HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-02-1999 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Monday, August 2,
1999 at 5:00 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street in the
Auditorium
Present: Chairman Larry Green; members James P. Nix, Bill Jones, Cecil Pitman
William Richmond, Tim Kant, Dick Charles, Pauline Anders, Thad Ingram
Christopher Baker, Director of Planning & Zoning, Betty Rivenbark, Secretary
Mr. Green recognized Pauline Anders, our new member attending the meeting tonight.
Cecil Pitman was also recognized for his 46 years of service on the Planning & Zoning
Commission. He had expressed a desire to retire and is the only charter member still
serving. Mayor Nix read two proclamations and presented him with a token of our
appreciation.
The minutes were considered and approved as written, with one minor correction, on
motion by Dick Charles, seconded by Bill Jones, and unanimously carried.
ZC 99-15 Public Hearing - Rock Creek PUD/Trae Corte Clarification of the
commercial aspects of the original Rock Creek PUD and site plan approval, located on
the northeast corner of Rock Creek Drive and US 98.
Mr. Baker read his comments wherein he said it was Mr. Corte's desire to clarify the
commercial uses that will be permitted on all the commercial property in Rock Creek.
That the Planning Department has no issue with these uses and he is seeking to
develop one of the commercial properties at this time and has submitted a site plan
approval. In Mr. Corte's proposal no new streets are proposed, that he is proposing a
curb cut at the north of the property on U.S. 98 and is approximately 4500 ft. from the
existing curb cut for Rock Creek Parkway. That the developer has made application
with the State Highway Department for approval of the cut. He stated the Planning
Department has no issue with the proposed cut. That they have met the setback
requirements for the north, east and west property lines. They meet the zoning
ordinance setback for the south from the original Rock Creek PUD.. The building
coverage to be 35% with an approved height of 35 feet in accordance with original
PUD. That signage and landscaping will conform to city requirements at the time of
building permit application. That they are requesting a waiver on proposed signage on
the ROW for US 98 near the proposed curb cut. He said that the request is not in
conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, however, the approved PUD for Rock
Creek does allow commercial development and would be in conformance with the
original Rock Creek PUD. Staff recommendation was to approve the requested
commercial uses with all future commercial construction being submitted individually for
site plan approval and if curb cut is denied that the site plan may be modified without
them having to come back for approval. Mr. Green asked for clarification in that some
of the permitted uses, i.e., pet shop and dry cleaning, that they did not intend to have
kennels and actual cleaning plant in this space. Trae said he had taken uses out of
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book, that at this time he had no one interested, but no, they did not intend to allow
either use he questioned. He was questioned about the sign they wanted to provide
and he said it would be like one going into Rock Creek, monument style level to
ground. Mr. Green called for any comments from the audience or commission. Tim
Kant said he was sure they would not be allowed anything on the ROW, he asked
about the curb cut and was he working with the adjacent property owner? What about
setbacks and buffer. Trae said he had written a letter to Craig Dyas adjacent property
owner, and that he had no plans to do anything now, that it will be cleared to the north
property line and they will landscape the north side of the entrance road. Dick Charles
moved to recommend approval of use to City Council and approve the site plan with the
exception, no dry cleaning and the curb cut be used for both properties, the one to the
north and this development. Cecil Pitman seconded and motion carried unanimously.
SD99-28 - Final Plat Approval of Belle Chase Unit 3 - 34 lots. Joel Coleman of
Rester & Coleman Engineers, Inc. was present seeking final approval. Mr. Baker had
commented that this conforms to all requirements of the comprehensive plan and he
recommended approval. Mr. Green called for comments and Mr. Coleman was asked if
this was the last phase and he said no, one more. Tim Kant moved to give final
approval, Thad Ingram seconded and motion carried unanimously.
