HomeMy Public PortalAboutPlanning Bd 2015-09-15 PAS Mnssq�hGS ORLEANS TOWN CLERK
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ORLEANS PLANNING BOARD
SEPTEMBER 15,2015-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: Steve Bornemeier; Vice-Chairman: Charles Bechtold;
Regular Members: Chet Crabtree and Paul McNulty.Associates: John Ingwersen and Thomas Johnson.
Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; and Secretary:Karen Sharpless. Also Present: Board of
Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller; and Todd Thayer. Absent: Clerk: Andrea Reed.
Chairman Bornemeier requested that John Ingwersen vote in the absence of Andrea Reed
2016 POTENTIAL ZONING AMENDMENTS
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Meservey described the process of potential zoning bylaw changes as they progress from initial review to a
vote at town meeting as guided by State Law. Meservey noted that anyone can petition for a zoning bylaw
change through the Planning Board and Zoning Bylaw Task Force,or potential bylaws can be initiated by
the Planning Board or Building Commissioner.
LARGE HOMES
Planning Board members discussed the issue of very large homes built on undersized lots resulting
in complaints from neighbors about the loss of community character, an issue that has been raised
previously in the Nauset Heights area. During the discussion,members agreed that this issue will
not go away and the importance of an acceptable regulatory approach to the problem.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to continue discussion on this
matter.
LIMITED BUSINESS DISTRICT ZONING
Planning Board members agreed to wait for the final Cape Cod Commission RESET Study report
regarding recommendations for appropriate zoning to manage growth in Orleans.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to continue discussion on this
matter. •
ACCESSORY APARTMENTS
Planning Board members discussed existing regulations for accessory apartments such as the 800
square feet limitation and that they must be attached to the main dwelling. Meservey commented
that the reason that people haven't been taking advantage of this option may be due to the limitations
which could be amended. Meservey noted that buildout figures will be affected if zoning changes
Planning Board Minutes—September 15, 2015 Page 1 of 5
All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department.
are made, but it would allow more young people to live in town. Planning Board members agreed N
that housing is an important issue and should be encouraged due to the demand. Ingwersen noted
that this option could be useful for elderly residents who could provide housing for someone who
can help them. George Meservey noted that the options could be handled in incremental steps, not
all at once. Planning Board members agreed with the need for more low income housing,but noted
the need to be cautious of unforeseen consequences such as an increase in summer rentals, rather
than the intended goal of providing year-round housing.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to continue discussion on this
matter.
APARTMENTS IN THE VILLAGE CENTER DISTRICT
Planning Board members discussed the use of zoning to provide for apartments over shops in the
Village Center resulting in increased density. Meservey noted there are lots in the Village Center
that are currently being underutilized. Planning Board members acknowledged that residents have
indicated they want to encourage housing options in the downtown.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to continue discussion on this
matter.
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN FOR MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
Planning Board members discussed possible zoning changes that could incorporate ideas for
environmental designs for municipal buildings as voted at the Annual Town Meeting in May 2015
through Article 57. Meservey noted there will be a workshop on October 13, 2015 that will deal
with this issue.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to continue discussion on this
matter.
OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF GOODS
Meservey reported that the Building Commissioner has received complaints regarding outdoor
displays at some retail stores in town. Planning Board members noted the difficulty in regulating
outdoor displays as it could be considered as a matter of"taste".
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action •
at this time. •
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ALLOW TRAILERS IN OTHER BUSINESS DISTRICTS
Planning Board members noted that trailers are now allowed in the Industrial District for commercial
storage and agreed that allowing trailers in other districts in town does not appear to be necessary at
this time. Meservey stated that the Building Commissioner has dealt with the issue of enforcing the
removal of trailers from the Residential District.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action
at this time.
Planning Board Minutes-September 15, 2015 Page 2 of 5
All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on We in the Planning Department.
DEFINITION OF TRAILER
Planning Board members noted that a zoning proposal regarding the definition of trailers was
indefmitely postponed at a previous town meeting and indicated that further discussion does not
seem to be warranted.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action
at this time.
SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS
Planning Board members discussed the question of permitting offsite sandwich board signs which
are currently prohibited. Meservey noted that if there was a zoning change to allow the signs,
approval would have to be obtained from the property owner. Meservey stated that the issue would
have to be coordinated with the Board of Selectmen, especially on town land, since there is a lot of
controversy regarding the issue of offsite signs. Crabtree stated for the record that he would vote
against this proposal and declared that he feels extra signs in town are offensive. Planning Board
members discussed the question of providing information regarding town businesses along the bike
trail which goes through the middle of Orleans. Crabtree stated his opinion that there are already
many commercial signs in town.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action
at this time.
_ WAYFINDING SIGNS
Planning Board members discussed the issue of wayfmding signs to encourage walking in the
downtown area and agreed to the idea of gaining input from town businesses. Planning Board
members agreed that any signage should be tastefully done as referenced in the streetscape plan by
the Cape Cod Commission.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action
at this time.
