HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Board -- 2013-01-09 Minutes wu Brewster Planning Board
easwsT 2198 Main Street
o� . '� a9 Brewster,Massachusetts 02631-1898
�:; `•; >
(508)896-3701 ext.1233
c
:z:',gyp' FAX(508)896-8089
immiiiimitos
BREWSTER TOWN CLERK
Approved:2-27-13
Vote:5-0
TOWN OF BREWSTER PLANNING BOARD '13 MAR22 3137P
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday January 9, 2013 at 6:30 pm
Brewster Town Office Building
Chairman',Scott Collum convened the Planning Board meeting at 6:33 pm in the Brewster Town Office Building with
members;Rick Judd,John McMullen,Jason Klump,John Leaning, and Elizabeth Taylor present.
Absent: William Hoag
Other Attendees:Town Planner,Sue Leven
Documents:010913_A Letter from Bob Freeman of Schofield Brothers of Cape Cod, re: 2012-14, request for a
continuance to the 2-13-13 meeting.010913_B Draft Sign by-law,010913_C Draft Parking by-law
Collum read the Recording or Taping Notification:
"As required by the Open Meeting Law we are informing you that the Town will be audio and video taping this public
meeting. In addition,if anyone else intends to audio or video tape this meeting they are required to inform the chair."
6:30 pmanning Discussion
1)Site Plan Review Special Permit,2012-14
Lot 7 Independence Way, Map 76, Lot 33
The Board will vote on a request for a continuance to the February 13, 2013 meeting.
Collum read the letter from Bob Freeman at Schofield Brothers of Cape Cod.
Taylor Made a Motion to grant the request for a continuance of#2012-14, Lot 7 Independence Way, Map 76, Lot 33 to
the 2-13-13 meeting, Leaning Second,All Aye,Vote 6-0
2)Discuss by-laws for Spring Town Meeting:Signs and Parking
Leven explained to the Board that drafts were sent in September.The Chamber of Commerce has sent comments, which
have been shared with the Board.
Leven distributed updated drafts for Signs and Parking.
The Board held a lengthy open discussion of the draft by-laws for both Signs and Parking. They debated changes and
discussed the need for definitions.They finished half of the draft sign by-law and the entire draft of the parking by-law.
They will continue their discussion at a future meeting.
Topics cpyered for Signs:
1.) Plaque signs
2.)The need for definitions and the placement of definitions in the by-law document
A.The necessity of Definitions—Klump,Judd,Collum, Leven,Taylor—in favor of
B. McMullen was not in support of the definitions. He feels they are self-explanatory and make the document
Page 1 of 5
PB Minutes 1-9-13.docx
confusing. He stated there are too many.
3.) Removing the accessory sign
4.)A-frame signs
5.)Tempojrary signs and limited terms
6.) Does the public understand the current by-law?
7.)Awnings&Umbrellas(and the inclusion of advertising of business name or products)
A. Leaning was not in favor of restricting the use of awnings and umbrellas with advertising.
B.Taylor was concerned about making it a level playing field for the businesses.
C.McMullen expressed concern about leveling the playing field. He asked the Board to keep in mind you can
only go so far with the sign code. He added let commerce be commerce. He feels the businesses already have
enough regulations.
D Leaning agreed with McMullen. He believes that basic ground rules are necessary. He recommended staying
away from the minutia.Taylor asked if it does count towards total advertising space.
E. Leven explained umbrellas are now under exempt.
F,Taylor asked if having graphics or lettering constitute advertising.
G. Leven suggested changing the umbrella sign definition. Klump agreed.
H. Levert read the definition of sign. "Anything you put out that advertises your business-- Lettering or
graphics."
I. Leaning stated non-profits should be treated the same as for profit businesses. Use"any enterprise"
J. Collum agreed.
K.Leaning questioned the definition of"sign" and confirmed that umbrella signs are exempt.
Collum asked the Board to review and make edits for the next meeting.
Collum asked the Board to look at this individually,to make notes and look at other Towns. Dennis Ladder Signs,for
example.
Leven explained that the current by-law states you can have small and large signs where the revised by-law states if you
have a business you have 30 square feet of signage and the largest sign can be 20 square feet.The business has the
choice to determine how it would use the total square footage. Most businesses in Brewster do not benefit from signs
on the building since they are set back far from the street.
McMullen requested additional time to review the documents.
8.)Taylor asked about door signs
9.) Ladder signs—Who owns them,who manage them?Should this change? Should the Town manage these?Should
they include business names or business categories?
A.The Board likes the ladder signs.
B.Collum would like to see the Town take it over.
C.Leaning suggested a lottery for determining the businesses.Should they be on other roads?
A.The Board agreed that ladder signs do reduce the sign clutter.
10.) Keep off premise signs?
A.Page#4—Collum suggested removing sign height and to not use mean grade.
B.Taylor suggested asking Victor Staley.
11.)Special event signs
12.) Subdivision signs
13.) Page#5--Town Meeting Election Signs—Temporary municipal signs could be removed.
The exemption for town meeting and elections can be removed.
Page 2 of 5
PB Minutes 1-9-13.docx
14.) Leaning suggested keeping visitor information signs and the definition.
Signs Discussion,cont.
