PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Meeting December 17th, 2003
Full Minutes

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman George Sipe at 7:45 on December 10th, 2003 at 4035 South Berkeley Lake Road.

Present: Commissioners Gary Moore, Bob Herb, David Hanson and Commission Chairman George Sipe

Citizens Present: Mayor Lois Salter, Bob Flaherty, Craig Belt, Cynthia Colgan, Britt Kugler and Charles Dean.

Minutes: Approval of the minutes from both August 13th and December 10th. Chairman Sipe stated that the minutes were approved as corrected.

Old Business:
Unofficial, informal discussions on the development of the Henderson Property known as the “Sod Farm”

After discussions from the previous week, Dean noted that he had removed lots from his original plan to drop the number from 90 lots to 80 lots. He had increased the width of some of the lots to 80 by 200 ft. He said the road plan had stayed the same.

There was discussion about ARC changes in the size of the flood plain.

Dean wanted to show a short video to give the feel of the sub-division he was envisioning building. It would show the historical concept.

There was discussion regarding the reason for the change in the required lot size for houses with septic fields. These lots would be on a sewer line. There is an existing sewer line running along the river, which can be tapped in to.

Chairman Sipe said the City would be looking for lower density housing to reduce traffic and to have more open space.

Commissioner Hanson reinforced the idea of keeping the additional traffic at a minimum.

Dean said he wanted to use the land most efficiently without cutting down so many trees on the ridge. The acreage could fit 80 houses with an average of 28,050 sq feet. By keeping the larger lots by the road and keeping more trees, the rest of the lots in the flood plain would be smaller.

There was discussion about the requirement of open/recreational space and that it must be at 6%.

Dean asked that the side set backs be reduced to create the historical concept he was looking for.

Chairman Sipe reminded the group that the development moratorium that was in place meant that the discussion was only for unofficial guidance.

Dean showed the video, which was a movie where the “Battery at Sweet Bottom” was used as a Charleston look alike. He described the lots and homes as they were shown.

There was discussion about the 60 foot strip that Dean previously suggested as a donation to the homeowners association. Dean said that the ARC was opposed to the idea, as there would be public access to the river. It was suggested that Dean may wish to approach the homeowners association so that the area would not be public access but restricted access.

The ARC was requiring the houses to be a certain height too, which would be different to the maximum height allowed in Berkeley Lake. Dean said he would build the basements of the houses above the ground, which would make them naturally higher.

Chairman Sipe said that height would be less of an issue on the riverside lots as they were in the lowest part of the City. They would be required to keep within the restrictions on the roadside lots though.

Dean asked if the tennis courts could be built anywhere else in the city.

Chairman Sipe said that he was doubtful. He suggested Dean talk to the homeowners association.

There was general discussion about the plans.

Chairman Sipe said Dean needed to get the final positions on a concept plan from the P and Z after the moratorium was lifted. Once they approve it, Dean needs to present a formal preliminary plat, which is an expensive proposition. After the preliminary plat is approved by the P and Z, it will also go to the City Engineer, the OEO and City Attorney, before it goes to the Council for approval. After that a development permit is issued. He suggested a Public Hearing may be useful, so that the public will accept the proposal.

There was discussion about streets within the subdivision, as well as the covenants that could have restrictions.

Dean said he still needed to meet with the ARC and they would decide the maximum lots that could be put on the area as well. The impervious area would be an issue with them. They are currently re-evaluating the ridge area.

There was more discussion about a Public Hearing.

New Business:
Election of a new Chairman
Commissioner Hanson nominated Commissioner Herb as the new Chairman, seconded by Commissioner Moore. All were in the favor in the nomination. Commissioner Sipe said he would remain as Commissioner until January when the Mayor would appoint a new commissioner.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:52 PM.