The Planning Commission held a long meeting July 8, and a preceding workshop on fencing made the night even longer for commissioners. The agenda included in-depth discussions on metal buildings, sexually explicit businesses, and rezoning land currently zoned as agricultural.
The topic of metal buildings continued a discussion from previous meetings. Cassie Dishman, director of Planning and Community Development, said metal buildings are currently only accepted in C-2 and industrial zones. Even in those zones, current codes call for covering metal buildings with wood siding or some similar treatment.
Building Inspector Paul Sutherland agreed with the restrictions on ribbed or corrugated metal on the front of a metal building but explained that some metal siding would look appropriate. Several commissioners agreed with the possibility of easing the restrictions, and Dishman suggested clarifying acceptable materials and deciding which zones would be affected.
Sex sells
Commissioner Susan Harman initiated a discussion of sexually explicit businesses. She said she had not found anything about the subject in city code and asked what control the city would have over a business such as an adult bookstore. Harman said some cities require listing the purpose of a new business on city applications, and some cities also impose restrictions on such businesses, including minimum distance from residential areas.
Harman suggested including the planned use of a business on city applications. In cases such as a transfer of a Conditional-Use Permit, notifications sent to neighbors would include that information. Commissioners will deny a proposal if 20 percent of those neighbors object. Harman asked Dishman to check city code for relevant information, and discussion will continue at future meetings.
Agri zones
When the city was divided into zones, areas not otherwise designated were zoned as agricultural, even in areas unsuitable for agriculture. Those zones came under discussion after a question about allowing an RV park in those areas. Harman asked, “Are we open to expanding some zones into other uses so the city can grow?”
She also noted that the average age for city residents is 53, and people in that age group do not need houses large enough for families with children.
Commissioner David Buttecali linked this discussion to the considerations regarding metal buildings. If the commissioners may change the zoning, that may affect whether they allow metal buildings in those areas now.
Tree cuts
During discussion on an application to remove six trees at 28 Prospect Ave. for St. James Episcopal Church, Harman asked for more clarification on the requirements for replacing trees. Current codes call for planting replacement trees on a site or paying up to $500 per tree if a site cannot accommodate replacement trees.
Commissioner Scott Price asked if Planning has been imposing those fees, and Harman answered that city ordinances should be enforced. Buttecali suggested that those requirements should be explicitly listed on the application for a tree cut. All agreed on the need to review the requirements for replacement trees.
Concerning the application at St. James, Sutherland agreed that trees threatened a retaining wall, and the tree cuts were approved, with commissioner Tom Buford abstaining.
Buford also abstained from approvals granted for other tree cuts. At 105 Judah St., owner Phil Bullock can remove a tree with roots growing under a foundation. Gwen Bennett received approval to remove four trees on Fritz St., to provide access to a property she plans to sell. An application to cut 18 trees on Charles Circle was postponed because the owners did not attend the meeting.
In other business
- Buttecali said if the commission allows someone to cut trees for new construction, those trees should not be removed until necessary for construction.
- Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee has led a lengthy review of bed-and-breakfast operations and other tourist lodging. That review has brought most businesses into compliance with commission requirements. She said only weekly rentals remain for review.
- The agenda for the Aug. 12 meeting will include reviewing the tree-cut application and the application for a CUP. The discussion on metal buildings and agricultural zones will continue, and issues raised during the fencing workshop will be explored.