Planning Commission

Radford Planning Commission Monday, November 16, 2020 Municipal Building Members Present: Mr. Collier Mr. Gillespie Ms. Hamden Mrs. Huntington Dr. Pearce Mr. Watson, Vice-Chairperson Mr. Howard, Chairperson Absent None Staff/Visitors: Melissa Skelton, City Staff Chairperson Howard called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm in the Radford City Council Chambers at 10 Robertson Street, Radford Virginia, a quorum was present. Approval of Agenda Chairperson Huntington made a motion to add Radford University Right of Way closure request to the agenda, Vice-Chairperson Watson, seconded the motion. Voting Yes: Mr. Collier, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Hamden, Mrs. Huntington, Dr. Pearce, Mr. Watson, Mr. Howard Approval of Minutes for August 17, 2020 Minutes were recommended for approval by Councilperson Gillespie, seconded by Councilperson Collier. Voting Yes: Mr. Collier, Mr. Gillespie, Ms. Hamden, Mrs. Huntington, Mr. Watson, Mr. Howard Abstain: Dr. Pearce Public Address: No public comments provided. OLD BUSINESS SUBJECT: Discussion on the Urban Agriculture Ordinance SUMMARY: Commissioners continued discussion on the Urban Agriculture Ordinance to determine the suitable number of chicken and adequate space to ensure for the health and safety of chickens and community. Discussion regarding finding standard guidelines to implement would be beneficial. Vice-Chairperson Watson recommended that the fee be waved for this year to those who currently have chickens. Commissioners agreed that a joint meeting with council would be appropriate to discuss/share the ordinance. SUBJECT: Mixed Use Zoning SUMMARY: Chairman Howard shared that the commission has had discussion regarding rezoning portions of the Business District to Mixed Use Zoning since last February. Staff wanted an opportunity to update new members and show a proposed revised zoning map. The area of discussion are several places along West Main Street and in the East End where mixed use zoning is being considered. The area between Main Street up to and including the old school/science labs, presently zoned M1, is also being considered. Single family housing is a by-right use, with multifamily permitted via special use permit. The area on the east side of Main up to second street is presently zoned B2. This precludes redevelopment of any sites in this area into single family housing, as well as any expansion or significant renovation of existing homes in this area. Mixed use would afford this possibility. The revised map also indicated the area along Grove in the East End that had been proposed for conversion to Mixed Use, plus one block further back into the neighborhood that contains apartments. Mr. Watson commented that the area along Tyler Ave should remain B2, as should any area fronting along Third Avenue. The Commissioners agreed that this proposed mixed use zoning change should also be a part of the joint work session with City Council. NEW BUSINESS: SUBJECT: Radford University Foundation request for ROW closure SUMMARY: Radford University Foundation has a request to close City Right of Way located between Calhoun Street and Lawrence Avenue, where the proposed hotel is being developed. Planning Commission needs to ensure that there is no conflict with the Comprehensive Plan. ACTION: Ms. Hamden made a motion to recommend to council that the request for ROW closure is in line with the Comprehensive Plan, Mr. Watson seconded the motion. SUBJECT: Discussion of Zoning Requirements – Wireless Communication SUMMARY: Staff shared with the Planning Commission that the Mayor had asked for them to review the wireless communications section within the Zoning Ordinance. Ms. Skelton shared that it does need to be updated to meet state regulations in accordance to Title 15.2, Article 7.2 Zoning for Wireless Communication Infrastructure. The locality will still need to meet any current code imposed by the State. What is recommended is that staff, the City Attorney and Planning Commission look at what other restrictions we may impose that would mitigate any negative impact that the small cells may occur. Chairman Howard recommended working with the City Attorney for model ordinance. Mrs. Huntington stated that this is not an area of expertise for most of us and recommends having this be a part of work session with City Council. The Commissioners were all in agreement. Mr. Watson asked what control did they have. Staff responded that they have to follow the State guidelines. SUBJECT: Discussion of Zoning Requirements within Business Districts SUMMARY: Commissioners discussed the lack of uniformity within the business districts. Need to ensure that they allow for increased flexibility that will allow for innovative businesses. Chairman Howard recommended that each commissioner take a critical look at the business districts and come back at the next meeting with suggestions. Mr. Gillespie asked if we should just be looking at our own business districts or at other communities. Dr. Pearce recommended that they each look at their favorite places to visit, and what it was about those places that made them so desirable. STAFF REPORT- None COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Collier – No comment Mr. Gillespie – No Comment Ms. Hamden – Shared she appreciated the discussion Mrs. Huntington – No comment Dr. Pearce – Thanked the Commission for allowing her to remote in. Mr. Watson – No Comment Mr. Howard – No Comment A motion was made by Mr. Watson to adjourn the meeting at 7:17 pm, seconded by Mr. Collier. Voting Yes: Mr. Collier, Mr. Gillespie, Mrs. Huntington, Dr. Pearce, Mr. Watson, Mr. Howard Voting No: Abstain: Submitted by: M. Skelton, Staff Date: November 18, 2020