HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 02 2016 PC MinutesAlbemarle County Planning Commission
February 2, 2016
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, February 2,
2016, at 6:00 p.m., at the County Office Building, Room 241, Second Floor, 401 McIntire Road,
Charlottesville, Virginia.
Members attending were Mac Lafferty, Daphne Spain, Karen Firehock, Vice Chair; Pam Riley,
Jennie More, Bruce Dotson, and Tim Keller, Chair. Bill Palmer, UVA Representative, was
present.
Other officials present were Rebecca Ragsdale, Senior Planner; Sarah Baldwin, Senior Planner;
David Benish, Acting Director of Planning; Sharon Taylor, Clerk to Planning Commission;
Wayne Cilimberg, Acting Deputy Director of Community Development; Mark Graham, Director
of Community Development and Greg Kamptner, Deputy County Attorney.
Call to Order and Establish Quorum:
Mr. Keller, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and established a quorum.
Committee Reports
Mr. Keller invited committee reports. There being none, the Commission will talk about the
committee assignments one last time during old business.
Other Matters Not Listed on the Agenda from the Public:
Mr. Keller invited comment from the public on other matters not listed on the agenda.
Neil Williamson, Free Enterprise Forum, asked that action be taken tonight on the cash proffer
policy FIAC recommendation since Albemarle County was in violation of the State Law.
(Attachment — Comments to the Albemarle County Planning Commission February 2, 2016
submitted by Neil Williamson — Available in clerk's office with written minutes)
There being no further comments, the meeting moved to the next agenda item.
Consent Agenda
a. SUB-2015-00221 — Harry F. Yoder — Private Street Request
Private street request to serve the proposed residential Lot B3 on 3.5 acres from Bleak
House Road (SR 662) (Chris Perez)
Mr. Keller asked if any Commissioner would like to pull an item from the consent agenda for
further review.
Mr. Dotson said he had a number of questions he would like to talk about in order to understand
the request better, and Ms. More agreed.
Motion: Mr. Dotson moved and Ms. More seconded to pull SUB-2015-00221, Harry F. Yoder —
Private Street Request from the consent agenda in order that Commissioners could ask several
*ew questions before acting on the item.
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The motion passed by a vote of 7:0.
Mr. Keller suggested the Commission move it to the end of the agenda. However, it was the
pleasure of the Commission to discuss the item first.
Mr. Dotson asked how staff would like to proceed.
Mr. Keller asked if the individual staff member that worked on this request is out sick today.
Mr. Benish replied that Mr. Perez is out today; however, he would explain the request. The
applicant is proposing a third lot in this subdivision referred to as lot B3, which is a division of an
existing lot served by a private roadway. The applicant is requesting in lieu of the ordinance,
which would require access from the existing approved roadway for this subdivision, to have an
additional access beyond the previously approved private road. Any subsequent subdivision
would take access from that roadway. In this particular case due in part to some topographic
issues the best building site on this residue area is on the east side of the roadway that would
require a private road across the stream. The applicant has requested in lieu of the private road
being extended across the stream to take access from Bleak House Road. Given the fact that
the proposed lot is 3 acres and cannot be further subdivided the private road you have been
asked to approve is essentially a driveway and would not serve any other development. There
isn't any increase in development and the same by right lot, but the choice of a lot is on the east
side of the roadway and is accessed via an approved private road. However, essentially there
is no standard for that roadway and there would only be one lot serving it. It would be like an
additional driveway accessing off of Bleak House Road. In order to approve that private road
the Commission would be approving a subdivision being served by more than one street and
then approving the private road with the condition that it would not be extended in the future to
impact the stream buffer area.
Ms. More said she wanted to be sure to be clear about option 1 coming off the existing drive.
From what the letter states it creates a sufficient impact and by creating the second drive those
are avoided. She questioned the way the building site is situated on lot B3 because the new
roadway looks like it goes into the buffer.
Mr. Benish replied that exhibit A is being proposed and what the Commission would be acting
on. He noted the new roadway is drawn through the buffer; however, there is a note that says
no construction within the stream buffer. It should not have been drawn on there, but the
condition precludes that.
Mr. Dotson noted on exhibit A it says two -lot private street, but Mr. Benish was explaining that it
would be serving just one.
Mr. Benish explained that private streets are generally considered Not private because
otherwise it is a driveway. Based on the size of the lot and the development rights the private
street can only serve one lot.
Mr. Kamptner pointed out that B-1 has access off Buck Mountain Road, which would require a
maintenance agreement.
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Mr. Dotson suggested changing the condition to reference exhibit A and changing no
construction to no disturbance is permitted within the stream buffer for this division or any
subsequent division. He suggested that the applicant provide any comments he had.
Mr. Keller invited the applicant or other members of the public to speak on this matter.
Roger Ray, land surveyor in Albemarle County, said he prepared this document for the request
and this is a unique situation. He has been doing this since 1962 and this is the first time he
has ever encountered a situation like this where it makes more sense to have the second
private road than it does to extend the initial private road. It is a condition of the ordinance
Section 232.b.2 that gives the agent the authority to approve a private road provided that road
only contains 2 lots and the private street will serve only those 2 lots and will be the sole and
direct means of access to the public road. They already have a private street from Buck
Mountain Road that serves the dwelling on this tract of land.
Mr. Ray explained that to be able to get to the building site on the east side of the road is either
to cross the stream in the stream buffer with a long 100' driveway to get there or to come off of
Bleak House Road with a very short driveway to get to the building site. However, to give that
road appropriate frontage they would have to call that a 2 lot private street. That is where it
gains its frontage for that lot existing. Therefore, the 2 lot street has to extend through the
stream buffer to the boundary line of the current track of land. That is just a technicality of the
ordinance. However, we do not want to build the driveway within the stream buffer so we are
saying we are creating it to allow us to create a lot; but, then we are saying we do not want to
use it. The agent could have approved this if we had wanted to go through the stream buffer
with the roadway. But, it is just a technicality and is difficult.
%OW Mr. Ray further explained that a 2 lot private street is the same in the zoning and subdivision
ordinance and is what is known as safe and convenient access. Safe and convenient access is
a driveway or a road that is a 10' travel surface with 14' vertical clearance and no steeper than
16% grade, which ends up being a good driveway. He had worked with the staff for a long time
to be able to come up with a good plan to protect the environment by not building a driveway
through the stream buffer. They have to show the driveway to the property line; but, the final
plat will have a condition that there will not be any construction within the stream buffer.
Mr. Keller invited follow up questions.
Mr. Palmer asked Mr. Ray what the maximum grade was, and Mr. Ray replied it was 16%
except a waiver can be requested from the county engineer and fire official. However, we won't
be approaching that 16%.
Mr. Keller asked if there were any further questions or discussion.
Ms. More suggested clarifying the language to state no disturbance of the road or any
construction.
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Kamptner if they should put that as part of the motion to approve, and Mr.
Kamptner replied yes.
