Planning Commission

Minutes Walkersville Planning Commission Workshop January 14, 2025 Commission Chairman David Ennis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with members Mike Kuster, Jeremy Peterson, Nathan Shatto, Russ Winch, and John Merando present. Also present were Town Planner Susan Hauver and Communications Specialist Crystal Feaga. Recently-appointed member Nick Thompson has yet to be sworn in and was not available to attend. The meeting was also live-streamed on the Town’s website. 1. Comprehensive Plan Implementation: Industrial Districts Planner Hauver reviewed the permitted uses in the industrial districts by category and how they might be divided if the three districts are consolidated into two—an LI district and a GI district. Commission members felt the commercial uses permitted as carry-overs from the B-O District should not be included. They also suggested that mobile home sales, boat sales and service, and farm equipment sales and service be permitted only in the GI district. Ms. Hauver noted that they might consider adding the following uses since they are not currently in the Zoning Ordinance: brewery, winery, distillery, tasting room, agricultural products processing, agritourism, cannabis dispensary, cannabis growing facility, cannabis processing facility, and commercial solar facility. Commission members noted that the changes to the district regulations could result in uses becoming non-conforming. Ms. Hauver said that they should avoid creating non-conformities, unless they hope to see a land use phased out. Ms. Hauver will work on amendments to the Industrial Districts sections of the Zoning Ordinance to present to the Commission in February. 2. Comprehensive Plan Implementation: Gough property (B-O District) Request Planner Hauver presented background information on Dr. Richard Gough’s request to rezone his property from B-O Business Office to a district that would allow conversion of part or all of the building to apartments. Dr. Gough addressed the Commission, noting his desire for flexibility in the use of the building in the coming years. He noted that his deed includes an easement allowing driveway access between his building and Town Hall. Several parking spaces adjoining his property in the rear parking lot are actually on his property. Dr. Gough feels that converting his building to apartments would reduce the demand for parking spaces, when compared with the current medical office uses. Ms. Hauver said that she will research zoning options for the property to allow apartments, for the Town’s consideration. The request will be considered as part of the update to the Town Zoning Map. 3. Announcements / Commission member comments Member Peterson asked when the Commission would respond to Mr. Greenwood’s request to build an apartment in an accessory building behind his house on West Frederick Street. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Susan Hauver 1