SD99-29 Mike's Acres Preliminary and Final Approval - Peter Garsed was
requesting approval of this subdivision, one lot into two, located on the west side of
Hwy 27 south of Vance Lane. Christopher had commented this is in conformance with
the Comprehensive Plan, it is located in our extraterritorial jurisdiction and requires
county approval. That no drainage plans had been provided and they say no drainage
problems exist. He recommended approval subject to note on plat saying no drainage
study was performed and no drainage information was provided with the subdivision
and that any and all future drainage issues are the responsibility of the purchaser and
owner. Pete Garsed said that he does not know of any future development planned
they just wish to sell half of their property. Dick Charles moved to give preliminary and
final approval in accordance with staff recommendation. Pauline Anders seconded and
motion carried unanimously.
SD99-30 Waggoner Acres, Preliminary and Final Approval - Larry Hipsh was
representing the owner, Mr. Waggoner, the land being 10 acres located south of Cty
Rd 3 and west of Cty Rd 11. Mr. Baker said this is located outside the city limits and
that it will have to be reviewed by the county. That a survey determined that a 30 ft
drainage easement was needed. That this was provided as a drainage plan but not
shown on the plat, that he recommends approval subject to this 30' easement being
placed on the plat. Dick Charles moved to give approval contingent upon the 30'
drainage easement being placed on the plat. William Richmond 2"d and motion carried
unanimously.
SD99-31 Preliminary Plat Approval of Pioneer Trace - 12 lots. Land of Brian Wenzel
& Lynn Glavian. In his comments Christopher said this is located outside the limits of
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the comprehensive plan. That this will be reviewed by the county. That they are
requesting a waiver of the 1200 ft. block length requirement and they will have public
water but not sewer. Lot size is 15,000 sq ft and 75 ft wide, that they meet this
requirement. The developer provided certification that indicates there is no need for
drainage improvements other than what indicated on the plat. That the developer has
agreed to increase the width of the corner lot and provide a 10' buffer strip from
incompatible uses. No greenspace is required as it is less than 10 acres. He
recommended approval. Mr. Green called for comments and Mr. Dunnam explained
that the road extends 1276 ft. but no development other than this one road, thereby the
request for the waiver. A motion was made by Cecil Pitman to approve, Dick Charles
seconded and motion carried unanimously.
SD99 - 32 Sandy Ford Informal Plat Review - Mr. Baker went over his comments
stating this is located east of existing Rock Creek and west of Cty Rd 27. He said the
issues associated with this review are: Street connections - the developer has provided
future ROW access to adjacent properties on the east and the south. Cul-de-sac - That
the developer has made the street connection between the cul-de-sac in phase 2 and
the street in phase 3. Lot design - that they are proposing higher density in a portion of
phase 1 and he advised them to zone as a PUD which will allow them the flexibility to
propose alternate development concepts, then seek preliminary plat approval.
Drainage - that detention facilities will be used for drainage. The development
proposed is in conformance with the approved Comprehensive Plan. He said he has
suggested a meeting with the owners to talk about traffic calming, design to be
implemented at the outset. No formal action is needed, just input. Larry Green
questioned property to south and it was determined it borders private property.
They were asked if it will be landlocked and they said they did not know. Tim Kant
asked that they line up the road to the east centerline to centerline with the proposed
cul de sac and they said they would.
SD99-33 Preliminary Plat of Plantation Pines Phase 2 - 18 lots. Located north of
Hwy 104 and east of existing Plantation Pines. Ack Moore was suppose to represent
the owner but was not present. Mr. Baker went over his recommendations regarding
the subdivision including buffers, flood zone, street design, cul-de-sac, drainage
calculations, water, sidewalks and greenspace. Dick Charles questioned perk tests
because of the sloping land and Christopher said nothing had been provided. The
Commission had several questions regarding these plans but no one was present
representing the owner. Mr. Baker said if the Commission had any hesitancy that he
would recommend denial and let them resubmit. A motion was made by Dick Charles
to deny, Cecil Pitman seconded and motion carried unanimously.
SD99-34 Idlewild Phase 4 -Final Plat Approval - 4 lots. Land of George Klumpp .
