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Minutes - Planning Commission - 06/23/2015
SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 23 JUNE 2015 The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 23 June 2015, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; T. Harrington, T. Riehle, B. Benton, B. Gagnon, S. Quest, G. Calcagni ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; C. LaRose, City Planner; T. Chittenden, S. Dopp, P. Nowak 1. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: A discussion of the meeting schedule was added to Other Business. 2. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda: No issues were raised. 3. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff reports: Ms. Harrington: noted there will be a walk through Dumont Park on Thursday evening. Mr. Gagnon: Updated members on the demolition of houses in the Airport area. There are 4 houses left to go on the Northern contract. These should be done by next week. The 3rd contract began on the southern 20 houses; 5 are down. Asbestos removal is being done under the middle contract. Demolition should begin on 6 July. Ms. Louisos: Thanked Ms. Calcagni and Ms. Benton for their service to the Planning Commission as this could be their last meeting. Suggested a special meeting next Tuesday (a 5th Tuesday in June). Mr. Conner: Explained the appointment cycle for city boards and committees. He said the City Council is likely to make appointments on 6 July. Committee membership continues until the Council takes action to replace a member. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week on signs and their content. The ruling said you cannot distinguish “events” signs from any other type of sign. The Chamberlin/Airport study committee will meet on Thursday evening. 4. Presentation and consideration of use of community vision and branding in the Draft Comprehensive Plan, plus staff status update on Plan: Mr. Conner reported that the Commission had asked staff to bring the pre-amble to the recent community branding before the group to determine whether it would be a good fit to include in the vision statement or as a prologue to the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Quest felt the branding statement did not describe the “qualities that are the embodiment of life in the Green Mountain State.” Members felt that what is in the Comprehensive Plan more accurately describes their vision. Mr. Conner noted the effort to identify neighborhoods/groupings of neighborhoods into 4 city “areas”: City Center, Lakeshore, Gateway and Ridgeline. He felt it was difficult to fit all the areas of the city into those designations. That wasn’t necessarily the intent of the branding, to apply to all parts of the city. Members felt City Center and Lakeshore were reasonable; the others didn’t work as well in terms of land use areas of the city. Mr. Gagnon felt the other 2 areas were more “linear” and harder to define. Mr. Riehle liked the idea of identifying neighborhoods rather than the 4 areas. Ms. Benton commented that the city doesn’t have one “iconic building” to use in an identifying way. Ms. LaRose then updated members on the status of the Comprehensive Plan. She noted that the Regional Planning Commission has staff that will look at the plan. Part of the package for their review includes a matrix of 9 pages of questions. Staff has been going through this matrix and answering questions. This opened their eyes to some items that need more strength or documentation. The first of these is the economic chapter and the need to discuss economic policy. At present the economic development chapter is very short with no details on what South Burlington thinks is a strong economy. Ms. LaRose said staff proposes spending some time answering the question: What are the economic goals of the city? Mr. Conner stressed that this is not an economic development plan, but it would lay the foundations for such a plan. He also noted that they could identify a location for types of businesses that haven’t been invented yet. Mr. Riehle said he would like to encourage diversity in businesses, not having one big business (e.g. IBM) on which the city is relying. He suggested emphasizing the medical business development. Members were OK with staff working on this. Ms. LaRose said the Plan is also not strong on prioritization in a helpful way. She wasn’t sure how to get into that conversation. Mr. Conner suggested the first thing could be to work from a solid document. You can then prioritize by when you will take on some kinds of actions and also indicate potential conflict points. Mr. Gagnon suggested the completion of City Center as a top priority. Mr. Conner noted that the City Council has adopted that as a priority for city action as well. Ms. LaRose cited a potential area of conflict: One objective states that the majority of development should be along transportation corridors. There is also a reference to certain types of business “campuses.” She asked what if the “business campuses” don’t want to be along a transportation corridor. Mr. Riehle said he is concerned with safely connecting neighborhoods. He noted that he no longer bikes in South Burlington because it is too dangerous. Ms. Dopp said she would like to see more specificity regarding solar, wind, locations of cell towers, etc. Ms. LaRose said there is a section on this near the end of the document, but it doesn’t address cell towers. 5. Continue Discussion on Comprehensive Plan Outreach Strategy: Ms. Louisos noted that the City Council is OK with receiving any sections that represent a “final document.” She suggested that part of the public outreach might be a joint meeting with the City Council. Mr. Conner suggested this could be the “kickoff” to public outreach, followed by a 6‐week comment period. Mr. Gagnon said he would also like to have some open public meetings. 6. Draft Land Development Regulations: a. SEQ-Neighborhood Residential North/JAM Golf Amendments: Mr. Conner reviewed the history of the JAM Golf agreement. The new designation for “development” area will be Neighborhood Residential North. It will allow 4.67 units per acre and will have slightly different public works standards. A landscape buffer will serve as a transition between this neighborhood and the Wheeler Nature Park. Mr. Conner then showed a map of the new district. He identified 3 areas in which only one-story homes will be allowed. Ms. Louisos noted that the landscape buffer appears to be outside the property. Mr. Conner said there is a provision in the draft regulation that would allow the applicant to request the ability to do this from the City Council. Mr. Conner offered that these amendments could be included in the current round of updates. Members were ok with this. b. Review Table of Uses in the Form Base Code Area: Mr. Conner noted that Form Base Code is a permissive form of zoning; a property can have any use unless the Code specifically says it can’t be done. The question arises as to what would happen to existing buildings that become non-conforming in City Center. Mr. Conner noted there is a specific list of prohibited uses; the question is which uses should still be prohibited. The uses that members wanted to prohibit included: 1. Airport uses 2. Auto, motorcycle, RV, and mobile home sales 3. Animal shelters (anything that involves animals being outdoors) 4. Commercial kennels 5. Cannabis cultivation (a cannabis dispensary would be allowed for medical use; members discussed whether to prohibit general use as this is being considered by the State. Members asked to keep this on the radar) 6. Equipment repair 7. Lumber/contractors’ yards 8. Taxi Company/Auto storage Members were concerned with boat sales. They were OK with small boats but were concerned with displays of large boats. Ms. Harrington noted that there could be an office where mobile homes and large boats are sold without display. Mr. Conner suggested that staff wrestle with this before making a decision. Uses that were previously prohibited but could now be permitted if they conform to the form base code include: 1. Auto/motorcycle/service and repair 2. Car Wash 3. Equipment service/sales/rental 4. Warehousing/storage 5. Light manufacturing 6. Manufacturing and assembly from previously prepared materials All other uses would be allowed. c. Other member/staff items from draft LDRs: Mr. Conner said staff is continuing to work on roof-top issues and doorway issues. He suggested staff may be able to have something for the Commission to vote on next week, but this may have only a partial legal review. 7. Other Business: Members agreed to meet on 30 June. Mr. Conner said staff wouldn’t have graphics available for that meeting, and he wasn’t sure how far along the legal review will be. 8. Minutes of 9 June 2015: Mr. Riehle moved to approve the Minutes of 9 June 2015 as written. Ms. Benton seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Conner thanked Ms. Calcagni and Ms. Benton for their service to the Planning Commission and to the other committees they had served on. As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by common consent at 9:20 p.m. , Clerk Published by ClerkBase ©2019 by Clerkbase. No Claim to Original Government Works. 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com MEMORANDUM TO: South Burlington Planning Commission FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning SUBJECT: June 23, 2015 Planning Commission meeting See below for discussion of items on this week’s agenda. 1. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:00 pm) 2. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:02 pm) 3. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report (7:10 pm) 4. Presentation and consideration of use of community vision & branding in the Draft Comprehensive Plan, plus staff status update on Plan (7:20 pm) At the PC’s last meeting, the Commission briefly discussed the concept of possibly using the recent community vision / branding work as part of the Comprehensive Plan. Specifically, Commissioners asked to review the DRAFT introductory statement to consider whether it would be a good fit to include in an introduction, or possibly the start of the Vision Statement, for the Plan. The entire presentation of the draft concept from early June is included. The introduction / vision is contained on pages 11-14. 5. Continue discussion of Comprehensive Plan outreach strategy (7:40 pm) Commissioners can discuss with staff exactly how to do the outreach plan. 6. Draft Land Development Regulations (7:55 pm) a. SEQ-Neighborhood Residential North / JAM Golf amendments As you may recall, a while back the Commission had reviewed, with the help of a working committee, draft amendments to the LDRs to create a new SEQ-NRN district as part of the JAM Golf land swap and settlement. The revised draft is now included. The draft is, ultimately, very similar to the last draft reviewed by the Commission. The most significant changes relate to how the regulations address the City Tree Nursery, which was moved in the past 2 years. Minor changes were also made, for similar reasons, to the areas appropriate for one story buildings and where fencing should be located. 