotechnical engineer for the construction of a hotel
in compliance with state requirements. He discussed stormwater management,
noting stormwater is channeled underground from this site. Mr. Radford inquired
about underground fuel tanks. Mr. Horne discussed this issue.
Ms. Hooker made a motion to recommend approval of the special use permit
request with the following conditions:
1. The development of the property shall be in substantial conformance with the
concept plan titled, "Hollins Citgo Mart," prepared by Balzer and Associates,
Inc. revised December 22, 2010 with the location of the entrance on
Plantation Road subject to VDOT approval.
2. The building shall be constructed in substantial conformance with the building
elevations titled, "Exhibit B — Building Elevations," prepared by Balzer and
Associates, Inc. dated December 22, 2010.
3. The color of the brick veneer on the exterior of the convenience store building
shall be consistent with the existing buildings at Hollins University as shown in
Exhibit C, dated December 22, 2010.
4. The dumpster enclosure shall be brick construction to match the building
facade.
Page 3 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
5. Signage on the building fagade shall occupy no more than five (5) percent of
the building fagade area. Signage placed on the canopy shall occupy no
more than five (5) percent of the canopy fagade area.
6. The canopy shall not exceed twenty (20) feet in height.
7. Lighting in the canopy shall be recessed and directed downward and inward
into the site.
8. Light poles and fixtures shall be black, gray, or grayish- brown. Light fixtures
shall be directed downward and inward into the site and the top of any light
fixture shall be less than 20 feet in height.
9. One freestanding monument sign shall be provided for this development. The
appearance of the sign shall be in substantial conformity to the rendering
titled, "Exhibit G — Monument Signage," prepared by Balzer and Associates,
Inc. dated December 22, 2010 and the size shall be limited to 15'H x 10'W.
10. The fast -food restaurant shall be located within the convenience store
building and shall be no larger than fifteen hundred (1,500) square feet in
area.
Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4 -0) with the following vote:
AYES: Hooker, McNeil, Peters, Radford
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
RECUSED: Jarrell
2. The petition of Fountain Head Land Company, LLC, to amend the Planned
Residential Development Master Plan to decrease the maximum number of
cottages, to decrease the maximum number of bedrooms in the clubhouse, to
increase the maximum number of residential lots to 110, and to reduce the
maximum lot size and road frontage for residential lots south of Pitzer Road, and
to amend a proffered condition dealing with an at -grade golf cart crossing on
Pitzer Road for Fountain Head Golf Resort (Ballyhack) which measures
approximately 375 acres, Vinton Magisterial District. Ms. Wood presented the
staff report, including a brief history of the petition and the proposed amendments
to the planned residential development.
Mr. Peters inquired about insurance issues. Mr. Obenshain discussed this
issue. Mr. McNeil inquired about the installation of speed bumps. Mr.
Thompson stated traffic calming measures are generally not used in rural areas.
Ms. Hooker inquired about fire flow process. Ms. Wood explained this issue
would be addressed during site plan review process. Mr. Gary Huffman, Fire
Marshall, discussed the application of current fire flow standards. Mr. McNeil
inquired about public water availability of this area. Mr. Thompson discussed this
issue.
Page 4 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
Mr. Horne reviewed the proposed amendments. He stated reduction of the
number cottages and lot size, and increasing the number of lots will give the
development more of a cluster appearance. He discussed the at -grade golf cart
crossing, noting the speed limit on this portion of Pitzer Road was reduced to 35
mph which makes the crossing in compliance with state standards. He stated
rumble strips and signage are on the golf cart path to alert the drivers of crossing.
He discussed sight distance, noting this portion of Pitzer Road is flat and has
good sight distance. He compared the crossing to both Hunting Hills Country
Club and Hidden Valley Country Club crossings. He noted residents requested
not to have public water system. He discussed density of the development. He
reviewed fire flow provisions, noting a fire pump and irrigation system would be
developed as part of the site plan.
Mr. Peters discussed the markings and signage planned for the area. Mr. McNeil
inquired about the traffic analysis. Mr. Horne explained the impact of the
development to the traffic analysis. Mr. Radford inquired about the fire pump.
Mr. Horne stated the pond and wells would supply water for the fire pump and
irrigation systems. Mr. Jarrell inquired about well and septic systems. Mr. Horne
stated every home would be on its own well and septic system.
Mr. Obenshain asked Mr. Jonathan Ireland if he was authorized to sign on behalf
of the development. Mr. Ireland affirmed he has been authorized to act on
behalf of the owners.
Mr. Jarrell opened the public hearing for public comment.
Ms. Nancy Draper, 4266 Horseshoe Bend Road, asked if the club would be
private or public. Mr. Ireland stated the club would be private. Ms. Draper
expressed concern regarding safety if the tunnel is not built. She stated traffic
will increase due to the proposed development. She also stated Pitzer Road is
used as a passage to Franklin County.
Ms. Earnestine Peters, 4121 Pitzer Road, expressed concern regarding safety if
tunnel is not built.
Mr. Peters inquired about the trigger process to determine need of the tunnel.
Mr. Horne discussed this issue. Mr. Peters expressed safety concerns, noting
the need for the tunnel should be able to be reviewed at anytime. Mr. Obenshain
reviewed the language of the proffer. Mr. Horne noted the speed limit reduction
was a significant factor. Mr. Peters suggested moving the crossing away from
the berm. Mr. Horne stated the petitioner would agree to this request. Mr.
Peters inquired about parking during tournaments. Mr. Horne and Mr. Ireland
discussed this issue with the commission. Mr. Thompson noted a golf
tournament would be considered an outdoor gathering which would require a
special use permit.
Ms. Hooker inquired about delaying tunnel construction. Mr. Horne noted the
primary delay is financial. Mr. Jarrell inquired about the process when the
maximum number of trips is met. Mr. Horne discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell
inquired about monitoring traffic. Mr. Horne stated VDOT monitors the traffic
Page 5 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
count. He stated the plans for the tunnel have not been approved by VDOT. Mr.
Jarrell inquired if core drilling had been performed. Mr. Horne stated core drilling
had not been done for the tunnel. Mr. Peters inquired about the procedure if
maximum count does occur. Mr. Horne discussed this issue. Mr. Jarrell
inquired about timeline of potential traffic increase. Mr. Horne discussed this
issue, noting traffic counts have increased for Hunting Hills golf cart crossing.
Mr. Thompson suggested having date certain timeframe. He noted build out
would not be at the crossing. He suggested having multiple mechanisms which
would trigger review. Mr. Horne noted this road would remain a low volume road
even after build out from this development.
With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Jarrell closed the public hearing.
Mr. Peters made a motion to recommend approval of the petition to the Board of
Supervisors with the following amended proffers:
The developer hereby proffers substantial compliance with the PRD rezoning
document titled "Fountain Head Golf Resort, A Planned Residential
Community," prepared by Balzer and Associates, Inc. dated 8- 17 -05, and last
revised 11- 29 -10.
2. The developer hereby proffers substantial compliance with the golf cart
crossing sketch shown as Exhibit 'A' attached to this rezoning document,
prepared by Balzer and Associates, Inc. dated 8 -14 -09 and last revised 11-
29-10. The developer will move the location of the golf cart crossing to the
location indicated on Exhibit A - 2010 by March 1, 2011. The developer
reserves the right to replace the at -grade cart crossing with a tunnel under
Pitzer Road in the future. The Developer will also install rumble strips on the
golf cart path leading up to golf cart stop signs to provide a physical
notification of the upcoming crossing. An additional sign will also be mounted
with the stop sign to indicate the vehicular crossing ahead.
3. Roanoke County will permit the at grade golf cart crossing to remain with no
further review, until such time as the Traffic counts on Pitzer Road, as
counted at the location of the golf cart crossing, reach 3,250 vehicle trips per
day. If the vehicle trips on Pitzer Road, when counted at the location of the
golf cart crossing reach 3,250 vehicle trips per day, the developer agrees to
meet with the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors or its Designee to
determine what, if any, revisions need to be made to the crossing to address
safety concerns due to the increase in traffic. If a mutually agreeable solution
is not reached by the Developer and Roanoke County, then Roanoke County
reserves the right to restrict the use of the crossing up to and including the
closing of the at grade crossing and requiring the installation of the tunnel
crossing, as long as the tunnel crossing is approvable by VDOT. If the County
requires the tunnel to be constructed then the developer shall have 18
months, from the time notified in writing by the Roanoke County, to construct
the tunnel crossing, during which time the at grade crossing shall be allowed
to remain. Nothing in this proffer shall prohibit the developer from installing a
Page 6 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
tunnel under Pitzer Road as an appropriate means of crossing Pitzer Road at
any time in the future.
4. Regardless of the requirements in proffer #3, the tunnel will be built within 18
months of the sale of the 75 lot in the development.
Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5 -0) with the following vote:
AYES: Hooker, Jarrell, McNeil, Peters, Radford
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
3. Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Design Handbook. The
proposed amendments would incorporate development standards for private
roads, sidewalks, shared use paths, trails and bicycle accommodations. Ms.
Cronise reviewed the proposed Private Road Standards. She stated Fire &
Rescue has expressed concern regarding road width.
Mr. Radford inquired about plat verbiage. Ms. Cronise stated staff will meet with
school administration on January 13th to discuss the private road standards. Mr.
Radford and Mr. McNeil inquired about engineering certification on as- builts. Ms.
Cronise and Mr. Simpson discussed the revised certification process regarding
as- builts. Mr. McNeil inquired about road and alley width. Ms. Cronise reviewed
VDOT standards and the method of calculation. Mr. Radford inquired about
regulations regarding three or less houses on a roadway. Ms. Cronise discussed
this issue. Mr. Peters discussed the importance of fire apparatus access.
Mr. Jarrell opened the public hearing for public comment.
Mr. Todd Maxey, Division Chief, discussed the importance of access. He stated
the width access is for safety especially for larger homes and cluster housing.
Staff and commissioners discussed road width recommendations.
Mr. Gary Huffman, Fire Marshall, noted Fire & Rescue would not review private
roads with 4 or less houses. Mr. Peters inquired about design exception for road
grade. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Mr. Thompson stated the family
subdivision exception is part of the zoning ordinance. He stated additional
wording could be added regarding this issue. Ms. Cronise stated driveways have
different regulations.
Mr. Sean Horne, spoke representing the Roanoke Regional Homebuilders
Association Private Roads Committee. He expressed concern regarding as -built
certification requirements. He discussed Western Virginia Water Authority's
certification process. He requested a list of testing requirements, expressing
concern regarding associated costs. He expressed concern regarding
certification requirements language in the proposed standards.
Mr. Peters suggested adding exemption to standards for family owned
subdivisions. Ms. Cronise stated she will work on this issue with Mr. Murphy.
Mr. Epperley and Ms. Cronise stated ASHTO was used as a guideline for
standards. Mr. Radford discussed the need to include standards for roads with
Page 7 of 9
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
January 4, 2011
three homes. Ms. Cronise stated this issue can be addressed when they review
rural standards. Mr. Thompson stated revisions to the standards can be made
as needed in the future.
With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Jarrell then closed the public
hearing.
Mr. Jarrell made a motion to postpone action on the proposed ordinance until the
Planning Commission's next meeting on January 18, 2011.
Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (5 -0) with the following vote:
AYES: Hooker, Jarrell, McNeil, Peters, Radford
NAYES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Final Orders
1. The petition of Timberbrook Properties IX, LLC, and Fincastle Equipment
Company, LC, to rezone 9.096 acres from AR, Agricultural Residential, District to
C- 2C /CVOD, General Commercial /Clearbrook Village Overlay, District with
conditions in order to construct a general commercial, retail sales and restaurant
project, located on the northeastern side of Clearbrook Lane and across from the
intersection of Clearbrook Lane and Clearbrook Village Lane, Cave Spring
Magisterial District was approved with conditions by the Board of Supervisors at
the Public Hearing on December 14, 2010.
2. The petition of Kingery Bros. Associates to obtain a Special Use Permit in a AV,
Agricultural/ Village Center, District for the purpose of operating a construction
yard on 3.81 acres, located near the 6000 block of Franklin Road, Cave Spring
Magisterial District was denied by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing
on December 14, 2010.
3. The petition of Fellowship Community Church to obtain a Special Use Permit in a
C -2, General Commercial, District to operate a religious assembly on 4.088
acres, located at 7210 Williamson Road, Hollins Magisterial District was
approved with condition by the Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on
December 14, 2010.
Citizen Comments
Ms. Mary McCallum spoke regarding small wind energy systems. She discussed her
opportunity to receive a grant for the development of a small wind energy system on her
property. She reviewed the timeline regarding this grant. She noted the system cost
would be prohibitive if they do not receive the grant. She reviewed the benefits of the
system.
Commissioners' and Staff Comments
Mr. Thompson noted the small wind energy system public hearing has been scheduled
for February 1, 2011.
Page 8 of 9
M2r -07 -2011 01:23 PM Valley Boiler INC. 540 - 342 -0755
ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 4, 2011
With no further business or comments, Mr, Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 10:08
p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
C ' kv
Susan Carter
Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
F*i ilip T ompson
Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission
al�laf�
O ary i x, rrell
Chair an, Roanoke County Planning Commission
3/3
Page 9 of 9