Motion: Ms. More moved and Mr. Dotson seconded to approve the consent agenda for SUB-
2015-00221 Harry F. Yoder — Private Street Request as recommended by staff with the
conditions, as amended, in a) to change "construction" to "no disturbance".
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The motion to approve the consent agenda carried by a vote of 7:0.
SUB-2015-00221 Harry F. Yoder — Private Street Request
14-232 and 14-234 — The Planning Commission recommends approval of a second private
street to serve the subdivision of Lot B1 into two parcels with the following conditions:
a) No disturbance is permitted within the stream buffer for this division or any subsequent
division.
b) A private street maintenance agreement shall be submitted and approved prior to final
plat approval.
c) VDOT entrance approval shall be obtained for the new entrance.
Mr. Keller noted that the consent agenda was approved and the meeting would move to the
item.
The meeting moved to the next agenda item.
Public Hearing Item
B-2015-02132 TWR Dominion Power Antenna Platform Co -Location
PROPOSAL: Alteration to an existing 110 foot power tower to add antenna on a 10' wide
platform for wireless communication at a new top height of 120 feet and ground equipment in an
approximately 400 square foot lease area.
WAIVERS: Yes — 5.1.40b (2) (c)-Projection of antenna beyond 18 inches from the tower
structure for the proposed platform.
ZONING CATEGORY/GENERAL USAGE: RA Rural Areas
LOCATION: 195 Georgetown Road
TAX MAP/PARCEL: 060A0090000400
(Rebecca Ragsdale)
Ms. Ragsdale presented a PowerPoint presentation on Verizon Wireless Dominion Power Tower
Collocation Special Exception Application entitled Albemarle County Planning Commission -
February 2, 2016 195 Georgetown Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 "SEMINOLE SQUARE". The
request is for a waiver modification associated with a new personal wireless service facility to be
collocated on an existing Dominion Power transmission line on Georgetown Road. The Planning
Commission is asked for comment and recommendation on the request. As a special exception it
is not actually required to come before the Planning Commission. However, it is our policy since
staff is recommending denial to bring it before the Planning Commission. Ultimately, it will be
scheduled for the Board of Supervisors to act on the request. As part of the special exception
process and a requirement of the ordinance the abutting owners have been notified. The
regulation in Section 5.1.40 of the Zoning Ordinance has an extensive detailed set of regulations
that regulate wireless service facilities. This type of facility would normally be a building permit if it
complied with the antenna projection requirements. Staff will go into a little bit more detail about
that.
Staff included background in the staff report about the Wireless Policy that was developed in
2000. In 2005, revisions were made to the ordinance to comply with the 1996 Telecom Act and
FCC regulations. However, the regulations are geared towards, as staff noted in the report,
addressing the visual impacts of facilities.
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The site is located along Georgetown Road between Hydraulic and Barracks Road. The
property is zoned Rural Areas and in the rural areas of the Comprehensive Plan on the border
of the development area. It is a 3 acre site with a single-family residence on it near the Hessian
Hills neighborhood. Staff pointed out the location of the Dominion Powerline Structure on the
property, which also gave some context for the existing neighborhood and where the trees are
located. There are a number of single-family residential lots abutting the property and some
apartment complexes in the neighborhood.
The powerline easement is about 100 feet in width so there is a clear zone around the tower.
The proposal is to use the existing driveway. There would not be any tree disturbance
associated with the request. There would be an associated ground equipment area near the
base of the tower that would be screened from adjoining properties. Those aspects of the
proposal comply with the ordinance. The top of the existing power structure and the platform
structure would be extended 10' high above it; the platform is 10' in width; and the mounting
pipe is about 6" in diameter that extends above it. (A detail was shown in the slide.) The
ordinance would require that the antenna be flush mounted and project no more than 18" from
the power structure.
Staff had some concerns about the request, as noted in the staff report, about this particular site
being within a dense residential area. The Wireless Policy speaks specifically to these types of
structures and collocations, and while recognized opportunity sites there are existing structures
that wireless providers can collocate on. Staff has particular concerns about this type of
antenna platform not being mitigated or camouflaged in any way and adding to the visual
impacts of the structure. For those reasons, staff recommends not to approve this special
exception.
Staff has found some factors favorable. It is an existing structure that already has visual impacts
in the neighborhood and they would be utilizing that. It is not in an avoidance area since it is not
on a property that is within an historic district, along a scenic highway, agricultural/forestal
district or conservation easement property. As mentioned, the abutting property owners were
notified and staff has not received any objections. So those were the factors favorable that staff
found.
Staff recommends denial of the special exceptions and would be happy to answer questions.
Mr. Keller invited questions for staff.
Mr. Lafferty asked if staff had any idea of the amount of additional coverage or how many new
people this would serve.
Ms. Ragsdale replied that in the written justification for the special exception there was a need
to provide additional coverage and capacity in this area. However, the applicant can give a
better sense of what that need is and referred the question to the applicant.
Mr. Lafferty pointed out there was a request shortly coming up for a tower near Albemarle High
School. He asked would that take care of the coverage.
Ms. Ragsdale replied she was not familiar with that request or if it was from a different provider
or not.
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Ms. Baldwin noted that the special use permit has not actually been filed yet. However, it is the
same applicant and they can probably speak to that as well.
Mr. Kamptner asked Ms. Ragsdale to go back to the findings slide. The first favorable factor is
the facility would fill in the coverage gaps. Just to be clear for the record that is based upon
Verizon's assertions in their documents that they submitted and not staff's independent
analysis.
Ms. Ragsdale agreed.
Ms. More said she had a question about any concerns expressed from neighbors. She asked if
the adjacent property owners are notified by letter, or what is the process that staff would hear
from neighbors.
Ms. Ragsdale replied that adjacent property owners receive a notice in the mail. One property
owner called to get some more information, and she emailed him the copies of the plans and
everything, but have not received any objections.
Ms. Riley asked has there been other applicants with these top hat antennas approved in other
locations.
Ms. Ragsdale replied yes, there have been at least one recent example from 2012. Each site is
reviewed on a case by case basis based on the topography, the tree cover and the visibility of
the site. However, they are few and far between. There are some examples in the county that
predate the Wireless Policy. One example on Barracks Road from 1996 is in the Wireless
Policy; and, she thinks there may have been two within the last three years.
Ms. Riley noted the preference for the flush mounted antennas and asked if that is an option in
this situation.
Ms. Ragsdale replied that the applicant can give a little bit more background. Since the
adoption of the Wireless Policy Dominion Power had a change to their safety guidelines that
require these platforms and all the work to be done by the Dominion Power employees on the
tower.
Mr. Keller opened the public hearing and invited the applicant to address the Commission.
Lori Schweller, an attorney with LeClair Ryan in Charlottesville representing Verizon Wireless,
and Stephen Waller who was a zoning consultant with GDN Sites and Verizon Wireless
represented the request. She presented a PowerPoint presentation to explain the proposal for
a special exception.
