PLANNING COMMISSION
THE
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
Those present were: Gary Lowe, Chairman
Helen
Phillips, Vice-Chairperson
Jim
Davis, Member
Michael
Skeens, Member
Brent
Wilson, Member
Mickey
Cox, Ex-officio Member
The chairman called the meeting to
order stating that the first order of business would be the election of
officers and appointments.
Ms. Phillips nominated Gary Lowe for
Chairman. Mr. Skeens seconded the
nomination. The vote was taken by
ballot. Gary Lowe was voted in as
Chairman.
Mr. Skeens nominated Helen Phillips for
Vice-chairman. Mr. Wilson seconded the
nomination. The vote was taken by
ballot. Helen Phillips was voted in as
Vice-chairman.
Mr. Skeens was reappointed to serve on
the Stanardsville
Mr. Lowe was reappointed to serve on
the Economic Development Authority.
Mr. Lowe noted
that the first public hearing scheduled for the evening had been deferred at
the request of the applicant. He added
that a sign-up sheet was available for those who wished to address the
Commission in regard to the public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING: Janet Call—Special Use Permit Request #04-720
Mr.
Lowe read the request: Janet Call requests a
special use permit to operate a Bed and Breakfast on 28.737 acres, which is
zoned A-1, and located at
Ms.
Riddle gave a staff report in conjunction with a digital presentation including
maps, site sketches, and photographs.
She stated that a site development plan would be required for this
project. She added that the project
would include connecting the existing house to a newly constructed 5 bedroom
Bed & Breakfast by a breezeway.
Ms.
Riddle stated that a special use permit is required for the operation of a bed
& breakfast. She noted that the property
has 250 ft. of road frontage along a private road (
Ms.
Riddle stated that the road serving the property does need some improvements
and should be better maintained. She
noted that VDOT has concerns that must be addressed and met during the site
development plan review process.
Ms.
Riddle advised the Commission that public comments had been received and were
included in the packet. She stated that
staff recommended approval of the request with the conditions listed in the
staff report.
Ed
Yensho addressed the Commission on behalf of the Calls. He stated that the Calls purchased the
property about 2 years ago with the intent to retire there. He stated that the existing home would be
remodeled and would have 1 bedroom. He
added that it would be connected by a breezeway to a new structure which would
contain the 5 bedroom Bed & Breakfast as well as the Calls’ residence. He noted that the new structure will be built
in an art and crafts style. He stated
that it would be an upscale project.
Mr.
Yensho stated that the Calls had met with some of the neighbors in order to
address their concerns, such as parking, lighting, etc. He noted that Mrs. Call is a good
administrator and that he expected that project to be a success. He stated that the bed and breakfast would
only operate on weekends and that no children would be allowed. He added that day events are speculation at
this point but noted that weddings are not intended unless for personal family
events. He anticipates the project to
welcome tourists and expects it to be a top-flight operation.
Mark
Meyer addressed the Commission. He
stated that he and his wife are neighbors in the viewshed of the proposed
project. He noted that he supports the
project, adding that it is a good idea, but that he also has concerns about the
viewshed. He listed his concerns as:
He
added that he would like to see the rural nature of the county maintained and
asked that the Commission consider these issues.
Jill
Meyer addressed the Commission. She
asked what would prohibit future owners of the property to expand this business
and how would any restrictions addressed in terms of future growth.
Mr.
Lowe advised her that her questions would be discussed during the Commission
comment portion of the meeting.
Jodie
Webber addressed the Commission. She
stated that she is an adjoining property owner fronting on
She
added that she hopes that having a bed and breakfast next door will not change
the residential character and setting of the area.
There
being no further public comment, the public hearing was closed.
Mr.
Wilson asked for clarification on the parking issue.
Mr.
Yensho stated that the parking shown in the site sketch is preferred by the
applicant but that the neighbors prefer the parking to be located in the front
area of the property near the cul-de-sac.
He added that the applicant discussed this issue with the neighbors and
is willing to relocate the parking area.
Mr.
Wilson asked if the lighting would be motion activated.
Mr.
Yensho stated that the lighting will be motion activated.
Mr.
Skeens asked if the road or easement to the property could be used for the
proposed use.
Ms.
Riddle explained that the easement is not restrictive for the bed and breakfast
use.
Ms.
Phillips asked about the Health Department concerns.
Mr.
Yensho explained that a new septic field and a new well would be installed for
the new structure.
Mr.
Davis asked how this project would be rated.
Mr.
Yensho stated that it would be rated as a 5 bedroom, noting that the Calls’
residence, which will have 1 bedroom, would also be located in the new
building.
Ms.
Phillips asked if a site development plan had been submitted.
Mr.
Yensho stated that a formal site development plan has not been submitted at
this time so that any conditions or changes could be made prior to submission.
Mr.
Lowe reminded the Commission that a formal site development plan is not
required at this time.
Mr.
Lowe asked if the VDOT requirements could be met.
Mr.
Yensho stated that he just found out about the VDOT requirements today and that
he will have to meet with VDOT on the site.
