January 16, 2007
NELSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
ZONING ORDINANCE & SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 16, 2007
Present: Philippa Proulx – Chair, Commissioners Michael Harman, Emily Hunt, Linda Russell, Dolores Truesdale, and BOS Representative Tommy Harvey
Staff Present: Fred Boger, Planning Director, and Betty Fortune, Secretary
Call to order: Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. and thanked citizens for attending this public hearing on amendments to the County’s current zoning and subdivision ordinances. She welcomed Mr. Harvey to the Planning Commission as the Board of Supervisor representative.
Chair Proulx stated that the purpose of the hearing was to hear citizen comments on the proposed changes. The Commission will listen to those comments and discuss them at their next meeting. Specific questions will be answered individually after the follow-up meeting. Citizens are encouraged to call or write Commissioners or the Planning Department regarding the proposed changes.
Chair Proulx stated further that the Commission is aware of the concern over the advertised setbacks in A-1 zoning district. When the Commissioners meet to discuss their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, they will have an opportunity to make changes, as needed, before the proposed amendments go to the Board. She expressed appreciation for the comments already received concerning this issue.
Chair Proulx explained the sign-up guidelines and again expressed appreciation to those in attendance for showing an interest in the amendments.
Speaker 1 – George Cheape – Lake Nelson – congratulated the Commission on a “trim-down” of the 365 page ordinance presented two years ago and stated that he hoped the setbacks in A-1 will be corrected.
Speaker 2 – Gordon Koerner – East District – stated that he heard the 2004 ordinance has been tabled indefinitely and would like for the Board of Supervisors to comment publicly on this issue. He raised questions about the A-1 division rights table, definitions, distance from the road by acreage, and family subdivisions receiving preferential treatment. (Mr. Harvey explained that family divisions are governed by state legislation.)
Speaker 3 – Don Burland – Nellysford – discussed the growth in the County (from 12,200 in 1977 to an estimated 16,500 in 2010) and that this growth has complicated zoning issues. He feels the proposed division rights are reasonable and that the subdivision ordinance clarifies the process for approval of preliminary and final subdivisions. He urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the amendments.
Speaker #4 – Mike Fitzgerald – chose not to comment.
Speaker #5 – Gail Troy – East District - thanked the Commissioners for allowing people to have their say. She would like to see the amendments passed to the Supervisors with the Commission’s recommendation.
Speaker #6 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the second time, asking for clarification of Mr. Harvey’s comment regarding family subdivision. He stated that if one acre is required by law for a family subdivision, then one acre should be the standard, not two acres.
Speaker #7 – Stu Armstrong – citizen, landowner, and Executive Director of Piedmont Housing Alliance – applauded the Commission for its effort to preserve the rural character of Nelson County. He expressed concern over PHA’s 75 acres, as the ability to provide affordable housing would be impacted by the new division rights. Currently he could develop 25-30 units and under the new regulations, he would have only 11 division rights without rezoning. He requested that the County establish a workforce study to address the affordable housing issue. He also suggested that conservation easements, which have tax credits and other benefits, are an alternative to having to sell property to pay taxes.
Speaker #8 – Andrew Gantt – Wingina – stated that the County government has done nothing to benefit him or his 970 acres, including this proposed zoning ordinance.
Speaker #9 – Mark Watson – Piedmont Housing Alliance - stated that it appears the proposal is against the customary method of preserving open space. Cluster development would be a better solution. It would preserve a larger percentage of open space and make smaller lots sizes, which will help with the cost of developing.
Speaker #10 – Harry Baum – Afton – questioned the discontinued requirement for posting of property for rezoning, Special & Conditional Use applications, subdivisions, etc. Since not everyone subscribes to the Nelson County Times, he feels there should be some other means of notifying property owners for these types of activities, i.e., posting by the County or by the property owner.
Speaker #11 – Rev. William Foster – Shipman – posed the question: “Why should individuals have to have two lots and the subdivision that only can have one lot per family there?”
Speaker #12 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the third time, wanting to ask Mr. Harvey which zoning ordinance the Board will be working with. Chair Proulx stated again that questions would be answered at the next meeting.
The public hearing was closed.
Chair Proulx suggested that the Commission meet on Thursday, January 18, to discuss citizen comments and finalize the Commission’s recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Commissioner Hunt made a motion to continue the meeting to Thursday, January 18, 7:30 o’clock P. M. in the Board of Supervisor meeting room, County Courthouse. Commissioner Truesdale provided the second, and motion passed 6-0.