This is a Tier One Personal Wireless Facility so the collocation is permitted by right. However,
they are requesting a special exception because the standoff of the proposed antennas, the
distance from the monopole to the antennas, is greater than the restriction permitted under
Albemarle County's current Zoning Ordinance. This is a very densely populated area with a lot
of traffic, lots of single-family homes, multi -family homes and businesses. It is very difficult to
construct a personal wireless service facility in a residential area, which is not favored in
Albemarle County. So this is an excellent opportunity to bring the necessary service without
constructing a new tower. That is one of the reasons why existing power towers are considered
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opportunity sites in the Comprehensive Plan and the Wireless Policy, which is part of the
Comprehensive Plan.
The next slide shows just a view of Georgetown Road driving north. She takes this drive every
day to take her son to school and actually had not noticed the site before because it is not in
your field of vision when you are driving southbound. However, when you turn in the distance or
foreground you can see some existing poles in the Dominion Power easement. The first white
one in the far distance is the one they are proposing to add the facility to. So with very little
visual impact we can add a full wireless service facility in a very densely populated residential
area. We consider this a prime opportunity site. In the full view looking down the driveway of
the residence where the lease area is located you can see the tower.
So again, we are simply requesting the Planning Commission's recommendation for approval of
the special exception because of the standoff, which currently is only permitted to be 18". In
2012, Dominion Power came up with new guidelines for installing wireless facilities on its
existing towers. Previously the carriers had been able to install the facilities themselves.
However, that is no longer permitted at all. Dominion Power does this for safety reasons and
there are new guidelines for installing those facilities. Antenna array design is necessary to
comply with Dominion Power safety guidelines (2012). Telecommunications antenna arrays
must be above the static line, not below. Therefore, it needs to be taller than it used to be. It
used to be they could squeeze them in as low as possible. Also, the array needs to incorporate
a platform for technicians to stand on. They were sent a bulletin, (Division of Occupational
Safety and Heath Bulletin - 2013) by one of the engineers at Dominion Power when she was
working on the zoning ordinance in Chesterfield County. Chesterfield County because they were
concerned about these safety concerns of Dominion Power have a different standoff standard
for power towers than for a communications facility that a carrier or tower company might
construct. The standoff for power towers in Chesterfield County is 7' from the tower. She would
show the Commission why that makes sense in the next slide.
Robert Capehart at Dominion Power sent photographs at that time to show some facilities.
Those are flush mount arrays constructed on top of power towers that they consider unsafe
designs. Because of the way the engineers have to climb the poles to install those towers there
is nowhere for them to stand, which obviously makes it unsafe for installing and maintaining the
tower. Ms. Schweller noted the types of facilities that Albemarle County has preferred in the
past. Another example of a poor design was noted because of where the antennas are located,
which was contrasted to a design showing technicians standing on the platform being able to
reach the antennas. You can see the power tower under it and how relatively small the array is
compared to the existing tower itself. Next, she pointed out the prototype of the platform that
Dominion Power would like to see, which is quite similar to the one being proposed. She noted
the context of an antenna array on top of an electric power tower. There are many of these in
Albemarle County. An example is at the intersection of the Bypass and Hydraulic Road.
We are trying to minimize the standoff in the proposal since we understand the concern.
Because we are using a smaller pipe mount we are able to do a standoff that is 5' instead of
7 '/z', and so the distance on each side of the triangle is a total of 10'. Again, though power
towers are opportunity sites collocations are not a good option and are inferior both for safety
purposes and for providing the service that we are trying to provide. We have done these in the
past. Of course, the tower needs to be at least 10' taller because we need all of our services.
Verizon Wireless provides four different services and all of those need to be provided on the
antennas. So you will need two sets of flush mounted arrays, which they have done in the past.
However, it is much inferior to just having it all in one location. As she said, with Dominion
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Power's new safety concerns it is not an option. Again, we consider these opportunity sites.
The Wireless Policy although acknowledging these are opportunity sites, prefers not to see the ,
full arrays. However, this is the direction we are going because of the safety concerns and the
need to provide this services. She would also submit that it does not greatly increase the visual
impact given how large these towers are already existing.
Ms. Schweller pointed out an example where the antennas are not attached where they
replaced an existing tower that was structurally insufficient at our antennas. This is an option
where we can just put a new pole and take down the old tower; and, then you have a slimmer
profile and a much stronger facility. Verizon Wireless did this in 2014, and at the time the Board
of Supervisors was very supportive. Supervisor Palmer was very pleased about opportunity
sites and lauded the Owensville site as a "wonderful site" — the idea of placing cell tower
antennas on power towers was a great plan that should be supported without obstacles -- and
asked staff for a list of similar sites and information on obstacles to making zoning such sites
easier. The Board fully supported our placement of that tower and using non -flush -mounted
antennas. We hope when the county addresses the upcoming personal wireless service
facilities zoning ordinance amendments for standoff and for antenna sizes that we can add to
that a discussion about increasing standoff for Dominion Power towers for the reasons she
discussed, and also replacing weak towers as a by right modification for safety reasons and not
adding to the visual impact. She would be happy to take any questions.
Mr. Keller invited questions for the applicant.
Mr. Lafferty asked if the increase in height is due to getting the antennas above this because
every time one of the carriers come in they are always increasing the height.
Ms. Schweller pointed out this existing electric tower is 110'. Therefore, there is a need to
increase the height by 10' to install the antennas. That is typical. As mentioned about the flush
mounted antennas if we had to do 2 sets of antennas, like we did at Colthurst Farm, we would
need to increase it 20' because you need the separation between the antennas. So we are
keeping this as low as we possibly can. It is not even a 10 percent increase, which would not
be a substantial increase under the spectromat if that were to apply here. So it is a minimal
increase.
Mr. Lafferty said when you increase the tower with a monopole are you talking about the tower
being the lattice tower.
Ms. Schweller replied in that case it was since the Owensville Road tower was an old typical
power tower with the arms and lattices. That was replaced with a monopole, which is what this
is, a monopole with the arms.
Mr. Lafferty asked does the monopole go all way to the ground and you are replacing the whole
lattice work.
Ms. Schweller replied yes. In this case what we are doing is attaching a pole to the top of an
existing pole.
Mr. Lafferty said it would certainly be less visual impact if you replace it with a monopole, which
he assumed is much more expensive than just tagging a pole.
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Ms. Schweller pointed out it just can't be done if the structural evaluation in the case is not
strong enough to hold the antennas. So it was just not feasible and more expensive to replace
it.
Mr. Lafferty asked do you determine that or does Vepco.
Ms. Schweller replied that Dominion Power does.
Mr. Keller invited other questions for the applicant.
Mr. Dotson noted further out Barracks Road we saw a slide showing one of the top hats. Just
going out there today there was also a flush mount a few towers back from that. He asked was
that done before Dominion's 2012 policy and how that was able to happen or is there something
else going.
Ms. Schweller replied that she was not familiar with that site and did not know whether those
were Verizon facilities. However, having done a number of LTE upgrades with Stephen Waller
she asked him to comment.
