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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 02 82 PC MinutesFebruary 2, 1982 The Albemarle County Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on Tuesday, February 2, 1982, in Meeting Room 7, Main Lobby, Second Floor, County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville Virginia. Those members present were Mrs. Norma A. Diehl, Chairman; Mr. David P. Bowerman, vice. -Chairman; Mr. James Skove; Mr. Corwith Davis, Jr.; Mr. Richard Cogan; and Mr. Allan Kindrick. 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. The minutes of April 14, May 4, and June 23, 1981, were approved as submitted. SP-81-63 Henry T. and Mamie M. Herring - Deferred from January 19, 1982. Request to place a mobile home on 7.0 acres zoned RA Rural Areas, located on the west side of Route 601, approximately 1 mile north of Route 671. County Tax Map 8, Parcel 13, White Hall Magisterial District. Mr. Keeler stated that he had received a long distance call from Baltimore from the applicant today, explaining that he was too ill to attend tonight's meeting. Mr. Keeler explained that Mr. Herring's ill health was related to high blood pressure and was stress -related; he added that he was concerned that Mr. Herring's illness might reoccur in the future, should the petition be deferred further. ' Mr. Keeler also explained to the Commission that the Board had this petition scheduled for the following night, with no other matter on the agenda. Mr. Keeler said that it was the policy of the Board to defer an item only if the applicant so requested in a letter one week before public hearing. Mr. Keeler said if such a request was not received one week in advance, the Board would at least open the matter to public comment. Mr. Keeler said that he did not know how the Commission might want to proceed. He added that Staff had no way of contacting adjacent owners and notifying the Board members before tonight's meeting. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was anyone present for this petition. There was no response from the public. Mrs. Diehl asked the Commissioners what they wished to do. In reply to Mrs. Diehl's question concerning policy, Mr. Payne stated that historically the Commission did not defer an item unless the applicant had given Staff sufficient time to notify everyone. In this case, Mr. Payne observed that the health problem was a factor, and could happen again after another deferral. Mr. Keeler said that the applicant, Mr. Herring, had no objection to the Commission hearing his petition without his being present. Mr. Skove said that if the applicant had no objection, he would have no problem with proceeding. Mr. Davis said that he would have no problem deferring the item until the applicant could attend, or going ahead with considering it. Mr. Cogan agreed. with Mr. Davis. Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Keeler to give the Staff Report. Mr. Keeler did so and explained that there had been three letters objecting to the special use permit application, but one of the objectors had withdrawn his complaint. Mrs. Diehl asked for public comment. When there was none, she declared the matter to be before the Commission. 3y Mr. Skove observed that the letters protesting this mobile home were for placing a second mobile home on the property. Mr. Davis remarked that he did not believe a second mobile home should be allowed, especially for vacation purposes; he added that he could support the petition if it were stipulated that this mobile home were to replace the original mobile home. Mr. Skove asked whether a nonconforming mobile home could be replaced. Mr. Keeler replied that it could. He said that he had discussed this matter with Mr. Herring and determined that the applicant specifically wanted both mobile homes. Mr. Cogan asked whether the applicant had specified where on the property he would place the mobile home. Mr. Keeler replied that setback requirements would not be met if the mobile home were located where the applicant wanted. Mrs. Diehl observed that she had the same problem as Mr. Davis concerning its use as a vacation home; she said that she tended to feel more conservative about the placement of a mobile home for such a purpose, when it was not a permanent domicile. Mr. Cogan asked whether, since the applicant was retired, that was an indication that he would be living on the property permanently. Mr. Cogan said that he did not see why he would need to keep the older mobile home. He added that he saw the issue in two ways, one being putting the new mobile home where the old one is located and removing it or placing the second mobile home somewhere on the property where it would not be visible. Mr. Davis observed that the applicant could turn around and sell both mobile homes. Mr. Skove asked about the regulations on one dwelling unit per two acres. It was determined that the applicant had seven acres and therefore had sufficient acreage for more than one mobile home. Mr. Davis asked what constituted a trailer park. Mr. Payne replied that a trailer park definition existed and was a separate use; he explained that with a certain acreage, you could have a lot of mobile homes without constituting a trailer park. Mr. Skove observed that the biggest objection seemed to be to the deteriorated state of the existing mobile home. He wondered whether, if the applicant were to live on the property, one of the conditions could be to upgrade and improve the existing mobile home. Mrs. Diehl and Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Keeler whether the applicant had actually stated that he planned to retire to this property and live on it permanently. Mr. Keeler replied that he had. Mr. Davis suggested that permanent residence could be a condition on the special use permit. Mr. Cogan wondered how such a condition could be enforced. Mrs. Diehl agreed, saying that she did not know how you could follow-up on such a condition. Mr. Cogan suggested two conditions, one being that the new mobile home be located 14000 where it could not be seen and two, that it be the permanent residence of the property owner. 4 Mr. Payne said that he did not believe the residency requirement was enforceable. He added that the legality of such a condition was dubious and not easily policed. fir✓ Mr. Bowerman asked whether six months out of the year constituted residency. Mr. Payne replied that it was a legal term, permanent residence, and might be what you used on a tax return or license. Mr. Cogan asked what the applicant intended to do about a septic field and well, whether he intended to hook into the existing one. Mr. Keeler replied that he would need to get public health approval. Mrs. Diehl remarked that there was a need to have the applicant present to answer some of these questions concerning residency. Mr. Bowerman asked Mr. Payne whether the nonconforming use status of the original mobile home was jeopardized in any way by this application. He asked whether there was any way to put conditions on the existing mobile home. Mr. Payne replied that he believed the Commission could condition the original mobile home by telling the applicant that he could have maintained his existing mobile home as it was but that by requesting the special use permit for a second mobile home, he was subject to having to comply with certain conditions affecting the existing mobile home. Mr. Payne gave as an example, requiring only one mobile home on the site. Mr. Cogan stated that he believed the applicant could have replaced his existing mobile home without coming before the Commission. Mr. Payne replied that perhaps he could, but under limited circumstances, such as the size of the mobile home having to be similar to the original one, and if the original one were removed for a certain length of time, it could not then be replaced. Mr. Davis