HomeMy Public PortalAboutPB MINUTES 2008-02-12 For Official Use Only
PLANNING BOARD
FEBRUARY 12, 2008 -Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Nauset Meeting Room at
the Orleans Town Hall. Present: Chairman: John Fallender; Clerk: Paul O'Connor; Associates: Gary
Guzzeau; John Ostman. Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; Secretary: Karen Sharpless.
Also Present: Board of Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller. Also Present from the Cape Cod
Commission: Heather McElroy(Natural Resource Specialist/Planner), Sharon Rooney(Planner) and
Gary Prahm(GIS Analyst). Absent: Vice-Chairman: Seth Wilkinson; Kenneth McKusick; Sims
McGrath.
CAPE COD COMMISSION LAND USE VISION MAP DISCUSSION
Through the use of a PowerPoint mapping presentation, Cape Cod Commission representatives showed a
version of the Cape Cod Vision Land Use Map and noted that it was created in response to the 21s`
Century Task Force directive. Heather McElroy explained that the objective of the mapping project is to
create a land use vision for Cape Cod and provide input for growth redevelopment and better protection
for sensitive resources. McElroy concluded that the Cape-wide mapping project guides planning projects
and is an integral part of the regulatory framework in the Cape Cod Commission. McElroy stated the
intention of the Cape Cod Commission staff to meet with each town and gain input on the appropriate
areas in each town to focus growth and which activities needs to be protected. McElroy noted that the
resulting maps will be regulatory documents which will be tied to possible changes in thresholds for
Development of Regional Impacts for large projects proposed on Cape Cod. McElroy indicated that the
mapping project which is based on sensitive resources will create the incentives and disincentives for
growth in certain areas of town. McElroy stated that towns can determine areas where the types of
projects needing Development of Regional Impact review can be have the thresholds increased or
decreased. McElroy stated that the Development of Regional Impacts can be used for commercial,
residential and mixed use projects. Meservey expressed concerns with vernal pools.
CONSENSUS: The Planning Board consensus was to support the Cape Cod Commission in
their current mapping efforts.
FORMULA BUSINESS STUDY
Planning Board members discussed comments received at recent public hearings from residents and
business owners regarding the proposal for a formula business bylaw and agreed to have the Planning
Department research this issue further and bring it back to the Planning Board for discussion. Ostman
noted the Planning Board matrixes for the Village Center District and suggested it could be useful in this
Planning Board Minutes February 12, 2008 Page 1 of 3
discussion. The Planning Board discussed past town-wide surveys and noted that valuable input was
received from the town residents. Meservey reminded the Planning Board of the need to determine the
future consequences of bylaw amendments and noted the need to proceed cautiously. Ostman stated that
the business community wants to help to get the final outcome correct. Guzzeau expressed his opinion of
the value of streetscape to preserve the "look" of the town. The Planning Board discussed the need to
include the Architectural Review Committee in future opinions to help guide the Zoning Board of
Appeals in their decisions and expressed a need to review the sign bylaws. Fallender suggested that this
be referred to as a study, not a bylaw.
LARGE SINGLE FAMILY HOME BYLAW
Fallender expressed the need to determine the permitting process for structures over 4,000 square feet
with regard to scale and bulk and the impact on neighboring properties. Planning Board members
discussed the reluctance of the Architectural Review Committee to participate in residential property
reviews and noted that the Architectural Review Committee would only be providing an opinion for
guidance, not a final decision, which would be determined by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
CONSENSUS: There was a Planning Board consensus that a meeting be held with the
Architectural Review Committee to clarify the expectations that would be created by a new bylaw.
CORRESPONDENCE
Orleans Improvement Association letter re-arding Streetscape
Fallender read a letter from the Orleans Improvement Association to Board of Selectmen in
support of the Planning Board's efforts for a streetscape project. Jon Fuller noted that the Board
of Selectmen plan to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan at their next meeting and indicated his
intention to express his support for moving the Streetscape Study from FY 'I I to FY '10. Fuller
expressed the need to gain input from residents on future projects.
Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendments memorandum to Board o f Selectmen
Planning Board members were given a copy of the final proposed zoning bylaw language which
was forwarded to the Board of Selectmen for inclusion on the May 2008 Annual Town Meeting
warrant.
SJC Decision 09941:Biorklund vs. Zoning Board Of Appeals Of Norwell:Revisions To Homes
On Non-Conforming Lots
The Planning Board reviewed a legal decision known as SJC Decision 09941: Bjorklund vs.
Zoning Board of Appeals of Norwell regarding the demolition and rebuilding of a larger home on
an undersized lot and the court system decision in favor of the Town of Norwell.
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APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 22, 2008
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by Gary Guzzeau, the Board voted to approve
the minutes of January 22, 2008.
VOTE: 4-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Paul O'Connor, seconded by John Ostman, the Board voted to adjourn
at 8:35 p.m.
VOTE: 4-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
SIGNED: DATE:
(Paul O'Connor, Clerk)
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