Mr. Baker said the previous phases have come before them with approval given, that
this contains 4 R-2 lots. He had mentioned in his comments as issues associated with
this being: As Built Plans - That as of the date of agenda preparation as built plans
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were still incorrect. Guaranty of final inspection - a performance bond had been
furnished by time of meeting. The plans have been revised to show on Lot 49 an
elevation of 119' which eliminated the need for a drainage easement on this lot. It is in
conformance with the Comprehensive Plan. Christopher had recommended approval
subject to as built plans meeting staffs request. Tim Kant asked about drainage
easement on this lot and Chris said they showed this corrected elevation so there is no
more pond, Tim moved to give final approval, Dick Charles seconded and motion
carried unanimously.
ZC99-11 Public Hearing Residential Agricultural to Residential Planned Unit
Development(PUD) - land of Pauline Moyd, approximately 40 acres at the southwest
corner of Bay Meadows and Cty Rd 27. Mr. Baker was asked for his comments and
stated this is in partial conformity with the comprehensive plan as it states that a small
portion be residential and the larger remain agricultural. That the extreme corner at
Hwy 27 and Bay Meadows can be developed residentially and the remainder as
agricultural. That even though they indicated it is like a Traditional Neighborhood
Development in many aspects it is not. The rear alleys are, but cul-de-sacs are used in
conventional developments. The PUD Ordinance calls for 40 ft. of setback around the
perimeter of the development and the developer has asked for a waiver of this. That
PUD requires 15' of open space around residential buildings, the developer is asking to
provide 10'. That they have a maximum building height of 30' and the maximum
building coverage on any lot shall be 35%. The developer is also requesting 4'
sidewalks and city ordinance calls for 5'. Traffic was a concern and the developer has
provided written information regarding how many vehicles will be coming into/out of the
development at different times. Only residential uses permitted, and proposing 4.5
acres of greenspace. The 3 existing structures will be demolished. Existing zoning out
there is R-A. R-2 type lots are proposed fronting on Bay Meadows the remainder is R-
3 and R-3pgh type lot size. There is some neighborhood opposition, plus one letter
received. This information was provided each member. Based on the
recommendation of the commission an ordinance will be created for the city council and
specifically outline the development regulations that the development must meet. Staff
recommendation is to approve subject to larger lot sizes in the higher density portion of
the PUD so it is more compatible with existing R-2 residential zoning in the Bay
Meadows area. Mr. Green said we would open this for public hearing and that he will
let the developer speak first then open the floor for comments. Jeff Kennedy of EDS
was representing Mrs. Pauline Moyd the owner and the developer and went into great
detail explaining how they arrived at the development concept and told of all who
worked with him: Gary Fisher, Walcott Adams, Vernuille, Engineering Development
Services, Planner Bailey DuMont, and Kent Broom, Landscape Architect, he said this
was a joint effort to bring together a development that will benefit the community. He
also showed concept drawings and went over every area noting the extensive design
and saying these will be high quality homes. He went over the architectural design
guideline explaining in detail what all would have to be approved; what the intent of the
developer was, not your ordinary homes or development. He said this would be built in
3 phases. After his presentation Mr. Green said comments from the audience would
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be heard. There were comments from surrounding property owners who all felt that this
is over development. They remarked about smallness of Bay Meadows street, the
traffic that will be generated, questioned all waivers they are asking for, too many
houses on one piece of property, affecting their quality of life, sewage plans, runoff,
clearing of the land and pollution. After about dozen people spoke all against what
proposed
Green called for comments or a motion. Cecil Pitman said he can't compromise the
present comprehensive plan and feels this is over development, he moved to
recommend denial to the City Council, Dick Charles seconded and motion carried
unanimously. Mr. Baker mentioned to the audience that Planning Commission is
recommending body only and this will go forward to the City Council for another public
hearing even though denial will be the recommendation.
Preliminary Plat approval Phase 1 & 2 The Meadows. - No action was taken by the
Commission. No action was required because the proposed zoning for the project,
which the plats were in substantial conformity with, got denied. Therefore, the plats
were not in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and denied on a de jure basis.
Barbara Cotten, Principal at Larry Newton School spoke regarding a development that
had received approval at the July meeting just west of the school saying they had not
received notice. Mr. Baker responded that they were mailed notice as well as
telephone calls were made to the school board to make them aware of proposed
subdivision.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned