HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 05 81 PC MinutesMay 5, 1981
The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Tuesday,
May 5, 1981, 7:30 p.m., Board Room, County Office Building, Charlottesville,
Virginia. Those members present were Mrs. Norma A. Diehl, Chairman; Mr. David
Bowerman, Vice -Chairman; Mr. James Skove; Mr. Kurt Gloeckner; Mr. Corwith Davis;
Mr. Richard Cogan. Mr. Allan Kindrick was absent. Other officials present were
Mr. Frederick Payne, Deputy County Attorney, and Mr. Ronald S. Keeler, Assistant
Director of Planning.
Mrs. Diehl called the meeting to order after establishing that a quorum was
present.
Mrs. Diehl explained the procedure to be followed during the public hearing: the
presentation of the staff report, comments by the applicant; questions and comments
from the public; the applicant's response to such questions and comments; then
close of public hearing with the matter before the Commission for discussion and
possible questions of the applicant.
ZMA-81-13 General Electric - Deferred from April 14, 1981. Located west of
Route 29 North and east of Route 606, south of intersection of Route 606 and
Route 763. County Tax Map 21, Parcel 12, Rivanna Magisterial District. Proposal
to rezone 6.376 acres from RA Rural Areas to LI Light Industrial.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
Mr. Lloyd T. Smith, Jr., representing the applicant, explained that the purpose
of this application was to consolidate G.E. property and put the substation on
the side of the road.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was public comment. Since there was none, she
stated that the matter was before the Commission. Mrs. Diehl asked for Commission
comments or questions.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether it was Parcel 5B that would be transferred to the
Rappahannock.
Mr. Smith said that it was, plus the right to use the power easement shown on
the subdivision plat.
Mr. Skove asked whether General Electric planned to put any buildings on this
parcel.
Mr. Smith responded that engineering offices presently exist on Parcel 3, near
the boundary with Parcel 5A. He stated that future expansion of this building
was a possibility, plus parking, and that would involve Parcel 5A. He said that
presently a swill exists on Parcel 5A, making a natural boundary between the
Rappahannock property and General Electric.
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Mr. Cogan asked whether the possible future parking would be on the western
side of Route 606, or involve crossing over Route 606.
Mr. Smith replied that he did not believe that General Electric owned land
on the western side of Route 606 at that point.
:Mr. Cogan explained that his concern was to avoid a situation such as Morton
with parking opposite offices, involving crossing over a highway.
Mr. Smith did not deny that such a possibility existed further up Route 606
where General Electric owns land on the western side, but he stated that such a
possibility did not exist with the application before the Commission at present.
Mr. Skove moved for approval of ZMA-81-13. Mr. Gloeckner seconded the motion
which passed unanimously with no further discussion.
SP-81-11 Edward A. Anderson - Located on the west side of Route 649, south and
adjacent to the Southern Railroad at Proffit, County Tax Map 46, Parcel 67,
Rivanna Magisterial District. Proposal to locate a public garage, in accordance
with Section 10.2.2.37 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant had any comments.
Mr. Anderson stated that he had some pictures to show the Commissioners. He ;
said that he found Mr. Keeler's remarks in the staff report very reasonable.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there were any comments from the public. She asked
that each speaker identify himself and limit his remarks to one time per person.
Mr. Craig Redinger identified himself as an attorney and said that he was
speaking for the Proffit Homeowners' Association, as an officer of that
Association and as an independent homeowner. Mr. Redinger told the Commission
that the character of the area was rural and residential. He said that the
community had once had the features of a village - banks, school, commercial
activity, but that this had not been true since 1951. He said that for the
past thirty years there had been no commercial use of the Proffit Exchange
Building. Mr. Redinger said that the nearest commercial enterprize to this
site was three and a half or four miles away. He said that he and many of the
other residents of the area had chosen this community for the purpose of quiet
country living - a quality of life that would be substantially changed by this
application.
Mr. Redinger said that he had four sheets with sixty names of residents objecting
to the application. He added that in addition to the objectional change in the
character of the neighborhood, there were other severe limitations to the site
with regard to public health and safety. Mr. Redinger said that part of the parcel
consists of a right-of-way for Route 649, leaving less than a half acre.
Mr. Redinger continued, addressing the statement in the staff report pertaining
to whether the proposed garage would serve area residents. He pointed out that
there were numerous public garages in the Charlottesville area already. He added
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the applicant bought the Proffit Exchange Building as an investment and intended
to lease it, becoming in effect an absentee owner. Mr. Redinger said that denying
this application would not jeopardize a salary, this being a secondary investment.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment.