stated that he would be in favor of approving the application with the condition that the existing mobile home be removed and the new one installed. He termed this action positive. Mrs. Diehl said that it might seem positive from the Commission's viewpoint, but that she did not know how the applicant might see such action. She added her reluctance to take action without the applicant being present. Mr. Payne said that the applicant had elected not to be present and had not requested deferral. He explained that the burden lay with the applicant in a special use permit request. Mrs. Diehl reminded the Commission that the applicant had been in town from Baltimore on the night the original public hearing was scheduled but cancelled due to the weather. Mr. Cogan asked whether there were any provisions for permits for vacation mobile homes. Mr. Payne replied that there were not really any such. Mr. Cogan said that by approval of this request, the Commission would in effect be so approving vacation use of the original mobile home, since the applicant had indicated that he would reside in the new mobile home. Mrs. Diehl asked whether Mr. Davis had in mind a motion. Mr. Davis said that his motion would be for approval with the condition stated by Staff and a second condition requiring removal of the existing mobile home from the property: 9- 1) Compliance with Section 5.6.2 of the Zoning Ordinance; 2) Existing mobile home to be removed from the property. Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion. He stated that he generally looked favorably on mobile homes when the owner of the land was going to reside in one and it was about the only type of affordable housing available to someone. In this case, he continued, he would not like to see two mobile homes on the property and would like the existing one brought into compliance. Mr. Bowerman said that he did not believe such a condition represented a hardship to the applicant. Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Payne again what the applicant's recourse would be in the event of objecting to the Commission action. Mr. Payne replied that he did not know about appealing the action, but the Board's action was legislative and as such could be amended, if the applicant chose to request such. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further discussion among the Commissioners. When there was not, she called for a vote on the motion, which carried 4 to 1 with Mrs. Diehl opposed. i;MP,-81-28 William A. Lynch, Jr. WITH PROFFER - Deferred from January 12, 1982. Request to rezone 3.1 acres from R-4 Residential to C-1 Commercial with proffer, including a general development plan. Property is located in the southeast quadrant of the intersection of Route 250 West and Route 240. County Tax Map 56, Parcel 32D, White Hall Magisterial District. Mrs. Diehl informed the public at this time that the special use permit application from the Town of Scottsville and the review of the proposal for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan would not be heard this evening. Mr. Keeler gave the Staff Report. Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant wished to speak at this time. Mr. David Pettit introduced himself as the applicant's attorney. Mr. Pettit said that Mr. Lynch would speak to the Commission concerning the project, then he would speak very shortly on its relationship to the Comprehensive Plan, and finally Mr. Max Evans would address specific, physical features of the site. Mr. Pettit stated that basically it was a rezoning request with a proffer to limit the use and did not give the applicant the right to build all that was contained on the preliminary plan. Mr. Pettit stressed that the plan contained the maximum, optimum amount of possible development and the applicant would still be subject to site review, at which time some of the issues raised in Mr. Keeler's report would be aired. Mr. Lynch stated that he had a brief outline of the history of the property; he told the Commission he had purchased the property in 1973 with a partner, Mr. Young. The property at that time, he continued, was zoned B-1 or commercial. Mr. Lynch said that nothing was done with the property until 1978, when they contacted Mr. Max Evans to draw up a general grading and improvement plan to clean up the property of a lot of debris that had collected over the years on the land. Mr. Lynch said that in May of 1980 he bought out his partner and having an interest in the property, asked Mr. Evans if the plan would still be feasible. When Mr. Evans replied that it was, Mr. Lynch said that he applied for permits to roughly grade the property in order for a realtor to show the land. He said that at this time, in applying for the grading permit, he first learned that the land had been rezoned. 3� Mr. Lynch explained that he asked Mr. Evans what his recourse would be and Mr. Evans told him that he would have to apply to the Board of Supervisors to return his previously commercially zoned property (now zoned R-4) to commercial zoning, which he told the Commission he had been working on for several months. He respectfully requested the Commission to act favorably in this rezoning petition. Mr. Pettit stated that he had excerpts from the Comprehensive Plan adopted by KDA in 1977 as well as the April, 1980, detailed land use amendments, which he passed out to the Commission. Mr. Pettit gave a presentation on the requirements by State Statute that localities adopt comprehensive plans that provide for long- range planning. He stated that the Virginia Code contemplates that a comprehensive plan addresses general application of specific planning principles and general areas of development in the community and how those areas should be developed. Mr. Pettit stated that he did not believe language in the Code indicated that adoption of a comprehensive plan was a mandate to zone a particular piece of land in a certain fashion. Mr. Kindrick entered the meeting at this time. Mr. Pettit proceeded to read from the KDA Comprehensive Plan, certain pertinent paragraphs on commercial development. Mr. Pettit stated that the proposed rezoning would provide for attractive commercial development. He said that the Comprehensive Plan encourages conservation of energy and that this application would accomplish such a goal because it would reduce travel time for area residents who would patronize commercial establishments on this property rather than making the trip to Charlottesville. Mr. Pettit continued to read from the Comprehensive Plan, mentioning such goals as buffering, protection of adjacent properties, incentives for close commercial clustering, all of which he said would be accomplished by this rezoning application. He added that the commercial area in the community of Crozet was not conducive to group commercial development. He said that many of the parcels were small lots with fragmented ownership, not conducive to a group commercial development. Mr. Pettit read from page 16 of the KDA Comprehensive Plan, saying that the community of Crozet was projected to have a population of 12,000 in 1995, and commercial development to be planned at the intersection of Routes 240 and 250. Mr. Pettit mentioned that a convenience store was already in existence across from the proposed site. Mr. Pettit read from Table 10 of the Detailed Land Use and Area Recommendations for the Crozet Community, which he stated shows proposed development in the Crozet Community of 40 acres of new commercial land. Mr. Pettit said that based on Mr. Keeler's report, there were currently approximately 22 acres of developable land within the Crozet area presently zoned commercial. Mr. Pettit said that this land amounted to slightly more than 50 percent of what the Comprehensive Plan recommends, leaving the total some 18 acres short of the recommendation. He said that the railroad provides a natural