HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-06-2000 Planning Commission MinutesThe Planning & Zoning Commission of the City of Fairhope met Monday, November 6,
2000 at 5:00 PM at the City Administration Building, 161 N. Section Street
Present: Larry Green, Chairman; members Tim Kant, Dan McCrory, Debbie Quinn, Dick
Charles, Bob Clark. Christopher Baker, Director of Planning & Zoning and Betty
Rivenbark, secretary
An election of officers for the coming year was held. Larry Green was nominated for
chairman, there were no other nominations, and he was elected by unanimous vote.
Dick Charles was nominated as Vice -Chairman, there were no other nominations and
he was elected by unanimous vote.
The minutes of the October 3, 2000 meeting were duly considered and approved as
written on motion by Dan McCrory, 2"d by Tim Kant and unanimously carried.
ZC00-17 Public hearing request of Maclin Smith from R-2 Single Family
Residential to B-1 General Business for property located across from Fairhope
Middle School on N. Section Street. Mr. Baker gave his comments saying that this
property is bordered by gully on the south and west and directly adjacent to the sewer
plant. That the rezoning would allow this to be developed in a commercial manner but
they would have to be sensitive to the gully. That detailed engineering plans would be
required to ensure that the gully is preserved in its current state and cited this as
important issue. He said further that there is an 18" and 24" sewer lines that slice
through one corner of the property and that Mr. Smith is aware of the limitations that
this may put on his building expansion. He recommended approval as requested. The
public hearing was opened and several issues discussed mainly relating to gully and
sewer plant. The gully easements were asked about and Christopher said they would
be discussed when he comes back with plans, that 20 foot buffer is requirement. Mr.
Smith spoke saying he just purchased the property but wants natural aesthetics, aware
of buffer, he said he needs more warehouse space and parking. Further discussion led
to a motion by Dick Charles to recommend approval to the city council of rezone
request, Debbie Quinn 2"d motion and it carried unanimously.
SD00-48 Final Plat Approval of Mills ocCed dire9tlywest of thehase I r'La�ry Newtonthis
School.
land of Tucker Dorsey and property
In his comments Christopher said the water and sewer department did an on site
inspection and the needed corrections have taken place. That the county will provide
addresses to the subdivision . He mentioned the pedestrian connection that was
requested on the preliminary plat that would connect the subdivision with the school.
He said the easement has been provided by but not been constructed. He
recommended approval subject to construction of the 8 ft. sidewalk. Discussion
followed and John Avent said he did not remember request for sidewalk although
easement is shown. Further discussion led to motion to approve made by Tim Kant
subject to 8' sidewalk being installed on property. Dick Charles 2"d motion and it
carried unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Commission - Page two
November 6, 2000
SD00-49 Planned Development - Trentino land of Craig Dyas located north of
Parker Rd and west of existing subdivisions Sibley Square and Wild Oaks. That when
this came before us as a site plan one of the big issues was density, that he has gone
back and is now before us with a redrawn plan. Christopher said that there are two
steps required tonight: consideration of Planned Development and site plan. In his
comments listed as concerns were: 1. That this planned development is in
conformance with the comprehensive plan. 2. That there are several large oak trees
located throughout the property that the developer has indicated that the trees will be
retained. 3. That the developer is proposing private alleys with a 5 ft buffer between
the alley and the property lines of adjoining developments. 4. That the developer has
essentially created a density gradient through the development based on the input from
the commission. More than the 10% required greenspace has been provided. Access
will be provided from Wild Oaks and Parker Road. Utilities will be provided by
Fairhope except for water provided by Daphne. Drainage will be taken to Rock Creek.
He said that he has a concern regarding the traffic safety at Parker Rd and the 4 lane,
as does the neighbors and the commission. He said a light should be installed at this
location. That the density has been reduced from 69 lots to 63 as originally presented.
He recommended approval subject to the connection, not just dedication of ROW, at
Wild Oaks and request for traffic light being sent by developer. Craig Dyas spoke
saying this is a state of the art development, a Traditional Neighborhood Development,
that he has addressed most of the issues, reduced the lots, he said that the
ingress/egress through Wild Oaks is a city issue. He said that the development will be
heavily restricted by covenants. He was asked how long they would maintain the pond,
that it would need to be in good shape before turned over to the city. He said he would
keep maintained. Tim Kant said that he does not see need to open Wild Oaks now,
when the residents are ready then do it. Larry Green said that we might get into the
same problem we have with Rock Creek now. Further discussion led to a motion by
Dick Charles moving to approve, saying he has met all of the commission's previous
concerns, also subject to connection, not just dedication of ROW at Wild Oaks.
Debbie Quinn 2"d motion and it carried unanimously.
