MINUTES OF THE

August 21, 2003

Planning & Zoning Commission

Members Present:  John Atwood, Chairman, and members John White, Chris Brownawell, and Dan Swann.

Members Absent:  Linda Cheezum. 

Staff Present:  Tom Hamilton, Town Planner, Matt Davis, Assistant Town Planner, and Zach Smith.

Staff Absent:  Stacie Sauca, Planning Secretary.

Mr. Atwood called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order at 1:00 p.m.  The first item of business was the approval of the July17^th minutes.  No vote was taken on the July minutes as there were minor changes to be made.

The first item discussed was 210-212 E. Dover Street requesting PRD (Planned Redevelopment) review for 3 townhouses fronting on South Lane.  The site is about a half acre in size and is currently improved with two apartment buildings.  These units front along Dover Street.  The applicant’s agent, Bill Stagg, explained they are proposing three two-story townhouse units to be constructed at the rear of the property.  The Commission discussed the two options and determined that option “B” was preferred.  Upon motion of Mr. Brownawell, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the PRD project with the condition that they must receive approval by the Historic District Commission.    

The next item discussed was Bay Tree Storage requesting sketch site plan review for a 2 story climate controlled storage building and bank.  The property is located on lots 1 & 2 Mulberry Commercial South and is zoned commercial.  Mr. Hamilton discussed the use with the Commission and it was determined that there is no difference between a climate controlled storage and a storage unit and therefore the proposed facility is a permitted use in the CL zone by Special Exception under the use entitled “wholesale, warehouse, storage & distribution”.  Mr. Stagg, the applicant’s agent, described the project and explained the parking needs for the site.  Councilman, Scott Jensen, spoke to the Commission indicating the residents of Mulberry Station supported the application and inquired as to whether approval could be conditioned on limiting future uses allowed on this parcel.  Mr. Hamilton pointed out that this was not permissible as this is a conventional site plan review and any permitted use in the district is allowed on this lot.  The Commission discussed the parking situation and asked if all the parking required was necessary.  Mr. Stagg indicated that he did not think so.  The Commission determined that 8 parking spaces should be deferred and landscaping be added in place of parking.  Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the Sketch site plan and made a favorable recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals.  

Planning & Zoning Meeting

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August 21, 2003

The next application was Airway Business Center requesting sketch site plan review for 2 new storage buildings.  The property is located between Old Centreville Road and Rt. 322. Mr. Hamilton explained the history of the project.  This site plan is an amendment to an existing complex and had previously been approved.  Mr. Hamilton also stated since 2 years have past the previous approval has expired and in that same time amendments added to the Zoning Ordinance which effect mini storage units.  The new application is similar to the previous and did not meet all the required standards.  The applicant requested that the site plan be approved as submitted since it was compatible with existing buildings and not practical to build with no doors exposed.  Upon motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann the Commission voted 4-0 to approve the sketch site plan with the following conditions.

1.) The northern most drive aisle is to be reduced to 20 feet.

2.) Adequate screening is provided along the northern boundary of site to totally screen from view the new building. 

The Commission also reviewed the final draft of the Annual Report prepared by Matt Davis and voted 4-0 to approve the report.  The staff is to forward a copy of the report to the Town Council and appropriate State Agencies. 

            Mr. Davis presented a proposal from the Mayor to expand the PRD (Planned Redevelopment District) to include an area on both sides of Dover Road adjacent to the existing district.   Mr. Hamilton recommended that the Commission review the maps which the staff had provided and determine whether we should include other areas as well.  After discussion the Commission determined they should proceed with the Mayor’s request at this time followed by a more extensive review soon after.  The staff was instructed to go forward with the advertising for the proposed amendment. 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 p.m. by motion of Mr. White, seconded by Mr. Swann.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Stacie M. Sauca

                                                                                    Planning Secretary