HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2017 Planning Commission MinutesSeptember 5, 2017
Planning Commission Minutes
The Planning Commission met Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 5:00 PM at the City
Municipal Complex, 161 N. Section Street in the Council Chambers.
Present: Lee Turner, Chairperson; Art Dyas; Charles Johnson; Richard Peterson; Ralph
Thayer; Hollie MacKellar; Wayne Dyess, Planning Director; Nancy Milford, Planner;
Buford King, Planner; Emily Boyett, Secretary; and Ken Watson, City Attorney
Absent: Jay Robinson and Rebecca Bryant
Chairman Turner called the meeting to order at 5 :05 PM and announced the meeting is
being recorded. Mr. Turner announced the proposed rezoning on Manley Road for
Pinewood Subdivision is not on tonight's agenda and Item H. SD 17.20 has been
withdrawn by the applicant. He also stated Item L. SD 17 .24 will be heard first.
The minutes of the August 7, 2017 meeting were considered and Ralph Thayer moved to
accept the minutes as written and was 2nd by Charles Johnson. The motion carried
unanimously.
SD 17.24 Public hearing to consider the request of Dewberry/Preble-Rish, LLC for
Multiple Occupancy Project approval of the Retreat at Fairhope Village, a 240-unit
project, John Avent. The project is located at the east end of Fly Creek Avenue, behind
Publix in The Shoppes at Fairhope Village. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report saying the
property was zoned PUD in 2006 and the plan was amended in 2016. He explained the
staff review is limited to the technical review of the Multiple Occupancy Project
requirements and to verify consistency with the Subdivision Regulations and PUD
ordinance. Mr. King gave an overview of the site history and stated Larry Smith of S.E.
Civil Engineering, LLC, the third-party engineer, is present for any questions. Staff
recommendation is to approve the Multiple Occupancy Project. Mr. Smith explained the
drainage system consists of 8 outfall structures constructed of gabion stone and located in
various locations along the southern and southwestern areas of the subject property. He
stated the structures are interconnected to allow discharge along the entire buffer. Mr.
Smith confirmed the drainage calculations and design meet the requirements of the PUD
ordinance and the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Dyas asked what will keep the filter
fabric from deteriorating in the system and Mr. Smith responded the design is not just
filter fabric but rock in wire baskets with sumps in each structure and snorkels for
floating debris. Dr. Thayer noted gabion walls can silt up and slump like at the Green's
property. Mr. Dyas said Fly Creek suffered tremendously with the Publix project and he
asked how much water will this system be able to handle. Mr. Smith answered the design
meets the latest standards and requirements and can handle 14" in 24 hours. Mrs.
MacKellar said there are only 2 drainage structures shown and not along the entire length
of the wetlands. She said there is no protection for the wetlands and it still seems like
point discharge. Mr. Smith explained each structure has a 40' swath to distribute along
and the design meets the PUD ordinance specifications. Mrs. MacKellar asked why there
isn't a 100' buffer and Mr. Smith responded the buffer is 30' and 50' as per the
ordinance. Mr. Dyess stated the project has been reviewed against the current PUD and
he noted drainage structures are allowed in buffers. John Avent of Dewberry/Preble-
Rish, LLC addressed the commission saying the design is very detailed to mimic sheet
flow with the gabion wall.
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Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, Mr. Turner
closed the public hearing.
Andy Bobe of Dewberry/Preble-Rish, LLC addressed the commission. He stated the
outfall structures have 320' plus another pipe connecting them, so it is technically the
entire length of the wetlands. Dr. Thayer and Mr. Dyas questioned the maintenance and
inspection requirements for the design. Mr. Bobe explained the design is set up to self-
clean but it will still be inspected. He stated the Maintenance and Operations Plan details
the process. Mr. Dyas asked if Mr. Bobe will be involved with the site work and Mr.
Bobe responded yes. Mr. Dyas asked if the area will be cleared and leveled and Mr.