2 b. Review table of uses in the Form Based Codes area One of the outstanding items in the draft FBC for City Center was to ensure that we had done a thorough review of exactly what is changing in terms of allowable uses in from the current regulations to the future ones. The draft regulations, as you know, are written in a permissive manner (ie, any use not prohibited is allowed). The Commission had previously reviewed a list of uses that are specifically prohibited in the current Central District, and included some of these as prohibited for PRE- EXISTING, Non-Conforming buildings. The steps that we’re taking now is to compare that list with the current Table of Uses (a separate list in the current LDRs from the specifically prohibited list). The attached chart show ALL of the uses, and highlights a few items for the Commission to be aware of and / or consider. Staff has highlighted in yellow items that do represent a change from the current regulations to the draft FBC but which are more likely than not smaller changes, and in blue items which staff recommends the Commission note as they are more policy-level changes in the way that the draft regulations have been crafted. c. Other member / staff items from draft LDRs 7. Other Business (8:30 pm) 8. Minutes (8:35 pm) 9. Adjourn (8:40 pm) BRANDINGSOUTH BURLINGTON THIS EVENING’S PRESENTATION• PROCESS• SURVEY RESULTS• EXISTING IDENTITY SYSTEM• IDENTITY STATEMENT• BRAND SYSTEM INTRODUCTION1 2 3 4 Q10: WITH REGARD TO THE FOLLOWING TOPICS, PLEASE INDICATE WHICH SHOULD BE MOST HEAVILY SUPPORTED BY A STRONG SOUTH BURLINGTON IDENTITY.5 SELECTED COMMENTS• Great place to raise a family in a more natural setting.• This is coming as we bring folks together! The city seems well greased at this time for positive next steps.• Even though the city is separated a bit geographically, it still feels unified. We have an amazing Rec Dept, bike paths, sports fields, open spaces (thankfully, still), schools and scenery. We are close to anything that we might not have much of here (e.g. restaurants, nightlife).• To me, the strong relationship between the 2 cities is important to maintain.• A"downtown" with some kind of character, gathering spots, walkable streets is desperately needed. Changing the name would be absurd and create even worse identity issues.6 SELECTED COMMENTS• I think our identity is currently strongly tied to our ex-urban character. Some parts are more suburban, or more neighborhoody and I think we should strengthen that identity.• It's just a large suburban area kind of like Colchester.• For families with children going to schools and enjoying parks and recreation. Not so much for adults.• I think of it a commercial suburban ring around Burlington. It lacks attractive shopping areas. The bike path is strong feature associated with SB.• I think that the new city center should have a distinctive, cool name. Hopefully it will be designed to be a "cool" place to live and be.• South Burlington! Do not change the name of my city!!!!\7 8 ?? 9 10 BRAND STATEMENT You have been here but may not have known where you were. Now it is time for a proper introduction. We are South Burlington and we are glad you are here. Our community was born a place apart yet profoundly connected to our region. We are a proud contributor to Vermont’s center of commerce while maintaining the qualities that are the embodiment of life in the Green Mountain State. BRAND STATEMENT We can introduce you to the shores of Lake Champlain where Red Rocks demonstrate the striking juxtaposition of land and water. Rising up from this shoreline are ridges that provide vistas from the Adirondacks to the Green Mountains. These places are not simply spots to be viewed but actively enjoyed on miles of trails and in acres of parks. 11 BRAND STATEMENT Introductions often happen at that first school meeting where anxious parents of young children get to know one another, grow together as friends, actively participate as volunteers, cheer for the home team, and clap for the chorus. As a result, children here form lifelong bonds with each other and to this place. Here, we understand that our future is as bright as the young minds we cultivate. BRAND STATEMENT Businesses that have introduced Vermont to the world like Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Ben and Jerry’s, and Magic Hat each call South Burlington home. These iconic brands stand alongside companies big and small that have come to understand that this place is ideally suited to thrive. 12 BRAND STATEMENT We introduce Vermont to visitors from across the nation and around the world as home to Burlington International Airport. Our warm welcome exudes the pride we have in the Green Mountain State. Burlington International Airport coupled with easy access to Interstate 89 make us a crossroads of New England. BRAND STATEMENT We stand prepared to introduce our community and region to a place that will redefine how people view South Burlington. City Center will provide South Burlington a place to live, to shop, to do business, and to govern. It will give us a place to gather as a community and celebrate with warmth the connections we share. 13 BRAND STATEMENT These introductions come not with a boast or brag but with the willingness to share our place with Vermonters from across the state and with visitors from across the nation and world. We are humbled to be part of this dynamic region and singularly special state. We are proud of the role we play: of host, of neighbor, and of friend. We are South Burlington, Vermont A Different Place, AltogetherBRAND STATEMENT We are South Burlington, Vermont A Different Place, Altogether 14 15 16 17 18 GATEWAYDISTRICTRIDGELINEDISTRICTCITYCENTERDISTRICTLAKESHOREDISTRICTINITIATIVEVERMONTWhere South Burlington Comes Together!19 20 SIGNAGE21 22 ADVERTISING23 24 25 NEXT STEPS• Feedback• Refinement• Public Distribution26 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-1 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT - SEQ 9.01 Purpose 9.02 Comprehensive Plan 9.03 Uses 9.04 Designation of SEQ Sub-Districts and SEQ Zoning Map 9.05 Residential Density 9.06 Dimensional and Design Requirements Applicable to All Sub-Districts 9.07 Regulating Plans 9.08 SEQ-NRT and SEQ-NR Sub-Districts; Specific Standards 9.09 SEQ-VR Sub-District; Specific Standards 9.10 SEQ-VC Sub-District; Specific Regulations 9.11 Supplemental Standards for Arterial and Collector Streets 9.12 SEQ-NRP; Supplemental Regulations 9.13 SEQ Review and Approval Process 9.01 Purpose A Southeast Quadrant District (SEQ) is hereby formed in order to encourage open space preservation, scenic view and natural resource protection, wildlife habitat preservation, continued agriculture, and well-planned residential use in the area of the City known as the Southeast Quadrant. The natural features, visual character and scenic views offered in this area have long been recognized as very special and unique resources in the City and worthy of protection. The design and layout of buildings and lots in a manner that in the judgment of the Development Review Board will best create neighborhoods and a related network of open spaces consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the Southeast Quadrant shall be encouraged. Any uses not expressly permitted are hereby prohibited, except those which are allowed as conditional uses. 9.02 Comprehensive Plan These regulations hereby implement the relevant provisions of the City of South Burlington Comprehensive Plan, and any adopted amendments to such plan, and are in accord with the policies set forth therein. In the event of a conflict between the Southeast Quadrant chapter and other provisions of the Comprehensive Plan, the Southeast Quadrant chapter shall control. 9.03 Uses In the SEQ District, principal permitted uses and conditional uses shall be those shown in Table C-1, Table of Uses. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-2 9.04 Designation of SEQ Sub-Districts and SEQ Zoning Map A. The SEQ District is divided into five six sub-districts: (1) SEQ-NRP SEQ – Natural Resource Protection (2) SEQ-NRT SEQ – Neighborhood Residential Transition (3) SEQ-NR SEQ – Neighborhood Residential (4) SEQ-NRN SEQ – Neighborhood Residential North (4)(5) SEQ-VR SEQ – Village Residential (5)(6) SEQ-VC SEQ – Village Commercial B. These sub-districts are shown on the map entitled Southeast Quadrant Zoning Map, incorporated into this bylaw. C. Areas designated SEQ-NR, SEQ-NRN, SEQ-NRT, SEQ-VR, and SEQ-VC shall be considered development areas. Areas designated SEQ-NRP are designated as conservation areas, and are subject to supplemental regulations in this Article. D. Interpretation of Sub-District Boundaries. In any location where uncertainty exists regarding the exact boundaries of a sub-district as shown on the Southeast Quadrant Zoning Map, the affected property owner may submit a written request that the Planning Commission define the location of the boundary with respect to the subject property. The Planning Commission shall consider such request at a meeting of the Planning Commission held within 60 days of receipt of the written request. At the meeting, the Planning Commission shall provide an opportunity for persons, including municipal staff, officials, and consultants, to present information relevant to the determination of the boundary location. The Planning Commission has the authority to invoke technical review of any such submittals or to gain additional information. Within 30 days following such meeting, or any continuation thereof, the Planning Commission shall determine the boundary location, giving consideration to the original intent or purpose in designating such sub-district, as expressed in the Southeast Quadrant chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. 9.05 Residential Density A. Maximum Assigned Density: The maximum assigned density of a parcel or portion of a parcel in any SEQ sub-district shall be one point two (1.2) dwelling units and/or lots per gross acre. (1) SEQ-VC: Lots in the SEQ-VC district that were in existence as of the effective date of this Article and that are two acres or less in size shall be allowed an assigned residential density of 4 d.u. to the acre as of right. This density may be increased to no more than 8 d.u. to the acre through the transfer of development rights. Development in SEQ-VC shall be according to Section 9.10. Comment [PC1]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 Comment [PC2]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-3 B. Average Development Density: The number of dwelling units that may be located on, or the number of single family house lots that may be created, within a contiguous development parcel subject to a single PUD or Master Plan approval shall not exceed an average density and a maximum number of units per structure of the following: (1) In the SEQ-NRP sub-district, the provisions of Section 9.12 shall apply. (2) SEQ-NRT: Four (4) dwelling units (du) to the acre (3) SEQ-NR: Four (4) dwelling units (du) to the acre and four (4) dwelling units per structure (4) SEQ-NRN: Four and two thirds (4.67) dwelling units (du) to the acre and four (4) dwelling units per structure (4)(5) SEQ-VR: Eight (8) dwelling units (du) to the acre and six (6) dwelling units per structure (5)(6) SEQ-VC: Eight (8) dwelling units (du) to the acre and six (6) dwelling units per structure. Such average densities may be achieved only under a PUD Planned Unit Development application. See Section 9.13, SEQ Review and Approval Process. Where a structure has been approved as part of a Master Plan prior to January 9, 2012 with a greater number of dwelling units than those permitted in these Regulations, such approved number of units in a structure shall remain in effect. C. Affordable Housing Density Increase. Affordable housing bonuses pursuant to Section 13.14 are allowed in the SEQ-NR, SEQ-NRT, SEQ- VR, and SEQ-VC sub-districts. If affordable housing, as defined and regulated in Article 13 of these Regulations, is proposed as part of a development application, the Development Review Board may grant a density increase in any of the eligible SEQ sub-districts according to the requirements of Section 13.14. Calculation of the allowed density increase (i.e. 25% or 50% per Section 13.14) shall be based on the maximum allowable overall density of the project as a whole, including non-contiguous sending parcels where applicable. If a development plan is approved by the Development Review Board meeting, the applicable average density may be increased on the development parcel sufficient to accommodate the affordable housing units. In addition, the Development Review Board may allow a residential structure in SEQ-VR and SEQ- VC to have two additional dwelling units per structure, up to a maximum of eight (8) dwelling units per structure, if one or more of the units in the structure is an affordable unit. This provision shall not be interpreted to allow an increase in the total allowable number of units for the project as a whole. 