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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/20/2009 - MinutesCommissioners Present: Ms. Martha Hooker Mr. Rodney McNeil Mr. David Radford Mr. Gary Jarrell Mr. Steve Azar Staff Present: Mr. Philip Thompson, Secretary Mr. Joe Obenshain, Senior Assistant County Attorney Mr. Doug Chittum, Director of Economic Development Mr. David Holladay Ms. Megan Cronise Ms. Tammi Wood Ms. Lindsay Blankenship Mr. Chris Patriarca Ms. Tara Pattisall Ms. Amanda Micklow Mr. Tim Beard Ms. Nicole Pendleton Ms. Susan Carter Guests: Mr. Anthony Ford, VDOT, District Enhancement Coordinator CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Hooker called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Approval of Agenda Mr. McNeil made a motion to approve the agenda, which passed 5-0. Plantation Road Pedestrian Improvements Ms. Cronise provided a PowerPoint presentation. She discussed the goals, implementation strategy, pedestrian and bicycle accommodations, and mass transit opportunities along Plantation Road. She described the proposed streetscape, amenities placement, and gateway signage for the Hollins area. She discussed proposed funding of the project. She noted the Board of Supervisors public hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2009. Mr. Azar inquired about funding of traffic signals. Ms. Cronise discussed specific funding sources. He inquired about traffic calming measures in the area. Ms. Cronise discussed landscaping which should enhance traffic calming. Mr. McNeil inquired about obtaining right-of-way to construct sidewalks and Page 1 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2009 bike lanes. Ms. Cronise discussed this issue. Ms. Hooker noted the importance of greenways to this development. Mr. Doug Chittum spoke in support of the improvements, noting suitable property for new industrial development within the county has diminished. Mr. Anthony Ford provided a background of the enhancement program which includes non-traditional projects. He discussed methods available to localities in order to acquire state and federal funding for the projects, noting it is a competitive based process. Mr. Jarrell made a motion to support the Plantation Road Pedestrian Improvements; Mr. Radford seconded the motion, which passed 5-0. Wind & Renewable Energy Ms. Blankenship provided an overview of renewable energy which include wind and solar energy. She introduced Mr. and Mrs. McCowan which are interested in operating a wind farm. Ms. Blankenship provided a brief history of wind energy evolving from windmills to wind turbines. She discussed the wind resource map. She explained the differences between various types of turbines including small wind, large wind, utility scale, and wind monitoring. She stated the county is working in collaboration with James Madison University regarding research of these resources. She discussed the importance of regulations regarding these types of resources. She discussed public concerns which include property values, viewsheds, and safety of bats and birds. She stated the turbines do not create pollution or require fuel, and can quickly be installed and disassembled. Ms. Micklow discussed solar energy, including active solar technology and photovoltaics. She discussed the various types of system mounts, including setback, height, and lot coverage issues. She reviewed the solar resource maps, noting Roanoke Valley has approximately 4-5 hours of adequate sunlight per day. She discussed use type, site development regulations, and safety which would include inspection by the county building inspectors. She discussed other renewable energies which include geothermal and bioenergy. Mr. Azar inquired about zoning regulations. Mr. Thompson discussed zoning issues regarding various types of wind categories, including small, large and utility sources. The commissioners agreed it is important to address all three wind categories. Mr. Radford noted the importance of being prepared for all applications of renewable energy systems. Parking Structures Ms. Micklow discussed zoning amendments regarding parking structures, comparing old style and new style facilities. She noted varying fagades, landscaping, sidewalks, and lighting in each structure. She discussed at grade and below grade parking options. Mr. Thompson discussed potential issues and regulations which may be needed regarding aesthetics for redevelopment or underground parking. Mr. Murphy Page 2 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 20, 2009 discussed stormwater management issues and regulations. He discussed retro-fitting and shared usage of parking areas. Dam Break Inundation Zones Ms. Pendleton discussed the 2008 General Assembly House Bill 837 which provides localities the authority to regulate dam breaks inundation zones, including the addition of provisions within subdivision and zoning ordinances. She stated the purpose is to mitigate hazards of dam failure and flood damage. She discussed various zones currently regulated, including Carvins Cove, Loch Haven, Spring Hollow, and Hidden Valley. She discussed future application of regulations. She discussed the importance of reviewing the zoning ordinance and developing maps relating to the dam break inundation zones. Reduced Setbacks in Older Subdivisions Mr. Patriarca explained renovations frequently encroach into setbacks. Mr. Thompson asked if the commission would prefer to postpone action on this issue. Mr. McNeil expressed concern regarding how this exception would affect the remainder of the ordinance. He suggested exceptions should continue to be handled by the Board of Zoning Appeals. Mr. Jarrell stated this issue should continue to be dealt with on an individual basis. Mr. Radford agreed this issue can be postponed. Mr. Azar stated this issue needs to be researched. Mr. Patriarca noted this issue is common for infill historic neighborhoods. Mr. Azar inquired about specific differences. Mr. Murphy discussed zero lot line development. Mr. Thompson stated this issue is more prevalent when older homes in subdivisions are torn down new homes are constructed. Ms. Hooker agreed this may be issue in the future. The commission agreed to postpone research of this issue. Other Comments Mr. McNeil noted the scale of each energy project should be considered. Mr. Thompson discussed use and design standards and zoning designations for turbines. He also discussed the importance of the county's vision statement and green issues. Mr. Thompson reviewed the Planning Services Upcoming Meetings and Events Calendar. With no further business or comments, Ms. Hooker adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: Susan Carter Recording Secretary, Roanoke County Planning Commission Page 3 of 4 ROANOKE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Philip Thomp 6n I Secretary, Pboanoke County Planning Commission Approved: a. Martha Hooker Chairman, Roanoke County Planning Commission OCTOBER 20, 2009 Page 4 of 4