The Board of Zoning Adjustment needed 40 minutes last Tuesday to consider a request for multiple variances at 8-10 Angus St. Tom and Debbie Reay had initially asked the commission to approve several small houses. The commission rejected that plan in February, and the Reays returned with a proposal for a duplex. That change would require smaller variances than the original proposal.
The session began with public comments. A dozen letters were sent to neighbors, and five replies came back, with two in support. Those opposed cited a narrow street without a true turnaround at the end. The small lots can barely support a single-family residence. Sharon Roberts appeared in person and said the city should provide a cul-de-sac at the end of the street before any further development. She also noted that other houses in the neighborhood have parking next to the house, and the Reays’ plan will require parking in front.
Chair Susan Harman said she would consider the opposing letters in making her decision. In responding to objections based on the narrow street, commissioner Joe Hill noted that many streets in the city have similar problems. Commissioner Meghan Morris said the project would help address the shortage of long-term rental properties.
Commissioner Fergie Stewart agreed on the need for more housing, but asked, “At what cost?” He noted the number of objections from neighbors. Commissioner Ann Tandy-Sallee agreed. “We need rental properties, but the permanent residents come first,” she said.
The application failed by a 4-3 margin. Afterwards, Tom Reay asked if the commissioners would approve a single-family residence, but they said he would need to submit another application before they could consider it.
Planning ahead
The commissioners have been assembling a “wish list” for areas of concern for 2023. Harman noted that “we’re going into April already,” as she asked the other commissioners to pick priority items from a list previously assembled.
The commission’s website will see some changes, including educational resources and information about meetings. A list of Frequently Asked Questions would also help the public.
Several commissioners have asked for more workshops, and upcoming meetings already have workshops scheduled. A workshop on minimum maintenance preceded this meeting, and another workshop on that topic is scheduled before the April 11 meeting. That workshop will be used to make final adjustments before sending a recommendation to city council.
A workshop is planned on May 9 to discuss incentives for homeowners to keep their properties as long-term rentals. A proposed bill in the state legislature might remove restrictions on short-term rental properties. The commission discussed ways other communities have responded to similar situations. Morris shared examples of incentive programs some cities have offered for property owners who offer long-term rentals.
Workshops in the summer will target sidewalks and a new tree ordinance, which is near completion. Future topics might include water and sewer infrastructure, and parking remains a recurring issue for the commission. Several commissioners asked about the possibility of an informal public meeting to answer questions from the public.
In other business:
- During commissioner comments, Tom Buford mentioned city council’s discussion of a property at 1 Washington St. That property had burned, and the owners are restoring it. Buford said the owners suggested that city codes should not apply, since they were providing affordable housing. Buford wondered how much time elapsed after the fire before the property was inspected. He also asked if the owners began repairs before getting the necessary permits. Buford said the owners complained that Building Official/Code Enforcement Officer Jacob Coburn’s standards were too strict, and compared that to someone saying, “I’ve lived here all my life, and the other policeman never gave me a ticket.”
Stewart also expressed his disappointment that city council did not stand behind Coburn as a city employee.
- Kathy Harrison, of 107 Breezy Point Rd., said she bought her property and some surrounding land to ensure quiet, but she now finds herself surrounded with bed and breakfast establishments. She asked why the moratorium on new Conditional Use Permits in residential areas would not prevent more B&Bs. With the moratorium in place, she should not have to come before the commission to speak against her neighbors. A neighbor wants to have weddings and events, but the road past Harrison’s house is a one-line unpaved drive. “It needs to stop,” she said. “I can’t tolerate any more businesses in my neighborhood.”
- In February, Tandy-Sallee had asked what constitutes a “unit” in tourist lodging. Last week, all agreed to define each bedroom as a unit. That definition aligns with parking requirements, and the commission will recommend that city council formally adopt the definition.
- Commissioners have received copies of applications for tree cuts, Conditional Use Permits, and other commission procedures. They were asked to review the forms to suggest improvements.