HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-09-12 MinutesPlanning Commission
September 12, 2011
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MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
A regular meeting of the Fayetteville Planning Commission was held on September 12, 2011 at 5:30 p.m. in
Room 219, City Administration Building in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Consent.
MINUTES: August 22, 2011
Page 3
ACTION TAKEN
Approved
ADM 11-3949: Variance (241 WEST DICKSON STREET/DICKSON STREET LIQUOR, 484)
Page 3 Approved
Old Business:
CUP 11-3811: Conditional Use Permit (339 WEST AVENUE/ROCK BOTTOM, 484)
Page 4 Approved
RZN 11-3892: Rezone (FAYETTE JUNCTION MASTER PLAN, 599)
Page 5 Forwarded
New Business:
ADM 11-3948: Variance (INTERSECTION OF MT. COMFORT & OAKLAND AVEJOAKLAND
COURTS, 405)
Page 6 Approved
CUP 11-3917: Conditional Use Permit (2783 MT. COMFORT RD./FELLOWSHIP OF THE
HILLS, 363):
Page 8 Approved
CUP 11-3918: Conditional Use Permit (510 W. 11TH ST. & 989 S. SCHOOL
AVE./BARTHOLOMEW (SALE BARN), 562)
Page 9 Tabled
CUP 11-3921: Conditional Use Permit (401 W. WATSON ST., SUITE 203./LEGACY BLUES, 484)
Page 10 Approved
RZN 11-3916: Rezone (SW CORNER OF SALEM RD. & WEIR RD./TTO, LLC, 245)
Page 11 Forwarded
ADM 11-3782: Administrative Item (UDC CH. 164: SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRICT
REGULATIONS — COTTAGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT)
Page 14 Forwarded
Planning Commission
September 12, 2011
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ADM 11-3932 Administrative Item (AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 178: Outdoor Vendors)
Page 17
MEMBERS PRESENT
Craig Honchell
Sarah Bunch
William Chesser
Hugh Earnest
Tracy Hoskins
Chris Griffin
Porter Winston
Matthew Cabe
Kyle Cook
STAFF PRESENT
Andrew Garner
Data Sanders
Jesse Fulcher
CITY ATTORNEY
Kit Williams, City Attorney
Tabled
MEMBERS ABSENT
5:30 PM - Planning Commission Chair Matthew Cabe called the meeting to order.
Commissioner Cabe requested all cell phones to be turned off and informed the audience that listening
devices were available.
Upon roll call all members were present.
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September 12, 2011
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Consent.
Approval of the minutes from the August 22, 2011 meeting.
ADM 11-3949: Variance (241 WEST DICKSON STREET/DICKSON STREET LIQUOR, 484):
Submitted by ALBERT SKILES for property located at the southeast comer of DICKSON STREET AND
LOCUST STREET. The property is zoned MSC, MAIN STREET/CENTER and contains approximately 0.22
acre. The request is for a variance from Chapter 172.08, Nonconforming Parking Lots, to bring only a portion
of the existing nonconforming parking lot into compliance with the parking lot landscaping requirements.
Commissioner Earnest made a correction on page I1 of the minutes clarifying that he voted `no' for the
motion to deny CUP 11-3896 (Arkansas Helicopters).
Motion:
Commissioner Winston made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda with the change noted by
Commissioner Earnest. Commissioner Chesser seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed
with a vote of 9-0-0.
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September 12, 2011
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Old Business:
CUP 11-3811: Conditional Use Permit (339 WEST AVENUE/ROCK BOTTOM, 484): Submitted by ZAC
WOODEN for property located at 339 N. WEST AVENUE. The property is zoned MSC, MAIN STREET
CENTER and contains approximately 0.75 acres. The request is for off-site parking as nine on-site parking
spaces are proposed to be utilized during temporary events.
Andrew Garner, Senior Planner, gave the staff report.
Zack Wooden, applicant, stated agreement with the recommended conditions of approval.
No public comment was presented.
Motion:
Commissioner Winston made a motion to approve CUP 11 -3 811 with all of the conditions as recommended by
staff. Commissioner Chesser seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
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RZN 11-3892: Rezone (FAYETTE JUNCTION MASTER PLAN, 599): Submitted by THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE PLANNING DIVISION for property located WITHIN THE FAYETTE JUNCTION
MASTER PLAN AREA. The properties are zoned RMF -24, RESIDENTIAL MULTI -FAMILY, 24
DU/ACRE; C-1, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL; C-2, THOROUGHFARE COMMERCIAL; and I-1,
HEAVY COMMERCIAL/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL. The request is to rezone select properties within the
Fayette Junction Master Plan area to NS, NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES; CS, COMMUNITY SERVICES;
UT, URBAN THOROUGHFARE; P-1, INSTITUTIONAL; AND I-1, HEAVY COMMERCIAL/LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL.
