HomeMy Public PortalAbout11 02 17 PC MinutesThe Town of Leesburg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
November 2, 2017
The Leesburg Planning Commission met on Thursday, November 2, 2017 in the Town Council
Chamber, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA 20176. Staff members present included Susan
Berry -Hill, Mike Watkins, Shelby Caputo, and Karen Cicalese.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:OOpm by Chairman Welsh Chamblin
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chairman Welsh Chamblin, Commissioners Babbin, Barnes, Kidder,
Lanham, Robinson, and Walker
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Commissioner Barnes
Second: Commissioner Lanham
Vote: 7-0
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 19, 2017
Commissioner Robinson noted a typo on the second to last paragraph on Page 7 ("waved" needs
to be changed to "waived").
Motion: Commissioner Kidder moved to approve the minutes as corrected.
Second: Commissioner Lanham
Vote: 6-0-1 (Robinson abstained as she was not at the meeting)
DISCLOSURE OF MEETINGS
None
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
Chairman Welsh Chamblin noted that there had been some conversation regarding the Planning
Commission having a discussion and stance on funding relating to the Airport Commission with
the Town and County and she wished to state that the Planning Commission has not had any
such discussion. The Commission did discuss funding for the Airport during the CIP public
hearing in early 2017.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin stated that during her time as Chair, she has strived to ensure the
Commission was one team. It is critical that the Commission collaborate and have diversity of
thoughts and ideas to create the best product for the Town of Leesburg. She asked, moving
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November 2, 2017 Minutes
forward to her last few meetings as Chair, that everyone be respectful of each other and all of our
opinions and ideas.
PETITIONERS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
None
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
Leegate Street Name Approval
Mike Watkins, Assistant Zoning Administrator explained that this was a request for Planning
Commission approval of street names associated with TLPF-2017-0010, Preliminary/Final
Subdivision Plans for Leegate, as required pursuant to The Subdivision and Land Development
Regulations (SLDR) Section 4.02.f. The street names are listed in the November 2, 2017 staff
report.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin called for questions and/or comments.
Commissioner Robinson commented that she would not be supporting approval of the names as
she was not in favor of the street name theme.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin called for the motion.
Commissioner Babbin moved to approve the street names included in the Leegate street naming
staff report dated November 2, 2017, pursuant to Section 4.02.f of the Subdivision and Land
Development Regulations.
Commissioner Walker seconded the motion.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin called for discussion on the motion.
Commissioner Robinson repeated that she did not like the theme and felt the developer could
come up with better names.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin called for the vote.
The motion carried by a vote of 6-1 (nay — Robinson)
Banyan Cove Street Name Approval
Mr. Watkins explained that this was a request for Planning Commission approval of a street
name associated with TLCD-2011-0002, Construction Drawings for Banyan Cove, as required
pursuant to the SLDR Section 4.02.f. The proposed private street name is Tolocka Terrace, NE.
Chairman Walsh Chamblin called for discussion, seeing none she called for a motion.
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November 2, 2017 Minutes
Commissioner Lanham moved to approve the street name "Tolocka Terrace, NE" Zoning Map
pursuant to Section 4.02.f of the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
Commissioner kidder seconded the motion.
Chairman Welsh Chamblin called for discussion on the motion. Seeing none, she called for the
vote.
The motion carried by a vote of 7-0.
ZONING
None
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
None
STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
Tent and Shade Structure Work Session
Mr. Watkins explained that this was a proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment that would
provide opportunities for seasonal and/or year-round shade structures and/or tents for restaurants
and other- similar businesses, such as brewpubs and microbreweries, in the Downtown (B-1
Zoning District). The issue before the Planning Commission is whether or not the Zoning
Ordinance should be amended to permit shade structures and tents in the B-1 Community
Business District. This was initiated to account for an increased growth of restaurant uses in the
downtown, some of which have been adaptive re -use of existing buildings. Some of the adaptive
re -uses in buildings have limited indoor capacity for their dining areas and this could support
year-round activity. There is also some code enforcement regarding this issue.
