HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - Design Review Committee - 11/12/2014SOUTH BURLINGTON DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
12 NOVEMBER 2014
1
The South Burlington Design Review Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, 12
Novemberber 2014, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 575 Dorset St.
Members Present: Jean-Sebastien Chaulot, Adam Davis, Sheema Fahim, Nicolas Jaramillo, Marcel
Beaudin
Also Present: Cathyann LaRose, City Planner; Allie Beck, St. Michael’s College
The meeting was called to order at 7:05.
1. Agenda Review: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items
There were no changes to the agenda.
2. Comments and questions from the public not related to the agenda
No comments or questions from the public unrelated to the agenda.
3. Review and discuss Draft City Center Form Based Code
Ms. LaRose reminded the Committee that they agreed at the October 15th meeting to take
another look at chapter 8 of the proposed bylaw amendments, especially the City Center Form
Based Code District.
Members began with a discussion of the T3 standards. Mr. Beaudin wondered if the façade
standards, such as windows and shutters were too restrictive, but expressed that he thought it
was a good place to start, and let any fixes follow as necessary after implementation.
Members discussed the review process outlined in the code. Members expressed concern that
the code left little room for review based on good taste, something that is admittedly hard to
regulate. Ms. LaRose stated that the courts have been very clear that an applicant must have a
fair and predictable understanding of what can be permitted and what cannot, and it would be
difficult and perhaps even not legal to deny a project based on something not clarified in the
explicit text of the regulations. Members understood but wished to continue to find ways to
improve aesthetic elements.
Members discussed the idea of a pre-application meeting between the applicant and a design
body. Members agreed that they did not want to write the specifics of this, but generally
require a meeting between applicants of new construction and a group of design professionals
assigned by the City, either as the current DRC or a subset. Members agreed that the results of
this meeting would be informal and non-binding, but would hopefully open up a discussion
about good design aesthetic.
Mr. Beaudin moved that the Design Review Committee recommend that the Planning
Commission consider language that would require a pre-application meeting between the
applicant and a design body, with a non-binding outcome. Mr. Davis seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
Members next discussed their concern for the future of parking in City Center area. Members
asked if there were any limitations or parking maximums. Ms. LaRose said the only maximum
amount for parking would be for residential uses; otherwise, the land would be constricted
only by the remaining standards for open space, landscaping, and similar. Members discussed
and agreed that there was reason for concern. Mr. Choulot expressed his concern that the
parking plan was not in line with the rest of the goals of the City Center plan that is walkable
and pedestrian oriented. Members stated that urban buildings close to the street would not
make an area walkable if there were many large surface lots. Members did not wish to pursue
a straight parking maximum, but felt there could be another way to minimize surface parking
and encourage structured parking to meet reduced needs. Members also discussed their
concerns for the future of the TIF district if so much potential income for investment was tied
up in parking lots which did not lend to an increased tax base.
Mr. Choulot moved that the Planning Commission should consider a plan that would align the
future of parking with the spirit of the City Center goals, including pedestrian orientation and
efficient use of land. Mr. Davis seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
With no further business, the Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.
, Clerk