HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Planning Commission - 10/11/2022South Burlington Planning Commission
180 Market Street
South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 846-4106
www.southburlingtonvt.gov
Meeting Tuesday, October 11, 2022
City Hall, 180 Market Street, Auditorium
7:00 pm
Members of the public may attend in person or digitally via Zoom. Participation Options:
• In Person: City Hall Auditorium, 180 Market Street
Interactive Online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89069126401
• Telephone (929) 205 6099; Meeting ID: 890 6912 6401
AGENDA:
1. Welcome, instructions on exiting the building in the event of an emergency (7:00 pm)
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:02 pm)
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:03 pm)
4. Announcements and staff report (7:10 pm)
5. Discuss minor differences between C1-R15 and C1-Auto Zoning District; consider guidance for post-public
hearing on LDR-22-07 & LDR-22-08
6. Provide feedback to City Charter Committee on consideration of enabling expansion of Planning
Commission membership
7. *Debrief on joint PC-Council meeting and discuss revised Values/Vision/Goals of the Comprehensive Plan
8. *Receive Quarterly Planning Commission Report
9. *Minutes: September 13, 2022 (8:35 pm)
10. Other Business (8:40 pm)
a. Affordable Housing Committee has established a work group to create an inventory of areas in SB
ripe for redevelopment in the transit overlay district and is seeking a volunteer from the Planning
Commission to work with them.
b. Energy Committee is working with the Other Paper to have a regular column under the heading of
“clean and green” and is interested to know if the Planning Commission would like to participate.
c. Upcoming meetings: 10/25, 11/8, 11/22. Topic to include Comprehensive Plan, consideration of
CCRPC UPWP & State Municipal Planning Grant requests, energy / solar rooftops, work requests to
committees, and public hearing on LDR amendments
11. Adjourn (8:45 pm)
Respectfully submitted,
Paul Conner, AICP, Director of Planning & Zoning
* item has attachments
South Burlington Planning Commission Virtual Meeting Public Participation Guidelines
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To identify yourself, turn on your video and raise your hand, if participating by phone you may unmute yourself and verbally
state your interest in commenting, or type a message in the chat.
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participants to address the Commission before addressing the Commission for a second time.
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meeting is an opportunity for commissioners to discuss, debate and decide upon policy matters. Regular Planning Commission
meetings are not “town meetings”. A warned public hearing is a fuller opportunity to explore an issue, provide input and
influence public opinion on the matter.
11. Comments may be submitted before, during or after the meeting to the Planning and Zoning Department. All written
comments will be circulated to the Planning Commission and kept as part of the City Planner's official records of meetings.
Comments must include your first and last name and a contact (e-mail, phone, address) to be included in the record. Email
submissions are most efficient and should be addressed to the Director of Planning and Zoning at pconner@sburl.com and
Chair at jlouisos@sburl.com.
12. The Chat message feature is new to the virtual meeting platform. The chat should only be used for items specifically related to
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15. The Commission will try to keep items within the suggested timing published on the agenda, although published timing is a
guideline only. The Commission will make an effort to identify partway through a meeting if agenda items scheduled later in
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agenda. There are times when meeting agendas include items at the end that will be covered “if time allows”.
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MEMORANDUM
TO: South Burlington Planning Commission
FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning
SUBJECT: Planning Commission meeting memo
DATE: October 11, 2022 Planning Commission meeting
1. Welcome, instructions on exiting the building in the event of an emergency (7:00 pm)
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:02 pm)
3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:03 pm)
4. Announcements and staff report (7:10 pm)
5. Discuss minor differences between C1-R15 and C1-Auto Zoning District; consider guidance for post-public
hearing on LDR-22-07 & LDR-22-08
Following warning of the public hearing on the LDR amendments referenced above, staff identified that there
are some minor differences in the uses allowed between the C1-R15 and C1-Auto. Staff recommends the
Commission review the differences – shown in the attached side-by-side – and identify whether (a) the uses
(aside from Auto sales) should be made to be the SAME in both districts, (b) they should remain separate,
understanding that some of the applicable geography is changing, and (c) some of each.