At 7:50 o’clock P. M. the meeting was continued to January 18.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty M. Fortune
Planning Secretary
NELSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
ZONING ORDINANCE & SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 16, 2007
Present: Philippa Proulx – Chair, Commissioners Michael Harman, Emily Hunt, Linda Russell, Dolores Truesdale, and BOS Representative Tommy Harvey
Staff Present: Fred Boger, Planning Director, and Betty Fortune, Secretary
Call to order: Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. and thanked citizens for attending this public hearing on amendments to the County’s current zoning and subdivision ordinances. She welcomed Mr. Harvey to the Planning Commission as the Board of Supervisor representative.
Chair Proulx stated that the purpose of the hearing was to hear citizen comments on the proposed changes. The Commission will listen to those comments and discuss them at their next meeting. Specific questions will be answered individually after the follow-up meeting. Citizens are encouraged to call or write Commissioners or the Planning Department regarding the proposed changes.
Chair Proulx stated further that the Commission is aware of the concern over the advertised setbacks in A-1 zoning district. When the Commissioners meet to discuss their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, they will have an opportunity to make changes, as needed, before the proposed amendments go to the Board. She expressed appreciation for the comments already received concerning this issue.
Chair Proulx explained the sign-up guidelines and again expressed appreciation to those in attendance for showing an interest in the amendments.
Speaker 1 – George Cheape – Lake Nelson – congratulated the Commission on a “trim-down” of the 365 page ordinance presented two years ago and stated that he hoped the setbacks in A-1 will be corrected.
Speaker 2 – Gordon Koerner – East District – stated that he heard the 2004 ordinance has been tabled indefinitely and would like for the Board of Supervisors to comment publicly on this issue. He raised questions about the A-1 division rights table, definitions, distance from the road by acreage, and family subdivisions receiving preferential treatment. (Mr. Harvey explained that family divisions are governed by state legislation.)
Speaker 3 – Don Burland – Nellysford – discussed the growth in the County (from 12,200 in 1977 to an estimated 16,500 in 2010) and that this growth has complicated zoning issues. He feels the proposed division rights are reasonable and that the subdivision ordinance clarifies the process for approval of preliminary and final subdivisions. He urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the amendments.
Speaker #4 – Mike Fitzgerald – chose not to comment.
Speaker #5 – Gail Troy – East District - thanked the Commissioners for allowing people to have their say. She would like to see the amendments passed to the Supervisors with the Commission’s recommendation.
Speaker #6 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the second time, asking for clarification of Mr. Harvey’s comment regarding family subdivision. He stated that if one acre is required by law for a family subdivision, then one acre should be the standard, not two acres.
Speaker #7 – Stu Armstrong – citizen, landowner, and Executive Director of Piedmont Housing Alliance – applauded the Commission for its effort to preserve the rural character of Nelson County. He expressed concern over PHA’s 75 acres, as the ability to provide affordable housing would be impacted by the new division rights. Currently he could develop 25-30 units and under the new regulations, he would have only 11 division rights without rezoning. He requested that the County establish a workforce study to address the affordable housing issue. He also suggested that conservation easements, which have tax credits and other benefits, are an alternative to having to sell property to pay taxes.
Speaker #8 – Andrew Gantt – Wingina – stated that the County government has done nothing to benefit him or his 970 acres, including this proposed zoning ordinance.
Speaker #9 – Mark Watson – Piedmont Housing Alliance - stated that it appears the proposal is against the customary method of preserving open space. Cluster development would be a better solution. It would preserve a larger percentage of open space and make smaller lots sizes, which will help with the cost of developing.
Speaker #10 – Harry Baum – Afton – questioned the discontinued requirement for posting of property for rezoning, Special & Conditional Use applications, subdivisions, etc. Since not everyone subscribes to the Nelson County Times, he feels there should be some other means of notifying property owners for these types of activities, i.e., posting by the County or by the property owner.
Speaker #11 – Rev. William Foster – Shipman – posed the question: “Why should individuals have to have two lots and the subdivision that only can have one lot per family there?”
Speaker #12 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the third time, wanting to ask Mr. Harvey which zoning ordinance the Board will be working with. Chair Proulx stated again that questions would be answered at the next meeting.
The public hearing was closed.
Chair Proulx suggested that the Commission meet on Thursday, January 18, to discuss citizen comments and finalize the Commission’s recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Commissioner Hunt made a motion to continue the meeting to Thursday, January 18, 7:30 o’clock P. M. in the Board of Supervisor meeting room, County Courthouse. Commissioner Truesdale provided the second, and motion passed 6-0.