boundary and the KDA Plan recommends limiting development north of it. Mr. Pettit said that the remainder of Crozet's downtown area was surrounded by subdivisions and residential development and therefore did not lend itself to this type of project. Mr. Pettit said that their conclusion had been, therefore, that the central business area of Crozet could not meet the community's need for increased commercial development. He added that since such development could not take place north of downtown Crozet, or east, west or south, the logical place for �,] commercial development was at the intersection of Routes 240 and 250. He added that there was a discrepancy between the KDA recommendation of 40 acres of commercially zoned land and the Land Use Amendments of 1980, which recommend 80 commercially zoned acres in the Crozet community. Mr. Pettit suggested the use of multipliers as a possible explanation for the difference, further explaining the theory of overprojecting commercial acreage in the belief that not all of it would ever be developed. Mr. Pettit said that Mr. Keeler had given two reasons for the medium density zoning of the property instead of commercial: one, in order not to compromise the intersection of Routes 240 and 250. Mr. Pettit said that as evidenced by the letter included with the Staff Report, the Highway Department did not believe the rezoning request would in fact compromise this intersection and therefore, this was no longer an issue. The second reason, Mr. Pettit continued, given by Mr. Keeler was that commercial development or zoning at this site would compete with downtown Crozet business. Mr. Pettit said that based on both the KDA Plan and the Land Use Amendments, it was not possible for the downtown business area to accommodate all of the recommended commercial zoning required by the community. In conclusion, Mr. Pettit stated that the proposed rezoning was consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, to minimize energy consumption, to provide concentrated commercial development in convenient areas, to protect residential development from impact from commercial development, to locate commercial development outside of the Beaver Creek watershed. He added that such a rezoning would further utilize a large highway, Route 250, and bring the zoning map closer to the projections made by the KDA consultants and citizen committees for the needs of the Crozet community. He said that at this time he would yield the floor to Mr. Max Evans. Mr. Evans explained that the plan, a preliminary site development plan, showed how the site might be developed to its maximum potential. He added that a site plan would have to be filed for any future development of the site. Mr. Evans explained that a wide range of uses had been chosen to illustrate what might appropriately locate at the site: a fast food restaurant, a card and sweets shop, a hardware store, a savings and loan bank, a beauty parlor, a t.v. and appliance store, a barber, an antique shop, office space, clothing store, saddle and boot shop, shoe store, and a small grocery. Mr. Evans said that the square footage of the commercial space had been kept to a modest amount and that the physical arrangement consisted of clustering various uses in several separate buildings with parking around the small buildings, designed for a good pedestrian environment. Fie said that a buffer of trees would be retained around the development. Mr. Evans pointed to a chart on the general development plan which gave the square footage for each use, the required parking area according to that square footage, the gallons of flow and septic field area required, etc. Mr. Evans gave an illustrated presentation on the physical features of the site, showing the contours and soil types. He added that the grading of the site would be on two levels. Mr. Evans stated that the site was very definitely separated from the highways. He said that the flow standards of the Health Department were met for the septic fields and offered more details on the physical evidence that this site was appropriate for commercial development. Mr. Evans stated that the land once had commercial zoning and being within close proximity of a busy intersection, did not lend itself to residential use. Further, Mr. Evans said that public sewer would not be available he understood for at least another five years and residential development would not be feasible at the density permitted because of having to locate septic fields for such use. 3y Mr. Evans said that he would be happy to answer any questions at this time. Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Pettit whether he wished to make a concluding statement at this time or whether he wished to await public comment before speaking again. Mr. Pettit indicated that he would like to speak after the public responded. Mrs. Diehl opened the matter to public comment. Mr. Gale Pickford stated that he lived in the neighborhood and had no strong position on the matter of the rezoning. He said that it was possible that a commercial development on this site might benefit downtown Crozet in a competitive sense, but lie was not altogether convinced that it was needed to serve future growth in the community. Mr. Pickford said that the issue of most concern should be the intersection, which he said was already a dangerous one. Mr. Pickford voiced concern over increased traffic with a shopping center in close proximity to Western Albemarle. He said that he did not feel strongly pro or con to the proposal, as long as it was developed safely and avoided any further highway hazards. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment, concerning this rezoning request. When there was not, she asked Mr. Pettit if he wished to speak in conclusion. Mr. Pettit replied that he would and said he would like to remind the Commissioners that the proposed plan called for a decel lane, sight distance, and would address appropriate access points and any dangerous traffic situations to the satisfaction of the Highway Department. He said that he would like to point out that the peak traffic flow from Western Albemarle would not coincide with that from a shopping center. Mr. Pettit said that on the matter of competition with local businesses, the free market would determine what uses actually went in and the uses mentioned were suggestions but not necessarily reflective of what the community might determine would add needed competition to area businesses. Mr. Evans next gave a brief concluding statement, saying that the general plan intended to show the maximum feasible development of the site with the clear understanding that no more than what was illustrated on the plan could be done and more than likely with the proffer, less would be done. Mr. Pettit and Mr. Evans both reiterated their belief that the proposal was consistent with the goals of the Comprehensive Plan and the need for further commercial development in the Crozet community. Mrs. Diehl declared that the public hearing was closed and the matter before the Commission. Mr. Keeler asked to clarify the record by directing two questions to Mr. Lynch: (1) in reference to a statement in the letter submitted by Mr. Lynch, which said a general grading and improvement plan for future development was approved by the Planning Commission, Mr. Keeler established that such plan was in fact a grading plan that was approved by the Soil Erosion Committee and that no site plan had ever been submitted to the Planning Commission. (2) in reference to a statement made by Mr. Lynch that he was advised that the rezoning would not affect his property, Mr. Keeler established that Mr. Lynch was not so advised by any County employee in the Zoning or Planning Departments. Mrs. Diehl asked whether two separate actions were needed, one to determine whether "l'--) the proposal was