HomeMy WebLinkAbout12 18 90 PC MinutesDECEMBER 18, 1990
The Albemarle County Planning Commission held a public
hearing on Tuesday, December 18, 1990, Meeting Room 7,
County Office Building, Charlottesville, Virginia. Those
members present were: Mr. Keith Rittenhouse, Chairman; Mr.
Phil Grimm; Mr. Tom Jenkins; Ms. Ellen Andersen; Mr. Walter
Johnson; and Ms. Babs Huckle. Other officials present were:
Mr. V. Wayne Cilimberg, Director of Planning and Community
Development; Mr. Ron Keeling, Chief of Planning; Ms. MaryJoy
Scala, Senior Planner; Ms. Yolanda Lipinski, Planner; and
Mr. Jim Bowling, Deputy County Attorney. Absent:
Commissioner Wilkerson.
The Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and
established that a quorum was present. The minutes of
December 4, 1990 were approved as amended.
ZMA-90-24 South Panto s Land Trust II and Hurt Investment
Company - The applicant is petitioning to rezone 13.67 acres
from R-15, Residential to CO, Commercial Office. The
property, described as Tax Map 78, Parcels 20 (part) and 70
(part) is located on the northeast side of South Pantops
Drive and approximately 600' west of State Farm Boulevard in
the Rivanna Magisterial District. This is in a designated
growth area (Urban Neighborhood 3).
The applicant was requesting deferral to January 22, 1991.
Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Mr. Grimm, that ZMA-90-24 be
deferred to January 22, 1991. The motion passed
unanimously.
ZMA-90-07 Unisys Corporation - The Unisys Corporation
petitions the Board of Supervisors to rezone two areas
totalling 8.42 acres from LI, Light Industrial to HC,
Highway Commercial. Properties are described as Tax Map
61W, Section 3, Parcels 19A and 19B. Parcel 19A is located
on the north side of Hydraulic Road, east of and adjacent to
Village Green Shopping Center. Parcel 19B is located on the
west side of Rt. 29, south of and adjacent to Sperry Marine.
Properties are located in the Charlottesville Magisterial
District. This is in a designated growth area (Urban
Neighborhood 1). REFERRED BACK TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR CONSIDERAITON OF NEW
INFORMATION.
The applicant was requesting indefinite deferral.
Ms. Huckle moved, seconded by Mr. Jenkins, that ZMA-90-07 be
indefinitely deferred. The motion passed unanimously.
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December 18, 1990 page 2
SP-90-93 Delfar Land Trust - Automart petitions for a
special use permit for visible outdoor parking display and
storage of automobiles in the Entrance Corridor Overlay
District [30.6.3.2]. The property, described as Tax Map
45B1, Parcels 5-C-4 and 5-A-9, is on the east side of Route
29 approximately 2000' north of Carrsbrook Drive in the
Charlottesville Magisterial District. This is in a
designated growth area (Urban Neighborhood 2).
The applicant was requesting deferral to January 22, 1991.
Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Mr. Grimm, that SP-90-93 be
deferred to January 22, 1991. The motion passed
unanimously.
SDP-90-096 - Automart--Parkinci Preliminary Site Plan -
Proposal to locate a 55-car overflow parking area on 0.95
acres. Property, described as Tax Map 45B1, Section 51
Parcel 9, is located on the east side of Route 29
approximately 1500 feet south of the South Fork Rivanna
River and adjacent of the existing Automart building.
Access shall be through the existing Automart parking area
and a southward extension of the existing frontage road is
proposed. Zoned HC, Highway Commercial, the site is located
within the Charlottesville Magisterial District. This site
is located in a designated growth area (UN2).
The applicant was requesting deferral to January 22, 1991.
Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Mr. Grimm, that SDP-90-096 be
deferred to January 22, 1991. The motion passed
unanimously.
High Mowing A ricultural Forestal District - Located on
State Routes 692, 693, and 694 just south of Batesville.
The proposed district contains 622.440 acres in six parcels.
MILED
Addition to Keswick Agricultural/Forestal District - The
proposed addition is located on State Route 610 about two
miles off Rt. 20N. The proposed addition contains 90.000
acres in one parcel. The existing district contains
5,922.12 acres.
Ms. Scala presented the staff report.
The Chairman invited public comment.
Ms. Sherry Buttrick, representing the Piedmont Environmental
Council, addressed the Commission and expressed her support
for the proposals.
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December 18, 1990 Page 3
There being no further comment the matter was placed before
the Commission.