Dara Sanders, Current Planner, gave the staff report.
No public comment was presented.
Commissioner Winston congratulated staff on the project.
Motion:
Commissioner Winston made a motion to forward RZN 11-3892 to the City Council with a recommendation
for approval. Commissioner Chesser seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of
9-0-0.
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September 12, 2011
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New Business:
ADM 11-3948: Variance (INTERSECTION OF MT. COMFORT & OAKLAND AVE./OAKLAND
COURTS, 405): Submitted by COMMUNITY BY DESIGN for property located at the intersection of
MOUNT COMFORT ROAD AND OAKLAND AVENUE. The property is zoned CS, COMMUNITY
SERVICES and contains approximately 1.75 acres. The request is for variances from Unified Development
Code Chapters 166, Development, Chapter 170, Stormwater Management, Drainage, and Erosion Control,
Chapter 172, Parking and Loading, and Chapter 177, Landscaping.
Dara Sanders, Current Planner, gave the staff report.
Rob Sharp, applicant, passed out drawings. He discussed that the City's old drainage manual is outdated. He
discussed the speed of water passing through the pipe. He agreed with all other determinations and
recommendations.
No public comment was presented.
Commissioner Hoskins and Glenn Newman, Staff Engineer, discussed the Engineering Division's concerns
with the proposal, including public responsibility of maintaining the proposed smaller pipe.
Kit Williams, City Attorney, asked if the owner would agree to maintain the system.
Mr. Sharp stated that it would be appropriate to require the owner to maintain the system when varying the
code requirements. He discussed similar requests in other cities.
Commissioner Earnest, Mr. Sharp, and Mr. Newman discussed the proposed water collection method on
the site.
Commissioner Chesser, Mr. Newman, and Mr. Sharp discussed the way in which the proposal could be
considered a low impact development technique.
Commissioner Chesser discussed the variance request from the glazing requirements on the west wall.
Commissioner Cabe and Mr. Sharp discussed the way in which the smaller pipe would be cleaned and
maintained.
Commissioner Cabe expressed support for the applicant's variance requests as submitted with the condition
that the property owner be required to maintain the system.
Mr. Williams offered language for a condition of approval for determination #4 in the staff report.
Commissioner Cabe and Chris Brown, City Engineer, discussed new technologies for maintaining smaller
pipes. Mr. Brown stated that, for the most part, the smaller pipe size will mostly affect the subject property.
Motion:
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to approve ADM 11-3948 finding in favor of all variances as
recommended by staff, modifying condition of approval No.4 to state:
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September 12, 2011
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"The applicant will be allowed to construct its drainage system as designed by the project engineer if the
owner/developer agrees that this drainage system shall remain its private property and assumes all liability and
maintenance responsibility for the drainage system for all stormwater entering onto or falling upon their
property including all city rights-of-way especially the internal alley. The owner agrees to ensure its drainage
system will function properly at all times and shall take immediate action to unclog any pipe or correct any
other defect when notified by the City."
Commissioner Honchell seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
Planning Commission
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CUP 11-3917: Conditional Use Permit (2783 MT. COMFORT RD./FELLOWSHIP OF THE HILLS,
363): Submitted by BRIAN BROWN for property located at 2783 MT. COMFORT ROAD. The property is
zoned P-1, INSTITUTIONAL and contains approximately 2.19 acres. The request is to utilize a temporary
construction trailer, Use Unit 2, for Sunday school rooms.
Andrew Garner, Senior Planner, gave the staff report, making a recommendation to modify condition of
approval No. 4 that the two existing light fixtures shall be shielded to meet City ordinance.
Brian Brown, Fellowship of the Hills pastor, was present to answer any questions.
No public comment was presented.
Commissioner Griffin asked the applicant if they had plans to build a permanent building.
Brian Brown, applicant, stated that, yes, they are making plans for a permanent building.
Motion:
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to approve CUP 11-3917 with all conditions of approval as
recommended by staff. Commissioner Cabe seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a
vote of 9-0-0.