9.06 Dimensional and Design Requirements Applicable to All Sub-Districts The following standards shall apply to development and improvements within the entire Southeast Quadrant Zoning District. Comment [PC3]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-4 A. Height. See Article 3.07. (1) Heights of structures within the SEQ-NRN subdistrict shall adhere to the standards of the SEQ-NR sub-district except where limited by the requirements in Section 9.08.C(8). (1) The maximum height of any occupied structure in the SEQ-NRP, SEQ-NRT, or SEQ-NR sub-district shall not exceed forty-five feet (45’); the waiver provisions of Section 3.07(E) shall not apply to occupied structures in these sub-districts. (2)(1) The maximum height of any occupied structure in the SEQ-VR or SEQ-VC sub-district shall not exceed fifty feet (50’); the waiver provisions of Section 3.07(E) shall not apply to occupied structures in these sub-districts. B. Open Space and Resource Protection. (1) Open space areas on the site shall be located in such a way as to maximize opportunities for creating usable, contiguous open spaces between adjoining parcels, creating or enhancing stream buffer areas, or creating or enhancing buffers for primary or secondary natural communities. (2) Building lots, streets and other structures shall be located in a manner consistent with the Regulating Plan for the applicable sub-district, allowing carefully planned development at the average densities provided in this bylaw. (3) A plan for the proposed open spaces and/or natural areas and their ongoing management shall be established by the applicant. Such plan shall describe the intended use and maintenance of each area. Continuance of agricultural uses or enhancement of wildlife habitat values in such plans for use and maintenance is encouraged. Existing natural resources on each site shall be protected through the development plan, including (but not limited to) primary natural communities, streams, wetlands, floodplains, conservation areas shown in the Comprehensive Plan, and special natural and/or geologic features such as mature forests, headwaters areas, and prominent ridges. In making this finding the Development Review Board shall use the provisions of Article 12 of this bylaw related to wetlands and stream buffers. (4) Sufficient grading and erosion controls shall be employed during construction and after construction to prevent soil erosion and runoff from creating unhealthy or dangerous conditions on the subject property and adjacent properties. In making this finding, the Development Review Board may rely on evidence that the project will be covered under the General Permit for Construction issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. (5) Sufficient suitable landscaping and fencing shall be provided to protect wetland, stream, or primary or natural community areas and buffers in a manner that is aesthetically compatible with the surrounding landscape. The use of split rail or other fencing made of natural materials is encouraged. Chain link fencing shall be prohibited except: (a) fencing for agricultural purposes, and Comment [PC4]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-5 (b) fencing for recreational purposes, such as baseball diamonds, tennis courts, basketball courts, dog parks, or similar activities. Any chain link fencing installed for these purposes shall be plastic coated in either dark green or black. In all cases, proposed fences shall comply with this section and section 13.17 (Fences) of these Regulations C. Agriculture. The conservation of existing agricultural production values is encouraged through development planning that supports agricultural uses (including but not limited to development plans that create contiguous areas of agricultural use), provides buffer areas between existing agricultural operations and new development, roads, and infrastructure, or creates new opportunities for agricultural use (on any soil group) such as but not limited to community- supported agriculture. Provisions that enhance overall neighborhood and natural resource values rather than preservation of specific soil types are strongly encouraged. D. Public Services and Facilities. In the absence of a specific finding by the Development Review Board that an alternative location and/or provision is approved for a specific development, the location of buildings, lots, streets and utilities shall conform with the location of planned public facilities as depicted on the Official Map, including but not limited to recreation paths, streets, park land, schools, and sewer and water facilities. (1) Sufficient water supply and wastewater disposal capacity shall be available to meet the needs of the project in conformance with applicable State and City requirements, as evidenced by a City water allocation, City wastewater allocation, and/or Vermont Water and Wastewater Permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. (2) Recreation paths, storm water facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, utility lines, and lighting shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and infrastructure to adjacent properties. (3) Recreation paths, utilities, sidewalks, and lighting shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with City utility plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council. (4) The plan shall be reviewed by the Fire Chief or his designee to insure that adequate fire protection can be provided, with the standards for evaluation including, but not limited to, minimum distance between structures, street width, vehicular access from two directions where possible, looping of water lines, water flow and pressure, and number and location of hydrants. E. Circulation. The project shall incorporate access, circulation and traffic management strategies sufficient to prevent unsafe conditions on of adjacent roads and sufficient to create connectivity for pedestrians, bicycles, vehicles, school transportation, and emergency service vehicles between neighborhoods. . In making this finding the Development Review Board may rely on the findings of a traffic study submitted by the applicant, and the findings of any technical review by City staff or consultants. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-6 (1) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is compatible with the extension of such services and infrastructure to adjacent properties. (2) Roads shall be designed in a manner that is consistent with City roadway plans and maintenance standards, absent a specific agreement with the applicant related to maintenance that has been approved by the City Council. (3) The provisions of Section 15.12(D)(4) related to connections between adjacent streets and neighborhoods shall apply. 9.07 Regulating Plans A. Description and Regulatory Effect. The regulatory text of this Article is supplemented with illustrations, officially known as the Regulating Plan, illustrating the dimensional and design concepts. The Regulating Plan contains basic land planning and neighborhood design criteria that are intended to foster attractive and walkable neighborhood development patterns. Design criteria and guidelines set forth below are intended to address basic neighborhood design relationships related to scale, connectivity, and overall orientation that promote pedestrian friendly development as follows in Section 9.07(C). The Regulating Plan is an illustrative guide; it does not have the same force of regulation as does the text in this bylaw. However, the Development Review Board will refer to both the Regulating Plan and the text of this section in its project reviews. B. General Provisions (1) The Regulating Plan shall apply to new development within the SEQ-NRT, SEQ-NR, SEQ- NRN, SEQ-VR and SEQ-VC sub-districts. (2) All residential lots created on or after the effective date of this bylaw in any SEQ sub- district shall conform to a standard minimum lot width to depth ratio of one to two (1:2), with ratios of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended. (3) For lots and/or structures with approvals prior to the effective date of this bylaw, the Regulating Plan shall not supersede such approvals, Table C-1, Permitted and Conditional Uses, or Table C-2, Dimensional Standards. C. Street, Block and Lot Patterns (1) Overall Criteria: Development criteria within the Street, Block and Lot Pattern section are intended to provide pedestrian-scaled development patterns and an interconnected system of streets that allow direct and efficient walking and bicycling trips, and decrease circuitous vehicular trips. (2) Street Design: The intention of street design criteria is to provide a system of attractive, pedestrian-oriented streets that encourage slower speeds, maximize connections between and within neighborhoods, and contribute to neighborhood livability. Comment [PC5]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-7 (3) Building Design: The intention of the building design guidelines is to ensure that new housing and commercial development reinforce a pedestrian-friendly environment, while allowing creativity in design. D. Parks Design and Development. (1) General standards. The SEQ has an existing large community park, the Dorset Street Park Complex. Parks in the SEQ may be programmed as neighborhood parks or mini-parks as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. Mini parks in the SEQ should be a minimum of 10,000 square feet, with programming approved by the South Burlington Recreation Department. Such parks are to be located through the neighborhoods in order to provide a car-free destination for children and adults alike, and to enhance each neighborhood’s quality of life. They shall be knitted into the neighborhood fabric as a focal point in the neighborhood, to add vitality and allow for greater surveillance by surrounding homes, local streets and visitors. Each park should be accessible by vehicle, foot, and bicycle and there should be a park within a quarter-mile of every home. (2) Specific Standards. The following park development guidelines are applicable in the SEQ-NRT, SEQ-NR, SEQ-NRN, SEQ-VR, and SEQ-VC districts: (a) Distribution and Amount of Parks: (i) A range of parks and open space should be distributed through the SEQ to meet a variety of needs including children’s play, passive enjoyment of the outdoors, and active recreation. (ii) Parks should serve as the focus for neighborhoods and be located at the heart of residential areas, served by public streets and fronted by development. (iii) Parks should be provided at a rate of 7.5 acres of developed parkland per 1,000 population per the South Burlington Capital Budget and Program. (iv) A neighborhood or mini park of 10,000 square feet or more should be provided within a one-quarter mile walk of every home not so served by an existing City park or other publicly-owned developed recreation area. (b) Dedication of Parks and Open Space: Parks and protected open space must be approved by City Council for public ownership or management, or maintained permanently by a homeowners’ association in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. (c) Design Guidelines (i) Parks should be fronted by homes and/or retail development in order to make them sociable, safe and attractive places. (ii) Parks should be located along prominent pedestrian and bicycle connections. (iii) To the extent feasible, single-loaded roads should be utilized adjacent to natural open spaces to define a clear transition between the private and public realm, and to reinforce dedicated open space as a natural resource and not extended yard areas. Comment [PC6]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-8 Figure 9-1: Conceptual Distribution of Parks within 1/4 Mile of Homes. 