Mrs. Mary Anne Lally -Graves, an adjoining property owner, spoke of the quaint
stone facades of homes surrounding the Exchange - a quality that attracted her
two years before. She stated that she wanted to start a family and the quietude
was one of the appeals of the area. She continued that she could not stress
enough her concern over the possibility of having a garage next door - not only
the noise factor but the decrease in land value. Mrs. Lally -Graves also expressed
concern about the railroad bridge, which allows only one car to pass at a time,
further hampering access to and from the site.
'The Rev. T. R. Hanner said that he had moved to Charlottesville from Roanoke
and had spent two thirds of his life in Charlottesville. He stated that he chose
the Proffit area for the peace and quiet and country -living that it offered. He
spoke of having gardens and living a quiet rural existence. He said that he
doubted that a garage could be next door or two doors away and not cause disturbance.
Mr. Hanner concluded by expressing his belief that this application would hurt the
community and he was therefore against it.
Dr. David Morris introduced himself as a doctor at Martha Jefferson Hospital and
resident of Proffit, living about 400 yards from the Proffit Exchange Building.
He confirmed the Rev. Hanner's remarks, adding his objections to this application.
Mr. Larry Hall said that he was the owner of a body shop on Route 29 and lived in
*As-'` the Proffit area. He said that he was familiar with the restrictions the County
had placed on his shop, which already had the proper zoning, in particular parking
space requirements for customers and employees. He stated that he objected to
this application and did not see how the applicant could meet County requirements.
Mrs. Diehl asked the applicant if he wished to make a concluding statement. He
responded that a letter from an electrical contractor was contained in the staff
report, attesting to the dangerous condition of the wiring when the building was
purchased the previous year. Mr. Anderson said that this contractor made
improvements to the electrical system. In addition, Mr. Anderson said that the
general condition of the site was poor with overgrown brush and discarded trash.
Mr. Anderson stated that in the three months of operating the garage, he had made
improvements to the site, maintained a brisk trade, had not parked cars on the
grass.
Mr. Anderson said that Associated Steel was located less than a half a mile from
the site and was a manufacturer of steel for the housing industry. He said that
as far as adequate parking and entrance requirements were concerned, a Highway
Department representative on January 21, 1981, had inspected the site and had no
problems with it. Mr. Anderson next addressed the issue of his livelihood, saying
that this business was necessary to his income. He reiterated his desire to
continue upgrading the property and return to the business started prior to
notification by Mr. Jesse Hurt, Deputy Zoning Administrator.
Mrs. Diehl stated that the matter was now before the Commission.
She asked Mr. Dan Roosevelt of the Highway Department to clarify the Department's
position on this application.
Mr. Roosevelt responded that it had been determined that there was adequate sight
distance at the entrance at Route 649 in order to qualify as a commercial
entrance. He said that curbs and the standard width were substandard, but the
sight distance was adequate. He said that there were problems with the parking
area. Mr. Roosevelt said that three to four vehicles would be the maximum
number that could be parked on the site without blocking the entrance.
Mrs. Diehl asked about the close proximity of the bridge to the site.
Mr. Roosevelt answered that there was no problem involving sight distance or
hindering the highway and that he did not really foresee a significant increase
in traffic.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether a deceleration lane had been required.
Mr. Roosevelt said that it had not.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the Commissioners had questions or comments.
Mr. Skove asked what uses the building had had since the fifties and whether it
had ever been used as a residence. He asked about other acceptable uses of the site.
Mr. Keeler responded that it was his understanding from the Zoning Department
that the building had had various uses since the fifties, the most recent being
a warehouse. Mr. Keeler said that the Health Department had indicated it
would only approve a septic system for a one -bedroom residence.
Mr. Skove asked about the sizes of surrounding parcels. Mr. Keeler indicated
that there were several small lots in the area and directly adjacent,: ranging
from a quarter of an acre to a half or three-quarters of an acre.
Mr. Gloeckner asked whether nearby homes were occupied. This was not determined.
Mrs. Diehl asked about the Health Department requirements, since the parcel contained
so much less area than now required. She expressed concern about needing a
grease trap and special drainage arrangements for a public garage.
Mr. Keeler said that this matter would be addressed under the plumbing code
rather than by the Health Department.and regulated by the Building Inspector and
Fire Official.
Mrs. Diehl asked about how this material was disposed of. Mr. Keeler indicated
that it was supposed to be disposed of in some appropriate manner, not permitted
to permeate soils on the site.
Mr. Davis asked about the existing water and sewer system. Mr. Keeler said that
there were neither and due to the configuration of the parcel and surrounding
development, a well would have to be located at the other end of the property.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the placement of the septic drainfield and well would
interfere with the already limited parking area.
Mr. Keeler responded that it was quite possible and for this reason a site plan
requirement was included as one of the recommended conditions of approval.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether this parcel was not subject to the present requirement
in the ordinance of having two drainfields shown on each parcel.
