OXFORD PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes – December 8, 2020
MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Zach May, Vice-Chair;
Mike Ready, and Kibbie Hatfield. Mike McQuaide and Juanita Carson were absent.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, City Manager and Zoning
Administrator.
GUESTS: Lynn Bohanan;
Anthony Ellis.
OPENING: At 7:01 PM, Mr. Eady called the meeting to
order and welcomed the guests.
MINUTES: Upon motion of Ms. Hatfield, seconded by Mr. Ready, the
minutes for the meeting of November 10,
2020 were adopted as amended. The vote was 4-0.
LYNN BOHANAN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
APPLICATION (202 Fletcher Street): The Commission reviewed the
development permit application to remove an existing storage shed on her
property located at 202 Fletcher Street. It sits on a concrete slab. Ms.
Bohanan confirmed that the concrete slab will remain on the property.
Upon motion of Mr. May,
seconded by Ms. Hatfield, the Planning Commission approved the development
permit application to remove an existing storage shed on her property located at 202
Fletcher Street. The vote was 4-0.
ANTHONY
ELLIS MINOR SUBDIVISION REQUEST: The Commission reviewed Mr. Ellis’s request
for the review and recommendation for approval of a plat for a minor
subdivision. During the discussion, the Commission reviewed the “final
plat procedure” and “final plat specifications” as listed in Sec. 30-50 and
30-51 of the Oxford Zoning Code, respectively. In addition, the Commission
discussed potential sewer access for Lots 1, 3, 4, and 5. Mr. Ellis confirmed
that Lot 2 has sewer service, but the remaining four lots have septic systems.
Mr. Ellis further confirmed that the topography falls from Emory Street east
towards the sewer main located in Dried Indian Creek. The Commission advised
Mr. Ellis that the final plat would need to include a sewer easement to serve
the four lots.
The Commission
agreed to recommend approval of the final plat to the Mayor and City Council
subject to Mr. Ellis completing the following modifications:
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Indicate the building setbacks on each lot.
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Shade the driveways that serve the individual lots
so that they can be distinguished from the dwellings and/or accessory
structures.
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Remove the reference to lots 2B & 2C on the
final plat and vicinity map.
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Identify potential sewer easement to serve Lots 1,
3, 4, and 5.
Upon
motion of Mr. Ready, seconded by Mr. May, the Planning Commission recommended
approval of the final subdivision to the Mayor and City Council subject to the
modifications discussed. The vote was 4-0.
DISCUSSION
ON AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 40: The Commission continued their discussion on the
amendments to specific sections of Chapter 40 Zoning:
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Section 40-575 (Nonconforming Use): The
Commission reviewed the repair criteria for a nonconforming structure from
their September 8th discussion. The criteria included the following
three categories:
o
Repair from Casualty: significant repair work
caused by a natural disaster or an act of God.
o
Repairs and Maintenance: minor repairs caused
by natural wear and tear.
o
Significant Modifications and Improvements:
major interior and/or exterior renovations.
During the discussion, the Commission agreed that
significant improvements could be made to a nonconforming structure if the
total cost of the improvements did not exceed 50% of the fair market value of
the structure. In addition, the Commission agreed that normal wear and tear of
a structure would not implicate the significant modifications and improvements
provision. They discussed some exemptions including floor covering, windows,
and other minor repairs.
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Section 40-841 (Development Permit): The Commission
discussed the breadth of the type of development activity that requires a
development permit. They discussed amending Section 40- 841 to provide
exceptions for minor work including painting, repairing a roof, replacing a few
boards of siding.
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Section 40-842 (Building Permit): The Commission
concluded that Section 40-842 of the Oxford Zoning Code should clearly state
the relationship between the development permit and building permit. The
Commission also considered recommending an exception for trade permits
(plumbing, power, natural gas, and HVAC) for applicants replacing or making
significant repairs to utilities and appliances.
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Minor Variance Amendment: Earlier in the year, the Commission
recommended to the Mayor and Council to approve the inclusion of a minor
variance ordinance. The Council did not approve the amendment. The Commission
agreed to propose the amendment for a second time as part of this more
comprehensive review of Chapter 40.
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Final Plat Specifications: Upon preparing for the discussion on
Mr. Ellis’s minor subdivision request, Mr. Eady noted that the graphic scale
required for the final plat is one-inch equals 200’ or larger. He recommended
that the requirement should read that the graphic scale should equal no more
than 200’.
The Commission will continue
their discussion on amendments to Chapter 40 during future meetings. They will
share their recommendations with the Mayor and Council.
OTHER BUSINESS: The
Commission did not discuss items related to other business.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the meeting at 8:11 PM.
Submitted by:
Juanita Carson, Secretary