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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-09-22 Planning Commission Minutes Commissioners Present: Kevin Meyer, Chairman; Janet Jonas, Vice-Chair; Chris Conner; Luke Seigfried; Terry Hale Commissioners Absent: David Hall Town Staff: Caroline Smith, Planner/Zoning Administrator Call to Order Chairman Meyer called the Planning Commission to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll Call of Commission A quorum was determined with five commissioners present. Review and Approval of Minutes Mr. Connor made a motion to table the minutes from the previous meeting and Mr. Seigfried seconded. The motion was passed on a voice vote. Public Hearing Old Business Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Mr. Meyer introduced Aphi from the regional planning commission to speak on the future land use map. Aphi refreshed the members’ memories on the neighborhood types within the Town. She continued on to say that certain neighborhoods have certain and individualized needs. Aphi also stated policies that were previously discussed and agreed upon from previous meetings. Aphi stated that Ms. Burcham wants the commission to discuss the downtown area. She went onto say that the current comprehensive plan does not state what the categories mean and passed out maps of the Town to the commissioners. Aphi explained that she believes that there should be different categories for the residential and commercial areas. Mr. Meyer expresses concerns of the properties within the flood zone. Aphi explains that the future land use map is for what could happen in the future and should be the Town’s direction and goal for the area. Aphi went on to explain the difference between the future land use map and zoning map. Mr. Meyer expresses concerns over the possible contaminations of the old furniture property located near the downtown district that is currently zoned for industrial use. Aphi stated that the new owner could do what was needed but that was not necessarily relevant for the future land use map. Ms. Jonas said she would love to see more development within the Town. Aphi states that properties need to be located that are not in the correct zoning should be considered for the future land use map and should be used as an opportunity to correct the zonings. Aphi recommended a mapping exercise and Mr. Seigfried agreed. It was agreed upon that Aphi would come to the planning commission meeting in July for a mapping exercise to revisit the future land use map. New Business Minimum Structure Size Ms. Smith stated that she has been receiving requests from the public on minimum residential structure sizes. She continued to say that Ms. Burcham has recommended that the planning commission discuss and consider if minimum residential structure sizes are appropriate for the Town. Ms. Smith asked Aphi for her opinion on the matter as well. Aphi stated that is important for homes to fit in with the neighborhood. Mr. Meyer asked of examples of the requests. Ms. Smith stated that one person wanted to purchase a shed and configure to make it livable but the Town has already declined that request as the structure needs to be made with the main purpose of a residential dwelling. Aphi stated that one community who didn’t want tiny homes listed specific minimum square footages for each dwelling type. Mr. confirmed that homes that would be mobile would already be excluded and said square footage was not too much of a concern for him. Mr. Conner stated that most tiny homes he has seen are mobile homes. Aphi continued with examples from other localities that allow tiny homes or have minimum residential structure sizes within their zoning ordinances. Mr. Meyer stated that there were some odd shaped lots throughout town and on the southside of town that could fit smaller homes. Mr. Seigfried said he did not have a problem with tiny homes being in all of the zoning districts. Aphi explained that R-1 districts are usually larger lots that have unique uniformities. Mr. Seigfried stated that he did not have a problem with the lack of uniformity. Aphi said that you have to careful about existing stable neighborhoods. She continued on that they have encroachment on new uses as well as the character of the place. Ms. Smith stated that she believed that a special exception should be required if a home were to be developed under a specific square footage to ensure that neighbors can have a say and to confirm that it would not be abused. Aphi stated that there are no limitations right now. She continued on to say that high densities are currently in R-3. Mr. Meyer and Mr. Seigfried discussed which zonings should include minimum residential structure sizes. Following discussion from all commission members a conclusion could not be formed. Mr. Meyer stated staff should discuss it and then comeback with framework for an amendment. Staff Report Old Business Adjournment With there being no further business to discuss, Mr. Meyer adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. / _________________________ Kevin Meyer, Chair ATTEST: _/ __________________ Caroline Smith, Planner/Zoning Administrator