1 October 2014 | Approved: 5 November 2014
Chairman Challstrom called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. In attendance were commissioners Brenda Gumula, David Hix, John McClelland and Peter Nagrod. Also in attendance were Mayor Joli McCathran, Councilor Georgette Cole, HPC member David Stopak and residents Emily Cavey and Jane Seegal.
Approval of Agenda
Brenda Gumula moved, Peter Nagrod seconded, that the agenda be approved. Chairman Challstrom added 121 Chestnut Avenue permit for shed/playhouse, update on Geothermal permits and update to “Information to Applicants” document.
Approved: 5-0, as amended.
Approval of the Minutes
Peter Nagrod moved, Brenda Gumula seconded, that the Planning Commission minutes for September 3, 2014 be approved. Some changes were made. Approved: 5-0; as amended.
Public Appearances
There were none.
Building Permit Applications
-
201 Maple Road – Owner Jim Snyder turned in revised more detailed plans and elevations for an HPC review at their meeting on September 16, 2014. The Commission looked at both documents and determined these revised plans would not be sufficient for an approval by Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services. A discussion ensued. The revised plans, although more detailed than the first submission, are still insufficient because they are not formal construction plans or elevations and they are missing any detail showing how the two (2) buildings will be connected. The Commission cannot approve the application without further details.
Peter Nagrod moved to conclude the required construction plans and elevations requirement have not yet been met. John McClelland seconded the motion. Denial: 5-0. Charlie will follow up with Mr. Snyder and schedule a meeting with Jim and two (2) members of the Planning Commission.
- 203 2nd Avenue – The Commission reviewed and discussed the drawings of the proposed new home. A discussion about eaves/overhangs, projection to the ground and other considerations for the future application for a permanent easement ensued. The Commission also noted the need for tree root protection for a large oak in the avenue.
- 315 Grove Avenue – The Commission discussed the need for a metes and bounds survey to accommodate the two (2) corners and the porch that are located on Town Property. The two (2) corners are on Grove Avenue and the porch is on 2nd Avenue. Surveyor Joseph Snider suggested the corners encroaching on Grove Avenue be done together. The end result would be one (1) request for two (2) permanent easements.
- 121 Chestnut Avenue – The Commission reviewed the permit application for a prefabricated shed/playhouse at this address. A discussion about an HPC review, proper anchoring, County permit requirements and adjusting the rules without setting a precedent ensued. The HPC does review sheds. The prefabricated shed is scheduled for delivery tomorrow. After a detailed discussion, the Commission decided to issue a Temporary Use Permit, as was done at 302 Ridge Road. The permit application will then go through the process and be up for approval at the November meeting. Emily Cavey will pick up the T.U.P. and the Notice to Neighbors sign this week.
Application for Zoning Text Amendment
Charlie Challstrom reminded members that these are suggested modifications not conclusions. The Commission reviewed the draft document dated 9/24/14 item-by-item.
- Section 2.113 – No further discussion. All changes accepted.
- Section 3.326 – No further discussion. All changes accepted.
- Section 3.327 – This section was discussed at length. John McClelland voiced his opposition to the proposed changes. It was moved and seconded to approve to accept the proposed changes to this section. Approved: 4 yeas; 1 nay. John McClelland proposed to amend by keeping the 2nd sentence but changing 3 feet to 2 feet. There was a discussion. The proposed amendment failed, 1 – yea;
- 4 -nays.
- Section 3.328 – No further discussion. All changes accepted.
- Section 4.2 – There was a brief discussion about the current definitions of “Basement”, “Dwelling”, “Dwelling Unit” and the need to add a definition for “Main Building” to this section. All changes accepted.
- Section 5.32 – HPC member David Stopak voiced the HPC’s opposition to this addition, stating it is too restrictive to residents who own small cottages. A discussion ensued. The PC accepted the addition as proposed.
- Section 6.2224 – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 6.323 – This section was discussed at length. All changes accepted.
- Section 6.331(a) – No further discussion. All changes accepted.
- Section 7.2 – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 8.2A – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 8.23A – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 8.23B – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 8.26 – No further discussion. Change accepted.
- Section 9.21 – No further discussion. All changes accepted.
The application for a zoning text amendment will be on the Town Council’s agenda for October 13, 2014.
Public Ways and Property Permit Applications
- PEPCO – a hole was dug in front of 2 The Circle in order to service some underground wires. A Public Ways and Property Permit was not obtained for this action but should have been.
- WSSC – The WSSC project on Maple Avenue is finished. They need to come back for some follow-up and when they do they will get in touch with Steve Werts.
- Deer Park Bridge – Upon the completion of this project, Charlie Challstrom asked for a replacement of the missing Town corner survey marker. The contractor has committed to replacing this marker.
Building Standards Compliance Checklist – Status Report
Brenda Gumula reported that this project is taking longer than anticipated but is still moving ahead. Additional sessions have been scheduled. Charlie Challstrom suggested they note any property covenants that are found as well.
Information for Applicants – Update
Brenda Gumula asked that this be moved to the November meeting.
Council Report
John McClelland reported the Town Council accepted a bid from Parkton Forest Service for a Town forest management plan for the East and West Woods.
Other Business
As an update to the need for Town permits when installing a Geothermal system, Charlie Challstrom contacted the contractor who has done the most work in Town and explained the Town’s position. He has not yet talked with Montgomery County. The County appears to be understaffed in terms of inspectors for this type of installation.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.