9.08 SEQ-NRT, and SEQ-NR, and SES-NRN Sub-Districts; Specific Standards The SEQ-NR, SEQ-NRN, and SEQ-NRT sub-districts have additional dimensional and design requirements, as enumerated in this Section. A. Street, block and lot pattern. (1) Development blocks. Development block lengths should range between 300 and 500 linear feet. If it is unavoidable, blocks 500 feet or longer must include mid-block public sidewalk or recreation path connections. Comment [PC7]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-9 Figure 9-2: Typical SEQ-NR, SEQ-NRN, and SEQ-NRT Block Size and Lot Proportion (2) Interconnection of Streets (a) Average spacing between intersections shall be 300 to 500 feet. (b) Dead end streets (e.g. culs de sac) are strongly discouraged. Dead end streets shall not exceed 200 feet in length. (c) Street stubs are required at the end of dead end streets to allow for future street connections and/or bicycle and pedestrian connections to open space and future housing on adjoining parcels per section 15.12(D)(4). (3) Street Connection to Adjoining Parcels. Street stubs are required to be built to the property line and connected to adjacent parcels per section 15.12(D)(4) of these Regulations. Posting signs with a notice of intent to construct future streets is strongly encouraged. (4) Lot ratios. Lots shall maintain a minimum lot width to depth ratio of 1:2, with a ratio of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended. Figure 9-3: Interconnected Street Pattern with Future Street Connections to Adjoining Property. Comment [PC8]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-10 B. Street, Sidewalk & Parking Standards (1) Street dimensions and cross sections. Neighborhood streets (collector and local) are intended to be low-speed streets for local use that discourage through movement and are safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Dimensions for public collector and local streets shall be as set forth in Tables 9-1 and 9-2, and Figures 9-4 and 9-5 below. (2) Sidewalks. (a) Sidewalks must be a minimum of five feet in width with an additional minimum five- foot planting strip (greenspace) separating the sidewalk from the street. (b) Sidewalks are required on one side of the street. (3) Street Trees (a) Street trees are required along all streets in a planting strip a minimum of five feet wide. (b) Street tree types shall be large, deciduous shade trees with species satisfactory to the City Arborist. Street trees to be planted must have a minimum caliper size of 2.5 to 3 inches DBH, and shall be planted no greater than thirty feet (30’) on center. (4) On-street parking. Sufficient space for one lane of on-street parking shall be provided on all streets except for arterials outside of the SEQ-VC and SEQ-VR sub-districts. This requirement may be waived within the SEQ-NRN sub-district provided the DRB finds sufficient off-street parking has been provided to accommodate needs. (5) Intersection design. Intersections shall be designed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and to slow traffic. Comment [PC9]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-11 (6) Street and sidewalk lighting. Pedestrian-scaled light fixtures (e.g., 12’ to 14’) shall be provided sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety traveling to and from public spaces. Overall illumination levels should be consistent with the lower-intensity development patterns and character of the SEQ, with lower, smoother levels of illumination (rather than hot-spots) and light trespass minimized to the lowest level consistent with public safety. Figure 9-4: Pavement Dimensions: Collector Streets, SEQ-NRT and SEQ-NR ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-12 Table 9-1: Street Design Criteria for Collector Streets, SEQ-NRT and SEQ-NR Design Speed 25 mph Pavement width (parking one side) 28’ at wetland crossings 20’ Minimum radius of curves 260’ Minimum tangent length between curves 50’ Minimum vertical sight distance 150’ Minimum horizontal sight distance 275’ ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-13 Figure 9-5: Pavement Dimensions: Local Streets, SEQ-NRT, SEQ-NRN, and SEQ-NR Table 9-2: Street Design Criteria for Local Streets, SEQ-NRT, SEQ-NRN, and SEQ-NR Design Speed 25 mph Pavement width (parking one side) 26’ With no parking 24’ With no parking, SEQ-NRNJ 20’ at wetland crossings 18’ Minimum radius of curves (1) 200’ Minimum tangent length between curves 50’ Minimum distance between centerline offsets 150’ Minimum vertical sight distance 150’ Minimum horizontal sight distance 275’ (1) In the SEQ-NRN Subdistrict, the minimum curve radius shall be determined based on recommendation of the Fire Department and Department of Public Works Comment [PC10]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 Comment [PC11]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-14 Figure 9-6: Conceptual Intersection Design C. Residential Design (1) Building Orientation. Residential buildings must be oriented to the street. Primary entries for single family and multi-family buildings must face the street. Secondary building entries may open onto garages and/or parking areas. (Special design guidelines apply to arterial streets; see Section 9.11). A minimum of thirty-five percent (35%) of translucent windows and surfaces should be oriented to the south. In the SEQ-NRN sub-district, residential buildings should orient their rooflines to maximize solar gain potential, to the extent possible within the context of the overall standards of the regulating plan. (2) Building Façades. Building facades are encouraged to employ a theme and variation approach. Buildings should include common elements to appear unified, but façades should be varied from one building to the next to avoid monotony. Front porches, stoops, and balconies that create semi-private space and are oriented to the street are encouraged. In the SEQ-NRN sub-district, residential buildings whose rear orient towards a public recreation path should employ rear porches, balconies, or other features to enhance their architectural detail. (3) Front Building Setbacks. A close relationship between the building and the street is critical to the ambiance of the street environment. (a) Buildings should be set back a maximum of twenty-five feet (25’) from the back of sidewalk. (b) Porches, stoops, and balconies may project up to eight feet (8’) into the front setbacks. Comment [PC12]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 Comment [PC13]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 Comment [PC14]: Clarification that was identified during JAM Golf review 6-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-15 (4) Placement of Garages and Parking. For garages where the vehicle entrance is parallel to the front building line of a house, the front building line of the garage must be set behind the front building line of the house by a minimum of eight (8) feet. (a) For the purposes of this subsection, the front building line of a house may include a covered, usable porch that is at least eight (8) feet in width. (b) The front building line of any housing shall be at least twelve feet (12’) in width, except in the case of a duplex with side-by-side entries, which shall be at least eight feet (8’) per unit and sixteen feet (16’) combined. (a)(c) The DRB may waive this provision for garages with vehicle entries facing a side yard, provided that (i) the garage is visually integrated into the main house and (ii) the front building line of the garage is no more than eight (8) feet in front of the front building line of the house. Rear alleys are encouraged for small lot single-family houses, duplexes and townhouses. Figure 9-7: Residential Garage Placement Options (5) Mix of Housing Styles. A mix of housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.), sizes, and affordability is encouraged within neighborhoods and developments. These should be mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized into sections of near-identical units. (a) Mix of Housing Styles, SEQ-NRN subdistrict. A minimum of at least three (3) housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.), sizes, and/or affordability is required within neighborhoods and developments. These should be mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized into sections of near-identical units. Where styles are repeated, different colors and/or materials shall be employed to enhance variety. (6) Landscape and Fence Buffer Standards, SEQ-NRN subdistrict Comment [PC15]: Standard developed during JAM Golf review, would apply in all of SEQ-NR, SEQ NRT, and SEQ-NRN Comment [PC16]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015. Recommend review and determine if still neded. Comment [PC17]: Added for JAM Golf Amendment 6-19-2015 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-16 (a) Applicability and submission requirements. This section provides standards for the landscaping of development within the SEQ-NRN sub-district. A landscape plan shall be included as part of any preliminary and/or final plat application addressing the standards of this subsection. (b) Existing Vegetation (i) Existing vegetation that can effectively serve as landscape buffer to potentially incompatible uses and/or are significant, heathy trees shall be retained to the extent possible, while accommodating the permitted level of development. (c) Landscaped Buffers (i) Location - Table 9-2A shows where landscaped buffers are required. It also summarizes the principal standards for the design of those buffers, which are set forth in detail below. These buffers are alternatives, not cumulative. (ii) Width – Table 9-2A establishes a minimum width for landscaped buffers of different types in different situations. (d) Landscape Buffer Types (i) Type 0 – Low Height Vegetation. A Type 0 landscaping typically includes grass or meadow area with foundation screening at the buildings. This type of buffer is intended to provide separation between new buildings and the existing land uses. (ii) Type I - Dense Plantings. A Type II landscaped buffer must be composed primarily of continuous dense screening vegetation / hedge that will be at least five (5) feet in width and grow to at least six (6) feet in height. (iii) Type II – Informal Plantings. A Type III landscaped buffer must be composed of a split rail fence (or equivalent approved by the DRB), major trees, a partial understory of small trees, and a berm with a mixture of shrub type plantings. The minimum amount of planting per 100 horizontal feet of buffer shall be a full ground cover, two major trees of at least 3” caliper, three ornamental or understory trees of at least 2” caliper, and any combination of