HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-22 Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioners Present: Janet Jonas, Vice-Chair; Chris Conner; Luke Seigfried; David Hall
Commissioners Absent: Kevin Meyer, Chairman; Terry Hale
Town Staff: Brady Deal, Planner/Economic Developer/Zoning Administrator; Caroline Smith, Planner
Call to Order
Vice-Chair Jonas called the Planning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call of Commission
A quorum was determined with four commissioners present.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Ms. Jonas asked if there were any comments on the minutes. Ms. Jonas made a comment that on page 3, three lines down, “gateway” should be changed to “Gatewood”. Mr. Connor made a motion
to approve the minutes and Mr. Hall seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote:
Chairman Meyer – Absent Mr. Hale – Absent
Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Aye Mr. Seigfried - Aye
Mr. Conner – Aye
Public Hearing
2022-03ZA – A proposed zoning amendment for section 6.1, Lots of Record.
Ms. Jonas asked Ms. Smith for a staff report on case 2022-03ZA.
Ms. Smith stated that town staff has proposed zoning amendment 6.1.3, “A lot of record that cannot accommodate the construction of a reasonably sized structure, as determined by the
evaluation of similar properties within the same block and zoning district, fronting the same street, due to the front setback requirements of the respective zoning district may be
permitted a less than required setback but not less than the average of the setbacks on the existing developed lots within the same block and zoning district, fronting the same street.”
Ms. Smith continued on to say that this amendment would allow for the development of smaller lots that were created before modern zoning regulations. As long as the setbacks are no less
than the surrounding properties. She stated that the town decided to propose this amendment because variance requests regarding setback regulations and lot sizes have been received
multiple times and per Virginia code 15.2-2309 a variance is intended to be a unique circumstance and if it is not it should be amended into the Town’s zoning regulations.
Ms. Jonas asked if there were any questions.
Mr. Hall stated that he could see setbacks being an issue with the size lots that the Town has.
Ms. Jonas opened up the floor for a public hearing. With no further questions, Ms. Jonas asked for a motion. Mr. Conner motioned to recommend approval to Town Council of the rezoning
and Mr. Seigfried seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale –
Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Aye Mr. Seigfried - Aye
Mr. Conner – Aye
Major Subdivision – Washington Avenue
Ms. Jonas introduced the second item, a Major Subdivision on Washington Avenue. She stated that the applicants were from Case 2021-09RZ back in November. Ms. Jonas then asked for a staff
report.
Ms. Smith stated that it was a normal Major Subdivision request with nothing unusual about it. She went on to sat that the applicant wished to subdivide the land into 12 different lots
to sell of townhomes and the lots individually.
Ms. Jonas asked if the applicants addressed the egress entrance and if it was all going to be from the rear.
Mr. Deal stated that they were going to have a rear access with a garage and the entrance way will be 100 feet from the intersection. He continued on to say that the Chairman was concerned
with the proximity to the intersection. Mr. Deal the stated that
those pulling out of the intersection would only be concerned about traffic coming from the left and those going the other way would need to be cognizant about traffic coming from the
other intersection and that site development wise they settled all criteria.
Ms. Jonas stated that she was satisfied with the site plans and that mid-range affordable housing developments were needed in the Town.
Ms. Jonas opened up the floor for a public hearing. With no further questions, Ms. Jonas asked for a motion. Mr. Conner motioned to recommend approval to Town Council of the rezoning
and Mr. Hall seconded the motion. The motion passed on the following roll call vote:
Chairman Meyer – Mr. Hale –
Ms. Jonas – Aye Mr. Hall - Aye Mr. Seigfried - Aye
Mr. Conner – Aye
Old Business
New Business
Staff Report
Old Business
Mr. Deal stated that his last day would be on April 22nd of next week. He continued on to say that he is proud of what the Town has been able to do and believes that they are in a good
place and will continue to grow.
Ms. Jonas state that she will not be renewing her term in November.
Mr. Seigfried also mentioned that he will not be renewing his term.
Adjournment
With there being no further business to discuss, Ms. Jonas adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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Kevin Meyer, Chair
ATTEST:
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Brady Deal, Zoning Administrator