MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Laura
McCanless, Vice-Chair; Mike Besaw and Zach May. Juanita Carson and Mike
McQuaide were absent.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, city
manager and zoning administrator.
GUESTS: Charlene Bray; Hugh
Tarbutton; Art and Laurie Vinson.
OPENING: At 7:14 PM, Mr. Eady
called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests.
MINUTES: Upon
motion of Ms. McCanless, seconded by Mr. May, the minutes for the meeting of February
12, 2019 were adopted. The vote was 4-0.
CHARLENE BRAY DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT APPLICATION (506 Emory Street): When reviewing Ms. Bray’s development permit
application, the Planning Commission members concluded that both the present
ordinance and the ordinance in effect when Wentworth subdivision was built had
a 30’ rear setback. However, the recorded subdivision plat appears to modify
all the setbacks for the lots. Further, the Commission concluded based upon
information available that the former City Council made changes in the approval
process to allow for a 20’ rear setback for the lots located in the
subdivision. As proposed, the awning would be installed over an existing
concrete patio which measures 21’ from the rear property line. The Commission
determined that the 20’ rear setback approved by the former City Council at the
time the house and patio were built was a conformed to the setback requirements
at that time, and therefore makes the proposed awning a permitted
non-conforming use today. The Commission members concluded that the awning was
aesthetically consistent with the style found on surrounding dwellings.
Upon motion of Mr. Besaw,
seconded by Ms. McCanless, the Planning Commission approved the development
permit application to install a metal awning over the back door and patio. The
vote was 4-0.
HUGH TARBUTTON (1105 Wesley
Street): Mr. Tarbutton discussed
with the Commission members his plans to construct an accessory building on his
property. The building would include a patio with a fire pit and a 25’ x 30’ accessory
building. The interior of the building would include a small galley kitchen,
fireplace, and restroom. The proposed accessory building would take the place
of an existing chicken shed. The Commission members discussed the proposed location of the building
relative to the existing house and the west property line. They also discussed the range of square footage (300-900) allowed
by ordinance for an accessory dwelling unit. Mr. Tarbutton shared that the accessory building will be a frame
finish with a brick fireplace and a standing seam roof. The Commission members shared the specific requirements for an
accessory dwelling unit as found in Sec. 40-525 with Mr. Tarbutton. The
Commission members explained to Mr. Tarbutton the process to receive a
development permit and building permit. Mr. Tarbutton will submit a development
permit application for the accessory building once he has a dimensioned drawing
depicting where it will be located relative to the side and rear setbacks.
Mr. Tarbutton also shared his plans to make repairs to his pond where a
large portion of the bank has eroded into the pond. Mr. Tarbutton explained
that the engineer working on the project suggested that he install French drains
in the affected area to allow for the ground water to percolate directly into
the lake. The Commission members agreed that the grading excavation required to
repair the pond would require a development permit. The Commission members
explained to Mr. Tarbutton that the city does not have an ordinance dealing
with ponds or lakes, but it does have ordinances dealing with wetlands, environmental
impact, and soil erosion, all of which allude back to what is required by the
state (Department of Natural Resources).
ART AND LAURIE VINSON (903
Asbury Street): The
Commission members reviewed both the development permit applications presented
by Mr. and Mrs. Vinson. The
Commission members discussed erosion control for the driveway to the proposed
garage. In addition, the Commission members modified the development permit
application to relocate the 14’ x 18’ structure to indicate that constructing
the bathroom was not a part of the current scope of work.
Upon motion of Mr. May,
seconded by Ms. McCanless, the Planning Commission approved the development
permit application to construct a 2-car garage against the south basement wall
of the residence. The vote was 4-0.
Upon motion of Mr. May,
seconded by Ms. McCanless, the Planning Commission approved the development
permit application to relocate the existing 14’ x 18’ structure to a location
on the property that is compliant with the city’s rear and side setback
requirements. The vote was 4-0.
TRAINING: Mr. Pepper reminded the Commission members
that the Carl Vinson Institute is offering a planning and zoning training class
for Planning Commission members on Thursday, April 4th. Commission
members will let Mr. Pepper know if they would like to attend the training.
OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Pepper updated the Commission members on the
status of House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172 in the General Assembly.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the
meeting at 8:12 PM.
Approved
by:
Zach
May, Secretary