shrubbery that occupies at least 50% of the area at the time of planting, all of which shall be distributed throughout the minimum buffer width described in Table 9-2A. With approval of the City Council, up to 10 feet of the green space between a recreation path and a property line may be used to enable the installation of the split rail fence and a portion of a berm. (e) Use of Berms. Earthen Berms. An earthen berm may be required to increase the effectiveness of a landscaped buffer. The landscaping plan shall show the contours of the proposed berm and one or more cross-sections detailing its construction. The required buffer width may be reduced by the height of the berm, but shall not exceed 25% of the required width. (i) Berms shall not exceed six feet (6’) in height. (ii) No berm shall have a slope greater than 3:1, except where a retaining ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-17 wall is used in accordance with these Regulations. (f) Delineation Fences. Any development proposed adjacent to a City Park shall include a fence delineating the separation of property lines. Such fence shall be of a split-rail or similar variety. (g) Permissible impervious surfaces in landscaped buffers. (i) Crossings. Landscaped buffers may be crossed by driveways, roads, sidewalks, trails, and utility lines, including necessary risers and boxes, serving the development. The width of these crossings should be minimized. (ii) Light Standards. The bases of standards for approved outdoor lighting may be placed in a landscaped buffer. (iii) Miscellaneous. Landscaped buffers may include retaining walls, planters, minor impervious surfaces that are part of runoff and erosion control works; and sculptures or other works of art. (7) Supplemental setback standards, SEQ-NRN subdistrict. In addition to the standards set forth in Table C-2, Dimensional Standards and this section, the requirements of table 9-2A shall apply. Table 9-2A Supplemental landscape buffer and setback requirements, SEQ-NRN subdistrict Proposed Use Adjoining Use Minimum buffer widths Minimum setback (6) Type 0 Type I (4) Type II Residential High Use Rec Path (1) n/a n/a 30' 50' Lower Use Rec Path (2) 70' n/a 27' 30' Resource Protection Area (3) 40' 5' 27' 35' % Reduction for Use of Berm (5) 25% n/a 25% n/a' (1) The section of recreation path running along the west side of the SEQ-NRN subdistrict, as shown on Figure 9-2A. (2) The section of recreation path on the east side of the subdistrict shown on Figure 9-2A. (4) Type 2 buffer is permitted only where space limitation preclude use of the other types (5) Plantings are to be placed on top of berm for added vertical screening effect. Reduction not applicable to High Use Recreation Path (6) Setbacks apply to all principal structure (8) Supplemental Height Standards, SEQ-NRN subdistrict. In addition to the standards set forth in Table C-2, Dimensional Standards, residential structures shall be limited to a maximum of one (1) total story within the “one-story” area marked in Figure 9-2A. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-18 9.09 SEQ-VR Sub-District; Specific Standards The SEQ-VR sub-district has additional dimensional and design requirements, as enumerated in this Section. A. Street, Block and Lot Pattern (1) Development blocks. Development block lengths should range between 300 and 400 linear feet; see Figure 9-2 for example. If longer block lengths are unavoidable blocks 400 feet or longer must include mid-block public sidewalk or recreation path connections. (2) Interconnection of Streets (a) Average spacing between intersections shall be 300 to 400 feet. (b) Dead end streets (e.g. culs de sac) are discouraged. Dead end streets shall not exceed 200 feet in length. (c) Street stubs are required at the end of dead end streets to allow for future street connections and/or bicycle and pedestrian connections to open space and future housing on adjoining parcels per section 15.12(D)(4). (3) Street Connection to Adjoining Parcels. Street stubs are required to be built to the property line and connected to adjacent parcels per section 15.12(D)(4) of these Regulations. Posting signs with a notice of intent to construct future streets is strongly encouraged. (4) Lot ratios. Lots shall maintain a minimum lot width to depth ratio of 1:2, with a ratio of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended. B. Street, Sidewalk & Parking Standards (1) Street dimensions and cross sections. Neighborhood streets (collector and local) in the VR sub-district are intended to be low-speed streets for local use that discourage through movement and are safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Dimensions for public collector and local streets shall be as set forth in Tables 9-3 and 9-4, and Figures 9-8 and 9-9 below. (2) Sidewalks (a) Sidewalks must be a minimum of five feet (5’) in width with an additional minimum five-foot planting strip (greenspace) separating the sidewalk from the street. (b) Sidewalks are required on one side of the street, and must be connected in a pattern that promotes walkability throughout the development. The DRB may in its discretion require supplemental sidewalk segments to achieve this purpose. (3) Street Trees; see Section 9.08(B)(3) (4) On-street parking; see Section 9.08(B)(4). ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-19 (5) Intersection design. Intersections shall be designed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and to slow traffic; see Figure 9-6 and Section 9.08(B)(5). (6) Street and sidewalk lighting. Pedestrian-scaled light fixtures (e.g., 12’ to 14’) shall be provided sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety traveling to and from public spaces. Overall illumination levels should be consistent with the lower-intensity development patterns and character of the SEQ, with lower, smoother levels of illumination (rather than hot-spots) and trespass minimized to the lowest level consistent with public safety. C. Residential Design (1) Building Orientation. Residential buildings must be oriented to the street. Primary entries for single family and multi-family buildings must face the street. Secondary building entries may open onto garages and/or parking areas. (Special design guidelines apply to arterial streets). (2) Building Façades. Building facades are encouraged to employ a theme and variation approach. Buildings should include common elements to appear unified, but façades should be varied from one building to the next to avoid monotony. Front porches, stoops, and balconies that create semi-private space and are oriented to the street are encouraged. (3) Front Building Setbacks. In pedestrian districts, a close relationship between the building and the street is critical to the ambiance of the street environment. (a) Buildings should be set back fifteen feet (15’) from the back of sidewalk. (b) Porches, stoops, and balconies may project up to eight feet (8’) into the front setbacks. Porch, stoop and balcony areas within the front setback shall not be enclosed or weatherized with glazing or other solid materials. (4) Placement of Garages and Parking. See Section 9.08(C)(4) and Figure 9-7. (5) Mix of Housing Styles. A mix of housing styles (i.e. ranch, cape cod, colonial, etc.), sizes, and affordability is encouraged within neighborhoods and developments. These should be mixed within blocks, along the street and within neighborhoods rather than compartmentalized into sections of near-identical units. Table 9-3: Street Design Criteria for Collector Streets, VR and VC Design Speed 25 mph Pavement width (parking one side) 28’ Pavement width (parallel parking both sides) 36’ at wetland crossings 20’ Minimum radius of curves 260’ Minimum tangent length between curves 50’ Minimum vertical sight distance 150’ Minimum horizontal sight distance 275’ ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-20 Figure 9-8: Pavement Dimensions, Collector Streets, SEQ-VR Table 9-4: Street Design Criteria for Local Streets, VR and VC Design Speed 25 mph Pavement width (parking one side) 26’ Pavement width (parallel parking both sides) 34’ With no parking 24’ at wetland crossings 18’ Minimum radius of curves 200’ Minimum tangent length between curves 50’ Minimum distance between centerline offsets 150’ Minimum vertical sight distance 150’ Minimum horizontal sight distance 275’ Figure 9-9: Pavement Dimensions, Local Streets, SEQ-VR ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-21 9.10 SEQ-VC Sub-District; Specific Regulations The SEQ-VC sub-district has additional dimensional and design requirements, as enumerated in this section. A. Street, block and lot pattern. (1) Development blocks. Development block lengths should range between 200 and 300 linear feet; see Figure 9-2 for example. Blocks 300 feet or longer must include mid-block public sidewalk or recreation path connections. (2) Interconnection of Streets (a) Average intersection spacing shall be 200 to 300 feet. (b) Dead end streets (e.g. cul de sacs) are discouraged. Dead end streets shall not exceed 200 feet in length. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-22 (c) Street stubs are required at dead end streets to allow for future street connections and/or bicycle and pedestrian connections to open space and future housing on adjoining parcels per Section 15.12(D)(4). (3) Street Connection to Adjoining Parcels. Street stubs are required to be built to the property line per Section 15.12(D)(4) of these Regulations to allow connection to adjacent parcels. Posting signs with a notice of intent to construct future streets is strongly encouraged. (4) Lot ratios. Lots for new residential structures shall incorporate a minimum lot width to lot depth ratio of 1:2, with a ratio of 1:2.5 to 1:5 recommended. B. Street, Sidewalk & Parking Standards (1) Street dimensions and cross sections. Neighborhood streets in the VC sub-district are intended to be low-speed streets for local use that discourage through movement and are safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Dimensions for public collector and local streets shall be as set forth in Section 9.09(B)(1) above, and Tables 9-3 and 9-4; cross-sections shall be as set forth in Figures 9-10 and 9-11 below. (2) Sidewalks (a) Sidewalks must be a minimum of five feet in width plus a minimum five-foot planting strip separating the sidewalk from the street. (b) Sidewalks are required on both sides of the street. (3) Street Trees; see Section 9.08(B)(3) (4) On-street Parking; see Section 9.08(B)(4) (5) Intersection Design. Intersections shall be designed to reduce pedestrian crossing distances and to slow traffic; see Section 9.08(B)(5) and Figure 9-6. (6) Lighting. Pedestrian scale light fixtures (e.g., 12’ to 14’) shall be provided sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety traveling to and from public spaces. Overall illumination levels should be consistent with the lower-intensity development patterns and character of the SEQ, with lower, smoother levels of illumination (rather than hot-spots) and trespass minimized to the lowest level consistent with public safety. Figure 9-10: Pavement Dimensions: Collector Streets, SEQ-VC ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-23 Figure 9-11: Pavement Dimensions: Local Streets, SEQ-VC ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-24 C. Residential Design (1) Building Orientation. Residential buildings must be oriented to the street. Primary entries for single family and multi-family buildings must face the street. Secondary building entries may open onto garages and/or parking areas. (Special design guidelines apply to arterial streets; see Section 9.11). (2) Building Façades. Building façades are encouraged to employ a theme and variation approach. Buildings should include common elements to appear unified, but façades should be varied from one building to the next to avoid monotony. Front porches, stoops, and balconies that create semi-private space and are oriented to the street are encouraged. (3) Front Building Setbacks. In pedestrian districts, a close relationship between the building and the street is critical to the ambiance of the street environment. Front building setbacks in the SEQ-VC district will vary depending on the building type and neighborhood design. Residential buildings should complement the setbacks of surrounding commercial buildings. (a) Setbacks to the building line as defined in these Regulations may range from zero feet (o’) to a maximum of fifteen feet (15’). (b) Where buildings are set back from the sidewalk, porches, stoops, balconies may project into the front setback area, and may overhang the sidewalk at the second and higher levels. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-25 (4) Placement of Residential Garages and Parking Areas. Parking for residential uses must be located in side or rear yards, or in an approved shared parking area within the VC sub- district. (5) Off-Site and Shared Parking. The distance limitations of Section 13.01(D) (2)(b) shall not apply in the VC sub-district; applicants may utilize off-site or on-site (as applicable) shared parking located anywhere within the VC district or within any area within 1,000 linear feet regardless of zoning sub-district. D. Design Standards for Non-Residential Land Uses in the SEQ-VC Sub-District (1) Building Orientation. Non-residential buildings must be oriented to the principal public street on which the building has a façade. Primary building entries must be oriented to and open onto a sidewalk or other public walkway providing access from the public street. Secondary building entries may open onto parking areas. (2) Building Façades (a) Building facades should be varied and articulated for pedestrian interest. (b) Street level windows and numerous shop entries are encouraged along the sidewalk. Blank or solid walls (without glazing) should not exceed thirty feet (30’) in length at the street level. (c) Building entries should be emphasized with special architectural treatment. (d) All buildings should have a well-defined ‘base’ with richer detail in the pedestrian’s immediate view (i.e., textured materials, recessed entries, awnings, fenestration patterns) and a recognizable ‘top’ consisting of elements such as cornice treatments, roof overhangs with brackets, textured materials, stepped parapets. (e) Buildings should have hipped or gabled roofs or flat roofs with an articulated parapet. Mansard style roofs are discouraged. (f) Buildings in the SEQ-VC should employ “four-sided” design principles intended to ensure a high visual quality from any publicly-used vantage point. (3) Building Setbacks. New buildings with commercial uses must be built to awithin a ‘build-to-zone line’ established no less than fifteen feet (15’) and no more than twenty feet (20’) from the edge of the curb. The area between the building and the curb shall provide for convenient pedestrian access via sidewalk or recreation path; see Section 9.10(C)(1) above. Parking is prohibited between the building and the sidewalk. (4) Parking (a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 13 of these Regulations, each non- residential use shall provide three (3) off-street parking spaces per 1,000 gross square feet. The DRB may grant a parking waiver in conformance with Section 13.1(N)(3).The Development Review Board may allow on-street parking within 500 linear feet of the nearest building line of the use to count towards the use’s parking requirements. Comment [CL18]: Revised for consistency with other uses of term. 11/18/2014 ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-26 (b) The provisions of Section 13.1 notwithstanding, the DRB may allow shared parking anywhere within the VC district, regardless of linear distance from the proposed use. 9.11 Supplemental Standards for Arterial and Collector Streets A. Setbacks. The minimum front setbacks from Dorset Street, Old Cross Road, Nowland Farm Road, Hinesburg Road, Swift Street, Swift Street Extension, and Old Cross Road Extension, shall be as set forth in Section 3.06(B) (1) and (2) of these Regulations. B. Building Orientation along Arterial and Collector Streets. (1) New developments with frontage on Dorset Street, Old Cross Road/Nowland Farm Road, or Swift Street, or which have the potential to include frontage along Swift Street Extension or Old Cross Road Extension, shall maintain a setback of twenty feet (20’) from the edge of the planned right-of-way. (2) New developments with frontage on Hinesburg Road shall maintain a setback of forty feet (40’) from the edge of the planned right-of-way. (3) This setback area shall be attractively landscaped, with suitable street trees, grassed swales or other means of infiltrating storm runoff, and fencing made of natural materials, in a manner that creates a defined edge to the development, without creating a visual “wall” or barrier. Acceptable alternatives for this treatment are shown in Figures 9-12 and 9- 13. (4) A public sidewalk or recreation path planned in coordination with the South Burlington Recreation Path Committee shall be incorporated into the setback area. (5) The use of earthen berms of more than four feet (4’) in height above the average pre- construction or finished grade of the setback area, shall not be permitted. Under no circumstances shall vegetation other than grasses and low-growing shrubs be planted along the slope or top of any berms or other land shaped areas. 9.12 SEQ-NRP; Supplemental Regulations A. Any lot that lies entirely within a SEQ-NRP sub-district is subject to the following supplemental regulations: (1) Such lot shall be conveyed to the City of South Burlington as dedicated open space or to a qualified land trust and shall not be developed with a residence, or (2) Such lot may be developed with a residence or residences pursuant to a conservation plan approved by the Development Review Board. See 9.12(B) below. (3) Such lot may be developed with uses other than residences, as listed in Table C-1, subject to the Development Review Board’s approval of a conservation plan that balances development or land utilization and conservation. Such lot may also include the following additional development/activities: ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-27 (a) Driveways, roads, underground utility services, or other appurtenant improvements to serve approved development or uses. Utility service components, such as transformers and amplifiers, may be installed at ground level where such accords with standard industry practices. (b) Landscaping, regrading, or other similar activities necessary to the creation of a buildable lot. B. A lot that was in existence on or before June 22, 1992 and which lies substantially or entirely within a SEQ-NRP sub-district may be improved with one or more single family detached dwelling units, subject to conditional use review and the following supplemental standards: (1) Where the lot is less than fifteen (15) acres in size, the Development Review Board may permit no more than one (1) single family dwelling unit only if: (a) The portion of the lot in any other (non-NRP) SEQ sub-district is insufficient to accommodate the construction and use of a single family dwelling unit in compliance with these Regulations, and; (b) The location of structures, yards, and access drives have no portion within a designated primary natural community or its related buffer. ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-28 Figure 9-12: Setbacks at Arterial Streets ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-29 Figure 9-13: Setbacks at Hinesburg Road ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-30 (2) Where the lot is fifteen (15) acres or more in contiguous area, the Development Review Board may allow a subdivision of no more than three (3) lots and construction of one (1) single family dwelling unit on each of these lots only if: (a) The DRB shall determine whether the portion of the lot in any non-NRP SEQ sub- district is sufficient to accommodate the construction and use of at least three (3) single family dwelling units on lots approvable in compliance with these Regulations. (i) Where the DRB finds that the portion of the lot in any non-NRP SEQ sub-district is sufficient to accommodate the construction and use of at least three (3) single family dwelling units on lots approvable in compliance with these Regulations, no subdivisions of land or construction of new dwelling units shall be permitted in the NRP subdistrict; (ii) Where the DRB finds that the portion of the lot in any non-NRP SEQ sub-district is sufficient to accommodate the construction and use of two (2) single family dwelling units on lots approvable in compliance with these Regulations, the subdivision of land and construction of up to one (1) new dwelling unit in the NRP subdistrict may be permitted by the DRB in compliance with these Regulations; (iii) Where the DRB finds that the portion of the lot in any non-NRP SEQ sub-district is sufficient to accommodate the construction and use of one (1) single family dwelling units on lots approvable in compliance with these Regulations, the subdivision of land and construction of up to two (2) new dwelling unit in the NRP subdistrict may be permitted by the DRB in compliance with these Regulations; (iv) Where the DRB finds that the portion of the lot in any non-NRP SEQ sub-district is insufficient to accommodate the construction and use of any single family dwelling units on lots approvable in compliance with these Regulations, the subdivision of land and construction of up to three (3) new dwelling unit in the NRP subdistrict may be permitted by the DRB in compliance with these Regulations; and, (b) such lots shall have a minimum size of 12,000 square feet per dwelling unit, and, (c) the location of structures, yards, and access drives have no portion within a designated primary natural community or its related buffer, and, (d) The location of structures and access drives are clustered such that no dwelling unit is located more than one hundred (100) feet from any other structure, and, (e) The dwelling units shall be detached single family dwellings, and, (f) Such subdivision plan shall be subject to the Development Review Board’s approval of a conservation plan in a form acceptable to the City Attorney that permanently encumbers the land against further land subdivision and development. C. A single tax parcel existing as of the effective date of these regulations which exceeds one hundred (100) acres and is located entirely within the NRP sub-district, as shown on the South Burlington Tax Maps last revised 6/05 (June 2005), whether such lands are contiguous or not, may be subdivided at an average overall density for the entire tax parcel of one (1) single-family dwelling per ten (10) acres. Any new lots so created shall have a minimum size of 12,000 square ARTICLE 9 SOUTHEAST QUADRANT South Burlington Land Development Regulations Effective September 24, 2013 DRAFT 6/19/2015 9-31 feet per dwelling unit. Such lots shall be clustered in a manner that maximizes the resource values of the property and shall have no portion within a designated primary natural community or its related buffer. All dwelling units shall be detached single family houses. Such subdivision plan shall be subject to the Development Review Board’s approval of a conservation plan in a form acceptable to the City Attorney that permanently encumbers the land against further land subdivision and development. 