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Mr. Keeler answered that at the present time it was, but pending amendments
(scheduled for action the following week) would change this requirement.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there were additional comments or questions.
Mr. Cogan said that he tended to agree with the staff recommendation that a
site plan should be submitted simultaneously with this application, but that
he really did not feel favorably inclined toward the petition and would
hesitate to suggest that the applicant go to the further expense of drawing
up a site plan.
Mr. Gloeckner stated that he agreed with Mr. Cogan and felt that a garage
here would not be an appropriate use. He added that probably some other use
could be found for the property which would be more suitable and in keeping
with such a residential neighborhood.
Mrs. Diehl said that she had visited the site during the afternoon and believed
that putting a garage on this site would drastically change the nature of this
quiet neighborhood, which consists of small lots.
Mr. Gloeckner moved for denial of SP-81-11, which was seconded by Mr. Bowerman
and passed unanimously with no further discussion.
ZMA-81-10 James P. Reilly was the next item on the agenda, but Mrs. Diehl
ascertained that neither the applicant nor his representative were present.
She stated that the public hearing would proceed to the next item on the agenda.
SP-81-13 Adial Full Gospel Church - Located on the east side of Route 758
about 1,500 feet south of Route 637, County Tax Map 69, Parcel 37, White Hall
Magisterial District. Proposal to locate a 3,584 square foot church on a
1.95-acre tract zoned RA Rural Areas, in accordance with Section 10.2.2 of the
Zoning Ordinance.
Adial Full Gospel Church Site Plan
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant wished to make a statement at this time.
Mr. Bland Wade introduced himself as the architect for the church and said that
he or Mr. McQuarry, the applicant, would be happy to answer any questions.
Mrs. Diehl called for public comment. Since there was none, she stated that the
matter was now before the Commission.
Mrs. Diehl asked about the Highway Department recommendations.
Mr. Keeler said that the Highway Department required a 25' radius to be shown
on the site plan.
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Mr. Gloeckner said that since there were no objections from adjacent property
owners, he would move for approval of this special use permit, SP-81-13.
Mr. Cogan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously with no further
discussion.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there were questions concerning the site plan.
Mr. Gloeckner asked Mr. Keeler about the wording of the last condition, g. Redesign
parking to allow for perpendicular parking, subject to staff approval.
Mr. Keeler explained that adding "subject to staff approval" was due to staff
not having been able to consult the applicant on a redesigning of parking.
Mr. Cogan asked, with regard to parking, what requirements were for spaces. He
said that he thought they were required to be 10' by 201.
Mr. Keeler answered that there was a range, depending upon the width of the
aisleway. He said that spaces could be as small as 9' by 18' if the aisleway
were 24'.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether only one handicap space was required.
Mr. Keeler responded that it was.
Mrs. Diehl asked about Health Department approvals.
Mr. Bland said that a perc test had been approved.
Mr. Cogan asked about buffering and adequate screening of the cemetery.
Mr. Keeler said that he did not recall a condition being placed on a church
to screen its cemetery.
Mr. Gloeckner said that there was such a thing as deeding of cemetery plots.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the Commission was approving a future cemetery in that
area as shown on the site plan.
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Mr. Payne answered that he did not believe so, that the particular location of
the cemetery was not being approved by approval of the church site plan. He thought
that placement of a cemetery would be an accessory use to the special use permit.
Mrs. Diehl asked what the property adjacent to the church consisted of.
Mr. Keeler said that the nearest dwelling to the church property was 300 feet.
Mr. Gloeckner asked Mr. Cogan whether he wanted to require a buffer.
He responded that if there was no one to be bothered by the presence of the
cemetery, he did not feel it was necessary.
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Mr. Skove moved for approval of the Adial Full Gospel Church Site Plan, subject
to the following conditions:
1. A building permit will be issued when the following conditions have been met:
a. Written Health Department approval;
b. Staff approval of a landscape plan;
c. Dedication of 25 feet from the center line of Route 758, to be
accomplished by separate deed or plat;
d. Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation approval of the
commercial entrance;
e. Compliance with the Soil Erosion Ordinance;
f. Correct acreage of the site to 1.95 acres;
g. Redesign parking to allow for perpendicular parking, subject to staff
approval.
Mr. Gloeckner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously, with no further
discussion.
Since neither the applicants nor their representatives were present for
ZMA-81-10 James P. Reilly and ZMA-81-15 Woodbriar Associates, Mrs. Diehl
declared a ten-minute recess.
ZMA-81-10 James P. Reilly - Located at the intersection of Routes 22 and 231
at Cismont, County Tax Map 65, Parcel 12C, Rivanna Magisterial District.