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September 12, 2011
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CUP 11-3918: Conditional Use Permit (510 W. 11TH ST. & 989 S. SCHOOL AVE./BARTHOLOMEW
(SALE BARN), 562): Submitted by MORRISON SHIPLEY ENGINEERS, INC. for property located at 510
WEST 11TH STREET AND 989 SOUTH SCHOOL AVENUE. The property is zoned CS, COMMUNITY
SERVICES and contains approximately 10.95 acres. The request is to utilize a trailer as a temporary leasing
office, Use Unit 2, for an apartment complex.
THE APPLICANT HAS REQUESTED THAT THE ITEM BE TABLED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 26,
2011. THE APPLICANT HAS DECIDED TO RELOCATED THE TEMPORARY FACILITY TO
ANOTHER LOCATION ON THE PROPERTY.
No staff report or public comment were presented.
Motion:
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to table 11 -39 18 indefinitely. Commissioner Winston seconded the
motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 9-0-0.
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CUP 11-3921: Conditional Use Permit (401 W. WATSON ST., SUITE 203./LEGACY BLUES, 484):
Submitted by JAMES LEFLER for property located at 401 WEST WATSON STREET, SUITE 203,
LEGACY BUILDING. The property is zoned MSC, MAIN STREET CENTER and contains approximately
0.44 acres. The request is for Use Unit 29 (Dance Hall).
Andrew Garner, Senior Planner, gave the staff report.
David Hogue, attorney for the applicant, stated agreement with the conditions of approval.
No public comment was presented.
Commissioner Chesser asked about why a dance hall needed a conditional use permit.
Garner discussed the code requirements stating that a dance hall requires a conditional use permit and
discussed that uses associated with a dance hall make a dance hall different than a typical restaurant or bar.
There is a greater impact on police calls to a dance hall and occupancy issues that need to be brought to the
attention of the fire department.
Motion:
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to approve CUP 11-3921 with the conditions of approval as
recommended by staff. Commissioner Winston seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with
a vote of 9-0-0.
Planning Commission
September 12, 2011
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RZN 11-3916: Rezone (SW CORNER OF SALEM RD. & WEIR RD./TTO, LLC, 245): Submitted by
JORGENSEN & ASSOCIATES for property located at the SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SALEM ROAD
AND WEIR ROAD. The property is zoned R-PZD, RESIDENTIAL PLANNED ZONING DISTRICT (06-
2281 HOLCOMB HEIGHTS I AND 07-2613 HOLCOMB HEIGHTS II) and contains approximately
19.24 acres. The request is to rezone the property to RSF-8, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, 8 UNITS
PER ACRE.
Jesse Fulcher, Current Planner, gave the staff report.
Justin Jorgensen, applicant, discussed that 50 -foot wide lots is the reasons for the RSF-8 lots. They are only
proposing single family lots. He discussed that they can't get more than 72 homes.
Public Comment:
Patrick Smith, lives just to the south. He discussed poor drainage and standing water. He presented a soils
report and discussed the soil types on the property and drainage problems. He discussed the soil types have a
high corrosion on concrete. These soil types are notorious for corrosion. What is the need for up to eight units
per acre? Four units per acre is appropriate. Sixty-five residents signed a petition against the rezoning. He
discussed overcrowding at Holcomb Elementary.
Jason Tullis, lives in Salem Meadows to the south. He discussed drainage issues and asked about the
commission's role in drainage.
Kit Williams, City Attorney, discussed drainage manual and ordinance. The Planning Commission cannot
look at that when considering a rezoning.
Andy Mays, adjacent property owner, discussed the original PZD and their comfort level with that proposal.
He is concerned with eight units per acre. He is concerned with the RSF-8 zoning. He asked about any
potential variance or conditions of approval to have it rezoned.
Kit Williams, City Attorney, discussed that conditions cannot be applied to a rezoning. He discussed that a
rezoning is different than a PZD, the current zoning on the property. The property owner/developer is not
bound by anything in a rezoning.
Andy Mays stated he can't support the RSF-8 zoning. It puts the neighbors in a great position of risk. He
asked the commission deny or table the request until the neighbors are satisfied.
Cathy Sprouse discussed the traffic numbers. He were comfortable with 72 units that the engineer told us but
discussed concerns that another developer could develop the property with more than 72 units. She discussed
traffic issues at Salem/Mt. Comfort. The school at Holcomb is at capacity. Holt is getting close to capacity.
She stated that she wants some guarantee or assurance.
No more public comment was presented.
Commissioner Hoskins stated concerns with density and compatibility with this density of development on
the edge of the City.
