Planning Commission

SUMMARY MEETING REPORT – Meeting held via Zoom ROME-FLOYD COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION 10/1/2020 PRESENT: Logan Boss, Anthony McClain, Tom Bennett, Frank Brown, Melissa Eldridge, Charles, Love, Terry Jones, Ivy Lowery, Steve Miller Wendy Davis, Ex-Officio, City of Rome Larry Maxey, Ex-Officio, Floyd County ABSENT: Ghee Wilson STAFF: Art Newell, Planning Director Brice Wood, Senior Planner Brittany Griffin, Associate Planner Patrick Eidson, Assistant City Manager Gary Burkhalter, Assistant County Manager Frank Beacham, City Attorney James Martin, Chief Building Official Bruce Ivey, County Special Projects Manager Jeff Mitchell, PAWS PUBLIC: Michael Stegall, Mark Vann, Chris Forino, Paula Blalock, Olivia Morley CALL TO ORDER: Logan Boss – Chair, called the October 1, 2020 meeting of the Rome-Floyd County Planning Commission to order at 2:30 PM. It was determined by roll call that a quorum was present. Boss then welcomed visitors and explained the rules of procedure. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: The agenda was approved by common consent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steve Miller made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 2020 meeting, which was seconded by Frank Brown. The motion was unanimously approved, 9-0. FLOYD COUNTY REZONINGS/SPECIAL USE PERMITS: Z20-10-02 – Requests a rezoning from Community Commercial to Agricultural Residential for the property located at 0 Alabama Highway, Rome, GA 30165, Floyd County Tax Parcel C13066. Applicant/Owner: Mark Vann. Brice Wood presented the application and staff report. Director Newell presented the staff recommendation of approval. Michael Stegall spoke on behalf of the application, confirming that a prospective buyer is having trouble obtaining financing as a result of the inaccurate zoning. There was no one present to speak in opposition. Charles Love made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Terry Jones. The motion passed 9-0. CITY OF ROME REZONINGS/SPECIAL USE PERMITS: Z20-10-01 – Requests a rezoning from Community Commercial to Low Density Traditional Residential for the properties located at 0 and 525 South Broad Street, Rome, GA 30161, Floyd County Tax Parcels J14E128 and J14E129. Applicant/Owner: Christopher Forino. Brice Wood presented the application and staff report. Director Newell presented the staff recommendation of approval. Chris Forino was present to speak in favor. Terry Jones made a motion to approve, which was seconded by Charles Love. Steve Miller did ask about the possibility of a mass rezoning of the area. Brice Wood explained staff has recommended rezoning to the residents in question, but has received minimal support from the residents. The motion passed 9-0. ULDC TEXT AMENDMENTS: Special Event Venues. Director Newell presented the proposed amendment. There was no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the proposed amendment. Steve Miller questioned why a road frontage requirement was not included. Director Newell explained that the ULDC already has road frontage requirements based on multiple requirements like zoning. Anthony McClain asked about how “flag lots” would be handled as they can allow for a narrow driveway near adjacent homes, recommending a 50-foot buffer on all sides. This led to a lengthy discussion from multiple members and staff. Gary Burkhalter recommended allowing staff to continue to work on the amendment. Terry Jones made a motion to table, which was seconded by Steve Miller. The motion passed 9-0. Hobby Farms. Director Newell presented the proposed amendment. There was no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the proposed amendment. Terry Jones expressed his concerns regarding chickens. Steve Miller expressed concern regarding the chickens roaming closer to lines than the coop is allowed. Chair Boss asked if Director Newell would reconsider the requirements for chickens. Director Newell agreed. Multiple people also expressed concern about the minimum lot size requirements, as well as the allowance of any farm animals on S-R zoned properties. Terry Jones made a motion to table, which was seconded by Steve Miller. The motion passed 9-0. OTHER BUSINESS: A. Brice Wood gave an update about the previous months rezoning request. B. Director Newell announced that Brittany Griffin has been reclassified as Associate Planner. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Boss called for a motion to adjourn. Charles Love made the motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Steve Miller. No opposition was expressed. There being no further business to bring before this body, the October 1, 2020, meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned by Logan Boss, Chair, at approximately 4:00 P.M. Logan Boss, Chair Staff Report:  https://ga-rome.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1608/Z20-10-01---C-C-to-L-T-R-Forino- City  https://ga-rome.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/1609/Z20-10-02---Alabama-Hwy-County 