DECEMBER, 2010 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Vice
Chair Power called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Vice Chair Power and
Commissioners Smolen, Maré and Woodruff answered the roll. Commissioners Perry
and Russell were excused. A quorum was present.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Shari Wiltshire asked for 25 mph speed zone
signs on Maple Street. The request will be forwarded to the City.
3. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Commissioner Power mentioned that she had
received a Shoreline Alteration Permit proposal for a property on La Barre
Drive, which is in the Transportation Study area south of town. Commissioner
Maré noted that there was signage on the beach notifying the public of the
change. The hearing will be at City Hall on December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
4. MINUTES: Commissioner Woodruff noted a correction to the minutes, as it was
Commissioner Power who had mentioned encroachment on neighboring properties
during the public hearing on Case File #1-NCALT-PC-10. Commissioner Smolen
moved to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Power seconded,
and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING: Continuation of Tower Facility Regulations. Mr. Lewis
reviewed his written memo on the packet materials regarding location in a
residential zone. Commissioner Maré noted that he was puzzled by the suggestions
about location in a residential area as there are many areas around here that
are non-residential. Commissioner Power noted she and Commissioner Russell
shared a concern that many areas are non-acceptable due to topography, where the
ridge lines of Waldport are mainly residential. Discussion ensued regarding
Options A and B as outlined in the City Planner’s memo. Mr. Lewis explained that
under Option A, a variance could not be requested, as the use would not be
allowed in the zone. Commissioner Smolen noted that according to studies,
proximity to tower facilities can reduce property values by up to 15%. Following
further discussion, Commissioner Smolen moved to approve Option A, which
would not allow for tower facilities in a residential zone. Commissioner Maré
seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Maré asked
if there were issues with price-gouging in regard to collocation, and Mr. Lewis
responded that this had not been an issue in his research. Commissioner Smolen
moved to forward the ordinance to the City Council for adoption.
Commissioner Maré seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS
A. Planning Report: Mr. Lewis reviewed his written report.
B. Geologic Hazard Report Requirements: Commissioner Woodruff
reviewed a recent news article about Newport, regarding moderate lots and lesser
requirements. He wondered if the Commission should proceed or wait for the
results of their study. Mr. Lewis mentioned that Newport was one of the first to
implement DOGAMI’s new mapping and it might be quite some time before we moved
in that direction. He suggested that the Commission consider implementing a
percentage to help tighten up current regulations, though the issue may be
revisited in a couple of years when more accurate data is available. Mr. Lewis
distributed a memo showing proposed language based on degrees of slope. He also
showed a picture of a lot behind City Hall, and noted that the current Code
language would allow for a house to be built, even though the slope immediately
adjacent to the lot is more than 30%. Commissioner Power moved to adopt
the suggested language and forward the issue to the Council. Commissioner
Woodruff seconded. Mr. Lewis suggested additional language where requirements
would not apply to a building that is 100 feet or more from a 20% slope.
Commissioner Smolen asked about development on oceanfront properties, wondering
if the term "development" included landscaping as well as structures. Mr. Lewis
responded that language could be included for clearing, grading and filling
permits for work being done that does not require a building permit, so that
these regulations would apply if the property was not being built on. A brief
discussion ensued regarding Breezeview and their revetment.
Commissioner Power amended the motion to include the proposed language
change. Commissioner Maré seconded, and the motion carried
unanimously on a voice vote.
C. Other Issues: Mr. Lewis will work on clarifying the term
"development".
8. ADJOURNMENT: At 3:15 p.m., there being no further business to come before the
Commission, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda A. Quinlan, City Recorder
APPROVED by the Planning Commission this 25th day of January,
2011.
SIGNED by the Vice-Chair this 25th day of January, 2011.
Jan Power, Commission Vice-Chair