Fulcher discussed density and build -out and that the proposal is consistent with the surrounding area.
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Commissioner Earnest stated that the PZD approved development of 104 units and that the proposed zoning
is comparable or even less than that.
Commissioner Griffin stated that he has the same concerns as Commissioner Hoskins. We can't compare
this to the PZD. He discussed concerns with putting this type of development out on the edge of the City. He
discussed that RSF-4 zoning would be better in his opinion.
Commissioner Honchell requested for Mr. Mays to come back up to the podium.
Andy Mays, adjacent property owner, discussed that the PZD was approved with some larger lots on the edge
next to the neighbors and some smaller lots in other areas. He is concerned with what could happen down the
road.
Commissioner Cabe discussed that 72 units as indicated by the engineer would be 3.7 units per acre.
Justin Jorgensen, applicant, discussed that the reason for the RSF-8 zoning was not the density but the 50 -
foot wide lots.
Commissioner Chesser discussed compatibility and the future build -out at eight units per acre.
Commissioner Winston asked about variances for lot width.
Fulcher discussed the hardship needed for a Board of Adjustment variance.
Williams discussed that it is difficult to meet the variance test for a lot size variance.
Commissioner Winston asked how this proposal meets City Plan 2030.
Fulcher explained density in this area of the City in the immediate proximity of a school and other single
family neighborhoods.
Commissioner Winston asked about a buffer.
Fulcher discussed density and transition of the proposed zoning to the surrounding area.
Commissioner Hoskins discussed that he does not feel that this meets the goals of City Plan 2030 to promote
infill and reduce sprawl.
Commissioner Griffin discussed that this proposal may need to be considered in light of the next proposal
for a cottage ordinance that may allow increased density.
Commissioner Winston asked about street improvements.
Fulcher discussed traffic and potential improvements.
Commissioner Chesser asked if townhomes/attached single family homes, could be built by right in the
RSF-8 zoning district.
Fulcher stated `no'.
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September 12, 2011
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Motion•
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to forward RZN 11-3916 to the City Council with a recommendation
for approval. Commissioner Cook seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 5-4-
0 (Commissioners Griffin, Winston, Honchell, and Hoskins voting `no').
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ADM 11-3782: Administrative Item (UDC CH. 164: SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRICT REGULATIONS
— COTTAGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT): Submitted by THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE
PLANNING DIVISION. The request is to amend Chapter 164 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) to
permit cottage housing development.
Leif Olson, Planner, gave the staff report and outlined the key points of the Cottage Housing Ordinance with
a power point presentation.
Commissioner Cabe opened the floor for public comment.
Rob Sharp addressed the commission and expressed his support of the ordinance. Sharp commented on the
fact that the ordinance was very prescriptive in order to achieve a high quality product. Sharp discussed the
need in Fayetteville for smaller housing units to serve the growing demographic of singles, couples, retirees,
etc.
Commission Cabe closed the floor for public comment.
Commissioner Chesser asked if the architectural requirements would preclude modem architectural styles
Leif Olson stated that the ordinance is not prescriptive in regard to architectural style.
Commissioner Chesser commented that he felt that the Cottage Housing Ordinance should be permitted by
right in single family zoning districts.
Commissioner Chesser stated that he would have a hard time supporting this ordinance if it did not allow
CHD's in single family zoning districts by right.
Commissioner Earnest stated his support of the ordinance.
Commission Cabe asked if existing non -conforming structures would count as a housing unit in the total
number of housing units permitted in the development.
Leif Olson stated that an existing structure that would remain on the property after the development was
completed would count as one of the housing units allowed in the development.
Commission Cabe asked if any other cities permitted well done parking areas to count in the square footage of
open space required per dwelling unit.
Leif Olson indicated that none of the twenty or so CHD ordinances that staff looked at allowed parking areas to
count for the required open space requirement.
Commissioner Cabe asked if the language regarding the inclusion of bicycle racks or designated bike storage
should be strengthened to a requirement instead of a recommendation.
Leif Olson indicated that staff removed the requirement for bike storage because a City Council sponsor of the
ordinance requested that change. Olson stated that the City does require bike racks for commercial projects but
not for any single family type projects but that staff would encourage developers to include bike storage
facilities in their design.
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Commissioner Cabe asked if a variance could be added in order to allow for less variation in the architectural
requirements.
Leif Olson stated that the ordinance could be amended in order to allow for that possibility
Commissioner Hoskins asked if there is anything in the ordinance that would preclude someone from having a
garage attached to a cottage housing unit.
