Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 1973Page 789 FEBRUARY 5, 1973 This was a scheduled workshop session of the Albemarle County Planning Commission held on February 5, 1973 at 7:30 P. M. in the Board Room of the County Office Building. Present were: Chairman Avery Catlin, Vice -Chairman M. Clifton McClure, Mr. David W. Carr, Mr. Wilbur C. Tinsley, Mr. M. Jack Rinehart, Mr. Louis C. Staley, Dr. James Sams, Mr. William S. Roudabush, and Mrs. Ellen B. Craddock. Also in attendance was Mr. Gerald Fisher, County Supervisor. Mr. Lloyd Wood, Supervisor, arrived later during the meeting. The meeting was called to order and a quorum established. It was noted that item 4 on the agenda "Ednam Village" , would be deferred until next Monday, February 12, because the applicant could not be present at this time. Item 5 on the agenda which read: "Proposal to appeal decision of Board of Zoning Appeals regarding Holiday Inn Sign Variance", was presented by Mr. Humphrey. Mr. Humphrey informed the Commissioners that Holiday Inn which is located at interchange of Rt. 631 and I-64, had been granted a variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals to allow their sign to be 47 feet in height as compared to 30 feet required in the ordinance, 400 sq. ft. in area, as compared to 100 sq. ft. in the ordinance. Further, he stated that Holiday Inn desired flashing lights, but the Board of Zoning Appeals restricted this. Dr. Catlin informed the Commissioners that he had this put on the agenda because of the major difference in size that the B. of Z. A. permitted than the Sign Ordinance permitted. Mr. Carr questioned the basis of the variance. Miss White, of the Planning staff, said the only basis they had was that this sign was a Page VO -2- national trademark and recognized by most people. Mr. Rinehart asked if the Planning Commission as a group had the right to do anything about the decision of the B. of Z. A.. Mr. Humphrey informed him that they could appeal the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals, but the proper thing to do would be to request the Board of Supervisors to appeal it. Mr. Roudabush, who is also a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, said he did not know why the variance was granted and that he voted against it since he could see no hardship involved. He further said the owners admitted they had several different other signs they could use. Mr. McClure made a motion that the Board of Supervisors be re- quested to appeal the decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals. The motion was seconded by Dr. Sams. Mr. Carr wondered if the Commission desired to give the Board of Supervisors any reasons for their decision. Mr. McClure was of the opinion that the reasoning should come from the Planning office. Dr. Catlin instructed Mr. Humphrey to write up the reasons and pre- sent them to the Board. The above motion carried unanimously. 6. Milton Hills Subdivision, Section II, Route 729. Mr. Humphrey gave a short presentation of this subdivision, which had been deferred from the previous meeting. He showed to the Commission the roads that were requested to be restricted roads. At this time Mr. Roudabush excused himself from the discussion and voting and requested the Chairman to wait until 8:00 to take up this matter so Mr. Gary Kirksey could be present to represent his plat. The Chairman did so. Page ?q/ -3-. 7. Robert McCauley- a request for a restricted road with 20 feet of width. One parcel. Property is described as Tax Map 29, Parcel 35B, and located on Route 665. Mr. Humphrey informed the Commission that this property was the subject of a rezoning a few months ago. At that time it was thought that this 20 ft. easement was already on record, but it was discovered recently that it was not. Therefore, Mr. McCauley was asking for a waiver from the 50 ft. requirement to 20 feet, and that the road be dedicated and not made a part of the 0.961 acre tract. Mr. Carr questioned whether the applicant told the Commission that this ROW existed when the property was rezoned. Mr. Roudabush did not think the road should be dedicated as this would make it a public road. He also thought the road should be rearranged so that it would not cut the corner off the front lot. Mr. McClure was of the opinion that granting this easement would be setting a precedent. He felt the ROW should be denied and a pipe stem lot be the recourse. Dr. Catlin commented that the Planning Commission is put in a difficult situation when they are given false information like this -- since this property was rezoned with the Commissioners thinking this easement already existed. Mr. Roudabush commented that the side )rardsetbacks could not be met if a pipe stem lot were required. Mr. McClure was of the opinion that he could obtain a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals. There