A request to cut 100 trees for a single-family residence seemed excessive until members of the Planning Commission meeting as the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BOZA) looked at the entire project before the July 14 meeting.
James and Margie Bullock own a large parcel of property on E. Mountain Drive. Commissioner Mike Welch had visited the site and admitted that he was initially “shocked” by the request to remove 100 trees. After the site visit, he reported that the property was heavily wooded.
About half of the trees flagged for removal would make way for a driveway almost 1,400 feet long, and the remaining tree cuts would accommodate a large house with garage. Welch said the 40-acre property has so many trees that he did not see any need to require planting replacement trees. The other commissioners agreed.
The BOZA agenda also included a request for a side-setback zoning variance at 38 Mountain St., to allow construction of a garage for Gary Stokes. More than 20 letters had been sent to neighbors, with no negative response. Welch was assured the project would not interfere with any of the neighbors’ views, and the request was approved with little discussion.
Commissioners also approved a variance for Zachary Weber, at 3091 E. Van Buren. Weber asked to build a bathhouse for an RV park. An existing foundation has a corner within five feet of the adjacent property. The footing for the foundation lies below the frost line. No negative responses were received after letters were sent to neighbors. The property abuts a parking lot and the variance was granted, although Building Inspector Paul Sutherland included a provision requiring an engineer review to determine if the foundation is sound.
In other business:
- Director of Planning and Community Development Cassie Dishman read a letter objecting to a proposed treatment facility. The letter mentioned a variety of possible threats to the community.
- A large oak at 7 E. Mountain Dr. will be removed after arborist Mike Larrew explained that the tree has serious fungus problems at its base. He said the tree would not recover and expressed concerns about a safety hazard.
- Larrew also represented an application to remove four trees at 61 Peerless St. He said three of the trees in question were growing beneath power lines, and a fourth tree is growing within 10 feet of the house. That tree has grown out over the roof of the house and would need continual trimming. Welch said he had visited the site, and he and the other commissioners supported the application.
- Prior to the regular meeting, commissioners held another workshop on sidewalk issues. Chair Fergie Stewart said, “We made some headway,” as commissioners looked over revisions to existing city ordinances. Dishman said one more workshop might complete the work of the commission to create a new ordinance for referral to the city council.
- Commissioners also held a half-hour workshop on revising the city’s vision plan. Stewart mentioned other key players who should provide input, including the Chamber of Commerce and the mayor’s Economic Development Commission. The commission may need to conduct several more workshops before producing final recommendations.
- A contractor was approved to revise the city’s maps, with an emphasis on including a variety of overlay information. The new map should include water and sewer lines, zoning, and a comprehensive listing of city-owned property. Dishman said the $16,000 contract would include training for her and Public Works Director Simon Wiley to keep the map updated.
- Commissioners have discussed the pros and cons of outdoor sales. They looked at possible changes to existing city regulations, although Dishman noted that the current discussion focused on merchandise left outside overnight. That discussion will continue at the Aug. 11 commission meeting. A further discussion on nuisance properties will also move to that agenda. Other agenda items for that meeting will include updating a mobile home ordinance and a discussion on zoning for treatment centers.
- The Planning Commission currently has two vacancies.