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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Planning Commission - 03/13/2018 South Burlington Planning Commission 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 (802) 846-4106 www.sburl.com Meeting Tuesday, March 13, 2018 7:00 pm South Burlington Municipal Offices, 575 Dorset Street AGENDA: 1. Directions on emergency evacuation procedures from conference room (7:00 pm) 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:01 pm) a. Staff memo 3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:02 pm) 4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report (7:10 pm) 5. Initial review: requests to (1) change zoning of parcel at 1225 Dorset street from SEQ-Natural Resource Protection to SEQ-Neighborhood Residential (2) modify Official Map to indicate accurate location of golf course across a portion of the parcel; Rick Hamlin (7:20 pm) 6. First discussion of concepts for city-wide open space standards, Cathyann LaRose, City Planner (7:35 pm) 7. Update on Airport Noise Compatibility Plan, Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning (8:20 pm) 8. Meeting Minutes (8:45 pm) 9. Other business (8:50 pm) a. Petition of Vermont Electric Power Company Inc and Vermont Transco LLC requesting issuance of a certificate of public good from the VT Public Utilities Commission, 10 Central Ave in South Burlington and 74 University Road in Burlington b. Update on proposed telecommunications structure at 366 Dorset Street 10. Adjourn (8:55 pm) Respectfully submitted, Paul Conner, AICP Director of Planning & Zoning South Burlington Planning Commission Meeting Participation Guidelines 1. The Planning Commission Chair presents these guidelines for the public attending Planning Commission meetings to insure that everyone has a chance to speak and that meetings proceed smoothly. 2. Initial discussion on an agenda item will generally be conducted by the Commission. As this is our opportunity to engage with the subject, we would like to hear from all commissioners first. After the Commission has discussed an item, the Chair will ask for public comment. Please raise your hand to be recognized to speak and the Chair will try to call on each participant in sequence. 3. Once recognized by the Chair, please identify yourself to the Commission. 4. If the Commission suggests time limits, please respect them. Time limits will be used when they can aid in making sure everyone is heard and sufficient time is available for Commission to conduct business items. 5. Side conversations between audience members should be kept to an absolute minimum. The hallway outside the Community Room is available should people wish to chat more fully. 6. Please address the Chair. Please do not address other audience members or staff or presenters and please do not interrupt others when they are speaking. 7. Make every effort not to repeat the points made by others. 8. The Chair will make reasonable efforts to allow everyone who is interested in participating to speak once before speakers address the Commission for a second time. 9. The Planning Commission desires to be as open and informal as possible within the construct that the Planning Commission meeting is an opportunity for commissioners to discuss, debate and decide upon policy matters. Regular Planning Commission meetings are not “town meetings”. A warned public hearing is a fuller opportunity to explore an issue, provide input and sway public opinion on the matter. 10. Comments may be submitted before, during or after the meeting to the Planning and Zoning Department. All written comments will be circulation to the Planning Commission and kept as part of the City Planner's official records of meetings. Comments must include your first and last name and a contact (e-mail, phone, address) to be included in the record. 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 TO: South Burlington Planning Commission FROM: Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning SUBJECT: PC Staff Memo DATE: March 13, 2018 Planning Commission meeting 1. Directions on emergency evacuation procedures from conference room (7:00 pm) 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items (7:01 pm) a. Staff memo 3. Open to the public for items not related to the agenda (7:02 pm) 4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report (7:10 pm) 5. Initial review: requests to (1) change zoning of parcel at 1225 Dorset street from SEQ- Natural Resource Protection to SEQ-Neighborhood Residential (2) modify Official Map to indicate accurate location of golf course across a portion of the parcel; Rick Hamlin (7:20 pm) Please see the enclosed staff memo and request. 6. First discussion of concepts for city-wide open space standards, Cathyann LaRose, City Planner (7:35 pm) Please see the enclosed staff memo and related materials 7. Update on Airport Noise Compatibility Plan, Paul Conner, Director of Planning & Zoning (8:20 pm) Staff will provide the Commission with a full update on this Airport plan, including information from the meeting staff will be attending at the Airport immediately before the PC meeting. 8. Meeting Minutes (8:45 pm) Minutes from your last meeting are ready for your consideration 9. Other business (8:50 pm) a. Petition of Vermont Electric Power Company Inc and Vermont Transco LLC requesting issuance of a certificate of public good from the VT Public Utilities Commission, 10 Central Ave in South Burlington and 74 University Road in Burlington The Commission saw these two proposals at the “pre-application” stage and had no comments at that time. If anyone has questions, let us know. b. Update on proposed telecommunications structure at 366 Dorset Street Staff will provide an update on where things stand with the tower replacement on Dorset Street that you saw a few months ago. 575 Dorset Street South Burlington, VT 05403 tel 802.846.4106 fax 802.846.4101 www.sburl.com TO: South Burlington Planning Commission FROM: Cathyann LaRose, City Planner SUBJECT: Open Space Options DATE: March 13, 2018 Commission meeting At the Planning Commission’s request, Staff has begun to investigate options for clarifying and enhancing open space requirements within PUDs. Staff has also investigated whether and how a defined set of open space typologies can be used beyond PUDs. As you know, Chapter 8 and Appendix F of the Land Development Regulations started to transform the way the City viewed and implemented open space goals as standards were enacted for open spaces in the City Center Form Based Codes area. No longer were the standards bound to the simplicity of pervious vs impervious. Now, the City began to address quality of open spaces and assigning the appropriate types of open spaces to various types of land development. Assigning these same distinctions beyond the City Center Form Based Codes area is something the Planning Commission has identified as a priority. Through the PUD Phase II project process, we’ll be incorporating a variety of typologies into the PUD typologies. This includes open space typologies. In running a first draft of this, Staff has identified several additional opportunities for the Planning Commission to consider, which would be related and thus streamlined, creating only a minimal amount of additional staff or Commission work. These are highlighted on the attached page and include: • Changes to existing developed properties. This would fall in line with previously discussed amendments to the Shelburne Road/UDO corridor, and the January request by Bill Shearer. • Clarifications to the existing SEQ park requirements. Current regulations only state that there be a minimum of 7.5 acres of parkland per 1,000 populations. No further guidance or standards are given. • New Development. This could be city-wide or tied to specific zones or overlay districts, including the Urban Design Overlay district. All of these possibilities would require some additional thought by staff and the Commission. Staff would also work with advisory committees to dig deeper into the language, including Recreation and Parks, Natural Resources, and possibly the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. All of this work would also inform the work of the PUD Phase II project. Staff will discuss this at the meeting on the 13th and seeks feedback as to which avenues to proceed with. Attached you will also find the start of updates to Appendix F of the Land Development Regulations. This is a very initial draft of updates and there is more work to be done. Some fields are left blank as the PUD work develops, and there are possibly yet more open space types that could be identified. All of this would also be best done in consultation with advisory committees. Staff has also attached a review of the last set of PUD land use allocation standards, with an example to examine how open spaces would be incorporated. The existing Table 8-2 is included as Staff may likely advise consolidation of this information into the Appendix or Guidebook. An abbreviated draft version of the guidebook was shared at the February 13th Planning Commission meeting and illustrates how the Appendix could be incorporated to include illustrative examples and be easier to interpret by land owners and stakeholders. Open Space Guidebook FBC District PUD Types: • Based on developable area • Park and civic space and resource lands (see attached examples and spread- sheet) SEQ Park Requirement (currently 7.5 acres/1000 population) but without specific standards New Development City Wide Changes to existing Built areas • Per Shearer Auto Request • Could be modeled after City Center language for existing development Potential Uses of Open Space Appendix/Guidebook Example: 100 acre property 60% buildable (due to wetland or other constraints) = 60 acres buildable Open Space= 24 acres • Civic/Park Space (propose identifying these through Qualifying Open Space types, see attached): Minimum 12 acres if also planning re- source lands; max 24 acres Examples could include: Parks, Playgrounds, Greens, Gardens, and partial credit for Enhanced Wooded Areas and Enhanced Stormwater Treatment areas • Resource Lands: identified through Appendix F/Typology Guidebook and specific to each PUD type: No minimum. Examples include active agriculture and developable wooded areas. 