HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-22 Planning Commission Minutes
Commissioners Present: Kevin Meyer, Chairman; Chris Conner (Zoom); Luke Seigfried; David Hall; AJ Schrantz; Terry Hale
Commissioners Absent:
Town Staff: Darlene Burcham, Town Manager; Trey Peace, Economic Development and Planning Manager; Spencer Rygas, Town Attorney
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 six commissioners present.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Meyer asked if there were any comments on the August 8th minutes. Mr. Seigfried motioned to table the minutes due to lack of review and Mr. Hale seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously on a voice vote.
Staff Report
Survey of placement of Homeless Shelters in other jurisdictions
Mr. Peace presented the staff report on homeless shelters in other jurisdictions. He stated that the Town of Blacksburg allows temporary shelters by right in most districts and that
preventing shelters in single family residential areas will preserve the character and integrity of the district. In Abingdon, the Town only allows shelters in congregation halls and
does define shelters within their zoning ordinance but does not allow them in any district. Mr. Peace continued that the City of Salem does not allow any shelters
within city limits and does not define them within their ordinance. He stated that Bristol allows for transitional housing in their zoning ordinance and is made to be temporary and is
only allowed by special exception in the moderate and high-density districts. He concluded that the Town of Wytheville does not define a homeless shelter and does not allow homeless
shelters in their zoning ordinance.
Mr. Peace shared that after consulting with other localities if the Town wants to move forward with allowing homeless shelters they would need to utilize a zoning text amendment and
should only permit homeless shelters through special exceptions.
Mr. Meyer asked if there is anything in the zoning ordinance about homeless shelters.
Mr. Peace stated that it is not in the zoning ordinance which means it is not allowed and that definitions would need to be added as well.
Mr. Seigfried said that he liked the idea of a homeless shelter but does not know of what limitations should be put in place.
Mr. Meyer state that he liked the idea of limiting the zoning districts to certain districts. He thinks that the Town should observe how Taking it to the Streets operates.
Mr. Schrantz agreed that homeless shelters should be allowed by a special exception.
Mr. Meyer stated that homeless shelters should be in an accessible area.
Mr. Seigfried mentioned that he doesn’t think that homeless shelters should be limited to congregations.
Mr. Conner stated that he believes it is a need within the Town and that Charlie has done a good job with his shelter and agrees that there should be a public hearing on it.
Mr. Meyer stated that B-2 should be included because of the location of the current homeless shelter.
Mr. Seigfried stated that R-O should be included as well.
Mr. Meyer stated that he would like the homeless shelters to be a time sensitive matter.
Other Business
Mr. Rygas explained to the commissioners what their options were regarding the Mainspring Special Exception and conditions that the planning commission could add. He stated that a public
hearing could be held at next month’s meeting.
Mr. Schrantz asked if the planning commission could hold a closed session after the public hearing.
Mr. Meyer responded that is not allowed.
Mr. Seigfried asked if a time limit needed to be set on how long the public can speak.
Mr. Seigfried made a motion to put a limit on 15 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes on public comments. Mr. Schrantz seconded the motion. The motion passed in a roll call vote.
A member from the public approached the Planning Commission about his U-Haul business and requested the zoning ordinance to be amended to allow his business to operate.
Mr. Meyer stated that the issue could be brought up at a future meeting.
Mr. Seigfried presented that he wants the Planning Commission to discuss tiny homes. He continued that tiny homes should be allowed in all of the residential districts.
Mr. Peace stated that staff can write something up for the next meeting.
Adjournment
With there being no further business to discuss, Mr. Meyer adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Kevin Meyer, Chair
ATTEST:
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Caroline Smith, Planner/Zoning Administrator/Secretary