1 May 2013 | Approved: 5 June 2013
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, Peter Nagrod, Freda Temple, Steve Werts and David Young. Also in attendance were HPC representative Gail Littlefield and residents Ralph Hurst, Bruce Rothrock, Kevin Segovia and Ryan Young.
Approval of Agenda
Brenda Gumula moved, Peter Nagrod seconded that the agenda be approved. Chairman Charlie Challstrom added a status of the Public Ways Permit after the report from the Town Council. Approved: 5-0.
Approval of the Minutes
Peter Nagrod moved, David Young seconded that the Planning Commission minutes for April 3, 2013 be approved. Approved: 5-0.
Public Appearances
There were no public appearances.
Building Permit Applications
- 201 Washington Grove Lane – Resident Kevin Segovia would like to enclose the porch-like structure that is a part of a shed on the property. Charlie Challstrom reported that he and Steve Werts visited the property and did not see any problems with footers, safety or boundaries. He went on to say that because the Town ordinances require a permit to enclose a porch (Article IV, Section 1) this action would require the resident to apply for a minor building permit. This is consistent with previous actions concerning porches. Kevin stated that concrete block would be used for the walls and that a door would be installed on the front. The Commission asked Kevin to send some pictures of the existing building that could be sent to the HPC. Steve Werts moved to approve the building permit application pending a review by the HPC. Brenda Gumula seconded the motion. Approved: 5-0.
- 207 Maple Ave. – This permit application is for a fence at Commissioner Gumula’s home, therefore she recused herself. Peter Nagrod reported that he reviewed the information presented, looked at all of the property markers and found that the Notice To Neighbors was displayed. He also reported that this would be a 6ft. board-on-board privacy fence located solely along the sides of the property (4 inches in) from the existing lattice work on the Maple Road side to a spot directly in-line with the front of the porch on the Maple Ave. side.
Discussion of Side Setbacks for Possible Addition to 404 Grove Ave
Ralph Hurst and property owner Ryan Young presented sketches of a proposed addition to 404 Grove Avenue. The current home does not meet the required side setbacks and the ordinances do not allow for any expansion of a non-compliance. Ralph stated that only an addition that was 16 feet in width would meet the current side setbacks. A discussion ensued which included; Town process, Board of Zoning Appeals criteria, projections into yards, width of the proposed addition, cantilevers, relief through a variance process, lot coverage, non-compliance section of the Town code, mansionization/maximum enclosed space, practical difficulty and the unfair situation that exists with lots that are RR-2 in size but located in the RR-1 zone. The Planning Commission could not approve an addition such as this because of the encroachment into the side setbacks.
Ordinance No. 2013-02; Building Permit Regulations Discussion
The Town Council introduced this ordinance at the meeting on 8 April 2013. They would like the Commission to work on clarifying some language and a definition of “pergola”. A discussion ensued resulting in the addition of the word “and” to the end of Article IV, Section 5(b)2. The Commission also discussed a definition for a pergola and determined that some previously stricken language may be the best description after all. The Commission will continue to work on this ordinance.
Report from Town Council
Council Liaison David Young reported that the first item (the introduction of Ordinance No. 2013-02) was covered in the previous discussion. He also reported that the Town Council denied Mr. Snyder’s (201 Maple Road) request to change his address to Cherry Avenue stating that this change would not change the location of the front yard of this property. David reported that Wendy Harris has been appointed to the HPC in place of Margo Bohan.
Public Ways and Property Permit
The Commission reviewed a draft notice to the public utilities and contractors, the permit and the instruction sheet. A discussion ensued. Gail Littlefield asked if the HPC would review such permits. The Commission did not think that was necessary right now but did think that the HPC should be made aware of any Public Ways and Property Permit that is issued.
Annual PC Report Review
The Commission reviewed and made some changes to the Annual PC Report. This document will be presented at the Annual Town Meeting on May 11, 2013 and will be sent to the State as well.
Other Business
There was a brief discussion about the Towne Crest redevelopment plan and the pending County Examiner’s decision as well as a recent complaint about brush piles along the fence line between Towne Crest and our West Woods.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:13 p.m.