15.)Collurh suggested removing"V" shape signs.
16.)The "Welcome to Brewster" Signs does not need to be defined.
17.) Leven stated they need a window sign definition.
18.)The Zipper Sign is not allowed but needs to be defined.
} 19.)Gen Requirements A
Leave in Old King's Highway. Be aware there are two places to go in the district.
Taylor asked if there is approval sticker for an approved sign.
Leven added to check with Victor Staley and Historic.
They discussed options for approval acknowledgement. It was suggested to take photos for the file. It is a manual
process currently.
20.) Leven asked if the Board wants to know who receives sign permits. (They do not.)
Judd added the size of the sign should be a business choice. He thought the setback to the property line might be more
of an issue. Collum stated there are no setbacks for signs.
21.)Page#6
Internal illuminations
No one has seen 6 sq.ft.vending machine
22.)Taylor read Illumination of signs and it was discussed further.
Neon Sighs—Taylor dislikes the neon signs.
Collum suggested not limiting the size of the sign.
23.) Page#6,F
The Board discussed a Foster Square example. Leven explained a master sign plan for the entire plaza. Leven stated it is
for the purpose of the Town. New tenants come in and make changes.They could include ladder signs if they want to.
24.)The review of the master sign plan could go through the Town Planner.
25.)The Board discussed neon signs and corporate logos. It was shared that even if a business is located in the historic
district requirements can be waived if the corporation asks for waivers.
26.)Juddl stated that going forward he would support not have neon signs. Collum and McMullen agreed.
A. Klump asked if they were going to eliminate vending machines. He explained if you remove that section (neon
signs)then they could not have vending machines. Klump is against outdoor window neon lights.
B.Leaning does not have a problem with outdoor window neon lights. He agreed with small sings and no
external neon signs.
C.Taylor will talk to HDC.
27.) Leaning suggested not addressing the sign area management. He would like to see a reduction of the documents.
28.) McMullen is looking for a purpose and scope.
29.) Leaning added there have been problems with pre-existing signs 179-21 B.
30.) Leven asked the Board about a Sunset clause.A certain period and then you must comply with this by-law.
Does everyone who has a sign up right now,get a pass?Or 60 days to show up with your sign permit?
31.) Pre-existing non conforming sign questions
32.)Collum stated you get more range and more signs with the improved by-law.
Page 3 of 5
PB Minutes 1-9-13.docx
33.)Grandfathered signs
A.ITaylor—grandfathering, if sell property, bring into compliance—no
B.IIeven explained that grandfathered signs are there until they change the sign.
C.There is an issue with sign compliance and grandfathering.
D Collum suggested asking Victor Staley if any business established after the by-law has to comply.
34.)They discussed signs that predate the by-law. (Pre 1972)
Parking
Leven prdvided information about the new draft. She explained it is the existing by-law, without parking requirements
by use. This makes a policy and recommendations.They would be structuring the by-law so it is a negotiation between
the appligant and the Planning Board. It would become the Planning Board Policy on "Off Street Parking and Loading."
Leven reminded the Board that there was a lot of discussion at the last Town Meeting.This new by-law allows for
negotiation.Shared parking remains in the by-law.
The revised document has been reworked. It includes more white space and has shorter paragraphs.She suggested that
the Board review the questions.She added that the tables have not changed since the last Town Meeting and it might
not need to change,since it would be a recommendation not a requirement.
Board comments and discussion topics:
1.) Leaning likes the idea of recommendations that could be discussed with the developer.
2.) Collurih likes the flexibility.
3.) Leaning questioned the table calculations.
4.)They discussed screening and types of fences.
A.Taylor wants evergreen vegetation.
5.)Collurh asked about aprons. He thinks 10 feet is too short. Leven agreed with 20 feet.
A. Leaning asked if this would allow for cobblestone aprons.They determined it should and discussed the
wording further.
6.) Page#3
Leven, meant to setback driveway from street. Need permit for a curb cut anyways. Remove?
It is not necessary to include this.
Do not need four or 5, will confirm with Bob Bersin
7.) McM llen,table 1, parking,there is no strip mall or retail complex in regulation
Parking should be based on retail floor space. Leven and McMullen discussed.
That is why it is a recommendation and not a requirement, a point of negotiation.
*Leven meeting on 1/23/13 with the Finance Committee.
Review minutes of 12-12-12
Leaning made a Motion to approve the minutes of 12-12-12 as written,Judd Second,All Aye,Vote 6-0,
Page 4 of 5
PB Minutes 1-9-13.docx
Topics the Chair did not reasonably anticipate
Collum asked for a CCC update.Taylor—No update.Jason Klump stated he is interested in being the liaison to the ZBA.
Judd made a Motion to nominate Jason Klump for the Planning Board liaison to the ZBA, Leaning Second,All Aye,
Yg 6-0.'i
McMullen made a Motion to adjourn, Leaning Second,All Aye, Vote 6-0.
The meeting ended at 8:30 pm.
The next regular meeting is 1-23-13 @ 6:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Vtuk C
William jHoag, Planning Bo d Clerk Kelly Moore,Senio pt.Assistant- Planning
Page 5 of 5
PB Minutes 1-9-13.docx