6. *Provide feedback to City Charter Committee on consideration of enabling expansion of Planning
Commission membership
The City charter committee has been tasked with exploring the addition of two Planning Commission seats, to 9
total. Commissioners’ feedback is sought in advance of the Charter Committee’s next meeting, 10/12. Our
current charter specifies 7 members. State law for towns that don’t specify the number authorizes a range of 3-
9 members. Staff did a quick poll of other communities and identified a handful that have 9 members, including
a very small communities around the state, East Montpelier (which interestingly also elects their PC members),
Richmond, and Hinesburg. Their experiences are varied with 9; several report that attendance is a challenge
and that the higher number either helps, or hurts (depending on perspective).
Some jurisdictions outside Vermont, and in some very very specific cases in Vermont (such as a “Certified Local
Government Commission, which is a form of historic preservation district) also apply specifications as to the
membership of some of the seats – by profession, by geography, etc.
Lastly, staff would encourage the Commission, as it provides feedback, to consider what objectives it might
wish to convey.
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7. *Debrief on joint PC-Council meeting and discuss revised Values/Vision/Goals of the Comprehensive Plan
Opportunity for the Commission to debrief generally. Also attached is a revised Vision/Values/Goals sheet. It
incorporates much of what Andrew/Michael provided at the joint meeting, as well as feedback we heard
throughout the discussion. Commissioner’s thoughts are welcome. If as a group you feel this (or a modified)
draft is in overall pretty good shape (90%?), then perhaps the Commission would be willing to consider a
motion that this draft be ok’d as the working draft for the purposes of the next phases of the plan and sharing
with the community.
8. *Receive Quarterly Planning Commission Report
See attached summary of work from July-September.
9. *Minutes: September 13, 2022 (8:35 pm)
Attached
10. Other Business (8:40 pm)
a. Affordable Housing Committee has established a work group to create an inventory of areas in SB ripe
for redevelopment in the transit overlay district and is seeking a volunteer from the Planning
Commission to work with them.
b. Energy Committee is working with the Other Paper to have a regular column under the heading of
“clean and green” and is interested to know if the Planning Commission would like to participate.
c. Upcoming meetings: 10/25, 11/8, 11/22. Topic to include Comprehensive Plan, consideration of CCRPC
UPWP & State Municipal Planning Grant requests, energy / solar rooftops, work requests to
committees, and public hearing on LDR amendments
11. Adjourn (8:45 pm)
APPENDIX C USES and DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS C1 R15 C1-
AUTO
Residential Uses
Single-family dwelling
Two-family dwelling
Multi-family dwelling P PUD
Accessory residential units
Group home or Residential Care Home
Agricultural Uses
Public & Quasi-Public Uses
Cemeteries
Community center P P
Congregate care, assisted living, or continuum of care
facility
C
Cultural facility P P
Educational facility P
Educational support facilities P(5)
Food Hub P(6)P(6)
Funeral homes, mortuaries, and crematoriums C C
Hospice P
Municipal facility P
Parks
Personal instruction facility P P
Place of worship P P
Recreation paths
Skilled nursing facility C
Social services C
Commercial & Industrial Uses
Adult use
Agriculture & construction equipment sales, service &
rental
Airport Uses
Animal shelter C
Artist production studio P P
Auto & motorcycle sales P
Auto & motorcycle service & repair P
Auto rental, with private accessory car wash & fueling
Bank or Credit Union with drive-through P P
Bed & breakfast
Cannabis dispensary (dispensing only)P P
Cannabis dispensary (cultivation only)
Car wash
Child care facility, licensed non-residential P P
Commercial greenhouse
Commercial kennel, veterinary hospital and pet day
care
C
Commercial or public parking facility C C
Contractor or building trade facility
Distribution and related storage, with >15% of GFA in
office or other principal permitted use by same
tenant
Equipment service, repair & rental
Family child care home, registered or licensed
Financial institution P P
Flight instruction
Hotel P P
Hotel, extended stay P
Indoor theater P P
Indoor vehicle storage, maximum 10,000 square feet
Junk yard
Light manufacturing
Lumber and contractor’s yard
Exempt
