HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-05-2000 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Tuesday, September 5,
2000 at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street at 5:OOPM
Present: Dick Charles, Vice -Chairman; members Pauline Anders, Bill Jones
Bob Gentle, Tim Kant, Christopher Baker, Director Of Planning &
Zoning and Betty Rivenbark, Secretary
The minutes of the August 7, 2000 meeting were duly approved as written on motion by
Bill Jones, 2"d by Pauline Anders and unanimously carried.
SR00-07 Planning Commission Review of the location, character and extent of the
proposed Fairhope Justice Center - Christopher had commented that the under
Alabama Code Section 11.52 the Planning Commission is to review proposed public
buildings in regards to location, character and extent. That the new building is
proposed to be just south of city hall in the old Regions bank building. Mac Walcott,
the architect, showed a site plan with elevations. He said the police station and jail
would be there and that it would have a minimum security building for types of
prisoners we keep. We can now house 16 prisoners and the new jail can hold up to 42
prisoners. He pointed out that the building had been moved forward to save the oaks
presently on the property. Dick Charles mentioned that the 50ft of undergrowth there
would stay, be a good buffer. It was also pointed out that there would be an enclosed
sallyport and recreation area. The planned location is 120 ft from the west property line
and property is zoned B2. Pauline Anders asked if the proposed masterplan showed
the police department in the downtown area? And Christopher said yes, they
recommended we locate regional center in the downtown area. The Comprehensive
Plan was asked about and Christopher said he had a rough draft and expected to
receive the final plan by the end of the week. It was asked if we planned to move City
Hall and Tim Kant answered no, just library. There being no further questions, Bill
Jones moved that the location, character and site plan be approved as presented. Bob
Gentle 2"d and motion carried unanimously.
SD00-38 Minor Plat approval of Gatti Estates, land of Carol O'Brien, generally
located on Nelson Drive East of Scenic 98. Christopher had commented this is a 4 lot
division of 3.43 acres and is zoned R1 Single Family. This had come before the
commission in July and was tabled to give the staff, engineer and county time to meet
jointly to discuss potential drainage issues. Christopher reported that he, Ack Moore
and a county representative had met as directed and the county's view was that they
don't see a concern, they have no future plans for doing anything to drainage in that
area, that it only floods during major storm events. Ack Moore spoke for the applicant
saying they had figured calculations based on 25 year storm info. He said raised
plantings could be used as a means of slowing runoff or use holding ponds. He said
each lot would be responsible for their own runoff, that no more clearing should be
done than necessary and the use of gravel driveways would be recommended. He said
the ponds could be put in the southwest corner of each lot, let each lot stand on its on.
That pre- development and post development should be the same. That he checked
the runoff on each lot and all were less than one cubic foot per second. Bob Gentle
asked how could enforce this as proposed? Seth Moore said it could be put in the
restrictive covenants and make a note on the plat, that the building inspector could
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September 5, 2000 Page two
inspect before granting a building permit. Christopher Baker said we could get a set of
drainage plans for each lot and put note on the plat. Bill Jones moved to approve
subject to this being put in the restrictive covenants as suggested, and recorded on the
plat prior to selling of any lots. Pauline Anders 2"d and motion carried unanimously.
SD00-44 Preliminary Plat of Highland Bridges, land of Clifford Street, generally
located east of Cty Rd 13 and south of Cty Rd 32. Christopher had commented this is
a 40 acre tract that they are trying to develop into a 25 lot subdivision. Christopher
had commented that Peter Herndon is the developer of this tract located outside the
city limits but in our jurisdiction. The issues associated with this are: Our
comprehensive plan indicates this property to remain as agricultural, so the request is
not in compliance with the adopted plan. The maximum block length of 1200 ft. is
being exceeded and the developer is requesting a waiver of this requirement. The
developer is proposing Halter Lane run North and South but be unimproved and the
ROW reserved. He is requesting a waiver of this requirement. Thoroughbred Run is
proposed to run to the property line. Drainage requirements have been met. A waiver
is being asked for the sidewalk requirement and is proposing an equestrian easement
throughout the property. He is having public water but septic systems will be provided.
He recommended approval subject to paving Halter Lane. Joe Bullock of EDS spoke
saying their intention was to have a rural ranch type setting. They propose 70 ft
setbacks and 80 ft roads, the developer will have split rail on the main road and Halter
Lane with the equestrian trail. He said there is in excess of 200 trees on the perimeter
of the property they do not wish to pave Halter Lane as they wish to have equestrian
trail. The maintenance of these roads was asked about and Mr. Bullock said it would
be the responsibility of the property owner's association. The length of Thoroughbred
Run was asked about and Christopher said traffic calming could be placed at Halter
Lane. Further discussion led to a motion by Bob Gentle to approve the preliminary plat
as long as they comply with our and the county's requirements on Halter Lane and that
deed restrictions will be shown on plat for lots 9, 10, 19, 20. Pauline Anders 2"d motion
and it carried unanimously.
SD00-45 Informal Plat Review of proposed development(generally located east of Cty
Rd 27 and south of State Hwy 104) This proposal was brought by Lary Chason for a
35 lot subdivision located outside the city limits by in our planning jurisdiction.
Christopher had said that issues associated with this are: Our comprehensive plan
indicates the property to remain as agricultural. He had mentioned that a vehicular
access lane needed to be at this location and he has been in contact with the ALDOT
regarding the potential of a deceleration lane. That this subdivision is anticipating
utilizing private sewer(not septic systems). That the Planning Department and Water &
Sewer Department both have grave concern regarding this possibility. His
recommendation was that input should be negative in that it is not in compliance with
the adopted comprehensive plan and private sewer is being proposed. He said no
formal action was required. John Avent spoke for Mr. Chason. He was asked why the
density was so high and he said they are trying to have affordable lots. He was told
that we have a problem with the private sewer that we would like to keep the utilities
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September 5, 2000, Page three
integrated and it is less than three miles from Country Woods who has city sewer. Bill
Jones commented that he has a problem with the density, Bob Gentle said that traffic
calming should be included in plans. John Avent said it meets subdivision regulations
but Christopher Baker said not comprehensive plan. Tim Kant said until we get more
input on the sewer system we should hold off as we don't know how this will impact the
City of Fairhope. Dick Charles said the timing for discussion is a little early, that we
need to wait and review the comprehensive plan. It was suggested sitting down and
work the issues, sewer and comprehensive plan and they come back in 60 days.
A nominating committee was appointed for election of officers at October meeting -
Dick Charles, Pauline Anders and Bill Jones.
The October meeting date was changed to October V, 2000 due to organizational
meeting of City Council on October 2, 2000.
Pauline Anders asked Christopher to research the Baldwin County Sewer System and
report back what he finds.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.