20% Qualifying Example: 100 acre property 60% buildable (due to wetland or other constraints) = 60 acres buildable Open Space= 6 acres • Civic/Park Space (propose identifying these through Qualifying Open Space types, see attached): Minimum 3 acres if also planning re- source lands; max 6 acres Examples could include: Parks, Playgrounds, Greens, Gardens, and partial credit for Enhanced Wooded Areas and Enhanced Stormwater Treatment areas • Resource Lands: identified through Appendix F/Typology Guidebook and specific to each PUD type: No minimum. Examples include active agriculture and developable wooded areas. Qualifying Purpose: To create a fair and equitable transition from the prior requirements for a maximum lot coverage percentage to the new requirements for a minimum amount of Qualifying Open Space. Where any of the following apply, the applicant shall be required to obtain approval from the Development Review Board or Administrative Officer for the identification of approvable open space prior to any Land Development: (a) A proposed addition to a non-conforming building exceeds 5,000 square feet GFA; (b) Lot coverage is proposed to increase by at least 1,000 square feet or 1% of the lot area, whichever is greater; or (c) A portion of a lot developed with one or more building is proposed to be subdivided,. The identification shall be completed as follows: The applicant shall identify, on a plan, Qualifiable Open Space area(s) for the lot, or in the case of a subdivision, lots, totaling no less than the minimum required percentage of Qualifying open space listed in Table 8-1 (Open Space Requirements), based on the existing uses and buildings on the lot(s); At the time of identification and approval, the applicant shall not be required to enhance any Qualifiable open spaces to meet any of the additional requirements of Appendix F or to locate any such Qualifying open space on-site, except: Where more than 50% of the Qualifiable Open Space consists of impervious areas, the amount of such impervious open space that exceeds 50% shall be en- hanced to full compliance with Appendix F and such Qualifying Open Space shall be located on-site as depicted on the plan; Any new buildings or expansions of existing buildings shall be required to comply with all Open Space Requirements of Section 8.08 (Open Space Requirements); and, An application to expand an existing building on a lot for which Qualifiable Open Space has been identified and approved may meet its minimum Qualifying open space requirements in Table 8-1 by enhancing the minimum required amount of the identified Qualifiable Open Space to full compliance with Appendix F and lo- cating that Qualifying Open Space on-site as depicted on the plan. The identification of approvable open space shall be a one-time requirement. No further such approval shall be required unless the applicant requests a modification of areas identified and approved as Qualifiable Open Space. Possibilities to incorporate open space requirements in existing built areas. Language below is existing City Center language which could be modified. Transect Zone Allowable Open Space (see Appendix F for standards) T5 Pocket/Mini Park Plaza/Square Outdoor café/restaurant seating (not within the public right-of-way) Sun Terrace (as restricted in Appendix F) Courtyard Pedestrian Pass Indoor Park / Atrium T4 All Open Space listed as allowable in T5 and; Playgrounds Green (residential and campus style development only) Community gardens Rain Gardens (as restricted in Appendix F) Wooded area (as restricted in Appendix F) Enhanced or recreational Wetlands/Stormwater Treatment Area (as restricted in Appen- dix F) T3/T3+ Pocket/Mini Park Courtyard Green- residential with more than 7 units only Private yard space (respecting common space requirement indicated in Table 8-1) Playground Community gardens Wooded area (as restricted in Appendix F) Table 8-2. Qualifying Open Space Remove Table 8-2? Re- place information in Open Space Appendix/ Guidebook APPENDIX F Open Space Requirements F-1 Plaza/Square Green Pocket/Mini Park Neighborhood Park Playground Outdoor Café/ Restaurant Seating Sun Terrace Indoor Park/Atrium Courtyard Wooded Area Applicability as Qualifying Open Space (PUD Types or Zones) All FBC Districts; UDO district All districts except FBC T5 All districts All districts except FBC T5 All districts which permit restaurant (or similar dining) use All buildings having 3 or greater stories; residential buildings must have a minimum of 12 units. FBC T4 and FBC T5; Any non- residential or mixed use building in UDO. All FBC District; PUD (type TBD) Description & Service Intent Primarily hard-surface space. Primarily intended to serve public. Informal and centralized public, civic space or common/shared private space for residential use or campus-style development. Small open area. May be tucked adjacent to or between buidlings, or adjacent to roadway. on a separate lot or portion of a lot.. Intended to serve public or residents within 1/4 mile radius. Park intended to serve immediate neighborhood and those within 1/4- 1/2 mile radius. Shall have several different elements of play and leisure, which may include athletic fields or courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, pump tracks, skating facilities, and similar. Programmed space and/or structure that serves the recreational needs of children in the immediate vicinity. An open-air seating area provided by a restaurant located on the subject or adjoining property, where restaurant patrons can eat or drink Accessible and open area on upper story with seating and gathering amenities. Interior open space where at least one wall facing the street consists entirely of glass. Common Open Space area on a portion of a lot. Naturally occuring area with predominance of canopy trees with enhancement and public access. Size Minimum 5,000 sq.ft. Residential: 0.25-2 acres; Campus- style Development: 0.5-3 acres. 2,000-10,25,000 sq. ft.1-20 acres Play area shall be a minimum of 2400 square feet. Minimum 100 sq. ft.500-3,000 sq.ft; total area shall not count as more than 50% of the minimum required qualifying open space. Minimum area 1,500 sq.ft. Minimum ceiling height 20'. Area to be counted as qualifying open space shall not exceed twice the area of the glass wall projected onto the floor plane. 5,000-20,000 sq. ft.2,500 sq. ft. minimum; Shall include the land of the improvement (such as enhanced path, viewing platform, etc) and no more than 50 feet to either side; total area shall not count as more than 50% of the minimum required qualifying open space. Location & Access Outdoors and within Public Realm. High Visibility from public rights of way. Accessible from a public street at grade or 3' above or below street level connected to street with wide, shallow stairs. May include space for a farmer's market For residential: Centralized; Accessible to all tenants/residents via pedestrian walkway or direct frontage (cottage court development). For campus-style development: Centralized; Accessible from a public right-of- way via direct walkway; Access from several locations encouraged. Fronts on and is accessed from a street right-of-way. Pedestrian accessible. Must be open and accessible to the public. Accessible from Public Right-of- Way or adjacent to private sidewalk. Should be centrally located and visually accessible to the greatest extent practicable. Highly visible, directly adjacent to public right of way. See additional public realm standards below. Second floor or above. Encourage location in places which have spectacular views. Accessible directly from the sidewalk or public corridors. For T5 Non-Residential, must provide adequate signage about location and accessibility in hallways and elevators. Building interior adjacent to sidewalk or public open space. Direct access from street level. Provide several entrances to make the space availble and inviting to the general public. Physically defined by surrounding buildings on three sides (outer) or four sides (inner) Must be accessible, at minimum, by residents, tenants, or customers of site. Must be onsite. Offsite wooded areas shall not be considered qualifying open space even where the LDR permit open space to be located off-site. Seating*, Tables, Etc. Minimum one seating space for each 150 sq.ft. of plaza area. Minimum 3 seats. Provide formal and informally arranged seating, on sculptured lawn. Moveable chairs desirable. Three seats per quarter acre, rounded up. One seat for each 750 sq.ft. of park size. Must include amenities which differentiate the space from basic lawn area. Examples include benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, gazebos, playgrounds or public picnic tables. One seat for each 750 sq.ft. of park size. Must include amenities which differentiate the space from basic lawn area. Examples include benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, gazebos, playgrounds or public picnic tables. Shall have signage in accordance with City sign deisgn guidelines. Must provide benches or formal seating areas at one space for each 500 square feet, rounding up, as well as at least 200 square feet of level, grassed, informal seating. Seating material shall be of moderate to high quality in order for café space to be considered qualifying open space. One seating space for every 50 sq.ft. of terrace area. Provide one seat for every 100 sq.ft. of floor area, one table for every 400 sq.ft. of floor area. At least one half of seating to consist of movable chairs. One seating space for each 500 sq.ft. of courtyard area, with a minimum of 3 Light enhancement expected. Must include improvements, including cleared paths and benches. Landscaping, Design- Landscape is secondary to architectural elements. Use trees to strengthen spatial definition. Shall include attractive paving material or pattern to create unique space. Encouraged use of lush, dense plant material. Shall incorporate art, sculpture and/or water feature. Provide lush landscape setting with predominantly lawn surfaces and planting such as: trees, shrubs, ground cover, flowers. Canopy trees should provide substantial shade. Turf and landscape plantings. to Should promote shade over at least 25% over a portion of the area. Shall offer areas of open grassed field as well as some shaded seating areas. Appropriate ground material- rubber or woodchips. Plantings for articulation of space encouraged. Flat paved or concrete area for wheeled toys encouraged. Paved areas including space for basketball or other sport courts are encouraged and may be counted towards minimum required area of qualifying open space. Shade shall be provided in consultation with the Recreation Director. For optional separated seating areas, use planting boxes of interesting patterns of plants, open fences of less than 3 feet in height, or decorative and moveable bollards with decorative chain connectors. Terrace may take one of the following forms: complex architectural setting which may include art works; flower garden; space with trees and other planting. Planted roofs are permitted provided area is also a functional seating space. Provide attractive paving material to create interesting patterns. Use rich plant material. Incorporate sculpture and/or water feature. If paved, area shall be amended throughout with substantial planted areas or large planters of trees and lush greenery. If grassed, area should be articulated at perimeter with lush greenery. Majority of area must be covered with canopy trees. Light enhancement expected. Must include cleared paths, benches, and/or other amenities. Commerical Services, Food 20% of space may be used for restaurant/cafe seating, taking up no more than 20% of the sitting facilities provided. 20% of space may be used for restaurant seating taking up no more than 20% of the sitting facilities provided. Not permitted Not counted towards open space requirement. May serve as seating area for adjacent restaurant/food service, or be space provided for those bringing their own meals. Dependent on Transect, may possibly be used up to 100% for commercial food services. See Table 8-1. 30% of area may be used for restaurant seating taking up no more than 30% of the seating and tables provided. Not permitted Not permitted. Sunlight and Wind Sunlight to most of the occupied area from mid-morning to mid- afternoon. Sunlight to most of the occupied area from mid-morning to mid- afternoon. Shelter from wind. No requirements Sunlight to most of the occupied area from mid-morning to mid- afternoon. Sunlight encouraged to most of the occupied area at lunchtime. No requirements No requirements except as noted for street façade to be wall of glass. Encouraged to be south- facing. Sunlight to sitting areas for most of day. No requirements Other Shall include minimum components:3 low child-sized swings; 1 toddler sized swing; 2 slides; one or more play houses. Notes: Seating dimensions: *Required dimensions for one seating space or one seat are as follows: Height: 12" to 36"; ideally 17"; must allow user to bend knees and have feet below knees Depth: 14" one-sided; 30-36" double-sided Width: 30" of linear seating are counted as one seat Materials All products installed in qualifying open spaces shall be of high quality materials intended to be used for commercial application. South Burlington Land Development Regulations APPENDIX F Open Space Requirements F-2 Applicability as Qualifying Open Space (PUD Types or Zones)Description & Service Intent Size Location & Access Seating*, Tables, Etc. Landscaping, Design- Commerical Services, Food Sunlight and Wind Other Notes: Seating dimensions: Materials Community Garden Rain Garden Snippet/ Parklet Pedestrian Pass Streetfront Open Space Enhanced or Recreational Wetlands/Stormwater Treatment Area Private Yard Space Community Center Pool Facility/ Locker Room Swimming Pool, Athletic Courts & Fields Municipal Building FBC T4 and FBC T5 FBC T4 and FBC T5 FBC T-3 and T3+ as noted in Table 8- 1 PUDs PUDs PUDs PUDs Land set aside and maintained for production of food to be used primarily for participating gardeners. A shallow depression planted with native plants that captures rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas. Small sitting area intended to provide respite between or adjacent to buildings. Narrow pedestrian right of ways that cut through blocks in residential and/or commercial areas. Liner open space area to secondary streets, as permitted per the Regulations. An existing wetland buffer or new stormwater treatment area which offers public amenities that exceed those minimimally necessary for water resource management. Private yard space associated with residential units Indoor gathering space for residents/employees.U sed for recreational, socal, educational, health, cultural or similar activities. Structure associated with pools, tennis courts, or other recreational areas. Swimming pool, tennis, basketball, or similar athletic courts. Could include library or municipal meeting space Minimum 400 square feet. Encouraged to serve at least 20% of units in multifamily developments. Maximum size of 3,500 sf; shall not count as more than 50% of minimum required qualifying open space. 500-2,000 sq. ft 8' minimum width; 24' maximum width. 50' minimum depth from closest public street line; or if private, 50' minimum depth from edge of pavement or sidewalk as applicable. Shall include the land of the improvement (such as enhanced path, viewing platform, etc) and 50 feet to either side; total area shall not count as more than 50% of minimum required qualifying open space. May not be located in any class wetland or wetland buffer. Shall have proper drainage. The garden should be positioned near a runoff source like a downspout, driveway or sump pump to capture rainwater runoff and stop the water from reaching the sewer system. Must be directly adjacent to public right of way and sidewalk or building entry. Designers are encouraged to consider safety in design. No vehicular traffic. Must connect two public streets. Storefronts and restaurants are highly encouraged to access the pedestrian pass. Must be immediately adjacent to qualifying secondary street. See Chapter 8 for additional regulations. Must be on each side of roadway, unless a complying building is located on the opposite side. Must be visible to public or tenants and users of building. Direct pedestrian access from adjacent public street type. Directly adjacent to and accessible to at least one entry of dwelling unit it is associated with. None required. The space must serve as a visual amenity which can be enjoyed through paths or seating. Adjacent seating intended to enhance the garden is are required and can be counted as part of the required open space. Seating shall be the main focus of the space; it shall be present year-round and of medium to high quality materials. Fixed seating is encouraged. One seating space for each 150 sq.ft. Seating is encouraged, but there shall be no minimum requirement. If functional for sitting and viewing, seating can be ledges, benches,and/or stairs. No requirements. Seating shall be provided consistent with use type. Indoor centers should provide lounge or table seating. Seating shall be provided consistent with use type. Athletic facilities are encouraged to provide benches and related picnic facilities. Seating shall be provided consistent with use type. Athletic facilities are encouraged to provide benches and related picnic facilities. Must have adequate planting soils, tested for pH balance, drainage, nutrients, etc. Where they are inadequate, soils shall be amended for more suitable farming. Shall have water service directly to gardens. Deep rooted native plants and grasses. Landscaping shall also be a primary component of the space. Because the space is inherently small, it shall be landscaped in a higher proportion than larger spaces. Landscaping should not interfere with seating, but should instead compliment it.Spaces should appear warm and inviting. If paved, area shall provide trees at no more than 30 foot intervals. If grassed, area shall be accented with intermittent trees or public art. Slight, gentle, and undulating berms from 1-3 feet in height are encouraged to block views of parking areas. Ever-green landscaping is required. Include canopy trees whose branches are above the average visual line of sight, located throughout the space, with no more than 40 feet between any two such trees or between a tree and the street or parking area. Landscaping should aim to distract from parking beyond, but should not create dense walls of shrubbery or trees. Artwork is also highly encouraged. LID techniques; no fencing permitted. No requirements.Land scaping, lawns or planned seating/dining areas (patios and decks) are encouraged. Not permitted. Not permitted.40% of area may be used for restaurant seating taking up no more than 30% of the seating and tables provided. Not permitted.Not permitted. Not permitted. Not permitted. Not permitted. Not permitted. Full sunlight. Appropriate to the plant species selection. Sunlight to most of the occupied area at lunchtime. Shelter from wind. No requirements. Appropriate to the plant species selection. Exterior to building. Access to sunshine encouraged. See LID language for additional standards. Separate travelled way from parking areas; shall create pedestrian environment. Must be located on applicant- owned property. No requirements.Landscaping, lawns or planned seating/dining areas (patios and decks) are encouraged. Civic Use Types with Corresponding Spaces (Meets Civic Use Requirment in certain PUD types) Minimum and maximum total footage requirements based on PUD type. May consist of mix of civic types. Shall be open to use by residents or employees. May be restricted to residents/employees or open to the public. Should be located within the PUD so as to be generally equally accessible to all users. South Burlington Land Development Regulations SOUTH BURLINGTON PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES 27 FEBRUARY 2018 1 The South Burlington Planning Commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday, 27 February 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the Conference Room, City Hall, 575 Dorset Street. MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Louisos, Chair; B. Gagnon (via phone), T. Riehle, M. Mittag ALSO PRESENT: P. Conner, Director of Planning and Zoning; P. O’Brien, R. Jeffers, N. Andrews, C. Shaw, R. Butler, J. Swope, other community members. 1. Directions on emergency evacuation procedures from conference room: Ms. Louisos provided directions on emergency evacuation procedures. 2. Agenda: Additions, deletions or changes in order of agenda items: No changes were made to the Agenda. 3. Open to the public for items not related to the Agenda: Mr. Shaw noted a discussion at the last City Council meeting regarding the Wheeler property and what can and can’t be done on lands reserved as agricultural mitigation. He cited the need for active recreation potential in the Southeast Quadrant and wondered how hard it would be to put an easement on that whole property. Mr. Shaw also questioned whether all real estate discussion should happen in executive session as he did not feel those discussions, if held in open session, would always be detrimental to the city’s interests. 4. Planning Commissioner announcements and staff report: There were no announcements. Mr. Conner: Noted the appointment of attorney Brian Sullivan to the vacant seat of the Development Review Board. An application to the Downtown Review Board for expansion of City Center Neighborhood Development Designation got unanimous approval at a meeting Mr. Conner attended yesterday. Under that designation, developer’s water allowance fees are capped, and they do not have to go to Act 250. 20% of the housing must meet 80% of affordability. Mr. Conner said the developer is on board with this. 5. Discussion of Request to Allow Small Commercial Component to Certain Residential Areas: 2 Ms. Louisos reviewed the history of the request. Ms. Jeffers noted that in 2015, they were looking at a small commercial development which the residents of South Village opposed. There was then a process with residents at which it was agreed that the best place for any commercial use was the corner of Allen Road and Spear Street. There is already a curb cut there, and it does not involve circulation through the residential areas. A plan was presented to residents who were excited about it. The proposal is for 9000 sq. ft. of mixed use including a café, market and meeting space. Following discussions with the head of the recreation department, the potential for rest rooms to serve the soccer field was also included (would add some square footage). Ms. Jeffers then showed the proposed plan and indicated the circulation pattern and parking area. There would be two 3,000 sq. ft. buildings build into the hill. There would be a deck and patio area and basement space for storage and mechanical. Mr. O’Brien noted that the plan does not require an association vote; however, the Planning Commission had wanted to see resident support. Mr. Conner noted that this use is currently not allowed in that district and will require a zoning change. The actual development plans would be a DRB discussion and decision. Mr. Conner also noted receipt of letters of support from two residents. Mr. Andrews said he served on the committee and supports this idea. He said there is a lot of community support as well. What they don’t want is to have a whole of their community zoned for commercial use; just this parcel is OK. He added that if the rest rooms are part of the project they should be the city’s responsibility to maintain. Mr. Conner said the soccer field was part of the original South Village plan and is close to becoming a reality. The rest rooms would be an amenity. Ms. Louisos read the other letter from a resident who is excited about the concept and also said it was well received by the community and will help bring their community closer together. Mr. Butler, Jr. Owns and Mr. Swope all spoke in support of the plan. Ms. Louisos said the Commission’s next step is to take suggestions and see how to put this into the zoning code. The Commission would also consider whether there are other areas of the city where such a use could be appropriate. Mr. Conner said the important test for “spot zoning” is whether the context of the decision has been properly looked at. It could be looked at geographically or not. He also noted that some of the PUD concepts would include the possibility of a small commercial area. The Commission could discuss certain locations, sizes, etc. 3 Mr. Mittag said that where this use is proposed make it more viable. Ms. Louisos explained the Planning Commission process and noted that the process the developer went through with the residents makes the Commission’s job easier. Members favored moving the request forward and asked staff to come back with some approaches to do this. Mr. Gagnon said he would be interested to see how this could be incorporated into a PUD approach. 6. Update and Report on activities/work of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC): Mr. Shaw, the City’s representative to CCRPC, explained the process for the approval of the Regional Plan. He noted there was a first public hearing last week and will be second on 16 May. Adoption of the plan is set for the meeting of 20 June. Mr. Shaw noted that this year’s plan also includes the Community & Economic Development Plan, the Transportation Plan and the Energy Plan. The plan outlines the “top ten” actions for the coming 5 years, as follows: a. Support multi-modal development b. Invest in transportation systems c. Support housing development d. Assist municipalities with enhanced energy planning e. Implement the Lake Champlain TMDL program to help clean up the Lake f. Emergency management (regional dispatch) g. Support population health h. Monitor advancement of autonomous vehicles i. Coordinate with municipalities on ECOS Annual Report j. Support workforce development Other updates to the plan include forest integrity, a health intro to Strategy #5 (dealing mainly with the opioid issues), and reorganization of the plan. Mr. Shaw then showed graphics relating energy use, indicating that 2/3 of homes are in need of more energy efficiency. He noted that the state has mandated that by 2050, 90% of the state’s energy use must be from renewable sourced. Mr. Gagnon asked if there has been consideration of the need for more energy due to growth. Mr. Shaw said there really isn’t a lot of annual growth. He also noted their projections cover a 32-year period. Mr. Conner said meeting the target also involves reduction in energy use, so that there can be growth and still have reduced energy use. Mr. Shaw noted that currently there are 106,936 gas-powered cars in the county and only 601 which are purely electric. This has to change by 2050, which may be difficult due to the low cost of natural gas. 4 Regarding economic development, the plan notes that people with a STEM-type degree earn an average of $72,000; those who do not have a STEM-type degree earn an average of $49,000 a year. There are also too many people living outside Chittenden County who commute to work in the County. This virtually doubles the County’s population every day. Families are leaving the County for housing, leaving those just out of college and seniors who are happy to live here. Some of the comments from the public hearing included: a. Smart growth as an economic strategy b. Freight rail c. Better broadband d. Making the permitting process less burdensome Mr. Shaw then summarized the Metropolitan Transit Plan (MTP) which includes a financial plan. He noted that 70% of funding preserves what exists now. He also noted future scoping studies to be done for a third lane before Exits 14 and 15 and interchange improvements (Exit 12B and Exit 14). Public comment on the MTP included: a. More transit, including commuter rail b. Consider autonomous vehicles c. Action goals should correspond with the Paris agreement d. No new roads (including reconsideration of the Champlain Parkway and Interstate expansion) e. More roundabouts and fewer signalized intersections f. More and better bike facilities g. Adopt Vision Zero Mr. Mittag noted that it is easier to make buses electronic because they make shorter trips. Mr. Shaw said the CCRPC would be interested in hearing what the Planning Commission is working on, specifically the Swift St. extension issue and the von Turkevich proposal. Mr. Conner noted there has been no submittal yet regarding the latter. Ms. Louisos cited the help the city receives from CCRPC on local projects. She noted the Commission is working on an overhaul of the PUD system with a unique approach. This would eliminate a lot of waivers which have been an issue. Mr. Shaw encouraged the Commission to come up with a new name for “city center,” something that incorporates the word “South.” 7. Continue discussion of Possibility Amendments to the City Center Form Based Code: a. Applicability of Interstate Highway Overlay District: 5 Mr. Conner showed an overhead of the dimensions of the district and indicated the property Mr. Larkin is proposing to develop. He said that if the Commission chooses to remove the Overlay limitation, they could do it across the whole district of just include the ramps. He added that he would lean toward the smaller possibility. Members agreed and asked staff to prepare language removing the overlay limitation, within the FBC district, for the Interstate ramps. b. Maximum Heights of Buildings in the T4 District: Mr. Conner presented several alternatives as follows: 1. 5 stories across the T4 2. 5 stories as long as there is separation from existing neighborhoods 3. 5 stories with a “step back” for upper stories (as in the T5) 4. With separation between taller buildings 5. A potential “trade” if…. There could also be a combination of these alternatives. Mr. Gagnon favored a combination of #2 and #3. Mr. Mittag felt taller buildings shouldn’t be contiguous, possibly a frontage limit and varied setbacks. Ms. Louisos liked all three suggestions and did not want to discourage 5 stories. Members asked staff to come back with specific language that incorporated alternatives 2 and 3. 8. Discuss Potential Street Types in zoning districts and for PUDs: Mr. Conner showed a chart of street types. He noted some of the designations are not clear, and there is a question as to whether there should be sidewalks on one or both sides of a street. Ms. Louisos asked if an “alley” could be publicly owned. Mr. Conner said there is no reason it can’t. 9. Debrief from Committee Leadership Meeting: Ms. Louisos reviewed the nature of the quarterly meetings. This meeting included an overview of the new city website. The Commission needs to review the Planning Commission page and come up with some “stories of success.” The City will be benchmarking regarding how things are being done to address the goals of the Comprehensive Plan. 6 The group also discussed preparing materials on “what it is like to be on a committee,” including orientation materials and the time spent in addition to meeting time. They also discussed sharing committee work plans to facilitate cooperation among committees. 10. Minutes of 13 February 2018: Mr. Riehle moved to approve the Minutes of 13 February 2018 as written. Mr. Mittag seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 11. Other Business: a. Shelburne Planning Commission public hearing on Zoning Bylaw Amendments, 8 March, 7 p.m: Mr. Conner said staff saw no issues. b. Upcoming Meetings; chairing March 11th meeting: It was noted that both the Chair and Vice Chair will not be able to attend the 11 March meeting. Members agreed to have the Commission Clerk chair that meeting. 12. Possible Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the negotiation or securing of real estate for purchase or lease by the City of South Burlington: Mr. Riehle moved and that Staff be invited to the session and no actions will be taken following the executive session. Mr. Mittag seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The Commission entered executive session at 9:25 p.m. As there was no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned by common consent at 9:45 p.m. ____________________________, Clerk