At 7:50 o’clock P. M. the meeting was continued to January 18.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty M. Fortune
Planning Secretary
NELSON COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
ZONING ORDINANCE & SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
PUBLIC HEARING
JANUARY 16, 2007
Present: Philippa Proulx – Chair, Commissioners Michael Harman, Emily Hunt, Linda Russell, Dolores Truesdale, and BOS Representative Tommy Harvey
Staff Present: Fred Boger, Planning Director, and Betty Fortune, Secretary
Call to order: Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. and thanked citizens for attending this public hearing on amendments to the County’s current zoning and subdivision ordinances. She welcomed Mr. Harvey to the Planning Commission as the Board of Supervisor representative.
Chair Proulx stated that the purpose of the hearing was to hear citizen comments on the proposed changes. The Commission will listen to those comments and discuss them at their next meeting. Specific questions will be answered individually after the follow-up meeting. Citizens are encouraged to call or write Commissioners or the Planning Department regarding the proposed changes.
Chair Proulx stated further that the Commission is aware of the concern over the advertised setbacks in A-1 zoning district. When the Commissioners meet to discuss their recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, they will have an opportunity to make changes, as needed, before the proposed amendments go to the Board. She expressed appreciation for the comments already received concerning this issue.
Chair Proulx explained the sign-up guidelines and again expressed appreciation to those in attendance for showing an interest in the amendments.
Speaker 1 – George Cheape – Lake Nelson – congratulated the Commission on a “trim-down” of the 365 page ordinance presented two years ago and stated that he hoped the setbacks in A-1 will be corrected.
Speaker 2 – Gordon Koerner – East District – stated that he heard the 2004 ordinance has been tabled indefinitely and would like for the Board of Supervisors to comment publicly on this issue. He raised questions about the A-1 division rights table, definitions, distance from the road by acreage, and family subdivisions receiving preferential treatment. (Mr. Harvey explained that family divisions are governed by state legislation.)
Speaker 3 – Don Burland – Nellysford – discussed the growth in the County (from 12,200 in 1977 to an estimated 16,500 in 2010) and that this growth has complicated zoning issues. He feels the proposed division rights are reasonable and that the subdivision ordinance clarifies the process for approval of preliminary and final subdivisions. He urged the Board of Supervisors to approve the amendments.
Speaker #4 – Mike Fitzgerald – chose not to comment.
Speaker #5 – Gail Troy – East District - thanked the Commissioners for allowing people to have their say. She would like to see the amendments passed to the Supervisors with the Commission’s recommendation.
Speaker #6 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the second time, asking for clarification of Mr. Harvey’s comment regarding family subdivision. He stated that if one acre is required by law for a family subdivision, then one acre should be the standard, not two acres.
Speaker #7 – Stu Armstrong – citizen, landowner, and Executive Director of Piedmont Housing Alliance – applauded the Commission for its effort to preserve the rural character of Nelson County. He expressed concern over PHA’s 75 acres, as the ability to provide affordable housing would be impacted by the new division rights. Currently he could develop 25-30 units and under the new regulations, he would have only 11 division rights without rezoning. He requested that the County establish a workforce study to address the affordable housing issue. He also suggested that conservation easements, which have tax credits and other benefits, are an alternative to having to sell property to pay taxes.
Speaker #8 – Andrew Gantt – Wingina – stated that the County government has done nothing to benefit him or his 970 acres, including this proposed zoning ordinance.
Speaker #9 – Mark Watson – Piedmont Housing Alliance - stated that it appears the proposal is against the customary method of preserving open space. Cluster development would be a better solution. It would preserve a larger percentage of open space and make smaller lots sizes, which will help with the cost of developing.
Speaker #10 – Harry Baum – Afton – questioned the discontinued requirement for posting of property for rezoning, Special & Conditional Use applications, subdivisions, etc. Since not everyone subscribes to the Nelson County Times, he feels there should be some other means of notifying property owners for these types of activities, i.e., posting by the County or by the property owner.
Speaker #11 – Rev. William Foster – Shipman – posed the question: “Why should individuals have to have two lots and the subdivision that only can have one lot per family there?”
Speaker #12 – Gordon Koerner spoke for the third time, wanting to ask Mr. Harvey which zoning ordinance the Board will be working with. Chair Proulx stated again that questions would be answered at the next meeting.
The public hearing was closed.
Chair Proulx suggested that the Commission meet on Thursday, January 18, to discuss citizen comments and finalize the Commission’s recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
Commissioner Hunt made a motion to continue the meeting to Thursday, January 18, 7:30 o’clock P. M. in the Board of Supervisor meeting room, County Courthouse. Commissioner Truesdale provided the second, and motion passed 6-0.
At 7:50 o’clock P. M. the meeting was continued to January 18.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty M. Fortune
Planning Secretary
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