Proposal to rezone 2.88 acres from RA Rural Areas to C-1 WITH PROFFER.
Mr. Keeler gave the Staff Report. Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant had
any comments.
Mr. George M. Coles, Jr., an attorney, identified himself as representing the
applicant. He said that at this time he had no comment, but wished to reserve
the opportunity to speak later.
Mrs. Diehl asked for public comment.
Mr. R. A. Broan remarked that this application was very similar to the earlier
one. He stated that he questioned whether there should be commercial zoning in
the midst of substantial RA zoning. Mr. Broan stated that he did not believe
that any other commercial zoning existed east of Route 250.
Mrs. E. H. C. Goss identified herself as having property behind the applicant's.
She stated that a traffic problem already existed without opening up a
restaurant, which would attract additional people. She said that Cismont was
a quiet, peaceful place that did not want change. She stated her objection to
the application, saying that she wished to see Cismont remain a residential area.
Dr. Joseph W. May identified himself as a resident of Cismont, living within 500
feet of the applicant's property. Dr. May said that he was a physician in
*#Abw Charlottesville. He stated that he did not wish to obstruct livelihood from the
community, but that the business in question had been supported by local
residents as it exists. Dr. May said that two previous owners, Joe Goldberg
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Harry Bishop, had operated the business. Dr. May said that he thought there
was no need to increase the size of the operation for a single family to make
a sufficient profit margin. Dr. May also stated his concern about setting a
precedent. He said that a piece of property across the road from this parcel
was on the market, and he believed that if C-1 zoning was granted to this
applicant, another application from that property would follow swiftly.
Dr. May terminated his objection to the application by saying that he had moved
to the Cismont community for the peace and quiet of country living and believed
Mr. Craig Redinger's comments (as an officer of the Proffit Homeowners'
Association) during the public hearing on SP-81-11 Edward A. Anderson were
appropriate here also.
Mr. Thomas Salmon said that he lived 1.8 miles from the proposed rezoning and
that he had only learned of the application that afternoon. He added that he
believed the earlier application had been approved because there had not been
any objection to it. Mr. Salmon suggested that this was due to people not
knowing of the existence of a rezoning application. He stated that many people
now knew of this application and he hoped their objections would be influential
in having the application denied.
Mr. Gordon Haines stated that he lived within a quarter of a mile of the
property. He said that the rezoning could change the whole character of the
community and that he was opposed to it. He added that the intersection of
Routes 22 and 231 was already very, very bad and that a restaurant use would
only add to the danger.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment.
Mrs. Pat McCauley stated that she lived within sight of the property. She
said that she had grown up in the community and did not want to see a
rezoning on this property. Mrs. McCauley voiced concern over subsequent uses,
should the rezoning be granted and change hands in the future.
Mr. Pruit Sims stated that he had talked with numerous land owners in the
community and found that virtually all of them were opposed to this rezoning
petition. He said that people are afraid of setting a bad precedent, that a
commercial zoning could bring about a change in the character of the community.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was any further public comment. When there was
not, she asked the applicant if he would like to make a statement at this time.
Mr. Reilly said that he would like to attempt to answer some of the questions
raised. He said that he would be the first to agree with those who commented
on the high traffic count through Cismont, but he explained that his restaurant
would pull from the already existing traffic and not draw from Charlottesville
or other areas. He stated that his purpose was a small -family type operation
where people could come in and eat sandwiches. He said that he did not intend
to draw a lot of customers, that his proffered hours precluded that.
Mr. Reilly stated that the earlier comment that no commercial zoning existed
beyond the rock quarry was incorrect. He stated that Pittman's on 250 had B-1
zoning and had had this zoning since the original ordinance. Mr. Reilly said
that the prospective purchaser of the vacant property across from his store
wanted to raise the building and clean up the lot. He added that of the 400
to 600 people who come through his 4,000 square foot store each day, many
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favor a restaurant. He stated that in 1981 it was economically not feasible to have
rr+r a 4,000 square foot grocery in a community the size of Cismont. He said that it
was not relevant to speak of previous owners whose financial needs or ambitions
were unknown. Mr. Reilly said that this rezoning would be controlled growth and
that he did not intend to build a shopping mall; indeed he only wanted to offer
a beer and hamburger to people who might otherwise have to travel to Charlottes-
ville for a meal.
Mr. Reilly also stated that this rezoning to C-1 might provide a convincing
case against future rezoning applications, since it would provide all the
commercial zoning needed in the Cismont community.
Mr. Coles stated that his client was most articulate in his own behalf. 14r. Coles
offered to answer any legal questions that the Deputy County Attorney might have.
He said that at this time he only wanted to point out that this establishment had
enjoyed commercial use for thirty years and that the proposed use was consistent
with C-1 zoning. He said that the property across the street had remained
unused for some time and therefore any rezoning application was unlikely.
Mr. Coles stated that Mr. Reilly was a good businessman, who intended to stay
in business and uphold all laws.
When there was no further comment from the applicant, Mrs. Diehl announced that
the matter was before the Commission.
Mrs. Diehl asked the Commissioners for their remarks and questions.
Mr. Gloeckner asked to have the past history of this rezoning application
reviewed. He said that he remembered that the Commission had recommended
approval and that there had been no public objection. Mr. Gloeckner asked why
the Board had denied it.
Mr. Coles said that the denial had been related to the late hours it was feared
a restaurant would operate until. Informally, he said that the applicant had
understood a nroffer on hours would be looked on more favorably.
Mrs. Diehl and Mr. Bowerman asked whether the area had been reduced in this
rezoning application.
Mr. Keeler said that 2.8, close to 2.9,acres were involved in order to establish
a second use, the requirement being 60,000 square feet per use. He said that
there had been no change in the area in the rezoning request, but that the total
acreage of the property was between six or -seven acres. Mr. Keeler said that
under this rezoning there could be the grocery use and one other use with the
back of the property continuing in residential use.
Mrs. Diehl asked under what provision the store was operating at the present.
Mr. Keeler replied that it was non -conforming.
Mr. Cogan asked whether with the approval of this rezoning two uses would be
permitted.
�rW Mr. Keeler replied that this was correct.
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Mr. Payne explained that it should be clarified, the limit was to two uses,
but not necessarily to the current grocery use and proposed restaurant use,
as far as the rezoning was concerned.
Mr. Cogan said that he was not t-7.k`.ng about types of use, but number.
Mr. Bowerman said that as he recalled only one person spoke against the
application originally, and he was the owner of the property across the road.
Mr. Gloeckner said that he did not speak against the application but was
concerned about the second use, which Mr. Reilly indicated would be a
restaurant.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant was precluded from adding another use,
such as a craft shop or florist's, should it not prove feasible to have just
two uses in a 4,000 square foot building.
Mr. Keeler answered that once the zoning was obtained, there were no restrictions
on enlarging the existing building, but the number of uses was limited to two.
He said that there had been no discussion of limitation on the size of the
building and that such a limitation would have to come from the applicant.
Mr. Davis asked whether the general store and restaurant combined might be one use.
Mr. Cogan said that it was a good point, since both were under the same roof.
Mr. Payne said that he did not believe they would be considered as one use,
but that the outcome of this petition might answer that question.
Mr. Cogan asked whether Mr. Roosevelt could address safety concerns.
Mr. Roosevelt indicated that sight distance requirements and widths for commercial
entrance existed along the frontage of the site. He added that as far as a major
increase in traffic was concerned, he did not foresee any. He said that the
intersection of Routes 22 and 231 was bad, but traffic in and out of the site
was not going to further affect either the intersection or the roads, from what
he understood.
Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Keeler to explain his note on the Staff Report:
The applicant has modified the entrance to the property and installed
additional gas pumps. Both of these actions require site plan approval.
Staff felt that the purpose of a site plan in this case could be
satisfied by approvals from the Virginia Department of Highways and
Transportation and the Fire Official and suggested the applicant seek
relief from the site plan requirement. Intensification of the use of
the property by addition of a restaurant use is, in staff opinion, a
separate issue for which a site plan should be required.
Mr. Keeler explained that some modification to the site had taken place without
a site plan. He said that the Highway Department has recommended that the
applicant be required to install a commercial entrance to current Highway
Department standards. He added that the Fire Official had already given
approval of the work done to the gas pumps and fuel system.
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Mr. Keeler further explained that it had been his intent to deal with this matter
as a separate issue from the rezoning application, and, indeed, required action.
Mrs. Diehl said that she wanted to go back to the number of uses that could
possibly be permitted in the 4,000 square feet.
Mr. Payne explained that the ordinance required 60,000 square feet per
establishment, and he said that to date there had been no problems in defining an
establishment. He gave examples of instances that would be "judgment calls,"
whether a general store with a counter selling flowers would constitute a
florist's, or a vending machine with sandwiches constitute a restaurant, but he
indicated that circumstances such as these had not been a problem. He said
that clearly identifiable businesses with different owners, different cash
registers, under one roof, would be more easily identified as separate
establishments. He said that as long as the ordinance is enforced, he did not
foresee any major problem.
Mr. Keeler stated that if the Commission wished to limit the uses to the
existing general store and proposed restaurant, he would recommend that this
idea be conveyed to the applicant. He said that he thought a limit of uses
could be better controlled through the rezoning than any subsequent interpretation
of the Zoning Ordinance.
Mrs. Diehl responded that no conditions could be placed on a rezoning.
Mr. Keeler agreed, explaining that any such limit of uses would have to come
voluntarily from the applicant in the form of a proffer.
Mrs. Diehl asked about conditioning the site plan, limiting it to two uses
within the building.
Mr. Payne said that this would be the same situation, calling for interpretation
of the zoning regulations in defining two uses.
Mrs. Diehl stated that she was trying to determine the nuance between use and
establishment. She asked whether there were further comments.
1r. Davis said that he had heard no opposition the first time, but that with all
the objections tonight, he had a problem with the C-1 rezoning. He added that
he could only support it with certain proffers from the applicant.
Mr. Coles said that the application had been recommended for approval originally
by the Commission and he thought it would again and he did not believe that
additional proffers would be appropriate at this time. He stated that he would
wait for the vote.
Mr. Bowerman asked the applicant to respond to staff comments about the work
done without approval.
Mr. Reilly responded that there had been a problem with the antiquated fuel system,
and he had visited County offices to find out how to go about repairing it.
He said that he was told to contact the gasoline company that was going to make
the improvements, have them fill out the necessary applications and permit
requests. Mr. Reilly said that after work was well underway, we found out that
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there were no permits for the construction. He said at that point he had to
get electrical, building, etc. permits, meet fire regulations, and halt work.
Mr. Reilly said that he was simply misinformed and had never intended to do
the construction without the proper permits and inspections.
Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Reilly exactly which department had he spoken of when
he initially visited County offices.
Mr. Reilly replied Inspections. He spoke with the Fire Official, Ira Cortez.
Mr. Coles asked to respond to an earlier comment by Mr. Davis. Mrs. Diehl said
that he could do so, provided that he spoke briefly.
Mr. Coles explained that Mr. Reilly already made sandwiches for customers. He
said that these customers wanted to be able to have a cold drink with their
sandwiches and sit down in the store. Pair. Coles said that it was the demand
by these customers that had prompted Mr. Reilly to pursue this application. He
explained that many of the people buying sandwiches did not necessarily want to
take them out to cars, but wished to have a place to sit and eat comfortably.
Mr. Gloeckner stated that he still had trouble with all the public opposition
expressed this time, as opposed to the first time when he was fully in favor
of the application.
Mr. Cogan said that some of the objections came from people who live some
distance from the store, which to him changed the situation somewhat.
Mr. Davis said that this case was distinct from the earlier Anderson application
for a special use permit. He said that a rezoning for commercial was a much
broader sweep and would not be restrictive enough in a rural area.
Mr. Cogan inquired as to whether there might be another zone under which this
application might be filed.
Mr. Payne expressed his opinion that he doubted that staff would recommend any
other area of the community for commercial use.
Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further comment.
Mr. Skove expressed his concern with all the permitted uses under C-1 and moved
for denial. Mr. Davis seconded the motion.
Mr. Cogan asked Mr. Payne if he had understood Mr. Cogan's question earlier.
He explained that he wondered whether this use might be allowed by special use
permit in some other zoning district, not necessarily a commercial one.
Mr. Payne answered that the store could operate in Rural Areas with a special
use permit, but that the restaurant use presented the problem and there is no
provision for this use by special use permit in any zoning district.
Mr. Davis elaborated on his concerns about there being to too wide a range of
uses permitted under C-1. He suggested that with a proffer limiting the uses
he could be more sympathetic to the applicant
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Mrs. Diehl remarked that this was similar to her problem with the rezoning
request. She said that she had been concerned with the amount of acreage in
the rezoning, but that Mr. Keeler and Mr. Payne explained this requirement in
order to have two "establishments." However, she believed that various uses
could still be permitted under a C-1 rezoning. Mrs. Diehl suggested that if
the applicant were so disposed, he might wish to consider further proffers of
use at a future point in the process.
Mr. Payne concurred with Mrs. Diehl that action this evening had to be confined
to the application as it was submitted and presented to the Commission. He
indicated to the applicant's attorney that it would be appropriate to submit
any additional proffer prior to the public hearing of the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Coles indicated that his client would so proffer to limit the rezoning to
the two uses, restaurant and general store.
Mrs. Diehl said that in her opinion, the Commission should proceed and take
action on the motion presently on the floor. She said that there could be
further discussion after action and even a substitute motion, if appropriate.
Mrs. Diehl called for a vote. The motion for denial passed with five for and
one against, Mr. Cogan voting against the denial.
Mr. Davis remarked that no further action was necessary at this time by the
Commission, because a proffer by the applicant before the Board would bring
about the same result in all probability.
Mr. Coles asked if for public record it could be shown that had the applicant
proffered limitation of uses before the Planning Commission public hearing, its
action would probably have been favorable.