Mr. Jenkins moved, seconded by Ms. Huckle, that the High
Mowing Agricultural/Forestal District and the Addition to
the Keswick Agricultural/Forestal District, be recommended
to the Board of Supervisors for approval.
The motion passed unanimously.
SP-90-99 Rappahannock Electric Cooperative - The applicant
petitions for a special use permit to construct an electric
power substation and transmission line (10.2.2(6)]. The
properties crossed by this line lie between Route 29 and
Route 763 (near Piney mountain) in an easterly and southerly
direction to the Proffit area. They are: Tax Map 21,
Parcel 12, 12A, 12D, and 14C; Tax Map 33, Parcels 10, 12,
12E, 2, 20, 21, 36, 4, 4B, 4C, 1 and 2; Tax Map 46, Parcel
33F and 33B and Tax Map 47, Parcels 2 and 3A. They are all
in the Rivanna Magisterial District and only Tax Map 21,
Parcels 12 and 12D are not in a designated growth area
(Piney Mountain Village and Rural Areas II).
Mr. Fritz presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions.
Referring to the applicant's offer to IIworK with and allow
other utilities access to, and use of, the right-of-way,"
Mr. Johnson asked how this could be enforced. Mr. Fritz
replied that there was no condition which would require
this, but rather it was "simply a statement of policy" of
the applicant.
Mr. Johnson also asked if consideration had been given to at
least a partial realignment of the line along the railroad.
Mr. Fritz pointed out the proposed alignment and noted that
he could only comment that the topography would be more
restrictive.
Regarding the letter received by staff December 17th from
Ms. Safley, Mr. Fritz stated staff had not had time to
consider the suggestions made in the letter in detail.
The Chairman invited applicant comment.
The appliant was represented Mr. Bob Yeaman. (He was
accompanied by Mr. Steve Roderick, Engineer, Mr. John
Dalton, Siting Engineer, and Mr. Greg White.) He explained
the applicant was seeking two things: (1) A special use
permit to construct a 115 kv transmission line; and (2)
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December 18, 1990 Page 4
Permission to construct a sub -station adjacent to the Better
Living truss plant and 230 kv power line of Virginia Power.
He described the proposal and how the line had been sited.
His comments included the following:
--The right-of-way would be 100 foot wide, containing
55-foot high, H-shaped poles along the center line. Some
locations along the right-of-way may require higher poles
because of the topography. (He stated the applicant would
reserve the right to raise the poles to 95 feet in some
cases.)
--The present 34.5kv line is presently running at
overload conditions. The present situation demands that the
line be increased.
--In an attempt to satisfy County and environmental
concerns, the applicant has "stayed away" from the 29
corridor and has attempted to avoid stream crossings. (The
line crosses the river only one time.)
--No herbicides will be used in the maintenance of the
right-of-way nor in the initial clearing for the line.
Low -growing trees and shrubs will be maintained where
possible.
--In the event a proposed Cellular tower is approved,
the applicant is proposing two possible deviations around
the tower, with the northern deviation being preferred by
the applicant.
The Chairman invited public comment.
The following persons addressed the Commission and expressed
their opposition to the proposal:
--Mr. Robert Blottinger, representing Mr. and Mrs. Boyd
Perry - He suggested an alternative route which would
follow the railroad, would not come close to any dwellings,
would not result in any additional stream crossings, and
would result in much less destruction of woodlands. He also
stated that the proposed transmission line would not
interfer with the railroad communiations line because the
railroad line is a fiber optic, buried line. He read a
letter from US SPRINT which verified the accuracy of this
statement. He noted that this was a contradiction to the
staff report and to the applicant's statements.
--Mr. Oakley Straley - He noted that the proposed line
"follows every turn (his) property makes." He felt that his
property was not receiving fair treatment. He felt his
rights as a taxpayer were not being given fair
consideration. He explained that Rappahannock has, in the
past, trespassed on his property and cut sappling trees
without his knowledge or permission.
After Mr. Straley's statements there followed a discussion
about the issue of imminent domain. Mr. Rittenhouse felt
condition No. 2 ["The granting of this permit shall not be
deemed to impair or otherwise affect the rights of the
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December 18, 1990 Page 5
applicant or any other person concerning the acquisition of
any right-of-way or other interest in property for such line
or the compensation to be paid therefor. Except where
buying right-of-way is required for angle structures as
described in Attachment G, right-of-way width shall not
exceed one hundred feet (1001)."] indicated there was no
right of imminent domain , i.e. even if the special permit
is granted, it is still up to the applicant to negotiate
with individual property owners to obtain an easement. Mr.