SD00-50 Preliminary Plat of Trentino - Land of Craig Dyas located outside of the city
containing 63 lots on 20 acres. Christopher said issues are essentially as what
presented before and staff recommended approval. A Richard Lyon and Tom Trione
spoke one saying he is a resident of Sibley Square and he objects. That none of the
problems brought up 3 months ago have changed. Mr. Trione said he lives on Wild
Oaks and does not believe the road should be opened. That he does not believe it can
handle the traffic, that drainage is a problem now. Tim Kant moved to approve subject
to Wild Oaks being opened, said he would like to see a traffic study before it goes to
council. John Avent said that a traffic study was done on Parker Road and that state
said nothing warranted the installation of a traffic light. It was mentioned that maybe 63
new lots would change their opinion. Tim said he would delete access to Wild Oaks
being opened but full right of way dedication would have to be made and 8 ft pedestrian
right of way dedication included. Debbie Quinn 2"d motion and it carried unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Commission - Page three
November 6, 2000
SD00-51 Minor Subdivision Approval request of Fred and Kelly Knox - Maple
Ridge Mr. Baker said this is 4 lots located outside the city located west of Danne Rd
and south of Cty Rd 32. That they will be using City water with septic tanks, no
greenspace is required and he recommended approval. Debbie Quinn moved to
approve as requested. Bob Clark 2"d and motion carried unanimously.
SD00-52 Final Approval of Highland Bridges This is land of Peter Herndon located
south of Cty Rd 32 and east of Hwy 13. Christopher had commented this is Phase 1
and a performance bond has been provided that guarantees construction of the needed
improvements. He said this is not in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan and no
improvements have been constructed. He recommended approval subject to a
temporary turnaround being constructed at the end of Phase 1. Joe Bullock of EDS
spoke saying he had an update. That a detention pond has been added and the
turnaround has been added. Dick Charles moved to approve as recommended, Tim
Kant 2"d and motion carried unanimously.
SD00-53 Preliminary Plat of Greyhawk - Land of Gordon Benik - 33 lot subdivision
located south of 104 and east of Cty Rd 27. Christopher read his comments wherein
he stated it is located outside the city but within our Extra Territorial Jurisdiction. And
has come before us as an informal plat review and at that time the Planning
Commission gave negative recommendations to the developer Larry Chason. He cited
issues with this platting as: Comprehensive Plan - the subdivision regulations in
Section 701 require that subdivisions adhere to the comprehensive plan. The
development proposal is not in compliance with the plan. 2. Private Sewer: That the
developer is proposing to utilize Baldwin County Sewer Service a private company.
That State Code of Alabama requires that the Planning Commission approve utility
installations in our jurisdiction. The Planning Commission has indicated that it would
not approve a private sewer company in our jurisdiction. 3. Deceleration Lane: The
developer originally opposed providing a decel lane, however, it is now shown in the
plans. 4. Pedestrian Connection: Pedestrian connections are being indicated to the
adjoining church property. 5. Drainage: signed and sealed calculations have been
provided. The required engineer's certificate has been provided. 6. Greenspace: The
developer is providing the required greenspace. 7. Sidewalks: Sidewalks will be
constructed in conjunction with the public improvements. 8. Traffic Calming: Traffic
calming will be constructed. 9. Buffer Strip: The subdivision regulations required a
buffer strip when property is adjacent to noncompatible uses such as Hwy 104. A
common area is being provided. This does not meet the letter of the requirement but
the spirit of the regulation is being met. The common area provided will provide the
same net effect as a buffer strip. His recommendation was to deny SD00.53 because
1. The subdivision is not in compliance with the comprehensive plan 2. Allowing the
penetration of private sewer company lines into our ETJ effective negates the planning
responsibility and the duties of the Planning Commission as granted and required
under Section 11.52 of the Code of Alabama 1975 as amended. Allowing a private
Planning & Zoning Commission - Page four
November 6, 2000
sewer company to begin serving developments in our ETJ means that the Planning
Commission is waiving its power and duty to plan for the orderly development of our
City and environs. Realizing our current growth rate and development potentials,
waiving our right for orderly growth would constitute a disservice to our citizens while
not fulfilling the statuary requirements and duties of the Planning Commission. John
Avent of EDS said he would be glad to answer any technical issues. Dick Charles
moved to deny this request in view of all that has passed previously and Mr. Baker's
comments. Tim Kant 2"d motion and it carried unanimously. Dan Blackburn spoke on
behalf of Larry Chason and said this position is indefensible, we should let the property
development have a choice and let the private companies compete on an equal basis
to best serve the needs of the community. Tim Kant, citing he was reiterating what staff
said, that city sewer is only'/ mile away and Fairhope is one of few places in Alabama
that have choice of utilities, it is important for us to control growth, moved to turn
down, Debbie Quinn 2"d the motion and it carried unanimously.
Lee Turner was not present to give report on Impact Fee Review.
Mr. Green a�Md Bob Clark and Lee Turner to serve as committee to review county
subdivision regulations vs. city subdivision regulations.
There being no further business, meeting was duly adjourned.