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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-23-PB Ulysses Planning Board, 9/23/98 -- Ulysses Planning Board Public Hearing September 23 , 1998 Present : Chair Peter Demjanec, Dave Tyler, Paula Horrigan, Krys Cail, and attorney for the Town Bruce Wilson. Absent : Bud Stover, Gregg Hoffmire, and Rick Geiger. Recording minutes : Deb Austic Also present : Caroline Duddleston, Doug Austic, Peter Penniman, Alex Rachun, Allen Grant, Lysle Gordon, and Carman Hill . Peter began the hearing at 7 : 05 p . m. and introduced the facilitators, Carrie Koplinka-Loehr and Linda Findley from the Community Dispute Resolution Center, who explained their roles and the process for the hearing . Peter reviewed the timeline for public review and the components to be presented by the Board . Paula explained the design guidelines and goals and objectives of site plan review. Krys reviewed the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) . Peter described the flow chart and mechanics of the process for site plan review. Lysle Gordon asked whether the public would have the opportunity to comment on a revised site plan . Peter confirmed there was not an opportunity built into the process, but pointed out that a larger project would likely require more than one meeting to acquire additional information. Dave reviewed the ordinance section by section and discussed the intent and language . Paula described the criteria for the review of the site plan and the design guidelines handout and purpose . At 7 : 45 p.m . the Board opened the hearing for questions . Carman Hill commented that the Board did a wonderful job and asked whether there was enough enforcement for the ordinance . Bruce responded that enforcement would be under the current zoning ordinance . Lysle suggested that landscaping is often cut at the end of an overextended budget and a fine system based on a percentage of the project might help ensure the work is done . Peter noted the performance guarantee provision in the ordinance to serve that purpose. Doug Austic mentioned that the site plan review ordinance is the first step in updating the Town' s zoning . Carman commented on the changes in the landscape near his hometown in Ohio and how zoning can protect this area. Lysle asked how the ordinance would impact the tower siting or if the ordinance would impact a business that chose to renovate a barn rather than build a new building . Bruce discussed the language in 310 . 2 and noted that certain use changes would require site plan review. Peter suggested that the language in the ordinance may need clarification. Dave pointed out that Lysle ' s comment also highlighted that the language for the agricultural exemption would also need to be clarified . Dave and Bruce explained that the site plan review process performed under the tower ordinance was more comprehensive . Lysle asked the rationale for excluding farms and farm related structures . Alex explained that agriculture buildings are exempt under title 9 in the building code . The Board discussed the exemption for farms. Lysle also suggested the application fee should be a percentage of the project cost. Peter Penniman congratulated the Board on a good job and suggested attention to site plan review could allow more flexibility in zoning . Penniman also noted the question of enforcement was important. Lysle asked whether the ordinance would encourage cluster development. Krys pointed out that the ordinance did not cover single family homes. Dave noted the drawings in the design guidelines showing cluster development. Caroline thanked the Board for their effort and the clear language in the ordinance. The facilitators quickly reviewed the questions and comments brought up during the hearing and asked for feedback on the format of the hearing . The hearing closed at 8 : 30 p . m. Ulysses Planning Board, 9/23/98 - • ' Questions and comments recorded at public hearing by facilitators : • Will the public have a chance to comment on a site plan modification after the initial public hearing? • Does existing zoning ordinance provide adequate enforcement power? Is it a big enough stick? • What if there are significant change orders? • Is it possible to fine a percentage of project cost to ensure completion of the project as approved by the Planning Board ? • How would this ordinance be used for a tower site? • Can a company renovate an existing structure with no site plan review? • What happens when there is a change of use of an existing building? • What is rationale for excluding farm structures from site plan review? Do we have to exempt farm buildings? What if farm structure changes to another commercial use ? • Application fees? How to ensure adequate fees, as a percentage of project costs perhaps? • Is it intended to encourage cluster development? • There should be additional public comment after site plan modification. • Perhaps need more enforcement. • Should have adequate fines . • Suburban sprawl can really change character of a town if there is not a good planning process to guide growth. Good job . • Look at exemption for farm structures . Check how far regulations extend. • May be interesting to look at different uses for farm buildings, such as tourism. • Support ordinance and want enforcement . Like flexibility and creativity in site plan ordinance may encourage . • Important to try to preserve the character of the community . • Appreciate the clear language of the ordinance . • Like the informal , 1 '/ hour meeting . Good visuals .