OXFORD PLANNING COMMISSION
Called Meeting Minutes – September
1, 2020
MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Zach
May, Vice Chair; Juanita Carson, Secretary; Mike Ready, Mike McQuaide, and Kibbie
Hatfield.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, City
Manager and Zoning Administrator.
GUESTS: No
guests were in attendance.
OPENING: At 7:05 PM, Mr. Eady
called the meeting to order.
MINUTES: The minutes
for the meeting held on August 11, 2020 were not reviewed. The Commission will
review the August 11th minutes at its regular September meeting.
RECOMMENDATION ON REZONING
PARCELS: The Commission discussed a recommendation to rezone seven parcels
located along the eastside of Emory Street/SR 81 and E. Clark Street. The
parcels are currently zoned as Town Center. The parcels are as follows: 814
Emory Street; 904 Emory Street; 908 Emory Street; 912 Emory Street; 1002 Emory
Street; 116 E. Clark Street; 118 E. Clark Street. During the discussion, the
Commission agreed to not submit the official recommendation to the Mayor and
City Council until they are able to speak with each affected property owner.
Mr. Pepper will invite each property owner to attend the Commission’s October
meeting.
The Commission reviewed Section 40-638, which
details the process to rezone a parcel. During the review of 40-638 (g), the
Commission concluded that rezoning the seven lots to either R-7.5, R-15, or
R-20 complied with the criteria listed. The Commission acknowledged, however,
that after a review of the city’s Future Development Map detailed in the 2018
Comprehensive Plan that the proposed rezoning would not be consistent with the
plan (Item 5 under 40-638 (g)).
The Commission also discussed the rezoning in
the context of the Downtown Development Authority’s work to build a town center
development. The Commission agreed that the town center development is more
appropriately located on the city-owned greenspace adjacent to Emory Street/SR
81. The Commission also agreed that the town center development, at some future
date, may incorporate some of the parcels discussed. If that is the case, the
Commission concluded that the parcels could be rezoned to support the town
center.
In addition, the Commission discussed the
appropriate zoning designation for the parcels. During the discussion, the Commission
considered what level of residential density is the most appropriate for this
area of the city. The Commission reached a consensus that medium density
housing would be desirable appropriate. The city’s zoning designation that
correlates with medium density housing is R-20. The Commission also concluded
that the input from the affected property owners will provide further clarity
to their recommendation.
DISCUSSION ON AMENDMENTS TO
CHAPTER 40: The Commission discussed possible amendments to the following sections
of Chapter 40 (Zoning):
=
Section 40-575 (Nonconforming Use) – The Commission
discussed the repair criteria for a nonconforming structure. They agreed that
this section could be amended to include three types of repair work:
o
Repair from Casualty: significant repair work caused
by a natural disaster or an act of God.
o
Customary Repairs and Maintenance: minor repairs
caused by natural wear and tear.
o
Significant Modifications: major interior and/or
exterior renovations.
The Commission also discussed the threshold for the different categories
of repair work for nonconforming structures.
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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. In addition, the Commission discussed whether installing a
fence in the rear yard should require a development permit. They also discussed
the role of the Zoning Administrator approving development permit applications
for minor development activities. The Commission also discussed whether two
post signs should require a development permit.
=
Section 40-842 (Building Permit) – The Commission
agreed that, as currently written, there is no development-related activity
that should receive a building permit without first receiving a development
permit. Consequently, the Commission concluded that Section 40-842 should
clearly state the relationship between the two permits. 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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Division 16 (Residential Infill Overlay District) –
Mr. Eady encouraged the other Commission members to review the section
discussing the city’s Residential Infill Overlay District. He questioned
whether this type of district is currently necessary. Mr. Pepper will send a
PDF copy of the section to each member of the Commission.
The
Commission agreed to continue their discussion on possible amendments to
Chapter 40 at future meetings.
mso-margin-bottom-alt:8.0pt;mso-margin-top-alt:0in;mso-add-space:auto'> ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the meeting
at 8:39 PM.
Submitted
by:
Juanita
Carson, Secretary