was further discussion with thoughts of purchasing more land to make a 50 ft. ROW, also possibly postponing their decision until the next meeting to see if a pipe stem could be made. Mr. McClure wondered if this might not be a prescriptive easement (one that has been used for 20 years can legally be theirs). -4- Page 71{2- Mr. Roudabush made a motion to defer the matter until the next regular meeting and have Mr. Humphrey advise the owner and engineer of the questions that the Planning Commission raised and invite them to the meeting so that a decision can be made. This motion was seconded by Mr. Rinehart and carried unanimously. At this time, Milton Hills Subdivision was taken up as Mr. Kirksey was now present. Dr. Catlin was of the opinion that it made good sense to make restricted roads of the spurs but felt the longer roads should not be restricted, especially since there did not seem to be a problem with topography. Mr. Rinehart felt that the people owning lots on the restricted roads should be forced to come off on them instead of the State main- tained road. He further felt that these roads should not be cul-de-sacs but form a ring, so there could be trees in the center of the circle. Mr. McClure said a deed restriction could be placed on the lots stating that the owners would have to make their driveway come in off the restricted roads. Mrs. Craddock, in expressing her opinion of these restricted roads, said that they were an excellent idea. Mr. Carr agreed that the spurs could appropriately be restricted, but he wanted to make it clear to the applicant, and the minutes should show, that the Commission did not say they would approve the last section of the roads to be restricted. Therefore, it was extablished that the State manintained road would run to Lot 24 as indicated on drawing 3585. Dr. Catlin added that this would involve four spurs to be restricted and that the access to the lots should be off the restricted roads. ?age 793 -5- Mr. McClure said he did not know if they could legally force lot owners to come in off the spur but was of the opinion they should try. He pointed out that the house could front on the State maintained road if the owner so desired. Mr. McClure made a motion to approve the plat subject to (1) State maintained road running to lot 24 as indicated on Drawing 3585, (2) four spurs only to be restricted roads, and (3) access to lots on these spurs must be from spurs and not from State maintained road. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rinehart and carried unanimously with Mr. Roudabush abstaining. 8. Discussion of Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hunphrey informed the Commission that the work package was almost finished and that the staff had drafted a copy of the proposed 10-acre zone. He said, too, that he had obtained a copy of Loudoun County's 10-acre zone. Dr. Catlin said he had done more thinking on the matter and had talked with some of the Supervisors and he now felt that maybe the answer would be to keep the present A-1 zone and break it into three categories: (1) agricultural, (2) conservation and (3) holding. His thoughts on this was that land in the agriculture or conservation zone would not change in the immediate future. Dr. Sams was of the opinion perhaps the ordinance could be worded so that one subdivision approval for a specific property could be issued every 24 months or have no restrictions placed in the conservation zone at all, since a conservation zone should not have subdivisions in it anyway. Dr. Catlin said his opinion of a conservation zone would be that which was developed sparsely. But Mr. Humphrey said they would run into Page '79q I Me the problem of the exclusionary ruling. Mr. Fisher felt though that this ruling would not apply if you had other types of zoning within a reasonable distance. Mr. McClure mentioned that according to the State statute a man could divide his property into five acre lots but under the 10 acre zone he would have to have two five -acre lots to build a house. Dr. Catlin said that what he had in mind would be to take the present A-1 zone and allow three uses in it (1) agriculture - to be left for farming, (2) conservation - sparsely developed, (3) General or holding. He felt the Supervisors would be in a better position as far as the tax situation is concerned. Mr. Fisher commented that something to this affect was happening in New York where farmers were giving up their right to subdivide so their taxes would be lowered. There was further discussion on property being in a state of transition and discussion on land use taxes. Dr. Catlin commented that the Statement of Intent should be done first and that the present A-1 zone already has two uses in it, holding and farming. Mr. Lloyd Wood was of the opinion that the Commission