Mr. Watkins gave a brief background noting that Town Council previously initiated a Zoning
Ordinance text amendment in 2008 (TLOA-2008-0010). The Planning Commission
recommended denial and it was denied by Town Council. Town Council initiated another Text
Amendment in 2013 (TLOA-2013-0006). The Planning Commission again recommended denial
and no further action was taken by Town Council. The concerns expressed during these
discussions included aesthetics, such as compatibility with historic structures and maintenance;
safety, such as snow load, wind, structural capacity, and electrical wiring; and
comprehensiveness as there was a perception that this could be seen as spot zoning in the
Downtown. The Planning Commission had suggested these structures be regulated as special
exception uses with limited durations.
Mr. Watkins explained that currently our regulations include tents in association with temporary
uses and business special events. Our ordinance defines temporary as very limited in duration
such as 30 days or less. Tent is defined as a collapsible moveable shelter consisting of a cover
made of canvas, fabric, plastic or other material stretched over a supporting framework of poles
that may be used as a temporary building and not intended for living quarters. Tents shall not be
used as permanent structures for any purpose. Other permitted structures include pergolas and
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November 2, 2017 Minutes
awnings. Pergolas may encroach into a yard but it doesn't serve the same purpose as a tent as it
has an open roof or cover. Awnings are physically attached to the building.
The proposed amendment also introduces a new structure; a shade structure. This has been
introduced because our definition of tent includes its' temporary nature. The shade structure
would be more permanent as it will have a permanent foundation. It would be an open structure
that could have a geometric or solid cover to it providing screening or shade from the elements,
primarily sun.
Mr. Watkins explained that staff was looking for direction from the Planning Commission
regarding whether the Zoning Ordinance should be amended and if so how it should be amended.
He asked the Commission to focus specifically on the following:
Shades:
• Should shade structures be permitted seasonally or year-round?
There was a mixed response with some Commissioners preferring a seasonal structure
with permanent foundations, however, the covering would be removed in the winter
months. Others favored a year-round approach.
• Who should have review authority?
Staff should have review authority, however, it was requested that the BAR review and
provide general standards/guidelines for shade structures.
• Should there be a defined architectural style?
The style should be consistent with the historic character of the downtown.
• Where should these structures be located?
Depending on the location and size of the lot, placement could be in the rear, side, or
front yards.
• What size should the structures be?
The Commission did not have a preference and deferred to staff.
The Commission also supported malting this Town -wide as opposed to just the B-1 (Downtown).
Mr. Watkins explained that the initiating resolution dictates the scope of the project. The
Planning Commission could either move forward with the approved resolution which limits this
to seasonal and to the Downtown or make a recommendation to Town Council to amend the
initiating resolution to expand it to include year-round usage and Town -wide implementation.
Concerns expressed included structural integrity, maintenance, safety, and aesthetics.
Tents
Should tent structures be permitted seasonally or year-round?
The Commission was split with some preferring seasonal and others that were not
opposed to year-round dependent upon the business and need.
Who should have review authority?
Staff should have review authority, however, it was requested that the BAR review and
provide general standards/guidelines for tent structures.
Should there be a defined architectural style?
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The style should be consistent with the historic character of the downtown.
Where should these structures be located?
The majority preferred the tents to be located in the rear whenever possible. Placement in
a side yard would need to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
What size should the structures be?
Size should be dependent upon the location where it is to be placed and a height
limitation should be imposed.
The Commission was also in favor of permitting tents Town -wide.
Concerns expressed included structural integrity, safety, aesthetics, maintenance, and provision
of electrical wiring and HVAC equipment.
There was a lot of collaboration regarding BAR review, proposed standards/guidelines, and
expeditious review.
Susan Berry -Hill, Director, Department of Planning and Zoning, suggested placing this on the
BAR's December Work Session with their recommendations coming back to the Planning
Commission on January 0
After further discussion the Commission determined to delay the public hearing, scheduled for
December 7"', to allow time for the BAR to review standards and guidelines and provide their
recommendations.
SRTC REPORT
Commissioner Robinson explained that the SRTC is looking at the influence of the cut -through
from Sycolin Street through Harrison Street and the impact of further development on that road
segment. They will take a look at painting parking on the sides of the road to aid in reducing
speeding at their next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
Commissioner Babbin gave an update on the Economic Development Steering Committee noting
that their report was now complete and will be available to view on-line next week. Only a
limited amount of hard copies will be made. They will be presenting their findings at the Town
Council Work Session on Monday, November 131h
NEW BUSINESS
None
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm
Approved by:
Karen Cicalese, Commission Clerk
4nhd1ssLay Wh hamblin, Chair