Planning Commission

MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 17, 2018 112 Confederate Street 6:30 PM Present: James Traynor, Hynek Lettang, Ben Hudgins, Chris Wolfe, Tom Petty, Matt Lucarelli, Planning Director Chris Pettit, Senior Planner Alex Moore, Assistant Planner Nick Cauthen Absent: Zhengzheng Wiley Guests: Tim Kiernan, Steve Hopper, Robert Johnson, Christina Jague, Ken Chapman, Jeff Kimbrell Chairman Traynor called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Mr. Petty made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 20, 2018 meeting. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0. Planning Director Pettit welcomed Matt Lucarelli to the Planning Commission and Mr. Lucarelli gave a brief overview of his background. Mr. Lucarelli is filling the seat held previously by James McMullen. NEW BUSINESS ITEMS 1. Commercial Appearance Review – Dobys Bridge Commercial Site: Assistant Planner Cauthen provided a brief overview of the request, the purpose of which was to review and grant commercial appearance review approval for a proposed self-storage building project located on Fort Mill Parkway between the intersections of S. Dobys Bridge Road and Holbrook Road. Assistant Planner Cauthen provided a summary of the staff report, outlining the changes made since the March 20th preliminary review meeting and providing staff’s recommendation. Discussions occurred between the Commissioners related to the transparent windows on the front of the two-story building. Staff stated that the exterior of the buildings were under the purview of the Planning Commission through the commercial appearance review process but that interior features were not necessary included. Mr. Hudgins noted that the interior visibility was a design feature that is seen in other storage facilities. Steve Hopper from K&H development stated that there would be no extreme color schemes used on the interior walls to be visible from outside the building. Mr. Kimbrell who is an adjacent property owner voiced his concerns regarding the view from his residence along Holbrook Road. The applicant gave an overview of the plan and presented a 3D model of the project showing the multiple layers of landscaping including a 25’ buffer, retention pond landscaping, and a row of landscaping surrounding the 1  perimeter fence of the project. Commissioner Wolfe also recommended a berm between the retention pond and adjacent property, citing concerns of landscaping upkeep and appearance in future years. Mr. Kimbrell agreed with Mr. Wolfe, stating that he would be in favor of a berm. Ken Chapman with MPV properties stated that his company was the master developer of the project and that a berm would certainly be feasible from his perspective. Discussions occurred relating to other adjacent properties in the area. Photos from Dobys Bridge Elementary were shown showing a large retaining wall blocking the view of the subject property entirely. The question was posed to staff about metal in the corridor overlay district. Staff responded that the ordinance only speaks to “corrugated metal.” Commissioner Wolfe stated that he liked the metal awnings as presented versus cloth awnings that show wear after only a few years. Commissioner Wolfe followed by stating that this project will set a precedent for which the remaining development in this area will look to follow and it is very important for this project to be held to a high standard. Mr. Chapman noted that they were the master developer for the project and would maintain consistency in design throughout. Mr. Kimbrell asked if there will be lighting standards that must be followed by the developer of this project. Staff responded that full cutoff lighting is required and that the lighting must be designed to restrict offsite spill over and glare. Commissioner Wolfe made a motion to grant commercial appearance review approval with a condition to allow staff to administratively approve minor modifications to satisfy the comments and requirements of the town’s Fire Marshal, Utilities Department, Planning Department, and SCDOT; and, the buffer between the proposed BMP and adjacent single- family residential property (Tax ID # 7380000074) shall include landscaping per code and a berm for enhanced screening. Mr. Lettang seconded the motion. The motioned was approved by a vote of 6-0. 2. Annexation Request – Wilson Property: Planning Director Pettit provided a brief overview of the staff report and draft ordinance, which would annex the 0.59 +/- acre portion of York County Tax Map Number 738-00-00-063 lying west of the Fort Mill Parkway right-of-way with a zoning designation of HC Highway Commercial. Staff noted that the intended use of the property was unknown at this time and that further consideration of any specific traffic, service, and/or utility impacts and developer mitigation would be determined at such time that a use was proposed. Mr. Hudgins made a motion to recommend in favor of approval of the ordinance. Mr. Petty seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. 3. Annexation Request – Town of Fort Mill Property: Planning Director Pettit provided a brief overview of the staff report and draft ordinance, which would annex York County Tax Map Numbers 707-00-00-009, 707-00-00-010, and 707-00-00-011, combining for a total of 2  approximately 2.37 +/- acres. Staff noted that the requested zoning designation of GR Residential was for consistency with the town’s adjacent Dobys Bridge Park. Staff noted that the intended use of the property was unknown at this time and that further consideration of any specific traffic, service, and/or utility impacts and would be determined at such time that a use was proposed. Mr. Petty made a motion to recommend in favor of approval of the ordinance. Mr. Wolfe seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-0. ITEMS FOR INFORMATION / DISCUSSION Planning Director Pettit introduced Alex Moore to the Planning Commission, who recently took over in the position recently vacated by Diane Dil. The Planning Commission congratulated Mr. Moore on the new position and welcomed him to the town. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 pm. Respectfully submitted, Chris Pettit, AICP Planning Director May 7, 2018 3