Stephen Waller, consultant for Verizon Wireless with a company called GDN Sites, said that
was the site that Ms. Schweller was speaking of, the Colthurst site where we have two sets of
flush mounted arrays. It was done while Dominion was developing this policy; but, it was before
they took a real hard line on the policy. It has two sets of flush mounted antenna stacked one
above the other. So in that case if there was really concern for increasing the visibility or the
visual impacts of the site we actually increased it by going up. With going up with two sets of
arrays stacked vertically we increased the viewshed of that tower. So it basically expands the
area from which that tower would be visible whereas in this case we are only going up 10', even
though we are going farther out with a 10' spread on the antennas. In a perfect world or in a
likened like situation of dealing with the same elevation with the same topography and types of
trees around them that tower with the flush mounts would actually be more visible than this
tower would be.
Mr. Dotson asked Ms. Schweller to respond to Commissioner Lafferty's question about the
Albemarle High School site.
Ms. Schweller apologized to Mr. Dotson because she did not realize he meant that site. Around
that same time we did do some other LTE upgrades that were full arrays. It depended on the
site whether we were going to minimize the height or whether that was an important site. She
was glad Mr. Waller was able to answer that question. She responded that the Albemarle High
site was not a Verizon Wireless site. However, she represented the applicant, Milestone
Communications, and that site was proposed for the school board to have the top level and
AT&T to have the second level. So it is not within the Verizon Wireless network.
Mr. Lafferty asked how many additional customers will be served by putting this array in place.
Ms. Schweller replied they have propagation maps that she did not receive in time to submit
with the application for the special exception. However, she does have the propagation maps to
describe and pass around
Mr. Lafferty pointed out at one time the Commission requested having those so they could see
the actual impact of what the neighborhood would be versus the visual impact.
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Ms. Schweller passed out the two propagation maps. (Two Attachments - Proposed Coverage
only Seminole Square @ 116' AGL and Existing Coverage Seminole Square 02-02-2016
submitted by Lori Schweller) (Available with written minutes in the clerk's office) The first map
was computer modeling that is showing coverage that exists in this area without the requested
site. The green area is showing excellent coverage for both building and car coverage. The
yellow area shows less good coverage, but is sufficient. The red area shows minimal coverage.
The white areas are where there is no coverage. So you can see in this area there is a white
spot, excuse me yellow spot, where coverage is not as good as in the surrounding green. The
proposed facility will provide coverage in that area. We are not talking only about coverage, but
also about capacity. There are areas that may have coverage, but don't have sufficient capacity
because of the number of users in the area. This is a relatively tall tower so this signal will go all
the way out to shops at Stonefield, for example, and won't only serve the residential
neighborhoods. So then when you turn that on within the existing network it fills in that gap so
we have continuous coverage all up and down Georgetown and surrounding roadways.
Mr. Keller invited public comment. There being none, Mr. Keller invited the applicant for
rebuttal.
Ms. More asked if the maps being passed around show the coverage gaps and if they are
assuming there are coverage gaps along Georgetown Road currently.
Ms. Schweller replied that was correct. She pointed out that Verizon Wireless when it needs to
fill in coverage gaps or add additional capacity to an area always looks for existing towers
before asking to construct something new. That is good sense both on a zoning and planning
perspective, and from an economic perspective. So this tower is where it needs to be for us to
attach antennas to accomplish that. VMOO
Mr. Keller asked as a hypothetical if this was not approved what would be your next move.
Would you be looking for another stand-alone site?
Ms. Schweller replied that it is very difficult to construct a tower in a residential area since the
parcels simply are not large enough. There is already a tower on this site so it would be
ridiculous for us to request a special use permit to construct a new one on the very same parcel
that already has a tower on it. So if you were not to recommend approval and the Board did not
approve this special exception she was not sure what the next step would be. She would have
to consult with Verizon Wireless. It would unusual since she has never had a special exception
request not granted because normally it is considered reasonable to deviate from Albemarle
County's limitations when the upsides justify.
Mr. Dotson said he had a question of the applicant or perhaps staff. Ms. Schweller mentioned
revisions to the County's Personal Wireless Facility Policy and he knows she has worked on
that with staff. He asked where that stands. He knows the Commission has seen pieces of it,
but did not know if they have seen all of the pieces or whether there is more working taking
place.
Ms. Baldwin pointed out the Commission has not seen all of the pieces and there is more work
taking place. Staff hopes to bring the next zoning text amendment (ZTA) in front of the
Commission within the next couple of months.
Mr. Dotson asked if this particular situation has not been addressed thus far in those revisions. 140
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RM
Ms. Baldwin replied it has not, but staff has been talking about it.
Mr. Dotson asked as a staff member does it make sense to do something like what Chesterfield
did to have a different standard for power towers.
Ms. Baldwin replied that we have been seeing more power towers come in. From a staff
perspective it has been difficult for us to figure out ways to approve them or administer them
with the policy. She thinks it would be worth looking into what other localities do to see if we
can make some changes.
Mr. Keller closed the public hearing to bring the matter back to the Commission for discussion
and action.
Mr. Lafferty said that he drives by this site all the time and he had to go out and look for the
towers. About the only way you can see it from Georgetown Road is to line yourself up with the
transmission lines and look down through. He also knows a person who lives at what is known
as 301 in Attachment A, which is contiguous with where the tower is going to be, and he has
never noticed a tower from her house. So in looking down the transmission lines there are
already lots of lines and stuff that would be an eyesore. However, it is already there and we
need it. Since the tower was on the land of the house next to it that he assumed they were
getting some benefit from this. So he would be reluctant to turn it down.
Mr. Dotson said he shared the observation having gone out and looked at it today. Even with
the leaves off the trees today, it was not that highly visible except when you look down the
easement area. So he agreed with Mr. Lafferty. He understands the safety concern and
Dominion's policy. He did not want us to lose this kind of opportunity site so was probably
leaning positively toward this with the notion that it would be a good idea for staff and those that
they are working with to consider a Chesterfield kind of approach as the rest of the ordinance
amendments are brought forward.
Ms. Spain said she was confused about the policy that staff is working on. It seems as though
staff is trying to follow the policy and it does not yet include the power tower considerations. Is
that the basis of your decision and the explanation for our differing opinions?
Ms. Baldwin replied that the policy does consider existing powerlines and we have approved
some. This particular one seemed a little bit bigger and beyond and the visual impact was
something staff thought was worth bringing before the Commission to have that discussion.
Mr. Lafferty noted as he understands it one of our overall concerns is with the visual pollution.
He thinks this is minimized in this case because you have to look down the powerlines that has
all those powerlines going right over your head going to this tower. He was sensitive to the
visual impact, but he was just not sure this can be seen from that many neighbors.
There being no further comments, Mr. Keller asked for a motion.
Mr. Lafferty noted that he could not say it will have no negative visual impacts, and Ms. Firehock
suggested he could say minimal.
