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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/9/2019 - MinutesC SOA e"utt* af jqoatw& . . .. ...... ... PLANNING COMMISSION L) 138 AMENDED PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES J U LY 9, 2019 Mr. Wayne Bower Mr. Troy Henderson Mr. Rick James, Mr. Paul Mahoney (evening session only) Commissioners Absent: Mr. Jim Woltz Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Becky James Ms. Bailey Howard -DuBois Mr. Alex Jones Ms. Cecile Newcomb Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary Guests: Mr. Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director of Roanoke -Blacksburg Regional Airport Work Session Mr. Henderson called the meeting to order at 4:05 pm. Approval of Agenda Mr. James made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 3-0. Approval of Minutes Mr. Bower made a motion to approve the minutes of May 7, 2019, and May 21, 2�019, which passed 3-0. Consent Agenda Mr. Thompson stated there are no public hearings scheduled for the August 6, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting. The consensus of the Commission was to defer the decision whether or not have the meeting until after the public hearing. Roanoke-Blackburg Regional Airport Mr. Tim Bradshaw, Executive Director, Roanoke -Blacksburg Regional Airport, provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding challenges and opportunities for the airport. He stated the airport belongs to the community, noting it is the largest investment the localities can make regarding impacting economic development. He reviewed regional impacts, Page 1 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2019 including being the gateway to southwest Virginia, economic engine for the area, one- stop access to cities worldwide, and providing safe and efficient air transportation for better connectivity. He reviewed the catchment area, noting it is mostly along the 1-81 corridor. He discussed statistical information within a 90 mile radius of airport, including total businesses, employees, residential population, median household income, and retail sales. He stated our region is growing but not quickly enough compared to other areas. He discussed the economic tipping point both inside and outside the region. He discussed general aviation at the airport, noting the airport is the first face prospective businesses see when coming to our community. He stated they have a robust flight school, air cargo, and commercial air service. He reviewed destinations of current commercial air service and cargo service. He stated there is a trend toward larger commercial aircraft. He discussed the need for a longer runway to accommodate larger aircraft. He stated expanding service to include more westward flights is critical. He discussed top origination and destination markets for non-stop service from this area. He reviewed other businesses which are also on the field. He discussed future projects and development of the airport into a commerce center. The Commissioners and Mr. Bradshaw discussed the cost of flying from various localities, including the need to increase ridership from the Roanoke -Blacksburg Regional Airport. They discussed growth of the airport, including the need to increase runway size for larger aircraft. Oak Grove Center Plan Ms. Howard -DuBois provided a Power -Point presentation of the plan, including an overview of the plan. She discussed the 2019 Draft Plan Reveal, including community meetings which were held on May 2, 2019, and May 4, 2019, with attendance of 191 people. She discussed the exercises, noting 215 exercises were completed. She stated 1,325 citizens participated in the Oak Grove Engagement process. She discussed the seven exhibits and exercises, including Vision, Principles and Core Objectives. She discussed Gathering Spaces and Streetscape Features. Ms. Howard -DuBois and the Commissioners discussed input received from citizens for Oak Grove Park, including an expanded walking trail, event area, additional picnic areas, upgraded play courts, small dog park, and fitness equipment. Ms. Howard -DuBois discussed the children's features. She discussed the adjacent vacant parcel and proposed recreation features. She discussed transportation issues, including intersections, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, greenways, operational road projects, and transit opportunities. She reviewed various future development patterns. Ms. Howard -DuBois and the Commissioners discussed the timeline for the plan. Citizen Comments There were none. Commissioners' and Staff Comments Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed the upcoming Zoning Ordinance Amendments regarding buffering requirements between 1-2 and C-2 zoned properties. They discussed C-2 properties which have residences on them and 1-1 properties which adjoin residential properties. They discussed development standards and use and design Page 2 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2019 standards for 1-1 and C-2 properties. Mr. James, Mr. Lubeck, and Mr. Thompson discussed various items in the proposed amendments. Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting for dinner at 5:15 p.m. EVENING SESSION Mr. Henderson called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. He gave the invocation and led the pledge of allegiance. 