Planning Commission

12/10/2020 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Amy Houghton, Vice-Chair; Terry Zigmund, Secretary; Abby Bleything; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Doug Weston Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:32 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda Eric requested an additional item be added to the agenda for the consideration of an appointment to the Advisory Committee for the Parking Inventory, Analysis, and Management Plan that was being funding with support from the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission. All agreed to include this item following the discussion under item VI. III. Public Comment Eric stated that Doug Weston was in attendance and that he provided specific comments on the accessory dwelling unit discussion that were circulated earlier in the day, therefore his comments could be discussed during that agenda item. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 - 0 Motion by: Amy Second: Sarah Eric highlighted the changes that were included to the October minutes based on the discussion from the November meeting. The motion included acceptance of both sets of minutes as presented. V. Continue Discussion on Section 5.1 and Article II Eric introduced this item and indicated it was a continuation of the discussion from the November meeting. He highlighted the memo that was included in the agenda and stated that it included information that was requested from the November meeting. Specifically, he noted the two paths to be considered related to the owner occupancy requirement and what changes would need to be included depending on which direction the Planning Commission wanted to consider. The Planning Commission reviewed and evaluated the various differences between owner occupancy and non-owner occupancy. The discussion included a review of Council and master plan priorities related to housing opportunities; differences between accessory dwelling units and detached cottages; and situational considerations such as an owner that may take work out  consider. The Planning Commission reviewed and evaluated the various differences between owner occupancy and non-owner occupancy. The discussion included a review of Council and master plan priorities related to housing opportunities; differences between accessory dwelling units and detached cottages; and situational considerations such as an owner that may take work out of town for an extended period of time and desire to rent their home. The Planning Commission discussed various options and scenarios at length regarding owner occupancy. Doug Weston also provided public comments regarding owner occupancy. In addition to the discussion related to owner occupancy, the Planning Commission discussed changes to the land use table. These changes specifically related to adding two-unit development to the Residential A Zoning District. Currently, this zoning district only permits single unit development and accessory dwellings, with a maximum density of two units per lot. Following the discussions, the Planning Commission requested staff provide a summary of their discussion for the next meeting. Staff also agreed to prepare draft language that would include provisions for owner occupancy and provisions without the owner occupancy requirement so the Commissioners could compare the two drafts. Staff also agreed to provide updates to the use table reflecting the discussions. VI. Review of Timeline for Updates to the Unified Land Use and Development Regulations Eric provided an overview of the timeline that was included with the agenda. He specifically called out the milestones, including public hearings, and explained to reasoning for what sections would be brought forward in the timeline noting that additional information related to historic preservation and parking would be needed to inform the discussions on Article IV. This item was for informational purposes only and no action was required. VII. Appointment to UPWP Advisory Committee Eric indicated that two members expressed interest; Terry and Abby. He also noted that Abby indicated she was okay letting someone else represent the Planning Commission on the Advisory Committee since she participated in the East Allen Scoping Study. With that, all members were in agreement that Terry would represent the Planning Commission on the Advisory Committee. VIII. Department and City Updates Eric provided an update on the Parking Study and the Historic Resources survey. Mayor Lott provide updates on Council efforts including budgeting and a development agreement with CHT for affordable homeownership on property owned by the City along Malletts Bay Avenue. IX. Other Business Eric noted the next meeting would be January 14, 2021. Mike mentioned the possibility of creating a new committee for the review of historic resources once the regulations are updated. X. Adjourn Motion by: Abby Second: Amy Meeting End Time: 8:19 PM