Fritz -confirmed that was accurate. He added, however, that
he was not familiar with what powers of imminent domain the
applicant might have.
Mr. Bowling stated that the applicant "almost assuredly has
the powers of imminent domain." Mr. Yeaman, counsel for the
applicant added: "We are a public service corporation and
we do have powers of imminent domain. ... We would have to
obtain our easements. All we're asking you for is
permission to site the line through the County's corridor.
We would still have to get an easement or right-of-way
agreement from every landowner or use condemnation."
Other members of the public who voiced their objections
were: Mr. Gerald Herring; Mr. Lloyd Herring; Mr. Steven
Blain, representing Rivanna Estates Partnership (He stated
his client would consider donating the right-of-way if the
applicant would consider burying the line); Mrs. Cory; and
Mrs. Alice Straley. Reasons for opposition included: (1)
Devaluation of property values; (2) Destruction of woods;
(3) Proximity to dwelllings and bisection of properties;
(4) A shorter, more direct route is possible which would
affect fewer property owners; (5) Limitations on use of
property; (6) Visibility of line; (7) Health risks; (8)
The applicant has proposed the least expensive line, rather
than the least objectionable; (9) The proposed route is
inconsistent with the County's policy to protect rural land.
Mr. Lloyd Herring expressed ocnfusion about the proposed
alignment. Staff explained that the applicant has shown
alternative routes in the event the pending application for
a cellular tower on the Herring property is approved. Mr.
Rittenhouse noted, however, that only the route described in
the staff report was under consideration by the Commission.
There being no further comment the matter was placed before
the Commission.
There was some discussion about the possibility of
installing underground lines. Mr. John Dalton, engineer for
the applicant, explained that it is technically feasible to
bury this type of line using "oil -filled pipes."
December 18, 1990 Page 6
He estimated this would cost approximately $1,500,000/mile
vs. $200,000/ mile for an overhead line. (4 miles of line
are proposed.) He explained that the underground option had
not been pursued because of the cost. He explained further
that the pumping stations for undergound lines require a
great deal of maintenance and there are, "inevitably, oil
leaks." He also noted that failures of undergound lines are
extremely expensive to correct. He stated he understood
Virginia Power and Potomac Edison Power, have some
underground lines.
Mr. Johnson asked exactly what the Commission was being
asked to approve given no plat has been submitted, i.e.
"what is the sanctity" of this proposed siting of the line?
Mr. Fritz explained that the maps which were displayed in
the meeting room were those which had been submitted by the
applicant and "that is the most accurate corridor
description" which the staff had. He stated that more
detail would require a deferral so that a plat could be
prepared showing the alignment on each parcel. Mr. Keeler
explained that the "yellow line" shown was a general
alignment and "the power company is free to negotiate with
property owners that this alignment effects and is free to
negotiate with other property owners." He noted, however,
that if the line should cross the property of someone who
has not been notified, then the request would be subject to
rehearing (unless said property owner has no objections to
the line). Mr. Johnson interepreted that the purpose of the
hearing was to notify effected property owners that there is
the potential for the line to be crossing their property.
Mr. Johnson asked the applicant "to what degree is future
growth being considered in the design of the line (as
proposed)?" Mr. Dalton responded that the line is being
designed to last approximately 30 years into the future. He
also explained that the line was part of a longer term
project with Potomac Edison.
Mr. Johnson also asked Mr. Dalton if any consideration had
been given to.the Peery's and Ms. Safley's request for an
alternate alignment. Mr. Dalton was aware only of the
Peery's request. He explained that Mr. Peery's suggestion
had been given consideration and it was found that the
topography was not as favorable as the proposed route,
though it is physically possible. He also noted that the
rights -of -way for the two lines (i.e. the railroad's
telecommunications line and the applicant's proposed line)
could not be shared. He also explained that the cost
differential had been estimated at $43,000.
December 18, 1990 Page 7
Ms. Huckle asked if the applicant would compensate property
owners for the loss of value to their property, in addition
to the purchase of the right-of-way. Mr. Dalton replied:
"The Co-op is required, under Federal Law, to follow certain
procedures in acquiring rights -of -way and fee simple
property and that requirement comes under the Uniform Land
Acquisition Act." He explained this is the same procedure
as is followed by the Highway Department, i.e. "an appraisal
must be obtained of the rights that are to be obtained, a
second review appraiser must review that first appraiser to
insure that an appropriate value is determined in the
original appraisal, the Co-op then must offer the property
owner the value of that appraisal and then after that point
the Co-op can negotiate with the landowner." Ms. Huckle
interpreted this applied only to the right-of-way and not
for damage to property values. Mr. Dalton responded:
"Damages are included in the appraisal (for the residue of
the property)."