Bobe stated the Wilderness Area will be left green but the retaining wall will have to be
installed. Mr. Peterson stated this is a unique site and it must be protected. He
questioned the velocity calculations to verify the runoff will not create erosion or
sediment discharge. Mr. Bobe stated the site will release 94 CFS and it is broken down
so it is a fraction of a CFS per linear foot along the 320' of pipe. Mr. Peterson said
typically the sediment and runoff is worse during construction and he asked if there is
planned phased construction and BMP plans and Mr. Bobe responded yes. Mrs.
MacKellar questioned why we don't have the velocity numbers and Mr. Bobe explained
it is in the drainage calculations and report, he just doesn't have it in front of him. Mr.
Peterson stated he thought this project was going to be built in phases and Mr. Avent
stated it will be phased and these 4 buildings will be the first phase. Stuart Speed of Leaf
River Group addressed the Commission saying they are planning to build one building at
a time. He explained they plan to work with the site and topography and not to level the
site. He said the buildings are split level and are not visible from the road. Mr. Speed
stated they are looking at putting the wetlands in a conservation easement or donating
them to Weeks Bay. He also noted they will not be bringing in any red clay or soils onto
the site. Mr. Dyas asked if the entire site will be cleared at one time and Mr. Speed
responded they are going to try to do a little at a time. Mr. Dyas said there are several
new members on the Commission and he is just trying to understand the site history. Mr.
Speed stated they have worked hard on this application and it is their mission to protect
the wetlands. He said the engineers have verified the application meets the requirements.
Mr. Turner said the buildings follow the contour of the site and he is glad to see the
setback was changed to a buffer. He stated the decision tonight is down to whether it
meets our requirements or not.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve the Multiple
Occupancy Project. Art Dyas 2nd the motion and the motion carried with the following
vote: A YE -Art Dyas, Ralph Thayer, Lee Turner, and Richard Peterson. NAY -Charles
Johnson and Hollie MacKellar.
The Commission took a 5 minute recess.
ZC 17.10 Public hearing to consider the request of HMR, LLC to establish initial
zoning of R-2 Medium Density Single Family Residential District conditional upon
annexation into the City of Fairhope, Tim Lawley. The property is located on the east
side of County Road 13 and is the eastern 324' of the property located at 19870 County
Road 13, known as Parcel B. Mr. King gave the staff report saying the site is
approximately 1.04 acres and is surrounded on 3 sides by R-2 zoned property. Staff
recommendation is to approve with the following conditions:
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1. Annexation of subject property into the City of Fairhope as adopted by the City
Council.
2. Administrative approval of a common lot line movement of Parcel B and C to
unify the two parcels into one parcel under Tax Parcel number 05-46-05-22-0-
000-001.565.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, Mr. Turner
closed the public hearing.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve with the
following conditions:
1. Annexation of subject property into the City of Fairhope as adopted by the City
Council.
2. Administrative approval of a common lot line movement of Parcel B and C to
unify the two parcels into one parcel under Tax Parcel number 05-46-05-22-0-
000-001.565.
Art Dyas 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ZC 17.11 Public hearing to consider the request of the City of Fairhope Planning
and Zoning Department for a proposed amendment to Article V., Section B. Central
Business District Overlay of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report
saying the proposed amendment includes changes to the location and size, building
height, and parking requirements for the Central Business District (CBD). He explained
staff used a "pedestrian shed" and the existing uses to logically set the boundaries for the
CBD. A "pedestrian shed," is the distance that can be covered in five minutes at a normal
walking pace of an average person. This 5-minute walk equates to approximately 0.25
miles or 1,320 linear feet measured from the town center or neighborhood center. The
proposed CBD changes indicates that each parcel in the proposed CBD will intersects
with the pedestrian shed. Therefore, staff feels that the slight alteration in size of the
CBD east of School Street to Mershon Street for parcels fronting Fairhope Avenue,
taking in four parcels at the comer of School Street and Equality Street, and four parcels
at the comer of Fels Avenue and Section Street are in keeping with intent of the CBD and
functional urban design of the CBD.
Mr. Dyess stated the current ordinance allows for a maximum height for non-residential
structures ( commercial) of 35'. The building height and the method of defining building
height limits the architectural style of buildings within the CBD which inhibits mixed use
potential re-investment. Staff proposes the building height shall not exceed 40' or 3
stories for all buildings in the CBD.
Dwelling units in the CBD must provide the required parking (1 space for mixed use
dwelling) on site. Most developed sites in the CBD do not have space or configuration to
provide parking on site for residential use, thereby inhibiting mixed use downtown.
Parking for non-residential is not required. However, the current CBD ordinance says,
"Residential and office is encouraged on the upper floors of buildings; lower floors are
encouraged to be retail or restaurants." Staff feels that additional measures are needed to
follow through with this measure due to the constraints of existing development
downtown. Additionally, the City is working to ensure that the existing parking deck
downtown is fully utilized (top 2 floors are rarely full) through a proper signage
wayfinding program. Staff proposes to eliminate the required parking for dwelling units
in the CBD.
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Sherry-Lea Bloodworth-Botop addressed the Commission saying the City has received
grant monies for a way-finding program to help with traffic and congestion. She cited the
Neel-Shaffer Traffic Improvements Report and said the City is working with BRA TS to
improve the parking deck. Mr. Dyess stated the City is trying to revitalize Downtown
and make it more vibrant. Dr. Thayer asked how the building code will affect historic
buildings. Mr. Dyess responded the building code allows leniency for historical
buildings.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing.
Carolyn Byars of 20971 Bishop Road-She asked what is the area ofwalkability. Mr.
Dyess responded it how far a pedestrian will walk in 5 minutes, approximately 1320'
from the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Section Street.
Larry Smith of 968 Whittier Street -He asked would the property owners of the
properties being removed from the CBD Overlay be notified. Mr. Dyess responded the
notice was in the paper.
Having no one else present to speak, Mr. Turner closed the public hearing.
Mr. Dyas asked why lots were split on Fairhope Avenue and Johnson Avenue. Mr.
Dyess responded the line runs along the property lines for each lot except for one lot
which has frontage on both street. The lots on Johnson Avenue are all residential in use
expect for the lot that goes all the way through. Mrs. MacKellar asked if the properties
being removed from the CBD Overlay will have to go through a zoning change and Mr.
Dyess responded no, their zoning is not changing. He added the properties will no longer
have the additional uses allowed by the overlay district. Mr. Turner noted most of the
properties being taken out are residential homes on the west side of Church Street.
Art Dyas made a motion to approve the changes as presented. Ralph Thayer 2nd the
motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ZC 17.12 Public hearing to consider the request of the City of Fairhope Planning
and Zoning Department for a proposed amendment to Article IX., Section C.
Definitions of the Zoning Ordinance to amend the definition of Building Height. Mr.
Dyess gave the staff report saying the purpose of this amendment is to provide continuity
between the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code. The current definition measures
from the natural elevation at the front of the building to the highest point of the roof. The
proposed definition would measure from the natural elevation of the lot to the mean point
of the roof of the building. Staff recommendation is to approve the proposed definition to
read as follows: "Building, Height: The vertical distance measured from the average
natural elevation of the lot to the mean point of the roof of the building."
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, Mr. Turner
closed the public hearing.
Art Dyas made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve the proposed
definition to read as follows: "Building, Height: The vertical distance measured from the
average natural elevation of the lot to the mean point of the roof of the building."
Ralph Thayer 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ZC 17.13 Public hearing to consider the request of the City of Fairhope Planning
and Zoning Department for a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to
establish an Education District. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report saying the purpose of
this amendment is to update the Zoning Ordinance to establish an Education District
zoning classification to provide appropriated locations for education uses by public or
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quasi-public entities. The allowed uses in the proposed district would be elementary
school, secondary school, education facility, and library. Staff recommendation is to
approve as proposed.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, Mr. Turner
closed the public hearing.
Mr. Turner asked if this amendment would cover church schools and Mr. Dyess
responded no, those would stay under churches.
Art Dyas made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve the establishment
of an Education District.
Ralph Thayer 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
ZC 17.14 Public hearing to consider the request of the City of Fairhope Planning
and Zoning Department for a proposed amendment to Article III., Section D.9
Accessory Dwelling Units of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report
saying the Zoning Ordinance prohibits accessory dwelling units by not allowing
kitchens 1 and are only permitted under special conditions. By not allowing a kitchen, per
the Zoning Ordinance, there is no dwelling as a dwelling requires "separate cooking and
housekeeping facilities". The purpose of this amendment is to allow accessory dwelling
units (with kitchens to make a bona fide dwelling unit), subject to locational requirements
contained in the Zoning Ordinance. The benefits of accessory dwelling units are many
including having the ability age in place, affordable housing, and the ability to have
family stay close such as young adult relatives starting careers or elderly parents. These
serve not only economic benefits to a family but also social benefits. Staff
recommendation is to approve as proposed.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, Mr. Turner
closed the public hearing.
Mr. Turner stated there was an Accessory Dwelling Committee several years ago due to
the Bluff area and concerns with parties and rentals. He suggested accessory dwellings
be required to meet the setbacks of principal structures and Mr. Dyas agreed. Mr. Dyess
stated the proposed amendment requires the principal structure to be occupied by the
owner and occupants of the accessory dwelling must be a single family as defined by the
term "family" in the ordinance. He also noted the short-term rental requirements would
still be applicable.
Mac Walcott of 12330 Live Oak Street -He said if the restrictions are too stringent then
we won't get very many.
Mr. Dyess stated it is typical to find reduced setbacks for accessory structures but the
square footage or percentage of lot coverage could be restricted. Dr. Thayer suggested
looking at the ULI' s model ordinance. Mrs. MacKellar stated we have numerous
vacation rentals and Air B&Bs that are a source of income.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to table the request for further review.
Charles Johnson 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
SD 17.19 Public hearing to consider the request of S.E. Civil Engineering, LLC for
plat approval of Van Antwerp Park Subdivision, a 2-lot re-plat, Larry Smith. The
property is located on the north side of Pensacola A venue between N. Section Street and
N. Mobile Street. Mr. King gave the staff report saying this request was on last month's
agenda and the request has not changed. Staff recommendation is to deny because the
proposed replat does not qualify as a replat. Mr. Watson addressed the Commission
saying a replat is a subdivision but is so minor in nature that it is not required to come
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before the Planning Commission. He stated this request does not meet the requirements
of a replat because it is one lot. Mr. Waston reviewed the ownership history of the
property. He explained the property was surveyed and described with 2 metes and
bounds but the property is not 2 parcels. Mr. Turner asked why the property is not
required to wait 6 months prior to being heard again if denied. Mr. Watson explained
that statue is for preliminary plats. Mr. Walcott said Mr. Watson is redefining the
definition of a lot and replat. Mr. Turner stated there is an email group that is very
against this subdivision. He asked why the applicant doesn't just wait until the
moratorium expires and submit a major subdivision. Mr. Walcott said if the Commission
can only do what their lawyer says then the Commission isn't needed.
Danny Calhoun of 319 Magnolia A venue -He stated there are 3 surveys with each one
showing 2 parcels. He said he wants the definition of a lot. Mr. Calhoun provided the
Commission with multiple historical deeds. He explained the applicant filed a quiet title
action and in June of 2017 the final order was issued. He stated he disagrees that a
subdivision has never been legally obtained. Mr. Calhoun said multiple lots have been
subdivided by metes and bounds and an Attorney General opinion in the 80s and 90s
confirmed it. He added the City recognizes the County's one-time split and family
divisions in the Planning Jurisdiction. Mr. Dyas responded the one-time split and family
divisions still went through the process. He asked if the legal description included a less
and except for the right-of-way would the applicant still contend it is 2 lots. He said just
because it is described in 2 legal descriptions doesn't make it 2 lots. Mr. Dyas asked if
the two attorneys have talked since the last meeting and Mr. Calhoun responded yes, but
they both see it differently. Mr. Walcott said the issue is this is a new approach to
defining a lot and he wants an answer to what a lot is in Fairhope. Mr. Smith stated they
want clarity. Mr. Turner and Mr. Dyas suggested a committee be put together to come up
with a definition and guidelines to determine where the line will be set to accept existing
lots as legal lots. Mr. Dyas offered that any lots existing prior to the establishment of the
Planning Commission would be an easy line to follow. Mr. Smith said Mr. Watson
added the word "minor" to his determination and the Subdivision Regulations do not say
"minor". Mr. Watson responded even a minor subdivision must come before the
Commission so a replat needs to be even less. He clarified that he is saying there are not
2 lots to start with. He noted none of the surveys have the stamp of the Planning
Commission and the City was not made a part of the quite title. Mrs. MacKellar asked
why it took the applicant so long to come for clarification. She said if the applicant had
concerns then the Commission should have concerns. Mr. Walcott responded the quiet
title was only for clarification and they were not trying to hide anything. He stated the
advertisements and legal ads were run in the paper as required. He added if the citizens
have to read the notices to find out about changes then the City should too.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, he closed the
public hearing.
Art Dyas made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to deny because the
proposed rep lat does not qualify as a rep lat based on counsel's interpretation.
Ralph Thayer 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
SD 17.06 Public hearing to consider the request of Dewberry/Preble-Rish, LLC for
Preliminary and Final Plat approval of the Resubdivision of Lot 19, Fairfield Unit
VI, a 15-lot subdivision, Rick Davis. The property is located on the northeast comer of
the intersection of Boothe Road and Norman Lane. Mr. King gave the staff report saying
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the property is 3.11 acres and 15 lots are proposed. The property is zoned PUD and 3
single family residences currently exist on the lot. This proposal will establish lot lines
for the 3 structures as well as establish lots for the remainder of Lot 19 resulting in a total
of 15 lots. Staffrecommendation is to approve contingent upon the following conditions:
1. Reference to Fox Hollow subdivision in the dedication block of the plat shall be
corrected to reflect Fairfield Subdivision prior to recording.
2. A contour map overlaid an aerial photograph of the site shall be submitted to staff
under separate cover for file close-out purposes.
3. Provide individual signature blocks for all utility providers on the plat prior to
recording.
Mr. Turner asked if this request is for ownership purposes and Mr. King responded yes,
the PUD specifies 15 units are allowed on Lot 19.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, he closed the
public hearing.
Rick Davis, representing BCL&L Acquisitions, LLC -He stated the concept of 15
detached units were approved with the PUD and this will establish individual lots for
each structure. Mr. Peterson asked about utilities and Mr. Davis stated all utilities are
existing.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve contingent
upon the following conditions:
1. Reference to Fox Hollow subdivision in the dedication block of the plat shall be
corrected to reflect Fairfield Subdivision prior to recording.
2. A contour map overlaid an aerial photograph of the site shall be submitted to staff
under separate cover for file close-out purposes.
3. Provide individual signature blocks for all utility providers on the plat prior to
recording.
Art Dyas 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
SD 17.21 Public hearing to consider the request of Lee Rivenbark for plat approval
of Willow Pond Estates, a 2-lot minor subdivision. The property is located on the
northwest corner of the intersection of Gayfer Road Extension and Bishop Road. Mr.
King gave the staff report saying the property is approximately 1.8 acres and 2 lots are
proposed. The site is zoned R-4 Low Density Multi-Family Residential District but no
construction is associated with the project at this time. He noted a wetland delineation
and 30' wetland buffer has been provided. Staff recommendation is to approve
contingent upon the following conditions:
1. Wetland buffer signage complying with City of Fairhope Subdivision Regulations
Article V. Section F .4.i. shall be installed and inspected by staff prior to any land
disturbance activities and shall also be noted on the plat prior to recording. The
applicant shall coordinate inspection of the wetland buff er signage with staff.
2. The applicant shall submit a landscape plan including a tree protection plan
complying with City of Fairhope Subdivision Regulations Article V. Section
D.5.a.(11) prior to any land disturbance.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing.
Carolyn Byars of20971 Bishop Road-She asked how many units are going to be built.
She also said the wetlands on the property have been filled.
Having no one else present to speak, Mr. Turner closed the public hearing.
