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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Planning Commission - 02/11/2014 SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 11 FEBRUARY 2014 The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 11 February 2014, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. Members Present: J. Louisos, Chair; B. Gagnon, S. Quest, B. Benton, T. Harrington, G. Calcagni Also Present: P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; M. Simoneau, T. McKenzie, S. Dopp, M. Emery 1. Agenda: A request from the Sustainable Agriculture Subcommittee was added prior to #4 on the Agenda. 2. Open to the Public for items not related to the Agenda: No issues were raised. 3. Planning Commissioner Announcements & Staff Report: Ms. Quest: Met with members of the Energy Committee. They have suggested changes to the Comprehensive Plan which have been given to Ilona Blanchard. Mr. Conner said he had received them as well and will share them with the Commission when it is back on the agenda. Ms. Harrington: There is a TDR sub-committee meeting next week. Mr. Conner: There is now a signed, amended contract with Paul Dreher to finish City Center and the rest of the city. The Supreme Court review of the School District/Howard Center issue is ongoing. Legal briefs have been submitted. An application at Sketch Plan level has been received for a housing proposal at the end of Market Street on the south side. It is for town homes. It was submitted under the current regulations. There are groupings of 4 housing units of three buildings each. If they submit a preliminary plat, it would fall under the regulations in force at that time. The City Council decided not to warn a hearing on the continuation of Interim Zoning. It will expire at the end of the day on 21 February 2014. 4. Request from Sustainable Agriculture Subcommittee: Ms. Quest read the request to alter the membership of the subcommittee. The subcommittee wants to be able to make decision without a quorum present, since some members are away for winter and farmers are busy in the summer. The alternative would be to have a “group membership” (e.g., Land Trust, Common Roots, etc.) with a different member of the group being able to represent the group at a given meeting. Mr. Gagnon had no problem as long as dissenting opinions are presented to the Commission. Ms. Louisos had no issue if everyone who attends a meeting can be part of a decision. Mr. Conner cited the state’s Open Meeting Law which requires a decision to be made by a majority of the “appointed members.” A meeting at which half of the members are not presented didn’t take place, according to law. Ms. Benton said she favored the second option. Ms. Harrington moved to change the membership of the Sustainable Agriculture Subcommittee to one representative each from Common Roots, Community Gardens, UVM, South Village Farm, and South Burlington Land Trust, with the understanding that any large land owners and concerned citizens be invited to provide input. Mr. Gagnon seconded the motion with the addition of three named members: Heidi Auclair, Betty Goldberg, and Roseann Greco with Sophie Quest as Planning Commission representative. After a brief discussion, Ms. Harrington moved to table the motion until the next meeting. Mr. Gagnon seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Planning Commission Work Session on Draft City Center Form Based Codes: a. Public Comment: There was no public comment. b. Work Session: Regarding the strip of land near Iby Street, Ms. Louisos said she wasn’t sure the Commission should pursue this since they are moving ahead under the current regulations. Mr. Gagnon felt they will have to come to some conclusion as it’s in T‐3 and is a “loose end.” He felt the line could be moved to remove the piece from City Center. Mr. Conner updated the Commission that he is working on finding someone to speak to the economics of the city center area. The Commission then began discussion of “special exceptions.” Mr. Conner noted the current draft includes special exceptions and an appeals section. It gives guidance as to how these would take place and gives the DRB the