HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 11 86 PC MinutesOR
February 11, 1986
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public hearing
on Tuesday, February 11, 1986, Meeting Room 7, County Office
Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those members present
were: Mr. Richard Cogan, Vice Chairman; Mr. Richard Gould;
Ms. Norma Diehl; and Mr. Peter Stark. Other officials
present were: Mr. John Horne, Director of Planning and
Community Development; Mr. Ronald Keeler, Chief of Planning;
Mr. David Benish, Planner; and Mr. Frederick Payne, Deputy
County Attorney. Absent: Mr. David Bowerman, Chairman; Mr.
Harry Wilkerson; and Mr. Tim Michel.
Mr. Cogan called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and established
that a quorum was present.
The minutes of the January 28, 1986 meeting were approved as
written.
SP-85-92 Harvey Hill and Barbara Tapscott - Request in accordance
with Section 10.2.2(22) of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance
to allow for a country store on 6+ acres, existing use as a
single family residence. Zoned RA, Rural Areas. Property,
described as Tax Map 135, parcel 15B, is located on the south
side of State Rt. 726 approximately 1/2 mile east of the
intersection with Rt. 627 near Warren. Scottsville Magisterial
District.
Mr. Keeler gave the staff report.
In response to Mr. Stark's question about a right -of way to
the "back area", Mr. Keeler explained the applicant would
have to provide an easement back to the rear lot.
In response to Ms. Diehl's request, Mr. Payne read the
following definition of "country store:"
A retail store, the ground floor area of which
is 4,000 square feet or less and which offers for
sale a wide variety of goods.
In response to Mr. Gould's question, Mr. Keeler stated
there are no living arrangements proposed for the facility.
In response to Mr. Cogan's question, Mr. Keeler confirmed
that the property could further subdivided.
Mr. Cogan asked how detailed the site plan would be. Mr.
Keeler responded, "In this particular case, unless there
is public interest, you may want to authorize us to approve
the plan administratively."
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February 11, 1986 Page 2
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
Mr. and Mrs. Tapscott were present but offered no additional
comment.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
Mr. Cogan noted that the staff report had indicated no
anticipated problems with the proposal. He added that
the fact that this is "new" construction is encouraging
because the facility will have to meet current building
code and ordinance requirements.
Mr. Stark recommended that SP-85-92 for Harvey Hill and Barbara
Tapscott be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval
subject to the following conditions:
1. Site plan approval to include demonstration that the
property can be subdivided consistent with local
ordinances;
2. Building area limited to 2000 square feet. Building
expansion shall require amendment of this special
use permit.
Mr. Gould seconded the motion.
Ms. Diehl noted that the motion had not included administrative
approval of the site plan. She stated her only concern was
with the possibility that there might be public comment at a
later date.
Mr. Keeler confirmed that the site plan will be advertised,
and adjoining property owners will be notified.
Mr. Cogan asked Ms. Diehl if it was acceptable to her that staff be
authorized approval of the site plan unless there is public
concern, in which case staff will make those concerns known to
the Commission and it can be decided whether the Commission
should review the plan.
Ms. Diehl stated she felt any public concern deserved to be
heard.
Mr. Keeler pointed out that it would lengthen the approval
process to handle it as Mr. Cogan had suggested, i.e. it would
involve two meetings rather than just one.
Mr. Stark asked, "What does that mean to the applicant?"
February 11, 1986 Page 3
Mr. Keeler explained, "It means they will have to develop a
site plan that is consistent with our ordinances and they
will have to get Highway Department approval of a commercial
entrance, Health Department approval of a septic system
if they intend to have one, Fire official approval of the
installation of the gas tanks, etc." He explained this
was normal procedure.
Mr. Cogan clarified that Mr. Stark's question was "What
difference does it make to the applicant whether it is
approved administratively or approved by the Commission?"
Mr. Stark confirmed this and asked what kind of time
delays would be involved in order to address Ms. Diehl's
concerns.
Mr. Keeler responded, "The time delays may not be substantial.
Sometimes when we approval a plan administratively, we
approve a plan that has lesser requirements than the ordinance
in terms of the technical drawing of the plan, i.e. rather
than bringing a plan before you that has the engineered
commercial entrance, the Highway Department would just specify
to the applicant what they needed to do for the commercial
entrance and they would get a permit for that."
Mr. Cogan called for a vote on the previously -made motion
for approval of SP-85-92.
The motion for approval passed unanimously.
The matter was scheduled for the Board of Supervisors on
February 19, 1986.
Regarding the issue of site plan approval, Mr. Cogan stated he felt
Ms. Diehl was concerned because this was a commercial use in an
area where there has never been a commercial use before, i.e.
it is proximal to the agricultural forestal district and
large farms, and thus there should be an opportunity for the
public to be heard at the time of the site plan.
Ms. Diehl confirmed this explanation and indicated that
concerns which could be addressed easily by staff, e.g. a
buffer that could be accomplished with a row of trees, etc.,
could be handled by administrative approval. She stated,
however, that she would be "reluctant to see any public
comment not addressed by the Commission."
Mr. Horne suggested that at such a time as a plan is drawn
sufficiently to provide meaningful information, then
adjoining property owners will be notified and given the
standard time period to respond. If no comment is offered,
then staff will approve the plan; if there is public concern
then the staff will schedule the site plan for the Commission's
review.
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February 11, 1986 Page 4
In response to Mr. Cogan's question about another agency
which approves AF districts, Mr. Horne explained there is
an Agricultural Advisory Board which advises the Commission
and Board as to the establishment of such districts.