1. The petition of Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. to amend the special use permit conditions associated with the operation of a camp on property zoned AG - 3S, Agricultural/Rural Preserve, District with a special use permit, on 63.12 acres, located at 5488 Yellow Mountain Road, Cave Spring Magisterial District. Ms. James presented the staff report, including a brief history of the petition, concept plan, signage, and lighting. She discussed concerns expressed by the citizens at the community meeting, including concept plan, additional uses of the property, and traffic. Mr. Henderson inquired about the timeframe for development. Ms. James discussed this issue, noting they do not plan to increase the size of the facility. Mr. James inquired about signage. Ms. James discussed signage regulations and restrictions, noting they cannot place a sign on Yellow Mountain Road. Mr. James inquired about campers not knowing campground location. Mr. Thompson and Ms. James discussed this issue, noting they are trying to find a way to correct that issue. Ms. Diane Higgs, Board Member, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc., discussed the concept plan, noting the project will be completed over the next ten years. She stated the concept plan Includes cabins and remodeling of the gymnasium. She stated they contacted neighbors with only one neighbor responding. She stated the concern expressed by neighbors at the community meeting was campers often turn down the wrong driveway when trying to locate the camp. She stated they have a sign at the entrance to the camp, noting they will make a stronger effort when giving directions to campers in the future. Mr. Henderson inquired if Ms. Higgs and Ms. Williams were involved in the 2007 request. Ms. Higgs and Ms. Williams stated they were not involved in that process. Mr. Thompson discussed the process of the 2007 land use case. He stated the 2007 application was for maximum development so they could address the overall plan at one time. He stated phasing was tied to the zoning and general conformance proffered condition. Ms. Nikki Williams, CEO, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. stated the Girl Scout organization has changed drastically. She stated they are trying to meet the needs of the girls of today. Mr. James inquired about substantial conformance and general conformance. Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. He stated the property was a soccer training facility prior to be a camp. He stated the gymnasium was damaged as a result of flooding. Ms. Williams stated part of the facility is a dining hall which is also used for activities. Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing for public comment. Page 3 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2019 Ms. Judy Moore, Board Member, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc., stated the vision for the organization has changed. She stated the members want to be outdoors camping more than in the past. She stated they want increased time out in nature. She stated the organization leaders have been listening to input received from the members. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Henderson closed the public hearing. Mr. James made a motion to recommend approval of the request with the following conditions: 1. The property shall be developed in general conformance with the Concept Plan Program Center dated April 30, 2019, prepared by the Property Committee of the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Inc. 2. Signage shall be limited to a monument style sign not to exceed 8 feet in height. 3. Any free-standing light poles with fixtures shall not exceed 10 feet in height and shall be down lit or shielded. Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, Henderson, James, Mahoney NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Mr. Thompson stated the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing regarding this petition will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. 2. Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance. The proposed amendments would: amend the general standards, application requirements, review and action, and limitations in Sec. 30-19 Special Use Permits in Article (General Provisions); add bed and breakfast and commercial kennel as uses permitted by right in the AG -3 Agricultural/Rural Preserve District, and add special events facility as a special use in the AR Agricultural/Residential District in Article III (District Regulations); amend the use and design standards for camps, public parks and recreational areas, campgrounds, and special events facility in Article IV (Use and Design Standards); and delete the buffer yard requirement between the C-2 High Intensity Commercial District and the 1-1 Low intensity Industrial District in Article V (Development Standards). Mr. Thompson provided a brief history and overview of the proposed amendments. He discussed adding "may" to various sections of the amendments. Mr. Thompson discussed buffering issues and similar uses in different zoning districts. He discussed buffering standards of properties zoned C-2 which are adjacent to residential areas. He stated some areas which were rezoned during the comprehensive rezoning may not have developed as anticipated at that time. Page 4 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2019 Mr. Mahoney stated he had spoken with Ms. Valerie Brooke Stephens regarding her concerns about buffering. Mr. Thompson had provided the Commissioners with a letter from Ms. Stephens regarding her concerns. He discussed her concerns regarding adjoining properties to the Lindor Development property, noting a strip of property zoned R-2 separates the zoning districts. He discussed setbacks and buffering requirements. He noted the Commission could delay ruling on this portion of the amendments and review