PARKING REGULATIONS
Planning Board members noted that the RESET presentation encourages shared parking and agreed
to request a parking needs assessment from the Cape Cod Commission before making any zoning
changes.
Consensus: There was a consensus of the Planning Board to not to take any further action
at this time.
RESET—Zoning Amendment Recommendations
Planning Board members reviewed a list of zoning recommendations based on a presentation of the Route
6A RESET Study by the Cape Cod Commission. The zoning amendments included a simplification of the •
Schedule of Uses Regulation, adding definitions and purposes, removing the allowance for light industry in
the Village Center, adding a use category for medical offices, alter zoning for dwellings in commercial
Planning Board Minutes-September 15, 2015 Page 3 of 5
All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on We in the Planning Department.
structures, change desirable uses to `By Right"rather than requiring a Special Permit, altering or removal of
the Special Permit requirement for construction over 2,500 square feet, alterations to parking requirements,
revising current zoning districts,and revise apat Linent development restrictions. Planning Board members
discussed issues such as sewering resulting in more density in the downtown. Planning Board members
• noted the importance of not exceeding the threshold for appropriate growth in town to avoid unintended
consequences. Meservey noted that the Special Permit process through the Zoning Board of Appeals is an
added expense for a proposed business, but it has worked well in Orleans as it deals with concerns such
traffic generation. Planning Board members discussed commercial parking issues and how they affect the
town. Regarding a change in zoning districts,Meservey warned against infringement on property rights and
noted the town should move forward cautiously with zoning changes. Bornemeier noted the need to
encourage commercial development which serves the community,without being overly restrictive. Crabtree
requested that the issue of formula retail remain on the Planning Board discussion list.
Consensus; There was a consensus of the Planning Board to wait for receipt of the final Cape Cod
Commission report
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 28, 2015
MOTION: On a motion by Chip Bechtold, seconded by Paul McNulty,the Board voted to approve
the Planning Board minutes of July 28, 2015.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 11, 2015
MOTION: On a motion by Paul McNulty, seconded by Chet Crabtree,the Board voted to approve
the Planning Board minutes of August 11,2015.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 1, 2015
MOTION: On a motion by John Ingwersen, seconded by Chip Bechtold,the Board voted to
approve the Planning Board minutes of September 1,2015.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
PARTIAL RELEASE OF COVENANT — WHITE CEDAR LANE
Meservey reported that a request was received from an engineer and developer for a Partial Release of
Covenant for Lot 3 on White Cedar Lane(off Portanimicut Road) in order for the lot to be conveyed.
MOTION: On a motion by Charles Bechtold, seconded by Paul McNulty,the Board voted to
authorize the Planning Board Chairman to sign the Partial Release of Covenant for Lot 3 on White
Cedar Lane.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The motion passed by a majority. (Chet Crabtree abstained).
Planning Board Minutes—September 15, 2015 Page 4 of 5
All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department.
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• VILLAGE CENTER PRESENTATION (Todd Thayer)
Todd Thayer stated that he owns 15 acres in downtown Orleans and his goal is to work with the Planning
Board to determine the best ways to develop a walkable town consistent with town studies and plans and
would result in positive zoning changes that will pass at town meeting. Thayer noted there are consultants
who can help with downtown zoning changes. Thayer stated there is a need for quality elderly and worker
housing which could make the downtown more vibrant. Thayer stated that two of his properties have an
overabundance of parking spaces which could be better utilized. Thayer noted the importance of allowing
retail chains if they are managed properly since Mom and Pop stores are unable to make use of larger retail
spaces. Planning Board agreed to hold a Planning Board meeting to preview a presentation by Todd Thayer.
MOTION: On a motion by Chet Crabtree, seconded by John Ingwersen,the Board voted to hold a
special Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
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ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: On a motion by Paul McNulty, seconded by Chet Crabtree, the Board voted to adjourn
the Planning Board meeting at 8:25 p.m.
VOTE: 5-0-0 The motion passed unanimously.
SIGNEICOk AI DATE: 7"ZI I
(Andrea Reed, Clerk)
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LIST OF HANDOUTS FOR SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 PLANNING BOARD MEETING:
2016 POTENTIAL ZONING AMENDMENTS
• 2016 Potential Zoning Amendments
RESET—ZONING AMENDMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
• Route 6A RESET Study—Zoning Amendment Recommendations
• E-mail to Leslie Richardson(Cape Cod Commission), dated August 12,2015
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Planning Board minutes for July 28,2015
• Planning Board minutes for August 11,2015
• Planning Board minutes for September 1,2015
Planning Board Minutes—September 15, 2015 Page 5 of 5
All information discussed at Planning Board meetings is kept on file in the Planning Department.