in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and one on the rezoning request. Mr. Payne clarified that the Commission had only to act on the rezoning request. Mrs. Diehl asked the Commissioners what questions they had. Mr. Davis said that he would like to know precisely how far the distance was from the eastern end of the property to the western end along Route 250. He said that it looked to him as though there were 300 feet from the intersection to the entrance. Mr. Evans and Mr. Davis calculated the distance and determined that the distance was in fact greater than 300 feet. Mr. Davis stated that Byron Coburn had required a minimum distance of 400 feet on Route 250 East between an intersection and an entrance onto a commercial property. Mr. Davis also expressed interest in the Scenic Highway designation and how this proposal was affected by it. Mrs. Diehl suggested that Mr. Keeler answer this question. Mr. Keeler said that the proposal complied with the setback requirements for a Scenic Highway, the parking setback being 50 feet and the building setback being 150 feet. He explained that it was for this reason that the plan showed the buildings on the back of the site rather than up on the gradual level along the highway. Mr. Keeler said that the Commission might want to consider this issue of growth areas along highways designated Scenic Highways, putting some flexibility into the Zoning Ordinance for such areas as Crozet and Ivy. He said that this matter had been discussed in the past; he added that in drawing up the original setback regulations, many lots along the 250 corridor had been discovered that could not possibly meet the 150 foot setback requirement, due to topography or lack of depth to the lot. He added that he believed that the Board of Zoning Appeals heard more requests for variances from Scenic Highway setback regulations than from sign regulations. Mrs. Diehl determined, however, that the general plan shown in this proposal did conform with setback regulations for the Scenic Highway designation. She asked whether there were any further questions. Mr. Skove observed that the project seemed to be technically feasible, but he questioned how it fit in with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Davis said that it would take action by the Board to amend the Service Authority jurisdictional area for public water to be available. Mr. Payne explained that technically water was not legally available. He said at least once recently the Board had amended the Service Authority's jurisdictional areas to conform to the Comprehensive Plan's growth areas. Mrs. Diehl said that this had been one of her questions, also, the availability of public water. So, she ascertained that the capacity for public water existed if the Board chose to act favorably on the rezoning and to amend the Service Authority jurisdictional area. Mrs. Diehl observed that the question of public sewer was more dubious, depending on the development and also a pumping station could be needed. She asked what regulations exist in the Zoning Ordinance O on the matter of public sewer for planned commercial development. Mr. Payne replied that the matter was debatable at this time, depending on whose interpretation one sought. Mr. Keeler said that the regulations were not covered under the statement of intent, but in another section of the ordinance were addressed primarily for industrial uses. In addition, he said that planned development - shopping center zoning was located primarily in growth areas where public water and sewer already existed. Mr. Keeler said that the problem in Crozet was the lack of funding for the interceptor and that the State Water Control Board would not permit any plant expansion. Mrs. Diehl asked how the general regulations applied in this case. Mr. Payne asked whether she was refering to the 60-40 rule. She replied that she was. Mr. Payne said that this was a matter of debate also. He said that his interpretation was that 40,000 square feet were required per shop or commercial establishment; he said that another interpretation was 40,000 square feet per building, not per shop, but he did not support this position. Mr. Payne said that with sixteen uses, as shown in the general development plan, clearly water and sewer would be required. He added that with five buildings, 200,000 square feet would be needed or about five acres and there were three acres of land. Mrs. Diehl asked whether the projections for 1995 were given based on the assumption that the Crozet interceptor would be in place by that time. Mr. Keeler responded that the entire concept of.the Crozet growth area was based on this assumption. He said that five years into the design period there did not seem to be any more guarantee than ten or fifteen years ago that the interceptor would become a reality. He said that this was precisely the difficulty with any rezoning or development in the Crozet area, because it was simply not known when and if the interceptor would materialize. Mr. Skove concurred that this was his main problem with this rezoning request and he seriously doubted that the interceptor would ever be built. He added that he did not see the need for this much commercial development at this time. Mr. Davis said that he had grave reservations about an entrance off 250. He said that he was not certain about having so extensive a commercial development at this site but could envision some commercial zoning at this quadrant of the intersection of these two major roads. Mr. Davis said that he thought the proposal conformed pretty well to the Comprehensive Plan and that he could support the rezoning with a restriction on the entrance. Mrs. Diehl observed that it was very difficult to separate a rezoning from a schematic that was in front of you. She stated that in looking at the general development plan it appeared to be far too intensive a use for the site. She added that she could envision either commercial or medium residential use as being feasible at this site, since there exists sufficient buffer from the highway. Mrs. Diehl suggested that the owner if he so chose could probably develop a reduced commercial use or the residential use, but she would want in either case to see water and sewer available to the site. Mr. Cogan said that he was most concerned with the safety aspects of the proposal. He stated that he was quite familiar with this intersection and was not convinced by Mr. Coburn's assurances; he declared that it was a most dangerous intersection, several bad accidents had occurred at it and intensification of use could only increase a hazardous situation. Mr. Cogan added that he was not convinced either � Z that the proposal was in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that the site was at the outer boundary of the Crozet community and that at least for the next several years or until water and sewer were available, he believed that sufficient commercial land existed in downtown Crozet to meet the needs of the community. Mr. Bowerman stated that he agreed with some of the remarks of Mr. Davis, Mrs. Diehl and Mr. Cogan. He said that he would find commercial zoning at this intersection appropriate, but not to the extent being shown to the Commission tonight. He said that such intensive use was too much for the limited acreage especially without water and sewer available. Mr. Bowerman said that he did not have a problem with the entrance because he believed it would be more dangerous to have a lot of left turns if it were limited to the other side of 250, requiring people to go down Route 635 to enter the shopping center. Mr. Bowerman said that as Mr. Cogan had said, it was already a very dangerous intersection; he added that perhaps a signal light should replace the blinking light. Mr. Bowerman stated that what was before the Commission tonight was a rather large scale commercial development., proffered to be