However, once established, he stated that "they do not
necessarily oversee it."
Mr. Horne confirmed that he felt notice of adjoining property
owners was sufficient since "in an area such as this, news
travels fast."
There was no objection from the Commission in relation to Mr.
Horne's suggested procedure for the site plan approval.
SP-85-96 Hallie M. or Junior B. Gibson - Request in accordance
with Section 10.2.2 of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance
to locate a single -wide mobile home on property described as
Tax Map 17, parcel 41. White Hall Magisterial District. The
property is located on the southwest side of Rt. 667, ± one-half
mile south of its intersection with Rt. 766.
Mr. Benish gave the staff report. He explained that a letter
of opposition had been received from the Wellons who own adjacent
properties, but who actually live in Illinois. He further
stated that the dwelling which is visible from the proposed
mobile home site is renter -occupied.
In response to Mr. Gould's question about screening, Mr.
Benish indicated that the house is so far away, he did not
think screening would be needed, but that would be left up
to the Zoning Administrator. He indicated there was
no natural screening since adjacent areas were fields.
Mr. Stark stated the possibility of this setting a precedent,
as suggested in the letter of opposition, was not an issue
since there are already two mobile homes in the area.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
The Gibson's daughter, who wishes to occupy the mobile home,
addressed the Commission. She presented photographs showing
the proposed site.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before the
Commission.
Mr. Cogan stated his only concern was the lack of a "location
map." However, Mr. Benish located such a map in the file and
presented it to the Commission. It was determined that the
map was somewhat inaccurate.
Mr. Cogan felt if a problem with screening should arise, it *410
would be covered with condition No. 2.
February 11, 1986
Page 5
Ms. Diehl moved that SP-85-96 for Hallie M. or Junior B. Gibson
be recommended to the Board of Supervisors for approval subject
to the following conditions:
1. Compliance with section 5.6.2 of the Zoning Ordinance.
2. Location and/or screening to the reasonable
satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator so as to
minimize visibility from adjoining landowners.
Mr. Stark seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
The matter was to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on
February 19, 1986.
Ralph Hall Site Waiver Request - This is a proposal to locate
a third dwelling unit on a 54+ acre tract. The applicant
is requesting a waiver of a site plan requirement pursuant to
Section 32.2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance. A temporary mobile home
will be used on the site until the permanent home is completed.
The property is located on the north side of Rt. 641, approx-
imately one mile from its intersection with Rt. 20. Zoned
RA, Rural Areas. Tax Map 35, parcel 41A. Rivanna Magisterial
District.
Mr. Benish gave the staff report. In addition, he read a
portion of a letter from Mr. Boucheron who was objecting
to the placement of a mobile home on the property, though not
to the location of a third permanent dwelling on the property.
Mr. Benish explained where the permanent dwelling would be
located as well as the location of the temporary mobile home.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
Mr. Beery Davis, who will be occupying the temporary mobile
home while he is constructing the permanent dwelling, addressed
the Commission. He explained that it has always been his
intention to place a permanent dwelling on the property and
he has already had some building materials delivered to the
site. He stated he has been renting a house nearby and
has recently received notice to vacate the house by March 1.
He explained that, after considering his options, he felt
the current proposal was the most economical arrangement.
He pointed out that the well, septic system, etc. that will
be necessary for the mobile home, will be the same as will
be used by the permanent dwelling. Mr. Davis indicated that
when the permanent dwelling is complete, the mobile home will
be sold and removed from the property. Mr. Davis added that
Mr. Boucheron could not see either the permanent dwelling
or the mobile home from his home at any time of the year.
Mr. Cogan asked Mr. Payne if the process for a temporary
mobile home was the same as for any mobile home.
February 11, 1986
Page 6
Mr. Payne responded that the process for a temporary mobile
home was a much more abbreviated procedure. He confirmed that
even if there were objection to a temporary permit, it would
not require Commission review. Mr. Payne pointed out that
the temporary mobile home was not the issue in this case,
but rather a site plan waiver request.
Mr. Davis explained that the reason for requesting a site
plan waiver was to speed up the process since they must
vacate their current dwelling shortly.
It was determined the property is primarily wooded.
Ms. Diehl asked Mr. Payne if he felt this was an "irregularly
shaped lot" as defined in the Ordinance, and, if so, are there
other ways to divide the property.
Mr. Benish explained that the lines shown had basically been
drawn by himself, based on dimensions furnished him by the
applicant. He indicated he did not feel it was irregularly
shaped.
Mr. Payne added, "When you have an L-shape that is 300 feet
on a side, it would be hard for me to say that that is not
useable for ordinary purposes. That's the standard in the
Subdivision Ordinance."
Ms. Diehl moved that the Ralph Hall Site Waiver Request be
approved subject to the following conditions:
1. The temporary mobile home permit will not be issued
until the following condition has been met:
a) Virginia Department of Highways & Transportation
approval of proposed entrance.
2. Compliance with section 5.7 of the Albemarle County
Zoning Ordinance.
Mr. Stark seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Mr. Cogan called for a motion to go into executive session
to discuss purchase of property.
Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.1-344(a)(2), Ms. Diehl
moved the Commission go into executive session.
Mr. Stark seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
The Commission went into executive session at 8:15 p.m.
February 11, 1986
Page 7
At 8:55 p.m., Mr. Stark moved, Mr. Gould seconded, that the
executive session be ended. No action was taken during the
session.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
DS
John Horne, Secretary
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