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Motion: Mr. Lafferty moved and Ms. Firehock seconded to recommend approval of the
modification (special exception) for B2015-02132 TWR Dominion Power Antenna Platform Co -
Location based on the determination it will have minimal negative visual impacts.
The motion carried by a vote of 7:0.
Mr. Keller noted that B2015-02132 would be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors with a
recommendation for approval of the special exception (modification) on a date to be determined
Presentation
Review of Community Development Work Program (Wayne Cilimberg)
In a PowerPoint presentation Mr. Cilimberg presented the Community Development Work
Program in part because of the new Commissioners and an interest in what opportunities we
are seeing in this coming year for work under the comprehensive plan implementation as well
as other initiatives. About a year ago Mark Graham came before the Commission to discuss the
2015 Work Program, and he wants to go back and give a couple of highlights from that work
program as well as talk about 2016. (PowerPoint Presentation entitled Community
Development Work Program — February 2, 2015 available in the office of the clerk with the
written minutes.)
Each year staff actually works with the Board of Supervisors to establish the department's work
program. A number of those items end up being items that the Planning Commission reviews.
This year noting those things for the Commission that we have discussed with the Board of
Supervisors regarding 2016 and potentially preparing you for discussions as the year goes on
regarding future work program interests might be a result of presenting this tonight.
2015 Work Program Highlights
Comprehensive Plan Adoption
• Update with Strategies
• Economic Development
• Cash Proffer Policy
• Affordable Housing
Ordinances and Programs
• Wireless Amendments — Phase 2, FCC, Misc.
• Rt. 29 Business Signage — Phases 1, 2 & 3
• Neighborhood Model — Setbacks, yards
• BZA Process
• Fee Update in zoning ordinance
• Distilleries (with wineries and breweries)
• Si ns — Reed Supreme Court Case
• Wireless — Public Notice
• Drive -through
• Subdivision Ord. "housekeeping"
• Natural Heritage Modeling
• Artist Communities
First, he was going back to 2015 and just hitting on some highlights that were reflected in the
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Work Program, some of which are still ongoing. Obviously one of the big accomplishments of
2015 was the Comprehensive Plan adoption. During the year the Planning Commission
discussed priority strategies that were incorporated in the ultimate adoption by the Board of
Supervisors. So that was a major undertaking for the Planning Commission for several years as
well as for the Board of Supervisors. In having that behind us now has allowed us to begin
moving forward with some other initiatives.
A couple of things carried over from last year that are not done as yet relate to the Comp Plan
regarding Economic Development Strategies Policy in the New Economic Development Office.
Community Development will be assisting with this, but are not leading that work. Obviously
that was an important component of the Comprehensive Plan and, in fact, one of the priority
strategies the Commission identified.
The Planning Commission last year and again just last week dealt with the Cash Proffer Policy,
obviously another carry over item and one for the future that has not gotten a completion date
as yet. With the work program for this year he would talk more about that and Affordable
Housing. In areas of ordinance and program initiation there were several Wireless
Amendments last year. There were sign amendments particularly for Route 29 and in
association with the 29 Project to make sure businesses were getting good visibility and
opportunity for visibility during the construction project. There were ordinance amendments for
setbacks and yards during the year consistent with the Neighborhood Model. The BZA Process
Amendments actually were in response to State Code changes. There was updates of fees in
the zoning ordinance; amendments that would incorporate Farm Distilleries as well as some
additional winery and brewery amendments last year that, again, were a result of State Code
changes. In response to the Reed Supreme Court case there was amendments for signs also
for last year.
As noted earlier there are continuing amendments to be considered for Wireless Phase 1 as a
carryover regarding public notice from last year; but, also there will be amendments related to
Wireless design, as referred to by Ms. Baldwin, that will be coming to the Commission. They
have just seen this year the drive through that started last year that they hope will be completed
with the Board of Supervisors. Probably further out during the year will be Subdivision
Ordinance Housekeeping amendments that they are now working more actively with the
National Heritage modeling, which Ms. Firehock is familiar with. It is something that has carried
over for a while, but now has some activity and hopefully finality ultimately this year. To be
determined is Artist Communities, which is another item discussed last year, but still has work to
be initiated based on some decisions that the Board of Supervisors will probably be making in
the near future
In talking about 2016 and beyond he referred first to some of the objectives of the County
Strategic Plan that Community Development has a part in and has been part of why the Work
Program is what it is. He would also talk about staff availability and then the Work Program
itself.
2016-20 Overview
• County Strategic Plan Objectives - CDD
• Staff Availability — Workload / Expertise / Priorities
• 2016 Work Program, 2017-2020 Initiatives
The Board in adopting the Strategic Plan for the county put emphasis on some major areas that
Community Development staff are actively involved with. The CDD Priorities are as follows:
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CDD Priorities
• Major Strategic Plan Efforts
— Rio / Route 29 Master Plan (small area plan as part of Places29 and the ultimate
update of Places29)
— Pantops / River Corridor Master Plan
— Revitalize Urban Areas (Note: Building Maintenance)
— Transportation
— Natural Resources
• Minor Strategic Plan Efforts
— Urban Service Levels
— Water Resources
— Economic Development (Assessment Results)
Transportation and natural resources are two areas of great interest to the Board. In fact, they
have dedicated new positions in each of those areas, so those objectives are considered
adequately staffed. So the CDD Priorities all play a role in our work program.
When staff talked to the Board of Supervisors in October of last year about the 2016 Work
Program they asked us to further consider some additional items or some greater activity in
items already identified. The Board's direction to staff included the following additional
initiatives to consider before it came back with the 2016 Work Program.
Board Direction
Additional Initiatives to Consider
— Economic Development, Implementation
— RA Small Churches
— Dark Skies/Lighting
— Transient Lodging
— RA Events
— Stormwater
— Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries
— Crossroad Communities
Economic Development assessment is anticipated to require a Comp Plan amendment in
following year.
A number of these actually were implementation items that were identified in the adopted
comprehensive plan. However, these were among those initiatives that the Board wanted us to
consider for the work program. In doing so we really had to look at what our availability is from
a staff standpoint including looking back to see where we have added staff or may have lost
staff. The capacity in the work program particularly lies in the area of planning for taking on
work program items. For the Board staff did go back and look at about 10 years of change in
the department size, in particular the Planning Division size within the department. We have a
smaller staff size now, particularly in the Planning Division for taking on those initiatives that a
work program would address.
Last year staff showed the CDD staff availability in a pie chart that really indicates where our
work program has an opportunity to utilize staff resources. It is part of being able to balance the Iwo
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work load of those things that are ongoing activities such as applications and basic day to day
items with those things that might be considered discretionary for new work or continued
additional work by staff. Those are a piece of the pie that can be devoted to the work program
exclusively. However, as you can see in the chart in the PowerPoint presentation it is not a
large piece.
The work program utilizes remaining resources after other mandatory functions are served.
This means the time available for the work program is affected by the number of applications
and also means it can be somewhat difficult to accurately estimate how much time will be
available a year from now.