Conditional
Commercial 1
Section 3.10
Permitted
Permitted
South Burlington Land Development Regulations
APPENDIX C USES and DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS C1 R15 C1-
AUTO
Commercial 1
Manufacturing & assembly from previously prepared
materials & components
P P
Mobile home, RV and boat sales, repair & service
Motor freight terminal
Office, general P P
Office, medical P P
Personal or business service P P
Pet grooming P P
Photocopy & printing shops, with accessory retail P P
Printing & binding production facilities
Private providers of public services, including vehicle
storage and maintenance
Processing and storage
Radio & television studio P P
Recreation facility, indoor P P
Recreation facility, outdoor C C
Research facility or laboratory P P
Restaurant, short order P P
Restaurant, standard P P
Retail sales P P
Retail warehouse outlet
Sale, rental & repair of aircraft & related parts
Seasonal Mobile Food Unit P P
Self-storage
Service station
Shopping center C
Taverns, night clubs & private clubs P P
Transportation services
Warehousing & distribution
Wholesale establishments
Key and Notes to the Table above:
P = Permitted
C = Conditional Use
(13) Unless otherwise enabled or restricted, all uses within a Planned Unit Development are allowable under the same
provisions as for the underlying district;
(8) Use is limited to 15,000 SF GFA per tenant with a maximum 25,000 SF GFA total footprint for the building. Tenants shall have
separate entries from one another and no direct passageways from one to another.
(9) Use is limited to 30,000 SF GFA per tenant with a maximum 30,000 SF GFA total footprint for the building. Tenants shall have
separate entries from one another and no direct passageways from one to another.
(10) Use is restricted to not-for-profit organization whose primary purpose is the provision of educational or research services
related to agriculture, horticulture, forestry, natural resource preservation, arts or recreation
(11) Use is allowed only as an Educational Support Facility. See Section 7.01(E)
(12) Allowable only as a municipally-operated facility.
(1) "N" refers to the Institutional-Agricultural North sub-district.
(2) R7 and SEQ-VC as classified as non-residential zoning districts, but are included in this table for purposes of efficiency
(3) No minimum lot size for bed & breakfast in the SEQ-VC district
(4) Permitted within a structure existing and approved for use as an 'educational facility' as of July 1, 2013. The structure existing
as of July 1, 2013, may be expanded, enlarged or extended by an area that does not exceed 20% of its Gross Floor Area.
(5) Educational support facilities in C1 are subject to the dimensional standards of the IA-North District. See Article 7.
(6) Use is limited to 3,000 SF GFA per tenant with a maximum 9,000 SF GFA total footprint for the building. Tenants shall have
separate entries from one another and no direct passageways from one to another.
(7) Use is limited to 5,000 SF GFA per tenant with a maximum 15,000 SF GFA total footprint for the building. Tenants shall have
separate entries from one another and no direct passageways from one to another.
PUD = Allowable within a Planned Unit Development
ACC = Allowable as an accessory use
South Burlington Land Development Regulations
DRAFT 2024 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
10/11/2022
1.1. Values, Vision & Goals
South Burlington holds the following as our core values, vision, and goals that will drive our decision
making and work over the life of this Plan and beyond:
Inclusive, Fair and Just. Create opportunity for all our residents and visitors.
• Strive to give each person a dignified experience in our community.
Be equity-oriented and transparent in governance, policy development and implementation,
investment, advocacy, and delivery of services.
• Be affordable, with housing for people of all incomes, lifestyles, and stages of life.
• Preserve our unique features while investing in enhancing and adapting our neighborhoods to
meet future needs.
• Be a recognized leader in public education offerings and outcomes.
• Provide quality public safety, infrastructure, health, wellness, and recreation services.
Human-focused. Invest in a City oriented to a high-quality, human-scale built environment .
• Use investments in parks, facilities, and infrastructure to build community, a sense of place,
well-being, and belonging.
• Focus on a safe, resilient and efficient transportation system that prioritizes pedestrian, bicycle,
and transit options ahead of driving.
• Establish a vibrant, diverse and community-focused city center with pedestrian-oriented design,
mixed uses, public buildings, public art and civic spaces.
• Prioritize new development and re-development in built areas served by transit and public
infrastructure.
• Invest in, and support thoughtful infill into, neighborhoods so they may thrive and evolve to
meet future needs.
Climate Resilient. Emphasize sustainability for long-term viability of a clean and green City
• Meet or exceed the goals of the Vermont Global Warming Solutions Act by rapidly reducing
consumption of fossil fuels, significantly increasing renewable energy production, and
promoting energy efficiency
• Conserve and protect our natural resources, wildlife habitat and corridors, forests, agricultural
lands, and ecosystems
• Focus City investment on adaptive and resilient public infrastructure
• Vigorously promote clean air and clean water
• Conserve important historical sites and structures
• Provide recreational space for all residents
Opportunity Oriented. Be a supportive and engaged member of the larger regional and statewide
community.
• Provide services to our current residents, employees, and visitors, and plan for people and
nature of the next century and beyond
• Invest in and closely engage with education in our community
• Support a diverse and resilient economy with quality jobs, employment centers, educational and
research systems and strong markets for local agricultural and food products.
Make decisions that explicitly consider the implications of today’s decisions on tomorrow’s
South Burlington, Chittenden County, and Vermont
South Burlington Planning Commission
First Quarter Report FY '23
Project Description FY 23 Commission Role / Action Sept 2023 Report Key
Comp Plan2024 Comprehensive Plan Development Update of Comprehensive Plan as required by State Law Full Process - outreach, drafts, review, hearings in
August/September 2023
Planning Commission has primary
responsibility
Comp PlanInternal review of policies and goals by City departments and
committees for inclusion in 2024 Comprehensive Plan
Engage with committees and departments for review
of subject areas
Planning Commission has support
role in FY23
Comp PlanPlanning Commisssion review of Comprehensive Plan policies
and update
Include policy updates as needed Planning Commission assigns task
to other committee in FY23
Comp PlanIterative process of review and update to drafts of sections and
complete draft as produced
Review and edit drafts of Comprehensive Plan
prepared by Staff
Comp PlanComprehensive Plan progress check-in Review status on achieving objectives and implementing
strategies from 2016 Comp Plan
Full status update from Staff, PC, and committees as
part of 2024 Plan process
Comp PlanTargets, Projections, and Data Identify targets, projections, data, and other information we
have and information that we need to form the foundation of
2024 Comprehensive Plan policy
Review 2016 plan for existing information, locate and
review updated information from other sources, and
update 2024 Comp Plan
Comp PlanIndustrial Zoning Comprehensive look of space for future industrial-only areas Task to EDC for initial review of Industrial-zoned
areas; Adjust Comp Plan Land Use
Commission held initial discussion; next step is
to submit formal request to Committee
Comp PlanClimate Change Mitigation Review recommendations from Climate Action Task Force;
determine how or if to include in regulation; adopt regulations
Review and incorporate recommendations from
Climate Action Task Force in 2024 Comprehensive
Plan for future regulation
Commissission received draft targets (now
adopted) as context for future work
Comp PlanHousing Policy Examination Review diversity of housing types available and set goals for
missing or underrepresented types; review home ownership
and set pol
Collect information about existing housing, discuss
and add policy statements regarding housing
development and needed housing in the 2024
Comprehensive Plan
RegulatoryAddress specific public comments on
draft LDRs
Consideration of exempting restoration projects Decide on exemption and update LDRs Commission reviewed six staff-recommended
adjustments to the Environmental Protection
Standards; next step is for staff to draft and
present to PC
RegulatoryExempt parcel from Master Plan requirement if subdividing
only for conservation
Decide on exemption and update LDRs Included in LDR-***???RegulatoryStreet types Refer to Bike/Ped Committee Commission discussed; next step is to formally
request
RegulatoryTree ordinance and soil conservation Refer to Natural Resources Committee Commission discussed; next step is to formally
request