the buffering options. Mr. Mahoney discussed permitted 1-1 uses, side yards and setbacks, and buffering. Mr. James inquired about number of properties to which this would apply. Mr. Thompson discussed this issue. Mr. Henderson opened the public hearing for public comment. Ms. Valerie Brooke Stephens, 7015 Brookview Road, stated that she has lived in her residence for almost twenty-seven years. She noted that she had earlier submitted a letter with written comments to all of the members of the Planning Commission. She asked that the Commission vote against the amendment that would delete the buffer yard requirement between C-2 and 1-1 properties. She stated the County should be proud of the provisions in Section 30-92-1, concerning the intent of the buffer yard requirements, noting that they are good provisions. She asked that the provisions not be negated. She stated that persons residing in neighborhoods adjacent to or near C-2 and/or 1-1 zoned properties would be deprived of the protections provided by Section 30-92-1 if the buffer yard requirement is deleted. She stated that she is glad residents on Lois Lane near Lindor Development property are protected by buffering, but noted that the adjacent R-2 zoned property which protects the residents belongs to a trust and could be sold. She requested that the Commission not change or delete wording in Sections 30-19-1 and 30-19-2, regarding special use permits, that would weaken or remove protections for residential neighborhoods. With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Henderson closed the public hearing. Mr. Mahoney stated he views the changes to the special use permit process as tightening the process not weakening the ordinance. He discussed his concern regarding deleting buffer yard requirements. Mr. James stated he believes the changes will strengthen the special use permit process. Mr. Thompson stated the Zoning Ordinance covers the entire county, noting the standards are generic. He discussed applying standards primarily to new construction. He discussed buffering when adjoining property uses are similar. He discussed whether certain properties should be zoned C-2. He discussed the 1992 comprehensive rezoning of the County, noting some agricultural areas were rezoned to residential in anticipation of development. Mr. Henderson stated some residents in the Glenvar area are pleased with rezoning of their property because it will increase property values. He discussed ways topography impacts the use and zoning of properties. Mr. Mahoney made a motion to recommend approval of the Zoning Amendments (Miscellaneous Amendments) with changes as discussed. Page 5 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2419 Mr. Thompson called the roll and the motion passed (4-0) with the following vote: AYES: Bower, Henderson, James, Mahoney NAYES: None ABSTAIN: None Mr. Thompson stated the Board of Supervisors Public Hearing regarding this petition will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. Citizens' Comments There were none. Comments of Planning Commissioners and Planning Staff Mr. Thompson and the Commissioners discussed holding a special meeting on with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Roanoke Valley Resource Authority on July 23, 2019, in the South County Library at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Henderson made a motion to hold the special meeting on July 23, 2019, with the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, and Resource Authority, which passed 4-0. Mr. Thompson stated there are no Planning Commission Public Hearings scheduled for August 6, 2019. Mr. Mahoney made a motion to cancel the August 6, 2019 Planning Commission Public Hearing, which passed 4-0. Final Orders 1. The petition of SRW Squared LLC (dba Wolf's Den Billards) to obtain a Special Use Permit in a C-2, High Intensity Commercial, District to operate a commercial indoor amusement facility on 3.98 acres, located at 4820 Hollins Road, Hollins Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on May 28, 2019. 2. The petition of Lindor Development, LLC to rezone approximately 14.90 acres from C-1, Low Intensity Commercial, District to 1-1, Low Intensity Industrial, District for a truck terminal, located near the 5100 block of Hollins Road near its intersection with Lois Lane, Hollins Magisterial District was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on May 28, 2019. 3. Proposed amendments to the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance regarding the Explore Park (EP) District. The proposed amendments would revise the EP District in Article III (District Standards): by amending the purpose, applicability, and permitted use sections; by adding development regulations; and by deleting the rezoning application process. The proposed amendments would also revise the use and design standards in Article IV (Use and Design Standards) for the following uses in the EP District: public maintenance and service facilities, automobile rental/leasing, minor automobile repair services, Page 6 of 7 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 9, 2019 campground, convenience store, gasoline station, drive-in or fast food restaurant, and transportation terminal was approved by the Board of Supervisors at a Public Hearing on May 28, 2019. With no further business or comments, Mr. Henderson adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: C. Susan McCoy Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission �7 '.Zj J/ZO4 Philip hompson Secr tary, Roanoke VoLp Planning Commission Troy He; �rsor�(�,kChairm0,Roa noCounty Planning Commission Page 7 of 7