Ultimately we came to present the Board a work program with adjustments that was in the
package, which is the work program that we are working with for this year and the coming years
as well. This work program really adjusted to emphasize a few things:
1. The interest the Board had in making sure we were taking up more intermediate
additional amendments for wineries, breweries and distilleries in the rural area because
of the concern or possibility that the existing provisions may enable impactful activities in
the rural areas that would not be desired.
2. Along with that, looking at other Rural Area (RA) event allowances in our ordinance.
So those have been two items that have been pushed into this year to undertake with the staff
we have available. With that it has meant a delay in our initiation of any work on the Rivanna
River Corridor to much later in this calendar year as well as a delay into next year in taking up
amendments for rural area churches, particularly smaller churches in the rural area.
Ms. Firehock questioned what the colors meant in the key in the Community Development Work
Program, which said board review time.
Mr. Cilimberg replied the key is at the bottom of the second page and the staff development
time is the work that staff would be undertaking.
Ms. Firehock asked if this was just what the different bodies would be doing.
Mr. Cilimberg agreed that it included staff time, then the Planning Commission in yellow and the
Board time in green. Our part and probably the most intensive part of our staff time would be in
the gray because that is the real preparation. He pointed out the Rio/29 small area plan is very
definitely a major activity in this year. Also, the multi -modal transportation options the Board
wanted staff to be working with this year. The transportation planner can now help with that.
Another focus for staff is making sure that we are addressing urban areas and urban area
initiatives particularly in place making and revitalization. Not shown here, but obviously also
part of the staff's work this year, will be the Cash Proffer Policy and more work on Wireless.
There are some things that are not shown directly here that are assumed to be ongoing as other
parts of the pie so to speak. We will be supporting economic development.
Mr. Cilimberg pointed out on the second page it gets into some of the comprehensive plan
related initiatives and strategies. Those generally are not items that we will be actively involved
with at least in a Community Development lead this coming year and are to be determined as
we look at future resources. The funding of ACE is really not a staff resource priority, but more
of a capital improvements resource priority. Affordable housing is one we would support. Ron
White is really the lead person in doing that work and there will probably be some additional
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discussions with the Commission about affordable housing during the year. However, it is really
at Mr. White's lead with our support. Then we will be supporting, again, economic development.
Mr. Cilimberg further explained that the bottom line is the existing staff we have and the time we
feel is available with that staff because there are certain commitments the Board has asked us
to make that is part of the Board's approval of the work program that has been reflected here.
Staff wanted the Commission to be aware of it. As the Commission begins to consider those
things they feel are important they might hear that resources are not there to be working with an
item at that time. He suggested putting those items in a parking lot for discussion as we look at
the work program beyond this year and potentially something the Commission might want to
discuss with the Board of Supervisors as the year progresses. With that he offered to answer
questions.
Mr. Keller invited questions for staff.
Mr. Lafferty asked how we are going to check on the impacts in the rural area about the special
events and if we have a mechanism in place.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that there is a zoning clearance process that staff can use to create a
record as the requests come through the clearance process under the ordinance provisions that
exist. Occasionally they would see special use permit applications. But, under the existing
ordinance provisions it is more likely going to be those things that come through the zoning
office. There was a commitment when we first passed the distilleries, breweries, and wineries
provisions in 2014 to come back in two years and provide some information on what we have
seen happen since the provisions were enacted.
Mr. Lafferty said they would see how much impact these decisions are going to make. He
thinks there is some reluctance in the committee to back off and wait to see what is going on. In
looking at the Crozet Master Plan update it looks like staff gets it at the end of the first quarter in
2018.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that was correct.
Mr. Lafferty pointed out it says the update is due in 2016.
Mr. Cilimberg replied again, it is based on staff resources.
Ms. More suggested that a correction, though, would be the update was due in 2015 since our
last plan was done in 2010.
Mr. Cilimberg noted that he would make the update.
Ms. Spain thanked staff because the information is very useful.
Mr. Cilimberg asked if there were other questions.
Mr. Lafferty said it certainly gives us an indication of all the issue that you have to attack with the
limited staff.
Ms. Riley asked if they are planning to hire any additional planning staff.
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Mr. Cilimberg replied that in the budget submittal for the department additional staff are
1%00 identified. Of course, it will have to be a part of this upcoming budget process with the Board.
So it is going to be very resource dependent with the overall finances that the Board of
Supervisors has to work with. He can safely say we are not the only ones that will be asking for
new department resources for work. In addition to the two hires that occurred in the last year
we've included for the next budget year beginning July 1 positions that would enable us to better
address the needs and projects on the list.
Mr. Dotson said back when the Commission discussed the comprehensive plan they spent
several meetings talking about tracking or monitoring in an annual report. Obviously that has
some data needs we never resolved. He asked if there was a bigger report that would maybe
happen every other year or whatever. Since that is not included he was wondering how much
contingency is implied in here but not stated for things like that, such as applications or things
that might come out of the legislature this year or things along those lines that are difficult to
anticipate. He noted there is nothing like a 20 percent contingency or anything stated here.
Mr. Cilimberg replied this has been designed around the part of the pie shown in red some of
what he has mentioned that we are accounting for under the other parts of the pie so to speak.
However, there could be an impact if, as an example, the General Assembly were to pass new
code requirements for amendments in our zoning ordinance. We anticipate some of those every
year. However, if they had a large number of Code changes that we had to respond to that
could have an impact. We always do an annual report and have actually talked about this year
having the annual report of last year have a little more information and begin building towards
the kind of report the Commission had identified during the comp plan work you wanted to have.
It may not be the full blown report that addresses all of those things that you felt were of interest
as the plan was moving forward and onto the Board; but, take some steps this year at least
towards that to provide some additional information in addition to the basis report you have
gotten. So some of what we can do is based on how much of it is normal versus beyond the
normal things that are added that would be unanticipated and might affect other parts of the
work program. The things listed are dependent on our standard workload remaining fairly
constant and the ability to add a staff person to take on these types of discretionary projects.
Mr. Dotson asked if there is a process for amending this.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that actually in January staff went to the Board to talk about an
amendment of the plan as it had been previously adopted in 2015 for 2016 to address these
modifications regarding wineries, distilleries, and breweries. They have two zoning text
amendments that deals with artist communities and the Clifton Inn that staff are discussing with
the Board tomorrow. Staff is telling the Board how that fits within the work program to be work to
be done. If the Board directs something different we will have to once again amend. If the
Commission were to identify something during the year that was extremely important we would
want to forward that to the Board and tell them how it fits now and find out if they would want to
amend to try to fit it in sooner.
Mr. Keller asked if the Planning Commission will be involved in the search process for your
successor.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that he can't address that because he is kind of on the sideline and would
need to have Mr. Graham get back to you on that.
Mr. Keller said in the areas where you are having to push things forward that have been priority
ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 2, 2016 17
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areas in discussions for some time is there an opportunity to hire a private sector or NGO
consultants to work on some things such as area plans, just as an example. Are there monies
in the budget for any of those kinds of things?