should do things from a planning point of view and leave taxes out of it as this is something that the Board of Supervisors takes care of. Mrs. Craddock asked if Planning District 10 would have any juris- diction over the Commission. Mr. Humphrey informed her that they would not have any jurisdiction over this Commission. Mr. McClure felt that some land should be developed off main roads by allowing more restricted roads. Page i45 -7- Mr. Wood said he had never seen such a change. Before, the Commission would not allow restricted roads, and now they want them. He pointed out that he hoped they did not change so much that they would go back and start the same problems all over again. Mr. Carr commented that if the Commission went that far they would have good guidelines for the restricted roads. Mr. McClure said that 8-12 lots on one road would be too many to have on a restricted road. Mr. Lloyd Wood stated that he thought the red flag should be raised right now in order to find something more restrictive than a deed restrict- ion because so many people do not know what is in their deeds. Therefore, when it comes time for the restricted road to be repaired, the lot owner does not know that he has to share the costs. A representative of the League of Women Voters asked it it were up to the Board of Supervisors to adopt a prototype. She was informed that this was part of the Subdivision Ordinance which would have to be adopted by the Board of Supervisors. This representative also pointed out there would be difficulty with the restricted roads because of them being in little pockets with no continuation of roads. Mr. Roudabush pointed out, too, that the Commission had been permitted to approve restricted roads in the past without any conditions and that at least now, they would be sure the roads were good ones. 9. Committee Report: Mawyer Property (Mr. Roudabush and Mr. McClure) . Mr. Roudabush asked that this matter be deferred until the next meeting at which time he would have the information that he needs from Mr. Frank Gregg. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. ecretar;z Page 796 FEBRUARY 12, 1973 This was a work session of the Planning Commission of the Albemarle County Planning Commission held on February 12, 1973 at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the County Office Building. Present were: Vice -Chairman M. Clifton McClure, Mr. David W. Carr, Dr. James Sams, Mr. William S. Roudabush, Mr. Louis C. Staley, Mr. Wilbur C. Tinsley, Mr. M. Jack Rinehart, and Mrs. Ellen Craddock. Dr. Avery Catlin, Chairman was absent. The meeting was called to order and a quorum established. The minutes presented were deferred until February 26, 1973. At this time, the Chairman called for the scheduled items. 1. Robert McCauley- a request for a restricted road with 20 feet of width to serve one parcel. Deferred item. Mr. Aubrey Huffman, Engineer, presented facts with reference to the request stating that the proposed alignment followed an existing driveway. Said driveway being so established by reason of topograph. He further stated that to get 50 feet of right-of-way would be impossible because of the location of the existing dwellings and the minimum side yard requirements. The Commission discussed the matter from a different approach; one being as a pipe stem lot. Upon conclusion of the discussion, Roudabush motioned that the request for a restricted road be denied and that the applicant consider a pipe stem approach to facilitate proper frontage on a road. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rinehart and approved unanimously by those members present. 2. George Barrett - a request for a restricted road on property known as "Willoughby" . Said road to service one large parcel, already recorded located east of Route 631 (Old Lynchburg Road). Mr. Barrett, attorney representing parties involed in the O'Neill Page '?q'7 Bankruptcy request the request the restricted road in lieu of a pipe stem access to facilitate the sale of the subject parcel of land. A lengthy discussion was held on the merits of the request and alternative approach to solve what appears to be a problem in establishing a restricted road on this property since all roads in Willoughby are to be levied to state standards under the approach of a Special Permit for a Planned Community. After the discussion, Mr. Carr motioned to deferr action to permit consultation regarding the matter, between Mr. Humphrey, County Attorney, and the attorney involved in the bankruptcy to ascertain whether other alternatives existed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Rinehart and unanimously approved by those members present. 3. John Embree - Request for an extension of a restricted road to serve additional lots for property located north of Route 676. Mr. Embree was not in attendance and after a short discussion on the merits, Mr. Roudabush motioned to deferr action until February 26, 1973, The motion was seconded by Mr. Rinehart. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Embree is to be notified and informed to attend the meeting. Site Plans 4. Crozet Village Shoppe. A plan for the utilization of any existing structure for the purpose of establishing a "Craft Shop". The staff reported that the plans had been reviewed and approved by the Site Plan Technical Review Committee. However, the staff informed the Commission that the facility would be utilizing a pit privy. The Commission being concerned relative to the sanitary facility plan and approved by the Health Department, approved the Site Plan upon motion by Mr. Carr, seconded by Mr. Staley and approved unanimously by members present. Approval was subject to periodic Page 1.1 review of the pit privy relative of adequacy and health conditions. I�Iwel 5. Salem Carpet Store - Route 250 East adjacent to Porche Audi Mr. Roudabush at this time disqualified himself from review and vote on this matter. The staff reported that the site committe had reviewed the plan as presented and recommended approval subject to final Health Department approval for septic tank system. Mr. Jim Wilson, applicant, presented the plan indicating the nature of the business and the appearance of the building. Mr. S. L. Wynne, adjacent property owner spoke to the Commission with reference to property lines and the existing row of trees on the east property line. He asked that all trees be saved. Mr. Wilson stated that six trees had to be removed for proper sight distance. Mr. Wynne agreed that this was necessary. Upon termination of the discussion, Mr. Tinsley motioned for approval, Mr. Staley seconded the motion, and was unanimously approved by those members present, with the following conditions: A. Investigation of alternate parking to ascertain whether the building can be moved off of the eastern property line to save the trees and provide a reasonable side yard. r B. That the first six (6) trees be removed along theme=n property line. All others to be saved to provide a buffer or screen. C. Subject to final Health Department approval. Mr. Roudabush returned to the Commission at this time. 6. White/Weeks Furniture Store - Route 29 North adjacent to Cavalier Furniture Store across from "Carrsbrook" entrance. The staff stated that the site plan had been reviewed by the Committee and based upon their review, recommend approval subject to Page Health Department approval for septic tank system. Mr. Barnes Sample represented the applicant. Mr. Carr made a motion to approve the site plan subject to the condition of Health Department approval which was seconded by Mr. Tinsley, and unanimously approved by those members present. 7. Lester Terry Property - Subdivision of land involving 50 lots on Route 649 across from "Jefferson Village" preliminary approval. Mr. Roudabush excused himself at this time from the review on this item and the following two items. The staff reported that the subdivision had been reviewed by the committee and that the staff recommends approval subject to perculation test on all lots, highway approval of road plans and profiles. The Commission approved the preliminary plan subject to the staff recommendation and including the condition that the restricted road/easement to serve lots 16, 17 and 18 was not a part of the approval. 8. Meriwether Hills Subdivision - Phase 4 containing 35 lots on Route 678 north of "Ivy". Preliminary. The Commission approved the preliminary subject to perculation test on each lot, additional water storage to be provided in keeping with Health Department requirements and the conditions of the granting of a Special Permit for the Central Well, and that acess to and from lots 27 and 1 be restricted to Kimborough Drive. 9. Four Seasons Phase II - Site Plan for townhouse and garden apartments and a preliminary concept for 80 acres of R-3 zoned land. Located at the intersection of Route 743 and 631. Mr. Craig presented the plans stating he planned to develop approximately 1600 units as oppposed to 2400 units as provided for under the R-3 zoning. Mr. James Flemming appeared as adjacent property owner and was 9 Page"<' ... desirous in having proper vehicle circulation in the area. No roads were indicated to be extended beyond the property lines. After a discussion, Mr. Carr motioned for approval of Section I of Phase II subject to the following, which was seconded by Dr. Sams and unanimously approved by thosem?mbers present: 1. Meeting minimum zoning setback requirements. -2. Showing sewage connections. 