Mrs. Diehl responded that Mr. Coles could request a copy of the minutes of the
meeting, which would reflect that sentiment, to submit to the Board.
Mr. Keeler stated that there was another matter related to Mr. Reilly's
application that had still to be addressed by the Commission.
Mr. Keeler said that the entrance to this property had been changed without
Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation approval and without a site
plan. Mr. Keeler said that the ordinance permits waiver of a site plan if it
would not further the purpose of the ordinance. Mr. Keeler said that he would
recommend the waiver for the existing use of the building. He said that any
additional use would require a site plan. He further recommended a waiver with
the condition that the applicant make application within thirty days for a
commercial entrance which would be installed within six months of Planning
Commission action, failure to do so constituting a violation of the Zoning
Ordinance. Mr. Keeler added that he believed that technically speaking the
Highway Department could close the existing entrance, since it had been installed
without Highway Department approval, until constructed to Highway Department
standards. A site plan would still be required according to the ordinance,
Mr. Keeler stated.
Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Dan Roosevelt if there were any Highway Department
comments on this matter.
Mr. Roosevelt concurred with Mr. Keeler's remarks. He said that it would
be harsh to close the entrance and that he agreed with the alternative, having
the applicant comply as recommended by Mr. Keeler.
Mrs. Joan Graves remarked that it should be noted that a waiver should apply
before an action takes place, not after. She said that if there had been a
site plan requirement, Health Department approval might have been necessary.
She added that Health Department approval might be an appropriate additional
condition, since it may have been some time since this site had been reviewed.
Mr. Coles objected to this issue coming up at the rezoning request. He stated
that his client had been misdirected by the County.
Mr. Keeler answered that his understanding was that the applicant had sought
information from the County, been given the appropriate applications, and the
applicant's agent had failed to file for the required permits. Mr. Keeler
said that at no time had the applicant been given authority to construct his
entrance.
Mr. Coles asked that this issue be postponed until a determination were made
on the proffer of limitation of uses. He observed that modifying the entrance
might be contingent on the outcome of the proffer.
Mrs. Diehl pointed out that action had already been taken by the Commission
on the rezoning request and that it was unlikely that the applicant would
come before the Commission again.
Mr. Coles again expressed a desire to come before the Commission, before
proceeding to the Board.
Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Roosevelt how the Highway Department would address this
matter, if the Commission deferred action.
Mr. Roosevelt said that the Highway Department could request compliance,
involving partial reconstruction of the island that was removed, and close the
entrance as a final action. He said that to date the applicant had not filed
for a permit.
Mr. Payne said that actually this constituted a violation of the Zoning Ordinance
since the required site plan was not submitted. Mr. Payne said that Mr. Keeler's
recommendation was a solution. If the issue were not dealt with through his
proposal, Mr. Payne suggested that the Zoning Administrator might have to be
approached with regard to prosecuting or enforcement.
Mr. Bowerman asked the applicant to explain whether he had been given advice that
he did not follow or that he did follow, from the Zoning Administrator's office.
Mr. Reilly replied that he had understood that the responsibility for filing
for the appropriate permits had rested with the construction company actually
doing the work. He then requested permission to describe the improvements to
the entrance to the property, which entailed removing cement islands to widen
access to the property and permit easier flow of traffic into and off of the
property.
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Mr. Payne pointed out that the Commission did not have a site plan before it
and explained that the options open to the Commission were to waive the
rr requirement of a site plan and let staff do what it has proposed or to require
a post -hoc site plan. If the applicant did not comply with submittal of a site
plan, a violation of the Zoning Ordinance would result, Mr. Payne explained,
and enforcement would be pursued by the appropriate parties.
Mrs. Diehl said that this action, then, was apart from waiving a site plan for
the rezoning.
Mr. Payne concurred, explaining that in effect the Commission was radifying an
action post -hoc by granting a waiver of a site plan after the work had been done.
Mr. Bowerman remarked that if the County was at fault through oversight, by not
advising the applicant of a site plan requirement, then he believed that a waiver
was in order.
Mr. Payne pointed out that it was possible that the applicant had not asked
any questions that sufficiently demonstrated his intentions and was therefore not
advised of the site plan requirement due to its not being evident that one would
be necessary.
Mr. Davis remarked that he did not believe that Mr. Reilly had deliberately gone
about doing the work to avoid the site plan requirement. He went on to move for
approval of a waiver of the site plan requirement, on the property as it stood
now, with its existing use, subject to the applicant obtaining a commercial
entrance permit from the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation within
thirty days of May 5, 1981, and installing such entrance within six months of
May 5, 1981, and additionally Fire Official approval of the work completed.