RegulatoryDensity Calculations in SEQ Address "1.8 acre" issue in SEQ Review and determine if changes are needed
RegulatoryChange name to Land Use Regulations Consider change to the name of the regulations Adopt name change after legal review
RegulatoryUpdates to City Center FBC and Official
Map
Continually consider regulatory barriers for implementation
and build out of the FBC, including updates to Official Map
Address issues that arise, open dialogue with
developers and DRB regarding FBC function
RegulatoryClean up of 2022 LDR amendments Identify any functional issues with the LDRs and correct as the
issues arise, including addressing specific public comments from
draft LDRs and post-adoption
Address issues that arise See item 11 above
PolicyUpdate to Official Map with land use
around I-89 Bridge Connections
CCRPC UPWP Project for review, study, and planning of the
land uses and zoning around the landing areas for the I-89
bike/ped bridge
Work with CCRPC and review land uses UPWP project scope being finalized at staff
level
Planning Commission has identified key areas of
focus and review; received preliminary
demographics analysis; approved overall
approach
PC & City Council held joint meeting to discuss
Values/Vision/Goals
South Burlington Planning Commission
First Quarter Report FY '23
Project Description FY 23 Commission Role / Action Sept 2023 Report Key
PolicyReview of Uses in Commercial Districts
and Industrial Districts
Explore possibilities of adding uses, clarifying definitions,
changing boundaries, etc. to facilitate innovative commercial
uses, including review of residential uses
Examine Mixed I-C district allowed uses (including
definitions) for any updates; examine Industrial-Open
Space for compatibility with additional residential use
See above under item 8
PolicyParks Master Plan Identify Function of existing parks and needs for future parks. Support Rec & Parks Committee; Task initial review
and development to the Rec & Parks Committee;
possible review and implementation in City Official
Map
PolicyClimate Action Plan Respond to Climate Action Task Force Report and take
regulatory action to implement recommendations
Receive and review Climate Action Task Force Report Received and discussed at high level. Council
adopted 10/4/2022
PolicySolar Requirement on new buildings Second half of the recommendation for commercial buildings to
include a minimum solar
Review staff recommendations; adopt minimum solar
requirements if desired
PolicyReplace Transportation Overlay District
with Transportation Demand
Management (TDM)
Replace the existing traffic overlay district that sets a cap on
rush-hour vehicle trips along major roadways with new tools to
encourage multi-modal investment and changes in travel
modes.
Adopt TDM PolicyScenic Views Establish scenic view protection overlays, including a
methodology, analysis of priorities, and standards for
foreground, middle ground, and background
Define project goals and information needs, engage
consultant(s)
Other Work not specifically enumerated in FY '23 Work Plan
RegulatoryRe-align zoning districts along
Shelburne Road corridor
Re-align C1-R15, C1-Auto, C2 to allow for auto sales in areas
removed from Shelburne Road and prohibit new auto sales
uses at Shelburne Road near Fayette dr
Approve and submit to Council Public Hearing scheduled for 10/25/22
RegulatoryComplete TDR Amendments begun in
FY 22
Expand use of TDRs to extablish receiving areas in medium and
higher-density residential and mixed-use areas
Approve and submit to Council Commission held public hearing 8/8/22 and
submitted to Council
SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
13 SEPTEMBER 2022
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The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 13 September
2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the Auditorium, City Hall, 180 Market Street, and via Zoom remote
technology.
MEMBERS PRESENT: D. Macdonald, Acting Chair; T. Riehle, M. Ostby, P. Engels, A. Chalnick
ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning and Zoning; K. Auerbach, Stephen L., L. Murphy,
Y. Bradley
1. Instructions on exiting the building in case of an emergency:
Mr. Macdonald provided instructions on emergency exit from the building.
2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items:
No changes were made to the agenda.
3. Open to the public for items not related to the Agenda:
No issues were raised.
4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report:
Mr. Engels noted that the City Charter Committee is meeting tomorrow, and one of the items
on the agenda is a proposal from the City Council to expand the membership of the Planning
Commission. Ms. Ostby said that issue came up when she was interviewed for reappointment.
