11 July 2007 | Approved: 1 August 2007
Chairman McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:44 p.m. In attendance were Commissioners Charlie Challstrom, Peggy Ebner, Bob Evans and Bud O’Connor. Also in attendance were Town residents Bob Booher, Mark and Margo Cavanaugh, Ralph Hurst, Bill McConnell, David Neumann, George Paine and David Stopak. Architect Robyn Renas was also in attendance.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes for June were approved.
Building Permits
The following building permits were reviewed by the Planning Commission (PC):
- 125 Chestnut Avenue – Porch additions were approved unanimously per Article 7, Section 3.141B.
- 10 Maple Avenue – Section of fence facing the road was denied as it did not meet the 15 foot setback requirement. The remainder of the fence was approved unanimously per Article 7, Section 3.328.
- 114 Grove Avenue – The Commissioners concluded that no permit was required per Article 7, Section 3.327.
Cator Property Annexation
Commissioner Challstrom reported that the Cator Property annexation was completed effective July 5, 2007.
Ordinance Revision
Commissioner Challstrom presented an Amendment to the Code of Ordinances (see Attachment A) for the PC’s review. The amendment would require that “…the operator of a home occupation in a residential zone must be a resident and owner of the property involved, and that the property involved must be the “principal residence” of that same resident owner.” The Commissioners discussed the legality of stating that a resident can’t have a home occupation if they rent the property but that they can if they own the property. Commissioners Challstrom and Evans agreed to work on the verbiage for the ordinance revision.
Chairman McClelland introduced a discussion on the clarification of a “single family residence” that is repeatedly referenced in the Master Plan and Town ordinances. It was suggested that the ordinances allow only one kitchen location per dwelling unit vs. the current limitation on number of cooking facilities. The kitchen definition portion of the ordinances would then be adjusted. Several entities currently use kitchens to differentiate single vs. multiple dwelling units. A formal presentation will be introduced in the near future.
Underground Utilities
Chairman McClelland questioned the potential need for stated guidelines regarding tree preservation when underground utilities are being installed across public property. The Commissioners discussed possible solutions including requiring bonds to protect trees. They concluded that the use of public property is under the jurisdiction of the Town Council.
Master Plan Revision
Commissioner Challstrom presented pamphlets from the Maryland Municipal League (MML) to assist municipalities with developing master plans. He stated that Mike Northrup from the MML will come to the next PC meeting to assist with mapping updates. All Commissioners were encouraged to get copies of revised sections to Commissioner Challstrom for consolidation.
David Stopak presented the HPC’s revision of Section 15 of the Master Plan for the PC’s review.
112 Chestnut Avenue Subdivision
Tom Appleby has explored the possibility of subdividing his property and has asked for four lots instead of three. The PC has informed the resident that his lot square footage will only allow for the maximum of three lots.
Compliance Officer Procedures
Chairman McClelland will develop a preliminary draft of Compliance Officer Procedures to present to the PC at the August meeting.
HPC’s Role in Building Permit Process
In response to a Maryland State law that requires the PC to respond to building permit applications within 30 days, Chairman McClelland proposed a Pre-permit Application Consultation with the HPC. In this scenario, applicants would meet with the HPC before submitting a building permit application to the PC to provide direction and consultation early in the process. Chairman McClelland felt this would establish a process that legitimizes the role of the HPC and gets them out of the permit approval process by putting them a the very beginning of the process
Report from Town Council
Commissioner Challstrom reported that the TC discussed the Casey 6&7 impact, traffic calming measures and a potential Town rat problem at their last meeting.
Missy Yachup – Secretary
The meeting was adjourned at 9:51 p.m.