Mr. Cilimberg replied that the monies are somewhat limited, but he can identify one pot of
money that we did actually designate for this year for the Rio/29 Small Area Plan that we are
trying to save through grant sources. As we might be able to identify outside resources that can
be utilized to do the project it depends on the project because some outside resources don't
save a lot of resources in house, but some can. Then there is the possibility that we can work
on a project in the master list so to speak using that outside resource. There are not a lot of
grant opportunities out there. However, we have already gotten grant assistance on the Rio/29
Small Area Plan and are continuing to work on finishing the scope of that and determine how to
potentially find resources for the balance. However, that could free up money in the budget for
other purposes. However, we don't have a big pot of money to go out and hire consultants.
Mr. Keller asked if this body hears concern from the citizenry about one of the topics that we are
seeing here that have been heard what would be the process. He asked would the Planning
Commission make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors through him and Mr. Benish.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that he would think they would want to do that in a meeting; or, they may
identify it in a joint meeting. At some point the Board usually in late spring or early summer has
a joint meeting with the Planning Commission. Between now and then if there are some
priorities that you don't feel are being addressed the Commission might want to identify them for
the Board in that kind of a meeting.
Mr. Keller said he sees from the rules of procedure that we have an opportunity as our body to
call special meetings. So if there are topical areas the Commissioners are interested in,
discussed and would like to have further discussion on is there a mechanism to do that. The
question he has that relates to the topic that he has brought up is how we work this so we are
not infringing on staff time because it is not something that is planned for in your budget.
However, he knows from speaking with individual members that pretty much everybody on the
dais has an area that they would like to have further discussion on.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that you would choose your agenda items certainly working with Mr.
Benish. He would suggest that the Commission has one meeting a month where that is kind of
set aside for that kind of thing, which staff would call a work session meeting. So if planning
ahead with Mr. Benish you see a particular meeting that you would like to have those things
identified it is really the Commission offering four of those things you feel are important for us
and then determine how we can proceed with those. It is probably not so much about getting
started on a particular project unless it actually is something you are interested in that we are
working with anyway. But, at least to have it identified so that at some point it can be shared
with the Board of Supervisors and maybe trying to figure out what the best approach to do that
would be.
Mr. Keller said it would be fair to say that staff has been doing that in the past year. That is how
the affordable housing piece has come forward, for instance. So he thinks they are in that
process. However, he just wanted to clarify for this new group of Commissioners what our
process will be and that we will be thinking about that over the next several months.
Ms. Firehock added that last year there were some topics that we as a commission brought up
that we wanted to have more discussions about. Some things were discussed and some were
ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 2, 2016 18
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not. So what Mr. Keller and I have talked about is picking up four topic areas that once a
quarter they would do in depth. As an example, a topic that we had a very short discussion
about last year is affordable housing. There were a number of questions the Commission were
not able to get to so we would like to take a more active role in scheduling those out for the year
during our work sessions. They would and send an email to everyone suggesting some topics
and ask each commissioner which topics they would like to have more of a roll up your sleeves
work session where we delve into the issue. The reason she brought up affordable housing is it
is an area where developers have been coming forward and talking about how they are
providing affordable housing and yet we are not sure that is what they are providing or the way
the county advertises it is adequate, etc. The Commission would like to have a more involved
discussion than just 20 minutes and probably invite guests to come and talk to us about the
issue. Perhaps it could be more of a sit around the table rather than at the dais, which changes
the dynamic considerably. She did not want to see is the Commission waiting for the Board of
Supervisors to say it is okay for us to delve into a topic. She has been talking with Supervisor
and Chair Palmer and she is supportive and encourages the Commission to take on issues and
do planning and not simply wait to see what is available for people to work on. If there are
actions that come out of those discussions that they would like staff to help us with, then we can
identify them at that time. But, she did not want us to not have the conversation on some of the
topics simply because they are not on staff's work plan. We have time and expertise as a body
and know other experts in the community that we can also call on who can inform us. She
suggested they talk a little more with our chairman and send an email around with sort of let's
start brainstorming some topics and go ahead and get those scheduled.
Mr. Cilimberg said one of the examples of an item that came up last year somewhat in
association with the comp plan was the Dark Skies ordinance provisions and further work on
that. Ultimately, it did get to the Board for the question of resources to undertake. However, he
thinks it works well when you identify what important topics are for discussion; but, just give staff
a little advanced time so we can make sure we can get it scheduled and if we need to have
some people in attendance. It is not really about prep, it is just people who can answer
questions.
Ms. Firehock said that is why she thinks it makes sense because they know what a lot of those
issues are and could think of them over the next week or so. She suggested they could
schedule them out like once a quarter so it would not be an overwhelming burden with endless
work sessions on everything under the sun; but know that in this quarter they were going to
discuss the issue in depth. It would also give Commissioners a chance to do homework. In my
experience sometimes we get the agenda for this meeting on a Friday for something that is
happening on Tuesday and don't really have time to go and do all the research for a discussion
topic. So it would give us a lot more time.
Mr. Keller thanked Ms. Firehock. He asked Mr. Cilimberg if he had anything else.
Mr. Cilimberg replied that he did not, but he would welcome any questions. If you have
questions after the meeting or if something come up, just get in touch.
Mr. Keller thanked Mr. Cilimberg and that the meeting would move to old business.
Old Business
Committee Appointments
(Tim Keller)
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Mr. Keller said he thinks they have very successfully dealt with our committee memberships,
except there is one remaining. He asked Mr. Lafferty for a clarification. From earlier
discussions you had expressed that the CTAC was open and we have had interest from Ms.
Riley to serve in that position. However, like they did last week maybe you two could work that
out and let us know.
Mr. Lafferty replied that he thinks that is fine. He was actually appointed to that committee
before he was appointed to the Planning Commission. Also, Mr. Dotson said that he probably
should not serve on both committees, CTAC and MPO Tech.
Ms. Firehock said he would be sending advice up to himself in a sense.
Mr. Lafferty pointed out that they were not subservient and thinks it would be great.
Ms. Riley thanked him and said she would look forward to at least beginning to learn more
about the long range planning and the transportation.
Mr. Lafferty pointed out this is the time to do it because they are trying to put together public
presentations such as how did that road get there.
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Benish and Ms. Taylor to finish the committee list because he thinks we
have this final piece. He asked if anyone has any question about when their committees will
meet so they go forward to your new committee assignments.
Mr. Benish pointed out if there are any questions to give him a call and he would answer them
or get them to the right leader for that group.
Mr. Lafferty asked if we will be notified, for instance, will Will Cochran be notified.
Mr. Benish replied for that particular case you will be put on the mailing list as a representative.
Ms. Firehock asked staff to make sure there was not a meeting coming up soon. Last year by
the time she understood when they met she had missed yesterday's meeting.
Mr. Benish noted that he would take a look at it and make sure we give an early heads up.
Sometimes it is the legalistic of getting on the mailing list and such.
Mr. Lafferty noted he would talk to Mr. Cochran and tell him.
