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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-20 Planning Board Minutes PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 20, 2012 MINUTES Board Members Present: Miles Theeman, Chairman Paul Bolin Charles Boothby, Alternate Member John Kenney John Miller Julie Williams City Staff Present: David Gould Chairman Theeman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 1: Planning Board Discussion of Zoning Amendments. Planning Officer Gould explained that Staff brought to the Board for discussion two proposed zoning amendments and one zoning amendment that will be referred to the Board at its December 4, 2012 meeting. He indicated that Staff wanted to give the Board an opportunity to consider this information early on so that any concerns could be considered prior to a final draft of an amendment. The first amendment is to the Zoning Boundaries section of the Land Development Code regarding where two zones abut one another. In 1991 the Land Development Code created the term “transitional yard.” In a couple of recent developments it was found that the transitional yard setback when added to the existing building setback created a large undevelopable area of the lots and excessively reduced the buildable area on the lots. The proposed amendment provides alternative language which will still achieve adequate separation for neighboring uses while at the same time not excessively reduce the buildable area on a lot. The Board discussed the proposed amendment. Mr. Bolin indicated that he is in favor of this alternative approach as it enhances an owner’s ability to do a project. Ms. Williams agreed. 2 Ms. Williams moved that the Board initiate this amendment. Mr. Kenney seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 6 to 0. Mr. Gould explained that the second amendment is to the “flag lot” provisions of the Land Development Code. The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate changes that have been done in practice. The amendment pertains to the width of the “flag pole,” it would eliminate the starting and completion date requirement as a flag lot isn’t a construction parcel and approvals of flag lots should run with the property and not be tied to a starting and completion date. Other items include not allowing flag lots on new streets and requiring that the plans be prepared by a registered land surveyor. The Board discussed the proposed changes. A motion was made and seconded to initiate this amendment for formal consideration. The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously. Planning Officer Gould discussed an amendment to the Industry and Service District to add vehicular, equipment, mobile home and machinery sales and service in the Industry and Service District. He noted that there is a business located within an I & S District that wishes to add sales and services of trucks. The business has had discussion with the city and the Economic Development Staff has recommended that this District be amended to allow this use. Mr. Kenney indicated that he has reviewed the I & S districts within the city. He discussed the area along Godfrey Boulevard. He said that because this is a gateway to the Airport that the introduction of these additional uses may not be appropriate. He indicated that he felt that this needs a second look as to what type of uses are allowed in the I & S districts. Mr. Gould indicated that this area along Godfrey Boulevard is the BIA Industrial/Commercial Subdivision which is controlled by the City. Mr. Gould noted that this amendment is scheduled to come before the Board at its next meeting. Item No. 2: Planning Board Discussion – 2013 Meeting Schedule The Board reviewed the tentative 2013 Meeting schedule. It was the consensus of Members not to schedule a meeting the week of July 4or on the school vacations weeks of thth February 19 and April 19. However, meetings could be scheduled on an as needed basis. Other Business The Board discussed attendance at the December 4, 2012 Meeting. Planning Officer Gould indicated that the State has deemed that the City of Bangor’s 2012 Comprehensive Plan meets the Growth Management Act. The Board will need to hold a Public Hearing sometime in January and it will need to go before the City Council for approval. 3 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No. 3: Planning Board Approval of Minutes. Chairman Theeman indicated that the Minutes of the November 6, 2012 Meeting were in order. Mr. Boothby moved to approve the Minutes of the November 6, 2012 Planning Board Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kenney, and it passed unanimously. There being no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 p.m.