HomeMy Public PortalAbout03 05 2020 PC MinutesThe Town of Lees6urg in Virginia
Leesburg Planning Commission
Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2020
The Leesburg Planning Commission met on Thursday, March 5, 2020 in Town Hall Council
Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, Virginia 20176. Staff members present included
Susan Berry Hill, Brian Boucher, Tina Newton, and Karen Cicalese.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 pm by Vice Chair Faliskie
Members Present: Commissioners Barnes, Barney (arrived at 7:11 pm), Clemente, Faliskie,
Robinson, and Walker
Absent: Nacy
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: Commissioner Walker
Second: Commissioner Clemente
Vote: 5-0-2 (Absent - Nacy; Barney not present for vote)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
February 6, 2020 Draft Minutes
Motion: Commissioner Walker
Second: Commissioner Clemente
Vote: 5-0-2 (Absent - Nacy; Barney not present for vote)
DISCLOSURE OF MEETINGS
Commissioner Clemente disclosed a telephone conversation with a personal friend who works
for Peterson Companies. No Town business was discussed.
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
None
PETITIONERS
None
PUBLIC HEARING
None
SUBDIVISION AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
None
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Leesburg Planning Commission Minutes
March 5, 2020
ZONING
None
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
Gateway District Work Session 1, Susan Berry Hill, Director, Planning and Zoning and
Brian Boucher, Deputy Director, Planning and Zoning
Mr. Boucher gave an overview of the Gateway District which is a proposed replacement for the
H-2 Corridor Architectural Control Overlay District noting that the Zoning Ordinance and
Official Zoning Map amendments were initiated by Town Council on February 27, 2018 after
receiving the H-2 Work Group's recommendations. The amendments will include design
guidelines and establish the Gateway District as an overlay district on portions of the following
five major corridors in Town:
• West Market Street
• North King Street
• South King Street
• Edwards Ferry Road
• East Market Street
If adopted, this will expand architectural and/or site design authority in some areas where no
architectural review is currently required. These new and improved design guidelines will be
coming before the Planning Commission later this year. In the interim, the H-2 Design
Guidelines will still be utilized in conjunction with the more prescriptive Gateway District
zoning standards.
The Official Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance amendments are intended to establish the
procedures for Gateway District review i.e. administrative or Board of Architectural Review.
They are also intended to add building and design standards to the Gateway District to give the
Town more ability to require, and achieve, a better standard of architectural and site design than
can currently be required under the H-2 Overlay District. Staff is bringing these forward at this
time to establish the Gateway District with its upgraded requirements to better protect these
major entryways into Leesburg.
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Official Zoning Map and Zoning
Ordinance amendments on April 2, 2020. In an effort to inform affected property owners about
the Gateway District staff will be holding an Open House the week of March 23`a
Planning Commission Questions and Discussion
Why is it important to amend the Zoning Map?
Mr. Boucher explained that if you establish the district in the Zoning Ordinance but don't put it
on the map it has no force and effect. It is also important to let people know that their property is
in this district. He explained that there are two types of Zoning Districts, base zoning and
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Leesburg Planning Commission Minutes
March 5, 2020
overlay zoning. A base zoning district (like the B-3) has certain rights and uses that are allowed.
An overlay district is one that doesn't change the uses, but overlays the area for a specific
purpose, in this case architectural control and sit design. The Gateway District has I-1, B-2, B-3,
and several residential districts and the overlay district provides an extra layer of control in terms
of architecture and design. It also sets an expectation.
It was requested to include a copy of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Master Plan in their
agenda packet for March 19tH
Is there a fence building material standard for fences located on properties that are not in the
historic district and how would it be enforced?
Mr. Boucher explained that there will be material standards and in terms of enforcement, a
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) will be required. Most of this could be done
administratively by the Preservation Planner.
Will the Leesburg brand be too restrictive and prevent the Town from getting what it wants?
Mr. Boucher explained that the Zoning Ordinance amendments will help set expectations and set
a higher standard for architecture and site design. There will be flexibility in the guidelines.
Individuals can make their case if requesting something different.
STAFF AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
UPDATE ON CASES AT COUNCIL
Ms. Berry Hill informed the Commission that the Leesburg South Floodplain Alteration
Application went to Council last Tuesday and the application was approved by a vote of 6-1.
This will allow the Applicant to move ahead with their floodplain alteration proposal as
submitted to the Town.
At the Work Session last Monday, the Commission's Vice Chair appeared before Council, along
with other Chairs of the Boards and Commissions that are requesting budget items. Mr. Faliskie
represented the Commission well. Council will be considering your budget request for a
facilitator to discuss process improvements.
SRTC REPORT
None
BAR REPORT
Commissioner Robinson informed the Commission that the BAR finished their referral for the
CVS at Allman Property Application which will go to Council after budget.
TOWN COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
None
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Leesburg Planning Commission Minutes
March 5, 2020
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm
Ap roved by: i_a5tr0)--ii-tkk
li l
Karen Cicalese, Commission Clerk
David Faliskie, Vice Chair
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