There
was discussion regarding the VDOT comments and how they can be met.
Mr.
Lowe stated that he shared the concerns with the neighboring property owners
and asked what outside activities would be considered.
Mr.
Yensho stated that the applicant intends to hold club meetings, retreats,
picnicking, seminars and events of that nature.
Mr.
Lowe asked what the maximum attendance would be for these types of events.
Mr.
Yensho stated that he would expect 50 people or less.
Mr.
Lowe asked if these events would be held in the daytime only.
Mr.
Yensho stated that these events would be held in the daytime only.
Mr.
Lowe stated that if the property is sold, the special use permit would follow
the property, and the new owner would be held to the same conditions. He added that if the new owner wanted to
change any aspects of the special use permit, he would have to go through the
public hearing process.
Mr.
Lowe stated that he agreed that whenever possible, it is necessary to preserve
the rural atmosphere of the area.
Mr.
Skeens asked what type of buffer would be needed at the
Mr.
Yensho stated that he was not familiar with that condition, adding that there
is a 100 ft. flood plain restriction at the river.
Mr.
Wilson made a motion to recommend approval of SUP#04-720 with the following
conditions:
A)
As part of the
site plan review process, site issues that include the Health Department’s
septic/drainfield and bed and breakfast regulations are met as stated in the
Health Department comments,
B)
The entrance
from
C)
Touchstone Lane
is improved with gravel to cover the width of the existing road.
D)
Outdoor lighting
is limited and includes the use of timer and/or motion-detection fixtures.
E)
As part of the
site plan review, parking shall be located on the west side of the existing
residence.
F)
The bed and
breakfast shall be limited to a maximum of six (6) bedrooms.
G)
The
H)
Outdoor
activities are restricted to 50 people or less.
There
was discussion on the conditions.
Ms.
Phillips seconded the motion.
The
vote was taken.
AYE NAY
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Skeens
Mr. Davis
Ms. Phillips
Mr. Lowe
The motion to recommend approval was carried
unanimously.
OLD/NEW
BUSINESS
Preliminary
Plat Review—South Ridge Subdivision
Ms. Riddle gave a staff report which
included a digital presentation of maps, sketches, plats, and photos. She described the property as 48.8 acres,
zoned Residential, R-1, identified on County Tax Maps as 65-(A)-39. She stated that the proposal is for 31 lots
with open space.
Ms. Riddle stated that there are
currently 2 residences on the property which is wooded with some pasture land. She noted that the property would be served
by public water and private septic. She
stated that there would be one internal road serving the area, adding that the
lots fronting on Route 606/Spring
Ms. Riddle explained that the existing
house will be located on proposed lot 7 and that the manufactured home will be
removed. She stated that the property is
located within the desired growth area and existing rural residential area as
shown on the Future Land Use Map of the Comprehensive Plan. She added that the Comprehensive Plan
supports the application.
Ms. Riddle pointed out that lots 10-14
will be required to demonstrate that they meet the frontage requirements for
parcels on a cul-de-sac that is 70 ft.
She also stated that there restrictive covenants will be imposed which
will require a property owner’s association, an architectural review board,
minimum house sizes, etc. She stated
that staff recommends preliminary approval of the submitted plat.
Ted Kostich addressed the
Commission. He stated that all
requirements have been met and asked for approval of the plat. He added that he was available to answer any
questions.
Mr. Lowe stated that the request is a
by-right division and that it appeared to have met and exceeded the minimum
requirements. He added that everything
seemed in order.
Mr. Wilson asked what the estimated
house size and price range would be.
Mr. Kostich stated that the houses
would be 2,200-2,600 square feet is size and be in a price range of
$300,000-$350,000. He added that the
houses would be ranch-style and 2-story homes.
Mr. Davis asked if the existing house
met those requirements.
Mr. Kostich stated that the existing
house would be demolished, noting that they had recently discovered extensive
termite damage and other issues. He
added that the Planning Department was not aware of this change until tonight.
Mr. Lowe asked for clarification on
lots 10-14.
Mr. Kostich stated that the
calculations needed to be verified for the frontage for those lots on the
cul-de-sac.
Mr. Skeens made a motion to approve
SDV#03-262 with the following conditions:
A)
Parcels 10-14 be demonstrated to meet the minimum frontage
requirement of seventy (70)
feet, and
B)
The existing house will be removed.
Mr. Wilson seconded the motion.
The vote was taken.
AYE NAY
Mr. Davis
Ms. Phillips
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Skeens
Mr. Lowe
The motion to approve carried by
unanimous vote.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
The minutes of the
OTHER
PLANNING MATTERS
Mr. Lowe stated that Greg Collier’s
term expired and the seat has been filled by Jim Davis. He introduced Mr. Davis
and asked him to greet the Commission.
Mr. Davis stated that he is a long-time
Mr. Lowe advised him to put on his
seatbelt and enjoy the ride!
Mr. Lowe reminded the Commission that Planning
Seminars are being offered, and he encouraged everyone to attend them if
possible.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the
meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marsha Alley
Secretary