no greater. However, he added it was difficult to separate the rezoning request from the plan before them and he would have liked to have seen a schematic with less intensive use. Mrs. Diehl said that she believed sewer should be available, rather than septic fields, but even if it were, she stated that there would be no way to regulate the uses put into the shopping center, some of which might be much more intensive than desired. Mr. Davis observed that septic fields on commercial sites would have to be accepted in the future if no interceptor were constructed and growth continued in this area. He said that there was a commercial designation on opposite quadrants for this intersection of two major highways. Mr. Davis said that it would be more palatable to see one building instead of five on the general plan. Mr. Cogan said that he could see this site commercial some time in the future when there were more utilities to support it; he deemed it a little ahead of its time. He also hoped there might be some future improvements to the road and intersection to support a commercial use. Mr. Kindrick said that he would not have a problem with the rezoning, but to a less intensive degree. He said that he would like to see the development proposal in phases. Mr. Kindrick said that he did not share most of the concerns expressed on the intersection, especially if the Highway Department were to replace the blinking light with a signal in response to existing traffic flow. Mr. Davis said that he believed with the proffer the opportunity would be present to widen the road and create the necessary turn lanes to make it safer. Mr. Evans asked to speak to the concerns expressed by the Commissioners. Mrs. Diehl agreed to his request, asking that he be brief as she believed all issues had already been addressed earlier. Mr. Evans said that he believed with or without the interceptor, growth would continue in the Crozet area. He predicted normal population growth in the future. With respect to the entrance off 250, he said that it met the Highway Engineer's safety requirements for distance; he added that another full lane would be developed for right-hand turns along the frontage. *400 73 Speaking to the concern that the general development plan showed too intensive a use, Mr. Evans said that he had repeatedly stated that this was the maximum possible development of the land, but that any detailed site plan would fall well within this deliberately designed optimum use plan. Mr. Evans said that it would be absurb to develop commercial property without sufficient septic field area and thereby be unable to rent space. Mr. Evans said that the improvements required by the Highway Department to this intersection would indeed make it a safer intersection. Addressing the issue of separating the rezoning from the plan, Mr. Evans said that he should again stress that it was a proffered rezoning and as such the applicant would be receptive to suggestions on changes in the proffer, such as limiting square footage or making the buildings two-story, etc. Mrs. Diehl thanked Mr. Evans, and asked the Commissioners whether they had any more questions or whether they were ready to take action. Mr. Skove said that he still believed it was a premature proposal and would move for denial of the rezoning request, leaving the zoning as currently designated. Mr. Cogan seconded the motion, which passed 4 to 2, with Messrs. Davis and Kindrick opposed. SP-81-61 Monticello Memory Gardens, Inc. - Deferred from January 12, 1982. Request, in accordance with Section 10.2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance, to locate a mausoleum on 26 acres zoned RA Rural Areas. Property is located on the north side of Route 53, approximately one quarter mile east of I-64/Route 20 interchange. County Tax Map 77, Parcel 33, Scottsville Magisterial District. Mr.'Keeler gave the Staff Report. Mrs. Diehl asked whether the applicant wished to make a statement at this time. Mr. Darryl J. Roberts, President of Monticello Memory Gardens, described his business as one of memorialization, saying that the sales of plots or crypts was a quasi -religious, quasi -commercial operation. He described several ways in which people prefer to be buried, explaining in particular that burial by mausoleum appealed to many as clean, dry and above -ground. Mr. Roberts stated that there was a demand locally for this service and that in fact a small mausoleum already existed in the community, River View. Mr. Roberts went on to explain that historically mausoleums had been popular for centuries; he named the Taj Mahal, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Westminster Abbey as examples. Mr. Roberts said that another reason for building mausoleums was land conservation. He explained that of the 26 acres at Monticello Memory Gardens, about 20 were already devoted to burial and the remaining 6 did not lend themselves at all to underground burial. He said that his only alternative was to construct some sort of mausoleum. Mr. Roberts next described the design of the proposed building, saying that the original design a couple of years ago had caused a lot of public concern. He said that this concern had not been known before a public meeting and if it had, the design would have been changed at an earlier point. Mr. Roberts said that he had agreed to change the design of the building at that time. He exhibited a drawing/painting of the proposed mausoleum, describing it as having three stories with the first at ground level and two lower stories off the back. Mr. Roberts said that the building was designed with the grade of the land in ``e mind. He said that pictures were taken from the steps of Michie Tavern and that since the building had been moved about 100 yards, it was virtually impossible to see. Mr. Roberts said that pictures taken in reverse, from the mausoleum site towards Michie Tavern, also proved that it would be very difficult to even see the Tavern from the mausoleum. Mr. Roberts said that a second group of pictures taken from Monticello, Jefferson's home, proved that it was impossible to see the cemetery nor in reversing the picture -taking had it been possible to see Monticello from the mausoleum site. Mr. Roberts next described somewhat the interior of the proposed mausoleum, which would include a chapel, rest rooms, elevator. He said that it was a modern design, but one suited to the historic quality of the Charlottesville community. He next introduced Mr. J. R. Copper, land surveyor for this property. Mr. Copper presented the basic site plan. He explained that the second page of the site plan contained the erosion plan, which had already been submitted. Mr. Copper further stated that changes had been made to the plan since a meeting by the Soil Erosion Committee on the previous Friday. Mr. Copper said that the grade of the slope had been checked since this meeting and it was determined that the percentage of the slope was approximately 27�, making it just above the maximum allowed in the ordinance. Mr. Copper explained that this would be the average grade at the building site. He said that it had been difficult earlier to get the necessary topographical shots of the grade, due to its being heavily covered with trees and leaves. Mr. Copper said that at this time more accurate shots had been taken. Mr. Copper said that the building had been specifically designed for this slope. He added that the drainfield would be quite small and the Health Department had basically given its approval or go-ahead to apply for approval. Mr. Ron Tweel, the attorney for Monticello Memory Gardens, Inc., explained that the applicant was here responding to the objections of his prior application. He asked to briefly address the issues raised and at this time show the change. Mr. Tweel said that the design was modified and the Monticello Foundation's architect approved