Leif Olson stated that the requirement is that the footprint of the home shall not exceed 900 square feet.
Commissioner Hoskins asked if staff had seen any of these developments that had garages attached to the
cottages.
Leif Olson and Andrew Garner both indicated that they had not found examples with garages attached.
Commissioner Hoskins asked about the square foot requirement for the cottages and whether the City should
allow for units larger than 1,100 square feet. Hoskins asked staff about the square footage requirements of peer
cities that had adopted CHD.
Leif Olson stated that of the approximately 20 peer cities ordinances reviewed the square footage was typically
limited to 1,000 to 1,300 square feet.
Commissioner Hoskins asked if it would make sense to allow for cottage housing units that are larger than
1,100 square feet. Hoskins stated that the 1,100 sq. ft. would limit the market for these housing units. Hoskins
discussed the various demographic trends and what buyers are looking for.
Leif Olson stated that the limited square footage requirement is in place for the purposes of scale and
compatibility and that once you get up over a certain square footage it is no longer a cottage but a house. Olson
stated that staff felt strongly that 1,100 sq. ft. was appropriate to ensure that the units were small enough in
scale.
Commissioner Hoskins indicated that he felt 1,100 sq. ft. is too small and that the inconvenience of parking
and walking to a cottage unit may turn off some potential buyers. Hoskins stated that it would be very difficult
to locate a garage in a unit with a maximum first floor footprint of 900 sq. ft.
Leif Olson stated that the cottage housing ordinance is designed to be very prescriptive and that it is a very
specific tool that will not appeal to all developers or potential buyers. Olson discussed the fact that this type of
development would appeal to a niche market that would not necessarily see the fact that the housing unit did not
have a garage as a negative.
Commissioner Hoskins stated that he thought it was a great ordinance and he thanked staff for bringing it
forward.
Commissioner Chesser discussed the square footage requirement and suggested that some flexibility might be
desirable. Chesser suggested allowing a percentage overage of the maximum sq. ft. allowed.
Leif Olson discussed the ability for the developer to do fee simple or condominium ownership and that the
incentive for the developer was to be able to create individual lots for each cottage that did not have to have
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street frontage so long as the parent tract met the requirements of the underlying zoning district. Olson stated
that the prescriptive requirements of the ordinance such as the 1,100 sq. ft. maximum are intended to ensure that
the housing built would be small in scale and not a cluster of large homes without street frontage.
Commissioner Hoskins stated that his issue with the ordinance was that the footprint was limited to 900 sq. ft.
and the limited ability to have a garage within that area.
Commissioner Cabe stated that he felt that the ability for each cottage housing unit to have direct car access
would be limited due to the cost of providing private streets in such a small cluster of size limited homes. Cabe
discussed the CHD ordinance as a tool that will be used as an alternative development pattern and that we
shouldn't try to shoehorn this ordinance in order to meet what is the perceived current real estate market. Cabe
indicated that he thought these developments would be tucked into vacant and underutilized land in the core of
Fayetteville instead of on the fringe of the City. Discussion followed regarding carports and garages.
Rob Sharp stated that a garage is not necessarily integral to a housing unit and the fact that the social
interactions that take place walking is a viewed as a positive aspect of these developments. Sharp also
discussed that he felt it was important to get a few of these built and then come back and revisit the ordinance to
see what was and wasn't working.
Commissioner Earnest pointed out that this is only a tool to help meet the changing demographics. Earnest
acknowledged that the PZD process existed for developers to do innovative projects and that variations of these
type of projects can still be approved with the PZD.
Motion:
Commissioner Earnest made a motion to forward ADM 11-3782 to the City Council with a recommendation
for approval. Commissioner Bunch seconded the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 6-
3-0 (Commissioners Chesser, Honchell, and Hoskins voting `no').
Planning Commission
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ADM 11-3932 Administrative Item (AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 178: Outdoor Vendors) Submitted
by THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE PLANNING DIVISION to clarify Sidewalk Vendor requirements and
to add hood vent requirements for Outdoor Mobile Vendors that serve food.
Leif Olson, Planner, gave the staff report.
Motion:
Commissioner Chesser made a motion to table ADM 11-3932 until the September 26, 2011 Planning
Commission meeting requesting clarification on the fire code modifications. Commissioner Hoskins seconded
the motion. Upon roll call the motion passed with a vote of 7-2-0 (Commissioners Earnest and Cabe voting
`no').
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 915 PM.
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