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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/19/2011 - Minutes: - µ A N eaat , i././i of e 1 G z PLANNING COMMISSION a 18:} WORK SESSION MINUTES APRIL 19, 2011 Commissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. Jason Peters Commissioners Absent: Mr. David Radford Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. John Murphy Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Tammi Wood Call to Order: Mr. Jarrell called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. Peters made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 4 -0. Urban Development Areas (UDAs) Ms. Cronise reviewed the UDA survey preferences received from the commissioners, including transit, environment, neighborhood design, streetscapes, parking, and building design. Ms. Hooker inquired about signage. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Mr. McNeil discussed the importance of adhering to fire code. Mr. Peters discussed egress options for fire code compliance. Mr. Jarrell inquired about shared parking lots. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. She discussed financial incentives, development concept, and zoning and land use issues. Commissioners unanimously agreed with staff recommendations regarding UDAs. Ms. Cronise discussed timeline. Zoning Amendment — Large Wind Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments to Articles II (Definitions), III (District Regulations), and IV (Use and Design Standards) would incorporate regulations into the county's zoning ordinance dealing with large wind energy systems and utility wind energy systems. (continued from March 15, 2011) Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 19, 2011 Mr. Thompson reviewed changes made by the commissioners to the proposed ordinance, including increasing setbacks and changing wording from "increase" to "modify." Mr. Peters spoke in favor of 110% setbacks, stating increasing setback to 400% would discriminate against large energy resources. Mr. McNeil spoke in favor of 110% setback and adjusting setback during special use permit process. Ms. Hooker stated 400% is a good safety net and can be altered either way during special use permit process. She discussed the importance of setting high standards and placing the burden of proof on the petitioner. Mr. Jarrell stated 110% is an acceptable standard, noting each application will be site specific. Mr. McNeil stated he understands concern and suggested having setback one -half mile from any existing opposing resident. Ms. Hooker discussed enforcement difficulty. Mr. Jarrell stated the issues can be addressed during the special use permit process. Mr. Thompson discussed allowing a maximum noise level of 40 decibels which was suggested by the commissioners. Mr. McNeil suggested allowing 60 decibels which is the same as in the small wind ordinance. Mr. Peters discussed issues regarding measuring decibel levels including measuring ambient noise. He stated he is in favor of a maximum of 60 decibels. Mr. McNeil concurred with Mr. Peters. Mr. McNeil reiterated importance of being consistent in ordinance. Ms. Hooker stated ambient noise was high and questioned the measuring procedure. Mr. Jarrell suggested addressing transformer noise. He stated allowable noise should be site specific. Mr. Thompson explained that the terrain plays a part in noise emission levels. Mr. Jarrell discussed the importance of acquiring measurements from acoustics engineer. He stated noise level measurement will always be difficult. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of setting a standard for petitioners. Mr. McNeil suggested reviewing Rockingham County's ordinance. Ms. Hooker discussed the importance of protecting the community. She suggested taking wind readings prior to building turbine. Mr. Peters noted readings would vary during all seasons. Ms. Hooker stated noise should be measured from the property line. Mr. Thompson discussed preconstruction analysis during which ambient noise could be measured and used as the standard each site. Ms. Hooker suggested acquiring additional guidance from staff and revisiting issue during a future meeting. Mr. Peters noted no standards have been set for low frequency noise. Ms. Hooker stated the commissioners have a consensus on the definitions and the maximum noise level of 60 decibels. The commissioners discussed turbine shut -down if the turbine is disruptive. Mr. Thompson discussed renumbering of ordinance items. Mr. Peters discussed turbine shut -down if ice becomes an issue. Mr. McNeil thanked staff for allowing the commission to view the large turbines at Beech Ridge Mountain, West Virginia. Mr. McNeil made a motion to have setbacks of 110 %, including one -half mile from existing occupied dwellings. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (3 -1) with the following vote: AYES: Jarrell, McNeil, Peters NAYES: Hooker Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES ABSTAIN: None APRIL 19, 2011 Commissioners had a general consensus to restrict noise to a maximum of 60 decibels. Other Comments Mr. Obenshain and commissioners discussed the Hollins Area Plan and access to greenways. Ms. Hooker made a motion to continue the discussion regarding large wind until the Planning Commission Work Session on May 17, 2011, which passed 4 -0. Mr. Thompson announced that the Glenvar Focus Group will have a Community Meeting on May 2, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. at Glenvar Middle School. He also stated a Peters Creek Corridor Plan Community Meeting will be held on May 5, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Greenridge Recreation Center. Mr. Thompson discussed the Planning Commission Public Hearing on May 3, 2011, noting no public hearings are scheduled for that date. Ms. Hooker made a motion to cancel the Planning Commission Public Hearing on May 3, 2011, which passed 4 -0. Mr. Thompson requested that the commissioners submit website contact information. Mr. Thompson stated a balloon test will be conducted on the night of the hearing for the proposed National Park Service broadcast tower. Mr. Thompson provided an update on the Glenn Reed petition. Mr. Thompson announced that the Roanoke Regional Housing Network Symposium would be held on May 4, 2011. With no further business or comments, Mr. Jarrell adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan Carter Record 9 1 Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Philip Th4npson Secretary, Roanoke Cou Approved: Planning Commission Page 3of4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES dawzftxf1t' GaI J rrel Chairman v 7Roanoke County Planning Commission APRIL 19, 2011 Page 4 of 4