Moving to the next item, Mr. Keller noted there are two persons who would like to say something
about proffers, Mr. Kamptner and Mr. Dotson.
Mr. Kamptner addressed Mr. Williamson's comments regarding the illegality of the County's
Cash Proffer Policy. The first thing is to recall that the Cash Proffer Policy is part of the
Comprehensive Plan. So it is merely advisory. He will recognize that the County and the
development community have followed that policy very closely since it was adopted in 2007.
But, it is simply a policy document. The other reference to the change in state law, and he was
assuming he was referring to the one in 2013 which required that cash proffer be applied either
to new facilities or if they are going to be applied to existing facilities that they have to expand
ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION - FEBRUARY 2, 2016 20
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capacity. Since 2013 any cash proffers that were already received have been applied at that
manner. We met with staff periodically when there were questions as to whether or not a
particular capital improvement project was increasing capacity. The amount that is in the
current cash proffer policy exceeds what was recommended by the Fiscal Impact Advisory
Committee. The amount adjusting for inflation, for example, for a single-family dwelling is
currently approximately $20,000 under the cash proffer policy. FIAC's recommendation was
around $5,000. So what we had advised staff and what the development community will learn
as they come through the process is that the maximum cash proffer amount will be based on,
for as long as the current policy is in effect, those numbers that the Fiscal Impact Advisory
Committee recommended. We will go from there. It will become a fluid document as the CIP
and the CNAs are readopted from year to year.
Mr. Keller asked Mr. Dotson for his comments.
Mr. Dotson said this is just a follow-up to our meeting last week when the Commission asked
that a conversation be held with staff to clarify the additional information that we looking for.
That took place today and he thinks it is now clear and understood and seen as workable as
well particularly in light of the conversation we just had about the work program and the time
available. He thinks there was an effort in the conversation to avoid paralysis by analysis, and
instead do what you needed to do in order to have due diligence so that the Commission felt
comfortable in forwarding whatever recommendation onto the Board of Supervisors. There was
also reference back to the charge back in September of 2014 to the Fiscal Impact Committee to
advance these as soon as possible. So, again, there was an effort to only ask for information in
a way that was doable within existing resources in a short period of time so that a response
would go back to the Board of Supervisors.
Mr. Dotson noted that part of that was to maybe break apart some of the concerns that we had
and to set the highest priority on additional data related to the maximum dollar value of the
proffer. That would be the highest priority for staff to emphasize. The second would be new
credits, which is particularly appropriate as a subject for the Planning Commission because the
credits that have been discussed are credits that would serve to incentivize implementing the
Comp Plan, the Neighborhood Model and the master plans. The third thing, which is more a
matter for the Fiscal Impact Advisory Committee if the Board of Supervisors so directs and
requests would be looking at alternative models. That would be a longer term project. So he
thinks staff seeing that breakdown into those three categories felt like what we were looking for
regarding the more intermediate decision was doable in a relatively short period of time, no
promises, but perhaps later this month or early next month. So he can report that has taken
place.
Mr. Keller thanked Mr. Dotson.
The meeting moved to the next agenda item.
Old Business
Mr. Keller noted the next meeting would be held in Room 241 and so they would be adjourning
to February 23, 2016.
Mr. Benish noted that night is the Board of Supervisors public hearing on the budget. If similar
to previous years it will be heavily attended and the parking lot will be full.
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Mr. Dotson asked to make one comment about the schedule. March 1 is primary day and the
Commission is scheduled for a meeting. That is something that ought to be looked at.
Mr. Benish said he did not think they have any items scheduled. There are two items on
February 231 that might have public to come to the meeting and there may be further
complications. Therefore, they had discussed the possibility of moving one or both or those
items to that next meeting. But, that is a good point that the primary may affect the availability.
Mr. Keller suggested they might want to move it to the next date.
Mr. Benish pointed out staff would discuss that a little bit further next week. Staff is also getting
some feedback from the applicants whether they are willing to delay for a week, too. So it may
be out of our hands. As of today, there are no items scheduled for the March 1 meeting.
Mr. Keller noted that Mr. Benish had suggested that we might want to split it because of a
smaller room for four public hearings and this other public hearing going on at the same time.
Mr. Benish noted there might be a work session on the Adelaide rezoning and that date was
February 23, but the applicant has not confirmed.
Mr. Kamptner asked for a motion to adjourn to February 23 to room 241 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Lafferty moved and Ms. Firehock seconded for adjournment to Tuesday, February 23, 2016
at 6:00 p.m. in County Office Building - McIntire, Room 241, Second Floor, Charlottesville,
Virginia.
The motion carried by a vote of 7:0.
Adjournment
With no further items, the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. to the Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Albemarle County Planning Commission meeting at 6:00 p.m., Room 241, Second Floor,
County Office Building, 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.
David Benish, Secretary
(Recorded and transcribed by Sharon C. Taylor, Clerk to Planning Commission & Planning
ALBEMARLE COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION — FEBRUARY 2, 2016
FINAL MINUTES
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Comments to the Albemarle County Planning Commission February 2,
2016
Neil Williamson, President of the Free Enterprise Forum
In the spirit of Groundhog Day, I again call your attention to the fact
that Albemarle County is in violation of Virginia State Law regarding
Cash Proffers. This law changed in 2014.
Yes, I am here yet again to ask you, no beg you, to take an action, any
action, on the proposed cash proffer calculation forwarded by the Fiscal
Impact Advisory Committee four months ago.
Last week, this body determined that you did not have enough
information to make a decision despite the fact that your new Chairman
himself served as the Planning Commission liaison on the Fiscal Impact
Advisory Committee.
The Planning Commission also indicated a reluctance to act because the
General Assembly is considering proffer reform in its current session.
This is perhaps the weakest argument of all — is the public supposed to
believe that Albemarle will take swift action on the new legislation when
you have not yet moved forward on the legislatively mandated 2014
legislation.
No -- last week instead of taking action on the state mandate, as staff
recommended, you have requested a Kumbayah work session with
members of the fiscal impact advisory committee so you can rehash their
18 months of work.
In addition, you have tasked staff to provide a Fantasy Island Capital
Improvement Plan (absent any costs) to justify your "discomfort"
regarding the resultant cash proffer calculation amounts.
The reality is the state mandated change in calculation is based on the
�'" Board of Supervisors adopted CIP capacity expansion projects not your
unfunded wish list.
It seems clear to the Free Enterprise Forum that Albemarle does not feel
the need to follow state law.
Based on my rudimentary understanding of the law and the lack of
urgency by Albemarle County, it seems self- evident someone may soon
need to legally demand Albemarle County to follow the State Law.
The idea that a citizen might have to actually sue to get Albemarle to
follow State Code seems like something this body would want to avoid.
The Free Enterprise Forum believes last week's indefinite deferral
clearly demonstrates a lack of respect for State Code.
I'll again ask you as a planning Commission to take action, tonight -- to
*#... vote, up or down, on the cash proffer reform proposal staff brought
forward last week.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak.