HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-07-1988 Regular MeetingThe Planning 8 Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met November 7,
1988 at 5:00 p.m. at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street
Present: Chairman Richard Sanderson; members Tim Kant, Cecil
Pitman, David Ed Bishop, James P. Nix, William Lucey,
Cindy McBrearty. Also present were Bob Lunsford,
Zoning Official and Betty Rivenbark, Secretary
The minutes of the October 3, 1988 meeting were approved as written on
motion by James P. Nix, seconded by William Lucey and unanimously carried.
Due to an administrative error, a public hearing was advertised without
recommendation of Commission, at this time a motion was proposed to hear
the re -zoning request as everything else was in order. William Lucey so
moved, seconded by Cecil Pitman and unanimously carried. Bob addressed
the Commission on the re -zoning request from R-3 High Density Single
Family Residential to R-5 High Density Multi -Family Residential for the lands
of Walter Wilson Estate located on Bishop Road 1 /4 mile North of Fairhope
Avenue. Bob explained that this is slightly North of Windmere apartments
on Bishop Road and when it was annexed about 3 years ago the R-3
zoning was requested at that time. The R-5 zoning is being requested at
this time as they have a request to construct units for the elderly on this site.
At this time Mike Ford came forward and told the Commission that a nice re-
tirement center for senior citizens is what is being planned, that it would
contain 50 one bedroom units w/parking. He showed the Commission a picture
of the one that has been built in Mobile and had letters from the tenants.
Mr. Nick Stratis the developer came forth and told that this was not a profit
making group but money received from H.U.D. to A.H.E.P.P.A.(greek
organization) to build these for senior citizens. He named the different
projects they were involved in, said they were 50 units in a planned
3-story structure, I elevator serving the facility, with a bedroom, living room,
bath and kitchen; washers and dryers would be provided with a community
room and there would be an apartment manager and maintenance person to
take care of things on a day to day basis. A question was asked about
whether or not facilities would be like nursing home - Mr. Stratis responded
no, that people would have to be able to take care of themselves, if ill
would have to seek medical facilities. That the Mitchell Co. would be in
charge of maintenance on building and properties. A Mr. Forrest asked
if' Edwards Avenue would be paved through to Bishop Road. Bob responded
that there are no plans at this time to pave this road. Phil Dyson spoke
saying he owned the property directly across the street and that he is
encouraged by development although he isn't for 3 story building and the
density. There being no further questions from the audience or the
Commission, a vote was called for. Cecil Pitman moved that the Commission
recommend approval of re -zone as requested, William Lucey seconded and
motion carried by following vote: AYE- Nix, Lucey, McBrearty, Kant,
Pitman and NAY- Bishop.
As a companion item, Bob suggested the Commission might wish to consider
accepting for public hearing an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on
Height Limitations. Bob suggested Article IV, General Provision, Section
4.12 of the zoning ordinance be amended. That this would empower
the Commission to bring unity/uniformity to the ordinance, that
the amendment would say Commission may consider for approval heights in
excess of those specified in any use district. Mrs. McBrearty said she hoped
we would be very careful in what we give 3 story, that it is good that
they will be considered case by case. William Lucey moved to accept for
public hearing at the next regular meeting, Tim Kant seconded and motion
carried unanimously.
Planning 8 Zoning Commission
November 7, 1988 - Page two
A public hearing was held on an amendment to the subdivision regulations
pertaining to Section 406 Alley and half streets and an amendment to
the Zoning Ordinance in Section 8.81 Procedure for Zoning Newly Annexed
Land. Bob again addressed the Commission on this proposed amendment.
He said that what this would do regarding alleys and half streets is to
change it to where they may be required instead of they are required now
for commercial properties. Tim questioned the alley requirement because
we would still need to pick up trash at these businesses. Mr. Nix re-
plied that the Planning 8 Zoning Commission would still have the final say
on whether or not they are required.
Also, an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance was considered in Section 8.81
Procedure for Zoning Newly Annexed Land. Bob said that now with the
County Zoning land that we need to clarify when land is annexed into City,
that land will be accepted if compatible when annexed, or re -zoned if
not compatible and still all unzoned will come in as R-1 unless otherwise
requested at time of annexation. Cindy McBrearty moved to accept both
amendments as proposed, James P. Nix seconded and motion carried unanimous
Bob told the Commission he had a request from the Methodist church to erect
signs along the public rights of way. Mr. Sanderson referred this to Cindy
to tell the Commission what going on in the way of signs. She said that
the sign committee had been meeting and that what planned is to come up
with uniform sign, one that all can use, one that they will pav for, but
at this time nothing is final, that it is under study and they will be making
recommendations, when ready. That it is recommended that no action be
taken now. Bob said he would so inform the church.
Jim Smith came before the Commission on a pre -application of Mason McGowin
for -land next to Ind. Park, said that the family owned land adjoining the
Industrial Park and that they wished to come up with a unique subdivision.
One where the lot sizes would not be determined beforehand. That he is
soliciting input/suggestions from Commission. He went on to say that there
is an architectural review committee made up of representative from City
(mayor or councilmember), someone from Ind. Dev. Bd. and developer that
will be looking at parcels as they sell. Mr. Sanderson said he saw no
problem with the city establishing zoning on each parcel as it comes up.
The present annexation of property by County and City is M-1 so no
further action needed on that. He was told of State regulation regarding
parcels being subdivided below 5 acres.
Bob presented to Commission amendments to Zoning Ordinance regarding
Article IV, General Provisions, Section 4.417, Access to Public Streets.
Cindy McBrearty moved to hear at next meeting, William Lucey seconded
and motion carried unanimously. Also, Amendment for public hearing at
next meeting Zoning Ordinance Article VII, General Provisions Section 7.6154
regarding detached accessory buildings located in front yards. J. P. Nix
moved to accept, Tim Kant seconded and motion carried unanimously.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.