9.13 SEQ Review and Approval Process A. Single family residences and two-family residences on a single existing lot are specifically excluded from the review provisions of Section 9.13 of this article. All other development is subject to the provisions presented below. B. For all development other than that listed above in 9.13(A), the Development Review Board shall use the Planned Unit Development (PUD) review and approval process presented in Article 15, Subdivision and Planned Unit Development Review. C. Transfer of Development Rights and Non-Contiguous PUDs. (1) The Development Review Board may approve a PUD application that involves non- contiguous parcels, regardless of sub-district, if the following conditions are met: (a) The applicant shall demonstrate that development rights have been secured and encumbered from lands lying within the SEQ-NRP or SEQ-NRT sub-districts, or adjacent lands on the same tax parcel lying within any sub-district, or from lands acquired by the City or State for the purpose of providing public parks in any sub-district, and EITHER that the sending parcel is sufficiently encumbered against further land subdivision and development through a purchase or other agreement acceptable to the City Attorney to ensure conformance with these Regulations; OR (b) All encumbered parcels not subject to a permanent conservation easement or restriction of similar binding effect shall be reviewed as components of the PUD and shall be subject to the provisions of this article. (2) If the conditions of 9.13(C)(1) above are met, the Development Review Board may then approve the assignment (transfer) of all or a portion of the residential development density calculated for a non-contiguous encumbered parcel to another parcel to satisfy the provisions of Section 9.05 above. D. Master Plan Review. As per Section 15.07, Master Plan Review and Approval, the Development Review Board shall require a master plan for any application for 10 or more dwelling units. In such a case, the provisions of Section 15.07 shall apply in addition to the PUD provisions of Article 15, and the SEQ-specific provisions of this article. 98144.33 HEIGHT STANDARDSFIGURE 9-2ASECTION 9.08(C)(8) LEGEND PROPOSED LANDSCAPE BUFFER PROPOSED FENCE PROPERTY LINEDRAFT Table of Uses Comparison Current vs Draft Regulations in FBC area 6-23-2015 Planning Commission Meeting NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS CURRENT C1- R12 CURRENT CD DRAFT FBC PRE- EXISTING BLDGS DRAFT FBC NEW BUILDINGS T5, T4 KEY: Residential Uses Single-family dwelling Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Staff finds to be a minor change Two-family dwelling Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Multi-family dwelling Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Accessory residential units Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Staff recommends Commission See Article 13 See Article 13 See Article 13 See Article 13 review and consider Public & Quasi-Public Uses Italics: Use not in Table of Uses; Cemeteries Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Presently only in the Central Community center Prohibited Allowed Allowed Allowed District prohibitions list Congregate care, assisted living, or continuum of care facility Allowed Limited: CD 3 & 4 ONLY Allowed Allowed Cultural facility Prohibited Allowed Allowed Allowed Educational facility Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Educational support facilities Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Funeral homes, and mortuaries, and crematoriums Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Hospice Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Municipal facility Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Parks Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Personal instruction facility Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Place of worship Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Recreation paths Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Skilled nursing facility Allowed Limited: CD 3 & 4 ONLY Allowed Allowed Social services Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Commercial & Industrial Uses Adult use Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Agriculture & construction equipment sales, service & rental Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Airport Uses Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Animal shelter Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Artist production studio Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Auto & motorcycle sales Prohibited Prohibited (1)Allowed Auto & motorcycle service & repair Prohibited Prohibited (1)Allowed Auto rental, with private accessory car wash & fueling Prohibited Prohibited (1)Allowed Automobile, mobile home and boat sales, service and rental N/A (1)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Bed & breakfast Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Cannabis dispensary (dispensing only)Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Cannabis dispensary (cultivation only)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Car wash Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Child care facility, licensed non-residential Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Commercial greenhouse Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Commercial kennel, veterinary hospital and pet day care Allowed Prohibited N/A (2)Allowed Commercial kennel and pet day care N/A (2)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Commercial or public parking facility Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Contractor or building trade facility Prohibited Prohibited N/A (3)Allowed Contractor's Yards N/A (3)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Convenience store <3,000 SF within principal structure Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Convenience store, principal use Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Distribution and related storage, with >15% of GFA in office or other principal permitted use by same tenant Prohibited Prohibited N/A (4)Allowed Storage and warehousing and distribution facilities N/A (4)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Drive-through bank Allowed Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Drive-through establishments N/A (5)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Equipment service, repair & rental Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Family child care home, registered or licensed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Allowed Financial institution Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Flight instruction Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed General merchandise store Hotel Allowed Limited (CD 1 & 2 only) Allowed Allowed Hotel, extended stay Allowed Limited (CD 3 & 4 Only) Allowed Allowed Indoor theater Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Group home or Residential Care Home Table of Uses Comparison Current vs Draft Regulations in FBC area 6-23-2015 Planning Commission Meeting NON-RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS CURRENT C1- R12 CURRENT CD DRAFT FBC PRE- EXISTING BLDGS DRAFT FBC NEW BUILDINGS T5, T4 KEY: Indoor vehicle storage, maximum 10,000 square feet Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Junk yard Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Light manufacturing Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Lumber and contractor’s yard Prohibited Prohibited (3)Allowed Manufacturing & assembly from previously prepared materials & components Allowed Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Mobile home, RV and boat sales, repair & service Prohibited Prohibited (1)Allowed Motor freight terminal Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Office, general Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Office, medical Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Personal or business service, principal use Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Personal or business service, up to 3,000 SF GFA per any one principal structure Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Pet grooming Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Photocopy & printing shops, with accessory retail Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Printing & binding production facilities Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Private providers of public services, including vehicle storage and maintenance Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Processing and storage Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Radio & television studio Allowed Limited (CD 4 only) Allowed Allowed Recreation facility, indoor Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Recreation facility, outdoor Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Research facility or laboratory Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Restaurant, short order Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Restaurant, standard Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Retail sales and retail services up to 3,000 SF GFA within any one principal structure Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Retail sales and retail services, excluding general merchandise stores Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Retail food establishment <5,000 SF GFA Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Retail food establishment >5,000 SF GFA and supermarkets Allowed Limited (CD 1 & 2 only) Allowed Allowed Retail warehouse outlet Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Sale, rental & repair of aircraft & related parts Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Seasonal Mobile Food Unit Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Self-storage Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Service station with convenience store Prohibited Prohibited (6)Allowed Service Stations and gasoline Pumps including self-service gas stations (6)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Shopping center Allowed Prohibited Allowed Allowed Taverns, night clubs & private clubs Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Taxi Companies, storage and auto or truck repair garages (7)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Transportation services Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed Warehousing, processing, storage & distribution Prohibited Prohibited (4)Allowed Wholesale establishments Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Bottle redemption centers (8)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Outdoor storage in connection with any permitted use, except for dumsters which must be reviewed for adequate screening during the development approval process (9)Prohibited Prohibited Allowed ALL OTHER USES Prohibited Prohibited Allowed Allowed (1) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (2) Draft FBC removed Veterinary Hospitals from the list of prohibited uses in pre-existing FBC buildings (3) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (4) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (5) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (6) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (7) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (8) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District (9) This use is not in the table of uses; it's a separate table of prohibited activites in the Central District SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 1 The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 9 June 2015, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; T. Riehle, B. Benton, B. Gagnon, G. Calcagni, S. Quest ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning; C. LaRose, City Planner; T. Chittenden, R. Greco, S. Dopp, B. Paquette, T. Barnes, S. Dooley, J. Kochman, J. Simson 1. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 2. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda: Ms. Greco said she was disappointed with the decision to indicate a zoning change in South Village because residents were unanimously opposed to it. Ms. Louisos said the decision was made because it is an ongoing discussion, and this is the best way to let people know about that discussion. 3. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff reports: Mr. Gagnon: House removal is complete on Dumont and Henry Streets. The next phase of Contract 1 will be the houses north of Kirby Road. Contract 1 should wrap up on the July 4th weekend. Contract #3 will start on the 15th in the area of Elizabeth and Patrick streets and then move south. Contract #2 will begin with asbestos removal on 22 June. Demolition will begin after the 4th of July. It is hoped that all work will be completed by early fall. Mr. Conner: Noted the new landscaping at City Hall. 10 days ago, the South Burlington DRB was awarded the Vermont Citizen Board of the Year. Three generations of City Planners were present. Staff continues to work on policy for the TIF district (how to use money for eligible projects). SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 2 Energy work continues at City Hall with the installation of new LED lights. Last Thursday, was the unveiling of city branding information. At their last meeting, the City Council had a discussion to follow up on the neighborhood meeting for East Terrace/Spear Street. Staff is doing some follow up on this now. The Master Planning Task Force presented its findings to the Steering Committee on Wednesday. Their unanimous recommendation is to pursue consolidation of schools to 2 or 1 elementary school. The School Board will continue to look at what to do next. Ms. LaRose: The public meeting relating to the Chamberlin/Airport study attracted 80 residents. Some excellent questions were posed. Mr. Conner said that in addition to the big issues, there are some smaller concerns such as front porches and sidewalks that could be pursued pretty quickly. 4. Initial Zoning Amendment Request Review: Allow Personal Instruction of Similar in the SEQ‐Village Commercial District: Mr. Conner noted that the request is specifically in the Hinesburg Road area, in front of the Rye Meadows development area near the entrance to Meadowland Business Park. Mr. Conner then read the definition of “personal instruction.” He noted that in Village Commercial some uses have a size limitation, but office use does not have a maximum size. He suggested that members think about whether the 2 or 3 commercial areas in South Village are of the same type. Ms. Quest felt that since this was right on a main road, it was different from going into the residential area. Ms. Louisos explained the process to Mr. Barnes, who has made the request. Mr. Conner said it would probably be on the agenda in July along with the other South Village request. Members generally supported the idea and felt it was consistent with the concept of having some local services available to the neighborhoods. SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 3 5. Review Draft Comprehensive Plan: a. Review draft of 3 June 2015 b. Review draft goals, objectives, strategies c. C. Outline of outstanding items and items under review by Departments & Committees d. Discuss next steps and public outreach Ms. Quest said she likes the new format but was concerned with the vision statement. Ms. LaRose said the plan is to give members a chance to read through the document before making final decisions. She noted there are still some sections that aren’t complete and some figures to be updated (e.g. population). Mr. Conner noted the City Council needs to have an adopted Plan by 9 March 2016 which means the Commission has to get it to them in time for their review. Points of Discussion: 1. Northwest Quadrant: Mr. Gagnon asked if it is reasonable to assume that the work of the Chamberlin/Airport Committee can be incorporated. Mr. Conner said probably not. Mr. Gagnon asked if they might put in some broad goals. Mr. Conner said it would probably be good to ask the Committee for some very broad goals (e.g., strengthening of the neighborhood). 2. Southeast Quadrant: Ms. LaRose cited an apparent conflict between Objective #59 (to re‐evaluate density) and 2 strategies which indicate keeping the overall density of 1.2. SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 4 Ms. Louisos asked if there has to be a strategy to keep the 1.2 density. Mr. Conner said that and the keeping of TDRs in the SEQ were both part of the 2004‐6 thinking. He recommended that since this issue is not going to get solved in the near future, to keep the existing police to have a strategy to evaluate it. If the city is going to have a TDR program based on where land should be preserved and where development should occur, the State should be encouraged to line up with South Burlington’s policies. Ms. Quest asked whether the city would be “arguing with Act 250.” She noted that Act 250 looks at mitigation that may have to be on‐site, not off‐site or mitigation by paying into a fund. The city might advocate for off‐site mitigation because it has identified an area as a development area. Mr. Conner said it provides a directive for the city to advocate looking at the big picture. Members felt the writing should be more clear. Mr. Gagnon suggested eliminating Objective #59. Mr. Conner suggested they could keep Strategy #121 and still have a place where TDRs are accepted. #122 could be reworked to explore ideas for TDRs outside the SEQ. 3. Central District: Ms. LaRose directed attention to Strategy #90 related to a public green or square on Market St. She noted the Commission discussed possible locations but there was no decision as to where such a space would be on Market St. Ms. LaRose said staff recommends adjusting this to reflect the recent Commission discussion. Mr. Conner suggested language such as “a central active use area, half an acre to one acre in size, adjacent to the civic area.” Members were OK with using those criteria. 4. Energy Committee Recommendations: Ms. LaRose said it seems that “Consider energy impacts in every municipal decision made” is too broad a stroke. She suggested language recognizing that affordability is composed of more elements than housing sale price or lease value and could include energy and transportation costs. Ms. Louisos noted that there are other strategies that address energy more specifically. SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 5 Ms. Quest felt the Energy Commission language needs to be there because it is so vital and because the Georgetown prize will look at the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Calcagni felt the language was too broad a statement. She said it is better to hit it specifically in other places. She said the proposed language doesn’t say what you are going to do about it. Mr. Conner said there is an objective to reduce the city’s energy use by a specific number. Ms. LaRose suggested that the affordability issue be addressed as a new strategy. Mr. Gagnon suggested: “Affordability should consist of: (list the things). Ms. Dooley said the Affordable Housing Committee did not want more stringent requirement for affordable housing than for other housing. Mr. Simson expressed concern with the preamble in the housing section. He felt it needs to be updated to incorporate things from the Committee’s report. He felt the goals and objectives were well done but he would like the preamble redrafted. He said he and Ms. Dooley are willing to do that. Ms. LaRose noted this is on the “to do” list. She added that the inclusionary zoning piece needs to be added as well. Mr. Simson said the Housing Trust should also be added. Members agreed to let Mr. Simson and Ms. Dooley redraft the preamble to the Housing section. Ms. Kochman noted that the Recreation & Leisure Arts Committee has been going through the plan and suggesting changes. Ms. LaRose suggested they meet with staff to discuss this. Members then considered the recommended energy strategy to “minimize solid waste disposal through proactively managing the solid waste stream in an energy efficient manner.” Mr. Conner noted this is the responsibility of the Chittenden County Solid Waste District, and they are considering the issue. He questioned whether this should be in the Comprehensive Plan at all. Ms. Greco suggested language such as “Work with the County to….” Members then considered the recommended energy strategy to “develop standards to insure that all new housing is energy efficient and develop programs to promote and assist in weatherizing all existing housing.” SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 6 Mr. Chittenden suggested language such as: “Maintain a commitment to energy efficiency in new housing.” Members were OK with leaving the recommended language. Ms. LaRose then indicated a proposed added strategy #16 to “brand and actively market the city with the community vision and image expressed in this plan.” Mr. Gagnon said the Commission should be sure what the consultants come up with doesn’t conflict with the Comprehensive Plan vision statement. Mr. Conner asked that members get any suggested changes/concerns/etc. to staff by next Friday (June 19 or 20). Suggestions should be in 2 parts: typos, etc. and things for the Commission to discuss. Mr. Chittenden urged the Commission to “keep the goals memorable.” He suggested that goals be a general statement and objectives be “action oriented to achieve the goals.” Members liked that idea. Ms. Kochman expressed concern that there doesn’t appear to be a place in the Plan for indoor recreation, libraries, enrichment and lifelong learning. Mr. Conner distributed some comments and suggestions from Bernie Paquette for language regarding keeping the city free of litter. With regard to public outreach, Mr. Conner reviewed what was previously done. He suggested a one or 2 page synopsis in the Other Paper. 5. Report on Sustainable Agriculture Subcommittee Tasks: An excerpt from the staff review matrix, Sus Ag portion was distributed. Ms. Louisos noted that not all of the items on the list fall under the purview of the Planning Commission. She recommended that the Commission focus only on those what are within their purview. Mr. Gagnon suggested indicating the percentage of what has been done. Mr. Conner suggested a target time‐line for the completion of items. Ms. Louisos and Ms. Quest will work on this and report back in the near future. SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 9 JUNE 2015 7 Mr. Chittenden expressed concern with the Sus Ag Committee continuing to provide feedback with no vetting process and with no input from the rest of the community. Ms. Kochman said it would be nice to have a checklist similar to this one for Recreation. She said the Committee will try to do this. 6. Other Business: Mr. Conner noted applications are being accepted for seats on city committees including the Planning Commission. 7. Minutes of 26 May 2015: Mr. Gagnon moved to approve the Minutes of 26 May 2015 as written. Ms. Quest seconded. Motion passed unanimously. As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by common consent at 9:35 p.m. ______________________________ Clerk