Loading...
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 1 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 2 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 3 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 4