There is now state legislation that would allow that expansion to happen. Mr. Riehle said he
would support adding 2 members to facilitate having sub-committees. Mr. Engels said the City
Charter Committee is also looking at possibly expanding the City Council, voting in wards or
districts, and “gender neutral” language in the Charter. Mr. Engels added that the Council now
consists of 4 of its 5 members living within less than a mile of each other. There is also the issue
of expense is campaigning city-wide.
Ms. Ostby said she attended the bike-ped bridge meeting. Three different designs were
considered. There will be one more public meeting to work through a final design. She asked
for solar powered heaters on the bridge for use in winter.
Mr. Chalnick reported that the Climate Action Task Force has finalized its draft report which will
be presented to the City Council on the 19 th. That report also asks for a Charter change.
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5. Discuss possible amendment to the Land Development Regulations enabling green
business or modifying auto sales applicable area for Shelburne Road corridor:
Mr. Macdonald asked for feedback on the options proposed by staff.
Mr. Riehle asked if the “green” has to be 100% green or just a percentage. Mr. Conner said it
would have to be assessed by staff, but he noted that less than 100% would be challenging. Mr.
Macdonald said the Commission hasn’t yet defined “green business.” He added that he was
leaning toward Option 2 as Option 1 has a lot of loose ends and potential for unintended
consequences.
Ms. Ostby questioned whether option 2 would lead to a sea of selling cars rather than the
walkable community the Commission is trying to create. She liked the idea of s hifting some
auto use, but she noted that even this new dealership will be painting cars, and there will be
fumes. She added that she was told they have very strict codes regarding health, etc. Ms.
Ostby expressed concern with the dealerships near the school and children being exposed to
fumes. She would like to see any business in that zone have a very strict code for safety near an
area where there will be homes. This would apply to anything, not only car dealerships and
service centers.
Mr. Chalnick felt they should do everything possible to move this request through quickly
because it is a good reuse of an existing building. Ms. Ostby cited the need to be more
thoughtful of potential issues and cited the Beta fire from lithium batteries.
Mr. Murphy said they would be satisfied with the option to expand the zone. Their issue is
timing. They would like to do it in the narrowest way, having it apply only to vacant buildings.
He noted the application would still have to go through the DRB which would deal with specific
issues. He added that if the Commission can’t move quickly, Tesla will look at another site.
Mr. Bradley, a commercial real estate broker, said Tesla has immense resources, and building a
new building on a piece of land would not be an issue. (“They can go to Williston and build a
monstrosity across from Berlin Auto”) They have been convinced that going green by reusing
an existing building is a good thing. Mr. Bradley also said that without this use, that building
won’t see another development. With Tesla, it could be a catalyst for other businesses of that
type.
Mr. Riehle questioned how this use would benefit South Burlington. Mr. Murphy said it would
create important jobs and would train a work force for electric vehicles . Mr. Riehle asked if
they would pay a sales tax. Mr. Murphy said not beyond the automobile tax. Mr. Riehle said a
retail business would pay more to the City of South Burlington via the local option sales tax.
Mr. Murphy said Hannaford would never allow any competitor into that building.
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Mr. Conner noted that Option 2 would add Lowes and the Hannaford property to the C -1 Auto
District. Everything south of that district would become C1-R15, which doesn’t allow for auto
use. Audi and Volkswagen properties would become C-2, which allows auto use.
Ms. Ostby supported option 2 with a requirement to meet a more stringent environmental
code. Mr. Conner felt that requirement falls between an ordinance and performance
standards. There are performance standards in the LDRs; if the city implements them more
strongly, there would have to be a mechanism for compliance, and that is a budget issue.
Mr. Chalnick was OK with option 1 or 2 and asked to accelerate the process.
Mr. Engels felt that having Tesla in the city would have an enormous psychological impact.
Mr. Riehle opposed the use.
Mr. Macdonald favored option 2.
Mr. Conner noted that Ms. Louisos was leaning toward option 2 but was also interested in the
concept of reuse. Mr. Mittag did not cite a preferred option.
Mr. Murphy was concerned with imposing performance standards and that would slow down
the process.