Mr. Gloeckner seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
ZMA-81-15 Woodbriar Associates - Located on the west side of Route 29 North
between Camelot and General Electric, County Tax Map 32E, Parcel 1 (part),
Rivanna Magisterial District. Proposal to rezone 2.6 acres from C-1 Commercial
to PRD (Open Space) .
Mr. Keeler explained that this was a follow-up application to one reviewed
for Briarwood, when Mr. Wood proffered to reduce commercial frontage by twenty
percent. The last application satisfied this reduction partially and this
petition would fulfill the proffered reduction, Mr. Keeler explained.
Mrs. Diehl asked the applicant if he wished to speak. Mr. Wood stated that he
did not.
Mrs. Diehl asked for any public comment.
There was none, and Mrs. Diehl declared that the matter was before the Commission.
Mr. Keeler explained that the appropriate metes and bounds would be recommended
to be included on the preliminary plan. He added that there were other amendments
needed on that plan.
22Z-
Mr. Gloeckner moved for approval of the rezoning request, subject to metes and
bounds being shown as requested by staff. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously with no further discussion.
Mr. Wood invited the Planning Commission to come out and visit Briarwood, to see
how he is attempting to provide affordable housing for Albemarle County.
Mrs. Diehl thanked him for the invitation.
Mrs. Diehl ascertained that there was no OLD BUSINESS or NEW BUSINESS.
Mr. Gloeckner asked to make some remarks on the Reilly resubmittal. He expressed
his belief that when the Board has indicated that an applicant should return with
a proffer, after action by the Commission, then such a petition should not come
before the Commission again. Mr. Gloeckner said that it put the Commission in a
difficult position and the Commission should be bypassed in the second procedure,
if the Board was interested in a proffer.
Mr. Gloeckner said that he was uncomfortable with having changed his vote from
approval originally and this time denial. He said that the amount of opposition
had influenced his decision.
Mr. Payne said that the problem was that the Statute required a resubmittal
to come before both bodies, the Commission could not be bypassed in the second
action. Mr. Payne said that if different, significant issues were raised in the
resubmittal which were not in the original action, a change of vote was under-
standable. He said that opposition on the grounds of "not liking" the proposal
was immaterial.
Mr. Cogan said that to him the opposition lacked substance.
Mrs. Diehl said that the 4,000 square feet area bothered her.
Mr. Davis said that the tone of the application had changed radically from the
original one to the second. He said that originally the applicant had sought
relief in order to sell sandwiches to serve on the premises.
Mr. Cogan added that the whole issue of what kind of restaurant the applicant
envisioned was not completely clear.
Mr. Gloeckner concurred with Mr. Davis' recollection, saying that it was the
original intent to have a deli -type operation. He added that the issue had not
been brought up as to how the property might be used if it were sold. Mr. Gloeckner
said that the multi -use aspect might in that case well become a problem. He
said that it was unfortunate that the application could not be conditioned in
some way to limit it to the individual applicant and the one restaurant use.
Mr. Cogan agreed with this dilemma, saying that the only way the applicant could
proceed was through this rezoning request to C-1. He lamented that there was no
alternative inbetween.
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Mr. Payne said that this situation had come up a couple of times. He said that
an informal suggestion implying to an applicant that a certain proffer would
bring approval might in fact not develop that way. Mr. Payne explained that
someone might not have fully contemplated all of the implications of a proffer
and act differently on the proffer when it was fully discussed during public
hearing.
Mr. Keeler cautioned that anyone advising an applicant should be extremely
careful. He said that an applicant could misunderstand.
Mr. Gloeckner said that he did not feel sorry for the applicant because he had had
an opportunity to defer the application, when Mr. Davis asked him whether he
preferred a deferral.
Mr. Davis said that he believed that his suggestion to the applicant on an
additional proffer had been carefully worded to caution that such a proffer
could possibly be looked upon more favorably, but did not imply any guarantee of
approval.
Mrs. Graves expressed her pleasure that the Commission had not acted further on the
proffer of the applicant; she said that she believed such a response would have
opened up more public debate.
Mr. Gloeckner said that further suggestions on proffers would have then come
forth and that a proffer should be cut and dried without discussion on further
proffers.
Mr. Cogan asked Mr. Payne whether the general public was aware of being able to
come in with a list of proffers on a rezoning.
Mr. Payne answered that it depended on the applicant or legal counsel. He said
that there are two or three lawyers who know the ordinance well and can proffer
accordingly.
Mr. Gloeckner asked how staff could help with filling in the Commissioners on
the Board's thinking when a resubmittal came in.
Mr. Keeler responded that he did not believe the Commission's action should be
tainted by the Board's action. He said that the Commission should make
recommendations to its Board and leave the Board to take its own action.
The meeting adjourned at 10 o'clock.
M
obert W. Tucker, Jr.
ecretary
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