Mr. Blottinger asked if approval would be a "blanket
approval" regardless of the siting of the line, or would it
be a "corridor approval." He felt planning staff's review
would be meaningless if approval were not specifically for
this corridor. He asked that Mr. Bowling address the issue
of a non -owner petitioning for the right to use someone
else's property. It was his interpretation that "that
person doing so is almost a contract purchaser of that land
because ultimately, either by negotiation or by
condemnation, he will acquire that land, and so if you
should approve this line here, ..., but subsequently
negotiate and condemn elsewhere, I don't think that you can
approve other than where the corridor is proposed and what
they propose ultimately to take." He felt this should be
addressed.
Mr. Bowling responded: "You're approving the general
location of the corridor. You've got a map that was
supplied you by the Co-op. I don't know if they've got any
more accurate depiction of exactly where that line is going
to go. If you want, I think you can require a full-blown
survey of the entire corridor and say 'We're approving
this.' That's not what's before you, though."
Mr. Johnson asked: "Is it not appropriate to make reference
in some kind of terms to one of these particular maps, to
dignify this corridor.?"
Mr. Bowling responded: "You don't do that. You've got a
lot of special permits which come before you and you
generally tie it to the application and the package that's
before you. I think that the map that you have before you
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December 18, 1990 Page 8
is sufficient to identify what you've approved." He
confirmed that this could be made a condition of approval.
Mr. Cilimberg confirmed that approvals have referenced
"conceptual" plans or "locational maps." Mr. Cilimberg
asked Mr. Bowling if such a condition could reference not
only the alignment as shown,. but also those particular
parcels effected, as shown on the Tax Map. He concluded if
the alignment then began changing dramatically, it would the
Zoning Administrator's determination as to whether or not
the application was varying too far from the approved
permit, and if so determined the proposal would come back to
the Commission as an amendment to the special permit.
Mr. Bowling confirmed this was accurate.
Ms. Andersen asked for comment on a statement in Ms.
Safley's letter regarding three electric easements around
her dwelling. Ms. Safley responded and explained the
location of the three easements. She also noted that the
proposed easement, "depending upon which alignment you
believe," would be 50 to 200 feet from her doorway. She
questioned how she could be compensated for the placement of
such a line "so close to her home as to make it unlivable."
Mr. Johnson asked staff how they had arrived at the
statement saying the line would be no closer than 150 feet
to any dwellling. Mr. Fritz responded that figure had been
supplied by the applicant. He added that in past requests
for transmission lines staff has attempted to apply the
heavy industrial setback (100 feet from residential
properties).
Ms. Andersen asked if there were any established
communication corridors in the County. Mr. Fritz stated he
was not aware of any corridors other than the existing
Virginia Power line and substation. Ms. Andersen asked if
the Comprehensive Plan would prefer that this type of line
be located in designated corridors, in the same way that it
recommends that transmission towers be located in tower
farms.
Mr. Fritz explained that staff had requested that the
applicaant consider following the existing Southern Railway
corridor, but the applicant has explained reasons why that
was not done.
Mr. Johnson asked the applicant to comment on the
possibility of changing the minimum setback from 150 feet to
500 feet from any dwelling.
Mr. Dalton was not able to reply definitively without
further study. However, he stated: "For the majority of
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December 18, 1990 Page 9
the line, it is more than 500 feet away from dwellings.
There are three or four instances where it comes less than
500 feet. If that requirement was made, then I imagine the
Co-op would re-examine the routing of the line. What would
result in that is that the Co-op would have to compensate
the property owners for their dwellings also and that added
expense would change the economics of the line and we would
have to look to make sure that other alternatives such as
following the railroad weren't more economical."
Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Dalton if he were aware of any
locations where an increase in setback would result in a
"drastic" re-routing of the line.
Mr. Dalton responded that such a change would most
dramatically effect the northern edge of the alignment. He
also noted that currently the proposed line was closest to
the dwelling on the Clifton propety. He pointed out that if
the cellular tower is approved and the southern alternative
alignment is followed, the line would be moved away from
that dwelling. He also added that moving the tower 500 feet
from a dwelling might result in it being closer than 500
feet to someone else's dwelling.