it. Mr. Tweel said that this design problem had been the major concern originally and had been resolved with this new building design. Secondly, Mr. Tweel said that the issue of establishing a crematorium had been a problem with the original application. Mr. Tweel said that the applicant in attempting to respond to this objection, was now withdrawing this request and it was not included in the current application. Mr. Tweel continued to the third issue, that of being too close to the highway. He explained that the building site had been moved 100 yards further off the road. Mr. Tweel stated that this was the only site available other than the original one. He said that from this new site a vehicle on the road was only visible for a second or two. Mr. Tweel said that the applicant had tried to alleviate the concerns raised in his original application and as a businessman wished to have good relationships with his neighbors. Mr. Tweel referred to a meeting held in his office, attended by neighbors and residents of the Monticello area, during which all of these concerns and issues had been addressed. Mr. Tweel said that the applicant agreed to all of Staff's conditions and had no problem with any of them. Mr. Tweel explained that in response to a question concerning what a Westminster crypt might be, it was a crypt between floors, less expensive. Mr. Tweel stated that a couple of small crypts already existed at the cemetery. Regarding the debris already on the site, Mr. Tweek stated that there was no problem whatsoever in removing this material immediately. He asked all due consideration from the Commission for Mr. Roberts' creative range of service. am AIN Mrs. Diehl called for any public comment concerning this application. Mr. Gale Pickford said that he represented Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Mailloux, owners of Parcel 32 on County Tax Map 77. Mr. Pickford stated that the Maillouxes bought their property, across from the Monticello Memory Gardens site, for several reasons one being the nature and character of the area. Mr. Pickford stated that the applicant had indeed met with adjoining property owners, including the Maillouxes, and was very candid and frank, as well, in attempting to make the proposal more palatable to those objecting. Mr. Pickford said that as the applicant had stated, only six acres remained at Monticello Memory Gardens and that made a mausoleum economically more feasible. He suggested that the applicant had another cemetery out Route 29 North, where a mausoleum could just as feasibly be located. Mr. Pickford explained that the construction of mausoleum and Commission approval alarmed the Maillouxes, who believed that other applications for mausoleums would follow. Mr. Pickford asked on behelf of the Maillouxes, that if the Commission did consider approving this special use permit, it consider conditions requiring screening and removal of debris in the future in addition to any other conditions. Mr. Pickford stressed that Mr. and Mrs. Mailloux hoped that the Commission would not, however, approve this special use permit application. Mr. R. Tweel asked Mrs. Diehl whether he could correct for public record a statement he had made inadvertently earlier. Mrs. Diehl suggested that he wait until the close of public comment, when he could make a final statement to the Commission. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment on this special use permit application. Mr. Benjamin Dick identified himself as the attorney representing Michie Tavern �irr+ and the Contes. He said that these adjacent owners, along with others, were opposed to this special use permit application because such a commercial use was not appropriate at this site. Mr. Dick said that there was no objection to the cemetery because it had been in existence for a long time, but that the proposed mausoleum was a new use. Mr. Dick suggested that the applicant already had property, ample enough for both a mausoleum and a crematorium, on Route 29. Mr. Dick said that the special use permit provisions in the Zoning Ordinance take into account the general character of the area and that such a use in this case would adversely affect the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Dick called Monticello Mountain a reverend area where a new building of three stories would certainly have adetrimental affect on the natural, rural quality of the hill which overlooks Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Mr. Dick declared that the applicant's purpose was economic, although he allowed that the current design was a great improvement over the building's original design. Mr. Dick said that he had visited the site today and believed that the proposed location of the mausoleum was on the steepest slope on the property, a grade which he said he suspected was even greater than 271:i percent. Mr. Dick stated that in any event it was a heavily wooded slope that would require a great deal of grading and removal of trees. Mr. Dick said that there was a cottage at the bottom of the slope and he belived that this application would affect the topography and slopes of that property. Mr. Dick added that he believed this building would be in violation of the Ordinance with regard to critical slopes and might even require a variance before coming before the Commission. Mr. Dick also stated that the design of the building was not in character with the district and should therefore 1.r' be turned down. Mr. Dick suggested that the Health Department, although certainly a competent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, had been known to be wrong on KLU- occasion. Mr. Dick said that he would seriously doubt that a homeowner at the bottom of this slope would accept that there was no problem with a drainfield coming out of the back of that building. He added that he did not know the character of the soil makeup but would strongly suggest that soil tests should be submitted by an engineer before the Commission ever considers the project. Mr. Dick said that Mr. Tweel had indicated that he and the applicant had made a goodwill effort to meet with adjacent property owners. Mr. Dick said that such a meeting had been held, but that Mr. Roberts failed to mention that none of them agreed on anything. Mr. Dick called the meeting more of a show -and -tell presentation with none of the objecting adjacent property owners satisfied with the proposal. Mr. Dick remarked that the County Sheriff was already overtaxed with duties all over a large county. He said that he would really only expect a deputy to be available on occasion for a funeral. Mr. Dick said that when the original application had been filed, the Highway Department had declared that the site did not have sufficient sight distance. Mr. Dick said that a bad curve existed at the entrance. Mr. Dick said that in the case of Michie Tavern a 400-foot deceleration lane had been required. Mr. Dick suggested that if the Highway Department did not require improvements at this much more dangerous location on the part of the applicant, he would object that such was an arbitrary decision. He added that 1,500 crypts in a three-story building was certainly an intensification of use to that property. Mr. Dick said that traffic county were not an issue, but that special use permits were a particular kind of permit, taking into account the politics, character, topographical makeup, environment of an area. He completed his comments by saying that an old cemetery in a meadow with trees and shrubbery could be called a religious experience, but that coming upon a three-story mausoleum, whether in the architectural design of Monticello or Mount Vernon, was not. He asked that the Commission deny this application on the basis of questionable compliance with the Zoning Ordinance with regard to slopes, commercial entrance requirements, traffic safety and due to its being out of character to the area. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment at this time. Mr. Max Kennedy stated that he represented the Dettors, who live down in the hollow described earlier by Mr. Dick. Mr. Kennedy said that Mr. and Mrs. Dettor were out of the state and had wished to attend the public hearing to protest this special use permit application. Mr. Kennedy said that a group of friends had purchased the property together some years ago, but as several had died, it now belonged to the Dettors. Mr. Kennedy said that due to the steepness of the slope he doubted that any screening could be provided as protection to the Dettor property. Mr. Kennedy said the Dettor house wwld look directly into the back of the mausoleum. Mr. Kennedy said that with the late hour, he would not have any more to add to what had already been said. Mrs. Diehl asked whether there was further public comment on this petition. When there was not, she asked Mr. Tweel if he wished at this time to make a concluding statement or the clarification he had requested to make earlier. Mr. Tweet said that he wished to make clear that the Monticello Foundation had not approved the mausoleum or demonstrated approval for the proposal. He said *410 that he wished to say that for two years he had worked with Jim Murray and Mr. Palmer T7- who assisted with the design of the building, but he had not meant to imply in any way that the Foundation was behind the project. Mr. Tweel expressed concern that his earlier remarks might have been misinterpreted in this respect. Mr. Tweet went on to take exception to Mr. Dick's recollection of the meeting held between the property owners, Mr. Roberts and himself. Mr. Tweel said that there had been a lot of discussion at that meeting, which had taken place in his office and which Mr. Dick had not attended. Mr. Tweel said that at that time several of the adjacent property owners had raised the issue of screening and his client had expressed his willingness then and presently to provide reasonable screening. Mr. Tweel reiterated that the applicant wished to show good faith as a neighbor and citizen. Mr. Tweel said that it might be a question of semantics when Mr. Dick called the mausoleum a new use; he suggested that it was simply another form of burial and calling it a new use might be misconstrued. Mr. Tweel further stated that the property his client owned on Route 29 was not economically suited for use as a mausoleum. Regarding special use permits, Mr. Tweel said that the concerns Mr. Dick mentioned had been addressed by the applicant. Mr. Tweel also stated that Michie Tavern was right on the road and the mausoleum would be off the road, so it was difficult to compare the two. He said that the Highway Department would have expressed concerns, having been advised throughout the application process, if any existed. Regarding slope, Mr. Tweel said that he was uncertain as to what Mr. Dick was saying about the integrity of the Health Department, but the facts of the case were that the Health Department had given temporary approval after review of the application. Mr. Tweel stated that a concerted effort would be made on the part of the applicant to avoid removal of any but a minimum number of trees. He pointed out on the plan a row of four trees which would be an integral part of the mausoleum. Mr. Tweel said that the trees on the site would enhance the mausoleum. Mr. Tweel said that Mr. Dick's remark about needing the variance was an incorrect reading of the County's ordinance. Mr. Tweel said that the house at the base of the slope was not quite accurately portrayed; he described the house as being beyond a ravine up the other side slightly, with trees in between. Speaking to the Sheriff being overtaxed, Mr. Tweel suggested that the Sheriff's office would devise some mechanism which was acceptable to their work force. Mr. Tweel said that whatever the Sheriff's office suggested, his client would be happy to comply with. In conclusion, Mr. Tweel said that on the issue of the special use permit not being proper or consistent with other uses in the area, he would suggest that it was not accurate to separate the mausoleum use from the existing cemetery use. He reiterated the applicant's efforts to be responsive to the character of the area, citing the assistance he sought from the Monticello Foundation in order to ensure that the building conformed to the character of Monticello Mountain. Mr. Tweel added that mausoleums exist all over the United States. Mr. Tweel informed Mr. Kennedy that many trees grew between the Dettors' home and the mausoleum; he also suggested regarding Mr. Kennedy's references to the sewage treatment plant and I-64 already having taken some of the Dettor property, that he would hope the mausoleum was better but he could not see how you could equate them. Mr. Tweel said in conclusion that he would hope the Commission would act favorably on this petition; he again observed that the mausoleum would offer a service to the community. Mrs. Diehl declared the public hearing closed and the matter before the Commission. Ye Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Copper whether the slope where the sewage system would be installed had been determined. Mr. Copper said that the sewage system would be right behind the building, which had measured between 27 and 28 percent slope. Mr. Keeler said that the Health Department, in a letter from Mr. E. S. Roseberry, had indicated the slope to be about 23 percent. Mr. Keeler went on to offer an explanation on the question of steepness to the slope. He said that when he and Tom Trevillian of the Engineering Department examined the site, they found an unnatural steepness due to the overburden in front. Mr. Copper concurred that this overburden had not been considered in calculating the percentage of slope. He added that this overburden would be completely excavated out when the construction started. Mr. Copper said that all of his figures were based on an average taken from natural ground below the overburden, when refer41 to slope percentages. Mrs. Diehl asked Mr. Payne whether he had Section 4.2.5, the Critical Slope Section of the Ordinance, available. Mr. Payne replied that he did not have this section with him but that it basically stated that construction of buildings could not take place on 25 percent slopes, but that the Commission could authorize such construction on recommendation of the County Engineer and with specific appropriate controls to protect the soil. It was ascertained that this step would come at the time of site plan review. Mr. Keeler said that the issue was raised now because it had been established that only two building sites existed on this property and both County Engineer and Health Department comment had been received. Mr. Payne said two other issues were also raised, the building site location should probably be stated in one of the conditions and the record should show,or a condition made on this special use permit, that this application is subject to site plan approval. Mr. Payne said that if the Commission did not permit the variation from the critical slope provisions, it should be clear that the project could not be constructed. It was determined that the tape recording of this discussion made the public record clear on this point. Mr. Keeler said in regard to Mr. Payne's comments, he had three additional conditions to offer. Mrs. Diehl suggested that Mr. Keeler read these new conditions to the Commission so that they might be considered along with the conditions contained on the Staff Report. Mr. Keeler suggested a condition reflecting the applicant's voluntarily submitted drawing of the facade of the building, a condition specifying the location of the building as that shown on the plan approved by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Advisory Committee on January 29, 1982, and a condition requiring removal and appropriate disposal of overburden and debris. Mrs. Diehl asked the Commissioners for their comments and questions. Mr. Cogan suggested some more conditions: appropriate screening to be installed subject to Staff approval for the protection of adjacent property owners and that any future stockpiling of overburden be free of debris and maintained in such a way as to prevent soil erosion. Mrs. Diehl asked whether landscaping should be addressed at site plan review. Mr. Keeler responded that the Commission could approve the landscaping plan, a course of action that had been followed in the past when the question of a buffer for adjacent property owners had been an issue. '�9 Mrs. Diehl said that she believed such a step would be positive and allow adjacent property owners the opportunity to review the landscaping plan and offer comment. Mr. Payne suggested that it was not necessary to address landscaping at this time, unless something extraordinary was being contemplated, because it could be covered adequately at the time of site plan review. Mr. Cogan expressed again his concern about soil erosion with future stockpiling of overburden. Mr. Payne concurred that this would be an appropriate condition on the special use permit application. Mrs. Diehl asked for further Commission comment. Mr. Pickford asked to address some questions to Mr. Tweel. Mrs. Diehl explained that the public hearing was closed and that Mr. Tweel had made concluding remarks in his capacity of representing the applicant. Mr. Pickford asked Mrs. Diehl to hear his questions and decide whether they were appropriate to address. He asked about who would determine the terms of how such a mausoleum would be maintained and whether the Commission would entertain more than one application for a mausoleum. Mr. Payne advised that he did not believe the Commission actually had the authority to address the maintenance of the mausoleum and he did not believe it appropriate for the Commission to answer the question of future mausoleum applications. Mr. Payne said that such speculation would be premature and improper, that only one application was before the Commission at this time and the Commission could only act on what was brought before it. Mr. Pickford said that he was not asking the Commission about proper maintenance of the building, but inquiring of Mr. Tweel. Mrs. Diehl suggested that he discuss the matter, then, with Mr. Tweel. Mrs. Diehl asked the Commissioners for further comments and questions. Mr. Skove observed that the applicant had made a good effort to respond to objections. Mrs. Diehl said that her objections to the first application had concerned the Highway Department comments, which had now been amended. She further observed that placing the mausoleum on the Route 29 property might in fact create a greater safety hazard than establishing on on this site. Mrs. Diehl said that her other objection to the original application had concerned the establishment of a crematorium. She concluded that she believed the plan now with the recommended conditions would be acceptable to her. Mr. Davis agreed that the deletion of the crematorium greatly relieved the traffic problem and he found the plan to be very satisfactory. Mrs. Diehl reviewed for the Commissioners the conditions of approval. Mr. Bowerman asked whether the Health Department plays a role in the design of a mausoleum. Mr. Roberts asked whether he was speaking to the architectural design. Mr. Bowerman clarified that he was speaking to storage of corpses. Mr. Roberts replied that the storage chambers were filtered, but that to his knowledge no Health Department regulations existed pertaining to the internal design of mausoleums. When there was no further discussion, Mr. Skove moved for approval of the special use permit, subject to the following conditions. SU 1. Mausoleum shall be limited to 1,500 crypts; 2. Traffic controls shall be provided for funeral processions to the reasonable satisfaction of the County Sheriff; 3. Removal and appropriate disposal of existing debris on site prior to any construction; 4. Fac;ade of mausoleum to be substantially in compliance with ren0ering(drawing) submitted to Planning Commission on February 2, 1982; 5. Location of mausoleum building to be as shown on plan approved by the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Advisory Committee on January 29, 1982; 6. Any future stockpile of overburden to be maintained in such manner as to prevent soil erosion. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which passed unanimously with no further discussion. Mr. Kindrick moved to defer SP-81-68 Town of Scottsville to February 9, 1982; Mr. Cogan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Skove moved for deferral of the review for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan of the James River flood control levee to February 9, 1982; Mr. Kindrick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Mrs. Diehl asked about how the Monticello Mausoleum soil erosion report had been com- ?,led before coming before the Commission fcx review. Mr. 'reeler said that such a sequence was not unusual in the past, in fact, he added at times actual grading took place before Commission review of a site plan. Mrs. Diehl asked in this case specifically, whether if any changes took place in the plan before coming before the Commission or if the Commission should wish to address certain issues, the plan would be reviewed again. Mr. Payne said absolutely, that this was why no permit could be issued until site plan approval. Mrs. Diehl asked specifically about reconvening the soil erosion committee. Mr. Keeler indicated that another review of the soil erosion plan would depend on how significant a change were made to the originally reviewed plan. He also said that the Zoning Administrator had in the past made the decision on whether another review was warranted. NEW BUSINESS Request for Resolution of Intent to amend 23.0 CO COMMERCIAL OFFICE DISTRICT to delete floor area restriction for dwellings; Request for Resolution of Intent to amend 22.3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS of the C-1 COMMERCIAL DISTRICT to correct reference numbers. Mr. Keeler explained why these amendments were needed and suggested including 5.0 SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS. He said that an oversight at the time of drafting the new zoning ordinance had resulted in including "dwellings" as an accessory use in the commercial office district section. Mr. Keeler said that the limit of twenty percent of the floor area for a professional office located within a residence was not the intent of staff. He suggested that dwellings be regulated under separate provisions. He further explained that the Comprehensive Plan recommended locating professional offices within villages, the idea being that a dentist or physician might well have offices within his private residence. 61 When there was no further discussion among the Commissioners, Mr. Bowerman moved to adopt a Resolution of Intent to amend 23.0 CO COMMERCIAL OFFICE DISTRICT and 5.0 SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, as relate to floor area restriction for dwellings. Mr. Skove seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. Mr. Keeler explained that the amendment to 22.3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS of the C-1 COMMERCIAL DISTRICT was strictly a housekeeping one, to correct the sequence of numbers. Mr. Cogan moved to adopt a Resolution of Intent to amend 22.3 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS of the C-1 COMMERCIAL DISTRICT to correct reference numbers. Mr. Davis seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. When there was no further NEW BUSINESS, the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 P.M. ert W. Tucker, Jr., Sec 62