Mr. Conner noted that if the use were to be abandoned for six months, the use would go away.
Ms. Ostby then moved to approve the concept of Option 2/map 2 and pursue a public hearing
at the earliest time and come back to discuss whether to continue auto use in the zone . As a
secondary step, make it a priority to discuss and environmental code within the new C -1 area.
Mr. Chalnick seconded.
Mr. Chalnick then moved to amend the motion to delete “and come back to discuss whether to
continue auto use in the zone.” Mr. Macdonald seconded. The motion to amend passed 4-1.
The vote on the amended motion then passed 4-1 with Mr. Riehle voting against.
Mr. Murphy asked for a special meeting to move this forward. Mr. Conner said they can spend
5 minutes at a special meeting to warn a public hearing.
6. Comprehensive Plan: discuss themes for facilitated pubic discussion and primary
objectives from draft Climate Action Plan:
4
Mr. Conner said this is a chance to brainstorm areas where there could be good, rich
community discussion and also present some key findings of the Climate Action task Force.
Mr. Macdonald said he felt a community discussion is needed on the issue of infill in R-1
districts.
Mr. Riehle cited the darkness of Kennedy Drive area and felt it was important to light up
walkways. Mr. Conner noted there is funding for a study to get more l ighting onto Kennedy
Drive.
Mr. Engels cited the importance of neighborhoods and bringing the 2016 Chamberlain
neighborhood report into the Comprehensive Plan. He favored lots of public participation, a
grass roots up process. Mr. Conner cited the importance of giving people something to work
with and have a conversation about. Mr. Engels felt technology can accomplish that and make
it easy for people to participate.
Mr. Chalnick cited the importance of environmental protection.
Mr. Riehle noted the need for parks and dog parks. He said Butler Farms would like a dog park.
Mr. Conner said the prediction is that the majority of homes in the city will be multi -family, and
there will have to be discussion about amenities. Ms. Ostby asked what can be don e to make
clustered living as robust as possible. Mr. MacDonald suggested asking people in the Farrell St.
area what works and what doesn’t as that is what things will look like in the future.
Mr. Engels cited the need for a huge public relations outreach to get as much public
participation as possible.
Regarding the Climate Action Plan, Mr. Conner encouraged members to read it. He noted there
are measurable objectives related to transportation and buildings including residential
electrification and homes to be retrofitted each year.
Mr. Riehle asked if the Task Force discussed the incentivizing of planting trees. Mr. Chalnick
said they did.
Mr. Chalnick noted 2 important parts of the report: a rental ordinance which would require
periodic upgrades, and a Charter change to give the city the power to regulate heating in
existing buildings. Without those 2 things, it will make the goals hard to meet.
Ms. Ostby asked about the process for addressing “supporting actions” for such things as
preserving remaining meadows, forests, etc., from further encroachment. Mr. Conner said the
5
Climate Action Plan would become a supporting plan which will help inform the Comprehensive
Plan. It would be considered by policy-making groups as to what to do in the future.
Ms. Ostby noted it is very difference from the results of Interim Zoning.
Mr. Engels said he hoped the Comprehensive Plan would be more critical of th e Airport. He
said they burn an enormous amount of fossil fuel every day. He was disappointed there was no
mention of this in the Climate Action Plan. Mr. Chalnick said South Burlington has no control
over the Airport. There is also a question of how emissions should be counted. This was too
much for the Task Force to take on. Mr. Chalnick added that the Airport is doing a study and is
coming up with its own plan.
Mr. Conner stressed that one thing the Task Force felt strongly about was ensuring that the
actions recommended in the plan were those that South Burlington could advance.
7. Meeting Minutes of 23 August 2022:
Mr. Riehle moved to approve the Minutes of 23 August 2022 as presented. Mr. Chalnick
seconded. Motion passed 5-0.
8. Other Business:
a. Colchester Planning Commission public hearing, Tuesday, September 20 at 7 p.m., at
the Colchester Town Offices, 781 Blakely Road, for the purpose of considering
amendments to the Colchester Development
No action was taken.
As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
by common consent at 8:55 p.m.
___________________________________
Clerk