3. Finalized erosion control approvals. f4. The design of all water and sewer lines,to be deed to the Albemarle County Service Authority must be re*sewed and have written approval by the County Engineer prior to installation. i —5. The developer shall install and deed to the Albemarle County Service Authority all water and sewer lines on site and all water and sewer lines off -site owned by the developer necessary to serve this phase of Four Seasons from the site to existing lines owned by the Authority a-- no expense to the Authority prior to connection to any water and sewerline in which the Authority is expected to provide water and sewer. The service lines from the buildings to the water meter and the sewer service line to the trunk shall remain the property and responsiblity of the owner. 6. The County Engineer shall inspect the installation of all water and sewer facilities during the construction and order in writing all deficiencies which must be corrected by the developer. A final inspection shall precede the acceptance of the facilities by the Authority. -7F`. The developer shall deed an easement with a minimum width of (tr 15 feet for all water and sewer lines to the Albemarle County Service Authority for the maintenance of all lines deeded to the Authority, in-0 above at no expense to the Authority. Page, s- -8. The developer must pay all existing fees and charges for water and sewer prior to issuance of an occupancy permit on the �r structure or facilitJ, to be served. !0 --.9. The developer shall pay for the cost of acquisition of all IQ off -site easements and right-of-ways. �U 10. The Albemarle County Service Authority shall not be responsible for providing sewer service to Phase II -Cluster A until such time that overloading conditions at the Berkeley Sewer Plant have been resolved. J The preliminary approval of the concept of Phase II was deferred L � and a field. trip set by the Commission for Wednesday, February 14, 1973, at 1:00 p.m. at the site. 10. Ednam Village - Request for restricted roads with the existing rental development of Ednam Village. (Mr. Roudabush returned to the Commission at this time). Mr. Max Evans, representing the applicant presented the request stating that it was the desire of the owner to sell the units off. Mr. Humphrey reported that variances had been granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals with reference to setback subject, however, to the Commission approving the subdivision. Mr. Evans reported that the maintenance of the roads would be under a Maintenance Homeowners Association. After a discussion, Mr. Carr motioned for approval of the plat invoked with the first section of Ednam Village, involving variances subject to an appropriate homeowners maintenance association approved by the County Attorney, which was seconded by Mr. Roudabush and unanimously approved by those members present. With reference to Phase II of Ednam Vilalge and a request for the extension of an existing private/restricted road, the 9- Page »;c deferred action to provide for an inspection of the site. It was the consensus of the Commission regarding this new development that it was a new situation and not related to the existing situation in Ednam Village. The field trip was set for Wednesday, February 12, 1973 at 2:00 p.m. Mr. Ives Coty was in attendance. 11. At this time the Commission received for review and informa- tion the University of Virginia proposal for housing on "Lambeth Field". After review and dicussion on the inadequacy of parking on University Grounds, the Commission was not sure where access to the property would be. The Commission instructed the secretary to inform the University of Virginia that it was their desire to see access located at the traffic light at Emmett and Massie Road. 12. Committee Report A) I.W. Mawyer rezoning request. Mr. Roudabush and Mr. McClure reported after further discussion regarding the request to rezone land from A-1 to R-1. Mr. Carr motioned to deny the request because of no compliance with the adopted plan and not be in the best interest of the general public relative to setting a precedent, which was seconded by Mrs. Craddock and unanimously approved by those members present. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Secretary M Page FEBRUARY 26, 1973 M This was a work session of the Albemarle County Planning Commission held on February 26, 1973 at 7:30 P.M. in the Board Room of the County Office Building. Those present were Messrs David W. Carr, Wilbur C. Tinsley, M. Jack Rinehart, Louis C. Staley, James Sams and Mrs. Ellen B. Craddock. Messrs Avery Catlin, Chairman; Mr. Clifton McClure, Vice-Chariman; and William S. Roudabush were absent. Since the Chairman and Vice -Chairman were both absent, Mr. Rinehart nominated Mr. Carr to serve as Chairman. The nomination was seconded by Mr. Tinsley and approved. Mr. Carr called the meeting to order and a quorum was established. Mr. Carr suggested that the items of Old Business be taken up first. 1. John Embree- Restricted Road request - deferred matter from Feb. 12. Existing restricted road serving three lots and Mr. Carr's property off Route 676 to be approved to serve 6 lots and Mr. Carr's property with agreement between adjacent owners to maintain such road. It was noted that Mr. John Humphrey, Secretary to the Planning Commission, was absent, but he had sent a memorandum to the Comm- issioners dealing with the items on the agenda. Therefore, Miss White, assistant to Mr. Humphrey, was requested to read that part of the memorandum having to do with Item 1, John Embree. In short, Mr. Humphrey informed the Commission that the Board of Supervisors had declared a moratorium on the approval of restricted roads for 30 to 60 days pending a committee report with reference to future policy regarding restricted roads, therefore he recommended that they defer action on this request until such time as the committee reports its findings. M Page Mr. Carr informed the Commission that they could hear the request now and defer action or wait until the report was completed to hear the request. Mr. Tinsley was of the opinion that they should wait. Mr. Rinehart said that last week the Commission has discussed revising Mr. Embree's layout and he felt they should find out tonight from Mr. Embree whether this would be feasible. F! Mr. Embree said he had revised his plans according to the Commission's desires and that their suggestions would probably work better as more people would be responsible for the maintenance of the road. There was a short discussion with Mr. Rinehart saying that any further subdividing along that road might necessitate that it be brought up to State standards, since the Planning Commission usually would not allow more than 7 lots on a road not in the State system. Mr. Embree said that when he made a statement to the committee on restricted roads, he would recommend that they approve up to 10 parcels of not less than 5 acres each to be allowed. He felt this would really help farmers take care of the yearly expenses by selling 5 acre tracts. Mr. Embree informed the Commission that approval of this road was an urgent matter to him. Dr. Sams made a motion to defer the request. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tinsley and approved unanimously. 2. Ednam Village - Restricted Road request - deferred matter from Feb. 12. Request to extend existing private road and request for 25' restricted road to serve 8 parcels. There was no one present to represent or speak on this request. Since this, too, involved a restricted road, Mr. Rinehart made a motion for deferral, which was seconded by Mr. Tinsley and approved unanimousl+ Page '7, Mr. Carr made note, thought, that a field trip should be scheduled to view this request after the Restricted Road Committee had made their decision. 3. Four Seasons - Phase II - Site plan approval - deferred matter from Feb. 12. Townhouse and garden apartment rental unit development on 89 acres located at intersection of Routes 743 and 631. It was noted that in Mr. Humphrey's memorandum, he recommended that this request be deferred because of (1) rezonings that must take place, (2) additional information that was required and (3) the field trip that was scheduled on Feb. 14 was only attended by two Commissioners. Mr. Tinsley made a motion to defer the request until after a field trip and until more data has been obtained. Mrs. Craddock seconded the motion and it carried unanimously. Mr. Carr said a field trip date should be set for this and he asked Miss White if she knew when additional data would be obtained. Miss White did not have this information, therefore, Mr. Carr said the Planning Dept. would have to re -schedule the hearing. Dr. Sams was of the opinion that a field trip should not be scheduled until next Monday when more of the Commissioners would be present. He felt that they should also discuss field trips a little more with all members because frequently there are not enough members present for them. Mr. Rinehart stated that he thought a representative should be on the site when they view property to define boundaries and tell them exactly what they plan to do and where. Mr. Carr was of the opinion that the way they used to do it, (appoint a committee) was the best way. But he agreed that they should wait until next Monday to discuss the matter. Mrs. Martin questioned whether they had ever considered having members of the public accompany them on the trips. Mr. Carr said that was some- thing else that could be discussed along with the field trip discussion. Page - Miss White informed the Commission that a draft of the 10-acre zone included in Mr. Humphrey's memo was for their review over the next week. Mr. Carr asked Miss White to try and have the minutes of January 8, 1S, 22 and 29, 1973 ready for approval next Monday. The meeting was adjourned. Secretary 9