Meeting Minutes - PC
Town of Leicester Planning Commission Meeting Tuesday, January 29, 2013*Unapproved* ** See subsequent minutes for any changes Members Present: Donna Swinington, Chair, Jeff McDonough, Sue Stroud-Speyers, Bill Shouldice, and Pete Fjeld (arrived later) Others Present: Kate Briggs, Sandra Trombley, Secretary Meeting called to order at 6:25 p.m. with roll call. Introductions were made. Motion by Jeff and second by Bill to approve minutes of October 10, 2012 as written. All in favor. So approved. Kate gave the new Board members an overview of how they would like to revise the zoning board regulations. Not rewrite all the regulations, but to clean up, correct, clarify definitions, etc. Kate stated that there are specific things that need to be added. She explained that a new Town Plan was recently adopted and the zoning regulations are supposed to come out of the Town Plan. She will give the new members copies of the new Town Plan. Kate had made up a list for the Planning Commission to think about. The obvious things, such as, corrections of errors and inconsistencies, and clarification and expansion of definitions. There were recommendations of previous ZA’s. Kate mentioned a couple of things that are new; such as, overlays for slopes and family based businesses. Kate stated that there are some definitions and pieces in Salisbury regulations that are more up-to-date and worth looking at. Another area to consider is consistency with Salisbury and lake property if we can. Another area to consider is inclusion of issues in other town plans; e.g. minor subdivisions, coverage (how much can you do on a lot), highway/driveway. Noise control – who/how to enforce? Junk ordinance needs to be looked at. There is a long list that FEMA requires. Kate provided a list. Do we want to do this?Riparian buffers and tree issues. Kate thinks we want to do some kind of encouragement with construction along the lake. Green Mountain Power controls the level of the lake. Jeff McDonough mentioned that Lake Dunmore has been re-evaluated by FEMA. Jeff is now in a flood zone. He is in the process of fighting the decision. Kate stated that they would like to simplify the process; reducing issues on which ZBA has to act. Kate would like to tackle some of the more complicated things first. Kate provided an overview of zoning issues on home occupations, home based business and commercial use. The Planning Commission wants to work closely with the Selectboard so that everyone is on the same page during the process. Kate explained commercial use, home occupations and home based business, conditional use review. No one is sure what the business is; next to the Leicester Store. What is visible, what is the impact on the neighborhood? Who is working there? Conducting business or storing things. Kate referenced examples in town. Bill commented that we have a definition problem in our regulations. Kate stated that we need to come up with better definitions and clearer standards. Kate asked the Board to read the references in our own regulations and materials provided and drive around and look or stop at some of the businesses. Donna asked what they would be looking at for the 13th of February. Kate hoped the Board’s homework would be to read through regulations and handouts and come back with some ideas and she thought she could give them a re-write of some of the definitions. Kate will talk with Ron. Review changes from Cindy Hill. Kate stated that we need Regional Planning for the overlay mapping area. Donna will go to ACRP and see what they recommend and report back on February 13th. Peter asked if the overlay would be used in other areas; as well. Kate didn’t seem to know. Peter mentioned the topic of ridgeline development. Kate recommended that Sue come over when Julie is here to get the disk for the regulations. Bill asked if he had questions, is there time for them to be changed? Board explained that they are in the very preliminary stages; so anything/everything can be changed or revised. All ideas and suggestions are welcome. Next meeting is February 13th. It is a joint meeting with ZBA hearing first; and then planning. Motion by Jeff and second by Bill to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. All in favor. So approved. Respectfully submitted, Sandra L. Trombley, PC Secretary