OCTOBER, 2010 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
OCTOBER 26. 2010
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Chair
Perry called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Chair Perry and Commissioners
Smolen, Power and Russell answered the roll. Commissioners Woodruff and Maré
were excused. A quorum was present.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: None.
3. COMMISSION COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: None.
4. MINUTES: The Commission considered the minutes from the September 28, 2010
meeting. Commissioner Smolen moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Commissioner Russell seconded, and the motion carried unanimously
on a voice vote.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
A. Case File #1-NCALT-PC-10, Jack Anderson Application for
Alteration of a Nonconforming Use:
Chair Perry opened the public hearing, calling for
abstentions, ex parte contact, bias, or conflicts of interest. None were
announced. There were no objections to any member of the Commission
participating in the hearing.
Staff Report: City Planner Lewis indicated that the applicant
had called and was unable to attend the meeting, though he would be available by
phone if there were any questions. Mr. Lewis then reviewed his written report,
noting that the applicant was requesting to replace an old single-wide mobile
home with a newer single-wide manufactured home or possibly a stick-built home
on a 20-foot wide parcel. Two letters had been received from an adjoining
property owner. The first was responding to an error in the notice. The second
one was not in favor of the application, but requested conditions if it was
approved, including limiting the height of the building to a single story and
requesting that there be no exits on the sides. Mr. Lewis noted that the maximum
allowed height would be 15 feet, and no side doors were proposed. Mr. Lewis also
noted that the applicant had assured him that the front yard setback would
remain the same.
Commissioner Perry wondered if the properties on Yaquina John
Point were originally platted as a subdivision. Commissioner Power noted that
during the installation of the new building it would probably be necessary to
encroach on neighboring property. She also felt that removing the old mobile
home and replacing it with a more modern one would be something that would
benefit the surrounding properties. Commissioner Smolen agreed. Commissioner
Power asked about the height restriction and Mr. Lewis responded that anything
over 15 feet in height would require an additional setback. Commissioner Smolen
expressed concern about the setbacks and fire prevention. Mr. Lewis responded
that the neighboring property would have to have at least a five-foot setback
which, combined with the proposed two-foot setback, would allow for at least
seven feet between the buildings.
Chair Perry closed the public hearing and opened
deliberations. Commissioner Power moved to approve the application with
the conditions contained in the staff report, noting that the applicant would
have to come back before the Commission if it was necessary to further increase
the degree of nonconformity. Commissioner Russell seconded. Following a
brief discussion, the motion carried, with Commissioners Smolen, Russell
and Power voting "Aye", Commissioner Perry voting "Nay", and Commissioners
Woodruff and Maré absent and not voting.
B. Proposed Amendments to Waldport Development Code - Tower
Facility Regulations: Chair Perry opened the public hearing, calling for
abstentions, ex parte contact, bias or conflicts of interest. None were
announced. Mr. Lewis reviewed the process to this point, and noted that three
letters had been received with regard to this issue - two letters requesting
consideration to allow the facilities in a residential zone as a conditional
use, and one letter focusing on amateur radio.
Ed Peterson addressed the Commission, and also requested the
Commission to consider allowing cell towers in any zone, based on a conditional
use. He noted that most of the optimum areas for such facilities are within
residential zoning (Crestline Drive, Waldport Heights, Alsea Highlands, etc. His
property east of town is one example - there are areas of higher topography
which would be ideal for such a facility, but the area is currently zoned
residential. There being no further testimony, Chair Perry closed the public
hearing and opened deliberations.
Commissioner Russell agreed that banning cell towers from all
residential zones might not be the best idea, though she also understood the
concern regarding the unknown health effects. Commissioner Power indicated that
she also agreed that cell phone towers have a place in the community, and noted
that the proposed code language contained criteria for erecting such facilities.
Following further discussion, City Planner Lewis indicated he would do further
research on additional restrictions that could be applied in residential zones.
Commissioner Smolen asked that he look into the potential impact on property
values as well. Mr. Lewis also noted that he would research the issues brought
up by the amateur radio operator.
7. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
A. Planning Report: None. Mr. Lewis mentioned that the City
had received an "Urban Vitality" award from DLCD for best downtown project on
the Oregon Coast. Mayor Welch had been present at the banquet to receive the
award on behalf of the City.
B. Potential Development Code Amendments - Geologic Hazard
Report Requirements: A brief discussion ensued regarding how to determine an
average slope. Mr. Lewis will continue working on the draft.
C. Other Issues: Mr. Lewis noted that the next regularly
scheduled meeting would fall during the week of Thanksgiving. Following a brief
discussion, consensus of the Commission was to combine the November and
December meetings and meet on December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
8. ADJOURNMENT: At 4:10 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 7th day of December,
2010.
SIGNED by the Chair this 7th day of December, 2010.
Dave Perry, Chair