authority to modify things within the code. Mr. Conner noted that Paul Dreher has said it is not the intention to give the DRB “full rein” regarding exceptions. Mr. Dreher is prepared to refine the circumstances under which the DRB would have the authority to modify the standards. Mr. Gagnon asked why deviations would be allowed. Mr. Calcagni said it is impossible to predict every deviation. She felt a bit of flexibility is a good thing. Mr. Gagnon noted the DRB would be limited to discussing only the deviation. He felt this would have to be very well defined. Mr. Conner noted there could be a natural resources restraint or unique site conditions or handicapped parking issues. Mr. Simoneau suggested the Commission might identify some things the committee hadn’t thought of. He stressed they didn’t want to see a carte blanche to go to the DRB at any time. Ms. Benton wanted to go only with the code. Ms. Calcagni would allow exceptions for a good reason. Mr. Gagnon didn’t want to see the building envelope standard modified. Mr. Conner noted there could be a request for a modification for a central public plaza. Mr. Conner then updated members on Open Space Standards. He noted there had been a meeting earlier today with consultants to work through ideas/solutions on how to meet the intent of the code as well as refine some open space standards as to when they do/do not apply. There are also opportunities to think creatively (e.g., landscaping, art, rooftop garden, unique street pattern). The hope is to have a concept in the next few weeks. Regarding TDR’s, Ms. Louisos noted the Commission will wait for the report from the TDR subcommittee. Ms. Harrington noted that previous members wanted to expand the receiving areas to other places in the city. There are still questions to be answered. Ms. Louisos said there is a similar situation with affordable housing. Ms. Calcagni said the subcommittee is working on a Trust Fund. They are also discussing inclusionary zoning. There seems to be hesitation about rushing into something. Mr. Gagnon said there is no affordable housing language in form based codes. Mr. Conner noted the Commission wanted to adjust language as to what constitutes “affordable housing.” Mr. Gagnon asked if they can finish the code without those standards. Mr. Conner said they can decide whether to have a requirement of an incentive for affordable housing. He stressed that any discussion of this should be as open as possible. Mr. Conner then reviewed the chart of street types, including standards (lane widths, etc.), turning lanes, target speeds, on-street parking, tree spacing, stormwater management, etc. Mr. Gagnon asked about emergency access as well as public works access. Mr. Conner said there have been initial discussions with the Fire Department and Public Works. There are issues of space for fire vehicles on narrow streets. The Fire Dept. is pleased with the connectivity of streets. Mr. Conner noted the more complex a street is, the more the cost to maintain it goes up. He also noted the Fire Department would look at tree spacing for room to swing a ladder around. There are very specific standards for this. Members then considered paving vs. non-paving of paths. Mr. Gagnon suggested the possibility of permeable road surfaces. Mr. Conner stressed that they don’t want to discourage creativity. He also noted that the city won’t take over a road until it is determined that it is maintainable. Ms. Harrington suggested that for flexibility, the wording should read “surface width” instead of “pavement width.” Ms. Benton said they should specify that all lights be downcasting. Mr. Conner said there is a drawing which shows what is allowable . Signs can be illuminated from the ground up. Ms. Louisos raised the question of uniformity of light poles/fixtures. It was suggested that there could be a design review element if a fixture type is no longer available. Mr. Gagnon asked about benches, planters, bike racks, etc. in the right-of-way. Mr. Conner will check with Public Work for their recommendations. Mr. Conner raised the question of where bike lanes would be required. He suggested the arborist look at this, specifically with regard to tree types. There might be some kind of bike parking facility as in Williston. Mr. Simoneau noted that Williston provides a menu of choices to select from. Ms. Louisos then enumerated the things to be worked on including: street types, economics, approval process (DRB or not), the T-4 area on San Remo Drive, non-conformities. Members then considered whether to have a special meeting to continue the work. They agreed that the next meeting will be the regularly scheduled meeting on 25 February. 6. Meeting Minutes: Mr. Conner said staff had not had time to review minutes. 7. Other Business: Mr. Conner noted that the City of Winooski has sent an update of their Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Conner also noted the City Council had a brief discussion of lighting policies. The suggestion is for the Planning Commission to look at a city-wide lighting policy when there is time. Ms. Louisos noted the Energy Committee is having an “energy party” next Tuesday. This does conflict with the City Council meeting, but there will be another similar event on Saturday, 15 February. As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m. ,Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. Street TypeNeighborhood StreetNeighborhood St - Narrow Neighborhood St - Bike Boul.Lane Destination St / Type 2 Support Street Mew Path Alley Commercial Street Avenue Commecial BoulevardA (Sidewalk)6'-8' 5'-8' 6'-8' 6' 12' Min 6' Min-16' Max N/AN/A N/A 10' Min - 16' 6'-10' Max 6'-20' MaxB (Greenbelt)6' Min N/A 6' Min 8' Max N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 6'-12' Max 10'-16' MaxC (Parking)8' Max 8' Max* 8' Max 8' IF USED** 8' or 18' 8' N/A N/A N/A 8' or 18' 8' N/AD (Travel Ln)10' Max 10' Max 10' Max 10' Max 10' Max 9'-12' Max N/A N/A N/A 12' 10'-12' Max 11'-12' MaxE (ROW Range)58' min-66' 38' min-44' 58' min- 66' 56' Max 60' Min 48' Min N/A N/A N/A 62' Min 60' Min 56" MinE (PAVEMENT Width)28' Max# Through Lanes2 lanes, or no center line No center line 2 lanes, or no center line 1 lane for both one-way and two-way traffic2 lanes, or no center line No greater than 2 lanes, may be one wayNot permitted Not permitted 1 lane for both one-way and two-way traffic2 lanes 2 to 4 lanes 2 to 6 lanesCenter Turning LaneNot permitted Not permitted Not permitted Not permitted Not permitted Permitted N/A N/A N/A Permitted Permitted Not permitted, left turn lanes may be located within mediansPavement Width20 to 24 feet including gutter panNo greater than 20 feet 20 to 24 feet including gutter pan8 to 16 feet including gutter panNot specified 24 to 36 feet 8 to 20 feet 8 to 14 feet8 to 16 feet 33 to 66 feet 33 to 80 feet Not specifiedTarget Speed20 to 25 mph 15 to 20 mph 20 to 25 mph 15 mph 15 mph 15 to 20 mph N/A N/A 10 mph 15 mph 25 to 30 mph 30 mphDesign Speed25 mph 25 mph 25 mph 15 mph 15 mph 29 mph N/A N/A N/A 20 mph 30 mph 30 mphDesign VehiclePassenger Car Pedestrian Passenger Car Passenger Car Pedestrian Delivery Truck Pedestrian Bicycle Passenger Car Passenger Car Small Truck Delivery TruckLane Width9 to 10 feet 9 to 10 feet 9 to 10 feet Less than 10 feet No greater than 10 feet 9 to 12 feet N/A N/A N/A 10 to 12 feet 10 to 12 feet 11 to 12 feetCurb Radius5 to 15 feet 5 to 15 feet 5 to 15 feet No greater than 5 feet No greater than 15 feet 5 to 15 feet N/A N/A 5 to 15 feet 5 to 15 feet 10 to 20 feet 15 to 25 feetParkway Widthno less than 6', and wide enough that the sidewalk avoids the grade of the driveway rampNot specified no less than 6', and wide enough that the sidewalk avoids the grade of the driveway rampNo greater than 8 feet None, tree walls or raised landscaping bedsNone, tree wells or raised landscaping bedsN/A N/A None None, tree wells or raised landscaping beds6 to 12 feet 10 to 16 feetSidewalk Width6 to 8 feet 5 to 8 feet 6 to 8 feet No greater than 6 feet No less than 12 feet 6 to 16 feet N/A N/A None 10 to 16 feet 6 to 10 feet 6 to 20 feetBicycle FacilitesShared lane Share the road signage Sharrow markings and share the road signageShared lane or sharrow markingsShared with vehicles; disembark and park at edgeShared lane, sharrow, or bike laneNot permitted Not permitted Shared lane or sharrow Shared lane, sharrow, or bike laneBike lane, buffered biked lane, or cycle trackCycletracks or buffered bike lanesOn-St Bicycle ParkingNone None None Single racks, aligned parallel to the center lineRegular spaced racks, along with clusters of racks at edgeRegular spaced racks N/A N/A Intermittent racks if along a bike routeFrequent, regularly spaced racksIntermittent racks Racks at destinationsTransit FacilitiesOrnamental Bus benches if along bus routeOrnamental bus benches if along bus routeNot permitted Not permitted Active/programmed stops if along bus routeOrnamental bus shelters if along bus routeN/A N/A Not permitted Ornamental bus shelters if along bus routeBus shelters if along a bus routeFar side stops/baysOn-Street ParkingParallel Parallel, not required and on one side onlyParallel, limit if bike volumes are moderate to highNone, or parallel on one side of the streetNone Parallel or angled N/A N/A Not specified Parallel or angled Parallel, optional Parallel, only if flanking lanes are providedCurbingRounded Rounded Rounded Vertical or shared space Vertical or Shared space Vertical None None None Vertical Vertical VerticalMedianOnly as islands to delineate neighborhood gatewaysOnly as islands to delineate neighborhood gatewaysAs needed to prevent motor vehicles but allow cyclistsNot permitted Not specified Not specified, if present than pedestrian refuge islands should be includedN/A N/A N/A Optional, if present than pedestrian refuge islands should be includedOptional, if present than pedestrian refuge islands should be includedEither center, flanking or bothStreet TreesSmall to Large Caliper DeciduousSmall to Large caliper deciduousSmall to large caliper deciduousSmall to large caliper deciduousMedium to large caliper deciduousMedium to large caliper deciduousMedium to large caliper deciduousNatural occurrence or planted, deciduous or coniferousSmall to large caliper deciduousMedium to large caliper deciduousMedium to large caliper deciduousLarge caliper deciduousTree Spacing40' maximum 40' maximum 40' maximum Not specified 20' maximum 30' maximum Irregular and sparse Irregular or regular Irregular 20' maximum 30' maximum 20' maximumTree AlignmentOn center On center On center On center On center On center At points of visual interest, or to provide strategic shade areasIrregular or regular alignment flanking the pathAlong property lines On center On center On centerIlluminationPedestrian Scaled OrnamentalPedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamental Pedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamentalSpotlights, and residential lightingPedestrian scaled ornamentalPedestrian scaled ornamental and roadway scaledPedestrian scaled ornamental and roadway scaledStormwater MgmntSewers Sewers Sewers; absorption allowed at bulb-outs or traffic control locationsSewers Sewers; absorption allowed at bulb-outs or traffic control locationsSewers; absorption allowed at bulb-outs or traffic control locationsSewers Bioswale, rain garden, rentention/dentention, or sewer when necessaryAbsorption (porous pavement, swales, or rain gardens), and/or rain barrelsSewers; absorption allowed at bulb-outs or traffic control locationsBioswale, or sewer where space is limitedSewers; absorption allowed at bulb-outs or traffic control locations1Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Shoppers Pedestrians Pedestrians Pedestrians Refuse & Recyling Pedestrians Passenger Cars Passenger Cars2Play Play Bicycles Play Outdoor Dining Bicycles Shoppers Bicycles Utilities Bicycles Pedestrians Pedestrians3Parking Parking School Bus Bicycles Pedestrians Deliveries Outdoor Dining Parking Passenger Car Bicycles Bicycles4Bicycles Bicycles Play Parking Bicycles Parking Deliveries Bus Trucks Trucks5School Bus School Bus Parking Passenger Car Bus Shoppers Pedestrians Parking Bus Bus6Passenger Car Passenger Car Passenger Car Deliveries Outdoor Dining Bicycles Deliveries School Bus School Bus7Deliveries Deliveries Deliveries Passenger Car Passenger CarSchool Bus8Postal deliveryPostal delivery Postal delivery ParkingOutdoor Dining9Shoppers*Not Required**Not Required, if used on one side onlyEnvironmental ParametersModal PriorityDimensional standardsStreet Parameters