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Mr. Dyas stated the zoning allows a maximum of 7 units per acre but no construction
plans have been submitted at this time. Mr. Rivenbark said the piles of dirt that were on
the property have been spread out but the wetlands were not touched. Mr. King stated the
City's Code Enforcement Officer can visit the site to verify the wetlands have not been
disturbed.
Art Dyas made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve contingent upon
the following conditions:
1. Wetland buffer signage complying with City of Fairhope Subdivision Regulations
Article V. Section F.4.i. shall be installed and inspected by staff prior to any land
disturbance activities and shall also be noted on the plat prior to recording. The
applicant shall coordinate inspection of the wetland buffer signage with staff.
2. The applicant shall submit a landscape plan including a tree protection plan
complying with City of Fairhope Subdivision Regulations Article V. Section
D.5.a.(11) prior to any land disturbance.
Richard Peterson 2nd the motion and the motion carried with the following vote: A YE -
Art Dyas, Charles Johnson, Lee Turner, Hollie MacKellar, and Richard Peterson. NAY -
Ralph Thayer.
SD 17.22 Public hearing to consider the request of HMR, LLC for Final Plat
approval of Battles Trace, Phase IV, a 27-lot subdivision, Tim Lawley. The property
is located on the north side of Battles Road, north of Colony at the Grand. Ms. Milford
gave the staff report saying the property is approximately 8.61 acres and is zoned TR
District. Staff recommendation is to approve contingent upon the following conditions:
1. The submittal of a satisfactory financial guaranty packet being submitted.
2. The final punch list shall be completed and satisfied to the approval of the City of
Fairhope Superintendents.
3. The Operations and Maintenance Plan shall be recorded at the time of final plat
recording.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, he closed the
public hearing.
Mrs. MacKellar questioned the site being zoned for Fairhope Elementary School and not
Newton. Ms. Milford said there may have been a mistake on the map she referenced for
the information. Mr. Dyas asked who is reviewing the information for the school system
and Mr. Dyess responded staff provides the information to the Board of Education every
quarter.
Art Dyas made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve contingent upon
the following conditions:
1. The submittal of a satisfactory financial guaranty packet being submitted.
2. The final punch list shall be completed and satisfied to the approval of the City of
Fairhope Superintendents.
3. The Operations and Maintenance Plan shall be recorded at the time of final plat
recording.
Charles Johnson 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
SD 17.23 Public hearing to consider the request of Dewberry/Preble-Rish, LLC for
Final Plat approval of Phase 3 of Greenbrier at Firethorne, a 29-lot subdivision,
John Avent. The property is located west of Quail Creek Villas and north of Stone
Creek Villas. Ms. Milford gave the staff report saying the property is approximately
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16.27 acres and is zoned PUD. Staff recommendation is to approve contingent upon the
following conditions:
1. The final inspection punch list shall be completed to the satisfaction of the City of
Fairhope Superintendents.
2. The Operations and Maintenance Agreement and Plan shall be executed and
recorded.
Mr. Turner opened the public hearing. Having no one present to speak, he closed the
public hearing.
Hollie MacKellar made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve
contingent upon the following conditions:
1. The final inspection punch list shall be completed to the satisfaction of the City of
Fairhope Superintendents.
2. The Operations and Maintenance Agreement and Plan shall be executed and
recorded.
Ralph Thayer 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
UR 17.02 Request of AT&T for an 11.52.11 Utility Review and approval of the
proposed underground installation of approximately 2,420 linear feet of fiber optic
cable, Wade Mitchell. The project will run along the east side of n. Section Street, to
the north side of Bayou Drive, and the west side of Fairwood Blvd. to service 550
Fairwood Blvd. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report saying AT&T will be placing
approximately 2,420 linear feet of 1.5" HDPE conduit, equipped with a fiber optic cable
to service the US National Guard Armory at 550 Fairwood Blvd. The applicant is also
proposing to install 4 -30"x48" handholes. All work proposed will be in the City of
Fairhope right-of-way. The entire project shall be directionally bored; no trenching is
allowed. Staff recommendation is to approve conditional upon the following:
1. The applicant shall follow the general comments related to utility work as stated
in the staff report.