Ms. Huckle noted the existence of industrially zoned
property around the GE facility. She asked if the proposed
line could "go further along Rt. 29 than they have it
planned?" Mr. Fritz responded that would require a separate
application.
Mr. Cilimberg stated that if the Commission was suggesting a
change in setback from dwellings or an alignment which has
not been proposed, then deferral should be considered to
allow the applicant time to consider those possibilities.
Ms. Huckle indicated she would be in favor of a deferral.
She felt the Commission was being asked to give carte
blanche to "something which we don't even know what we're
approving." She stated she could not support the request as
presented.
Mr. Johnson agreed that he could not support the current
proposal, but he could support a deferral. He felt the
applicant should consider the following items: (1) At least
a 500-foot setback; (2) The possible alignment suggested in
the Peery letter; and (3) The possible alignment suggested
in the Safley letter.
There followed a discussion in which the Commission
attempted to determine if a deferral was acceptable to the
applicant.
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December 18, 1990 Page 10
Mr. Dalton stressed that time was an important consideration
because the increased capabilities were needed last year.
However, he stated the applicant would prefer a deferral to
a denial.
Mr. Keeler pointed out that the Commission needed to give
staff some guidance as to precisely what it was seeking from
the applicant, e.g. is the setback to be 500 feet from each
side of the line (1,000 feet), plus a 100-foot right-of-way?
He noted this would require the applicant to find an 1,100
foot wide, undeveloped corridor.
[Mr. Fritz noted that he had calculated (roughly)
approximately 4 houses within 100-200 feet; 1 house within
200-300 feet; 3 houses within 300-400 feet; and 1 house
within 400-500 feet.]
Referring to proposed condition No. 4, Ms. Huckle suggested
that the preservation of vegetation be changed to within 25
feet of the stream (as offered by the applicant) rather than
the 15 feet stated.
Mr. Johnson also suggested that a condition be added
referencing a map showing the proposed alignment. (Mr.
Fritz suggested: "Corridor shall be in accord with
submitted plans initialled WDF, dated [whatever date the
final plans are submitted and approved].")
There followed a discussion about a deferral date. It was
finally decided that the item would be indefinitely
deferred. Mr. Cilimberg stated the item would be
rescheduled as quickly as the information is provided by the
applicant and staff has had time to review said new
information. The applicant agreed to an indefinite
deferral.
Mr. Johnson moved that SP-90-99 for Rappahannock Electric
Cooperative be indefinitely deferred to allow the applicant
the opportunity to consider: (1) The possibility of an
alignment which would be no closer than 500 feet to any
dwelling; and (2) The two requests made by property owners
Peery and Shafley.
Ms. Andersen seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Ms. Andersen brought up the issue of health concerns. She
asked that the applicant consider this issue when siting the
line.
Mr. Jenkins pointed out that though this type of facility
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December 18, 1990
Page 11
unpopular, it is a "fact
moved and these property
there will be a new set
effected.
of life" and even if the line is
owners are no longer effected,
of property owners who will be
The motion for indefinite deferral passed unanimously.
The meeting recessed for 10 minutes.
SUB-90-210 - Rhinehart Preliminary Plat - A proposal to
create a third parcel, 2,853 acres with 66.6 ± acre residue,
served by a private road and zoned RA, Rural Areas.
Property, described as Tax Map 58, Parcel 65A is on the
south side of Route 676 approximately 0.2 miles west of
Route 678 in the Samuel Miller Magisterial District. This
is not a designated growth area. (Rural Area III)
Ms. Lipinski presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval subject to conditions. (She noted the elimination
of condition 1(a).) Because the applicant had not
demonstrated that private roads would result in less
environmental degradation, staff was recommending public
road standards. Ms. Lipinski noted that if the applicant
wished to make an argument for private roads at a later
time, the issue would be brought back to the Commission.
The applicant was represented by Mr. Tom Gale. He expressed
no opposition to the conditions of approval. He asked for a
clarification of condition 1(b). He wanted it to be clear
that approval granted tonight, with a public road, would not
eliminate the possibility of a private road at some future
time. He suggested that 1(b) would be changed to read:
"Note on plat: No further division or building permits to
be issued on residue parcel without Planning Commission
approval." He stated he could not make an argument for
private roads at this time.
There being no further comment the matter was placed before
the Commission.
Mr. Keeler indicated staff would have no objection to a
change in condition 1(b). He explained: "It may be at some
future date the Rhinehart family would divide this property
in such fashion that it would fit the family division and
(the question of private vs. public roads) would go away."
It was determined condition 1(b) would read: "No building
permit or further subdivision of the 66.6 acre tract without
Planning Commission approval."
Mr. Grimm moved that the Rhinehart Preliminary Plat be
approved subject to the following conditions:
December 18, 1990 Page 12
1. The final plat shall not be submitted for signature nor
shall it be signed until the following conditions are met:
a. Note on plat: No building permit or further
subdivision of the 66.6 acre tract without Planning
Commission approval.
b. Staff approval of deed of gift.
Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
SDP-90-104 William Persen - Applicant requests a waiver from
Section 32.2.1 of the Zoning Ordinance (which requires a
site plan to locate a third dwelling unit on one parcel).
The property, described as Tax Map 47, parcel 43, is on the
northeast side of Route 600 approximately 1/2 mile north of
its intersection with Route 784. Zoned RA, Rural Areas, in
the Rivanna Magisterial district and not in a designated
growth area. (Rural Area III)
Ms. Lipinski presented the staff report. Staff recommended
approval of the request and approval of a waiver of the site
plan requirement.
The applicant was present but offered no additional comment.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
Mr. Grimm moved that SDP-90-104 for William Persen be
approved subject to the following conditions, and including
the approval of the request for waiver of the site plan
requirement:
1. A certificate of occupancy will not be issued until the
following conditions have been met:
a. Widening of the existing driveway to 14' from
Route 600 to the first dwelling unit;
b. Virginia Department of Transporation approval
of a private road commercial entrance.
Mr. Jenkins seconded the motion.
Discussion:
In response to Ms. Huckle's questions about the road, Ms.
Lipinski explained that this was not a subdivision, but just
a road to serve one dwelling.
December 18, 1990 Page 13
The motion for approval passed unanimously.
SUB-90-209 John Shower Ordinance Waiver Reggest of Section
18-36(f) - Request to waive Section 18-36(f) of the
Subdivision Ordinance to require all lots fronting on any
private road must access onto this private road. Property,
described as Tax Map 69, Parcel 40 is located on Rt. 637
approximately 2,600 feet east of Rt. 758. Zoned RA, Rural
Areas in the White Hall Magisterial District. This property
is not located within a designated growth area.
Ms. Lipinski presented the staff report. The report
concluded: "As directed in Section 18.36(h), staff cannot
determine any public purpose served by a positive
recommendation for this request. Therefore, staff
recommends denial of this request."
The applicants, Connie and Raymond Snow, addressed the
Commission. Ms. Snow expressed a lack of understanding as
to why they were not allowed to have a private driveway.
She explained that creating a driveway off the existing
driveway would require the disturbance of a hay field. She
also stated that they could not afford the expense of
joining the existing driveway. Mr. Snow explained how he had
acquired the property and the driveway easement.
Mr. Johnson asked the Snows about the possibility of
realigning the existing driveway to join the proposed
driveway. He explained that the objection to two entrances
onto the road was a safety issue. Ms. Snow explained that
she did not know if the other property owner would be
agreeable to having his driveway realigned. Mr. Snow stated
that the road was straight and there was no problem with
sight distance.
Ms. Huckle stated she had visited the site. She described
this as a gravel road with little traffic and good sight
distance in both directions. She indicated she would be in
favor of granting the waiver. She did not think there was a
safety risk in this case.
There being no public comment, the matter was placed before
the Commission.
Mr. Johnson stated he felt there was good reason to limit
entrances onto the road. He felt that to extend the
existing gravel driveway was unfeasible because of the
terrain. He concluded he was not in favor of granting the
waiver "on the basis of one entry with the comment that it
would be satisfactory to me if the older house had an access
to that road and use that as a joint entry."
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December 18, 1990
Page 14
Mr. Keeler felt this request could be distinguished in three
ways: (1) It does not appear that this property can be
further divided; no more lots are possible; (2) There
appears to be 500 feet of road frontage and the ordinance
requires 250; (Mr. Keeler explained if this were a
side -by -side subdivision, it would probably work.) (3)
This is on a gravel road.
It was also determined this proposal could possibly be
considered as a family division in which case this request
would not be necessary.
Mr. Jenkins moved that SUB-90-209 for John Shower, a waiver
of Section 18-36(f), be approved.
Ms. Huckle seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Commissioners Grimm and Andersen stated they would support
the motion based on the distinguishing factors of the
request..
Mr. Johnson indicated he would not support the request
because he felt there was an alternative.
The motion for approval passed (5:1) with Commissioner
Johnson casting the dissenting vote.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at
10:15 p.m.
DSB
16 Q