2. All mechanical and locator equipment shall be painted munsell green.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to approve conditional
upon the following:
1. The applicant shall follow the general comments related to utility work as stated
in the staff report.
2. All mechanical and locator equipment shall be painted munsell green.
Art Dyas 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. MacKellar asked if the work could be schedule around school traffic. Mr. Peterson
asked if the City receives video confirmation of the boring to make sure no utilities have
been hit.
UR 17.02 Request of AT&T for an 11.52.11 Utility Review and approval of the
proposed underground installation of approximately 4,837 linear feet of fiber optic
cable, Wade Mitchell. The project will run along Windmill Road, Thompson Hall
Road, Morphy Avenue, and throughout Pecan Trace subdivision and Fox Hollow, Phase
1. Mr. Dyess gave the staff report saying AT&T will be placing approximately 4,837
linear feet ofHDPE conduit, equipped with a fiber optic cable to service Fox Hollow,
Phase 1 subdivision. The applicant is also proposing to install 4 pedestals and 11 -
30"x48" handholes. All work proposed will be in the City of Fairhope right-of-way with
18 road crossings. The entire project shall be directionally bored; no trenching is
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allowed. All remaining placement will be in utility easements. Staff recommendation is
to approve conditional upon the following:
1. The applicant shall follow the general comments related to utility work as stated
in the staff report.
2. All mechanical and locator equipment shall be painted munsell green.
Ralph Thayer made a motion to accept the staff recommendation to conditional upon the
following:
1. The applicant shall follow the general comments related to utility work as stated
in the staff report.
2. All mechanical and locator equipment shall be painted munsell green.
Charles Johnson 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Dyas asked how the applicant will cross the creek. Mrs. Boyett responded the
portion crossing the creek will be in a utility easement and not in the right-of-way.
IR 17.04 Request of James Jackson for an Informal Review of Clay Properties, a 4-
lot subdivision, Randy Niemeyer. The property is located on the east side of County
Road 13approximately ¼ mile north of the intersection of County Road 3 and County
Road 13. Mr. King gave the staff report saying the property is approximately 6.3 acres
and Mr. Jackson is considering submission of a subdivision application that will include a
variance of the requirement for a 100' wide minimum lot width. The minimum lot width
for unzoned areas within the City of Fairhope Planning Jurisdiction is described in
Article V, Section E.2.b.(1) of the City of Fairhope Subdivision Regulations.
Mr. Niemeyer addressed the Commission saying there is an existing 40' easement to
access the radio tower to the east of the property and the applicant would like to use it in
conjunction with 20' of the subject property to access proposed lots that do not have
street frontage. Mr. Watson stated a waiver request would need to be submitted at the
time of subdivision application. Dr. Thayer said this would allow the additional
properties to the east to develop. Mr. Turner stated he liked the size of the proposed lots
and that it would be 2 less on County Road 13 but the road would need to be publicly
maintained.
Old/New Business
SD 17.18 Kirkman Lane Subdivision Amendment. Mr. King stated this case was
heard last month and the applicant is requesting approval condition #6. "A note shall be
added to the plat that states drainage shall be required at the time of building permit" be
removed. The applicant contends the drainage is not required for a minor plat and does
not want it noted on the plat. Mr. King stated the Erosion and Sediment Ordinance would
provide the protection for adjacent properties due to any drainage or runoff. Mr. Dyas
questioned whether this can be done without another public hearing and Mr. Watson said
he is not sure.
Lee Tacon of 738 S. Mobile Street-He said this request puts an undue burden on the
property and will make it harder to sell and reduces the property value.
Mr. Dyas stated he doesn't have an issue with the request but wants to make sure
procedurally it is done correctly. Mr. Peterson asked why the applicant doesn't just put
in the drainage to help the neighbor.
Art Dyas made a motion to table the request until the next meeting.
Ralph Thayer 2nd the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
September 5, 2017
Planning Commission Minutes
Having no further business, Art Dyas made a motion to adjourn. Ralph Thayer 2nd the
• ously. The meeting was adjourned at 8:56 PM.
&· ~
Lee Turner, Chairman
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