Planning Commission

1/13/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Amy Houghton; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Langley Smurthwaite Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:32 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment None IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 Motion by: Brendan Second: Amy Motion to approve the minutes as presented. V. Letter of Support for Unified Planning Work Program Application Funding Decision: 4 - 0 Motion by: Brendan Second: Abby Eric provided an overview of the program including the cost and funding for the proposed project. After a brief discussion a motion was made to authorize the chair to sign a letter of support for an application to the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission for funding through the Unified Planning Work Program to prepare a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the City and inform the City Council of the decision. All were in favor. VI. Discussion on Creating and Incentivizing Housing Options Eric provided an overview to the Planning Commission regarding Council discussions related to housing affordability, multi-bedroom housing units, and ways to incentivize these types of units.  the City and inform the City Council of the decision. All were in favor. VI. Discussion on Creating and Incentivizing Housing Options Eric provided an overview to the Planning Commission regarding Council discussions related to housing affordability, multi-bedroom housing units, and ways to incentivize these types of units. Eric noted that there were several options included in the provided memo that seek to contemplate amendments to the land use regulations that will accommodate the types of housing options desired by the City. Eric also indicated that the options outlined in the memo were just a starting point. He stated that he was interested in the thoughts from the Planning Commission regarding the options and if there is support or interest in pursuing any of them further. With that, Eric provided the members with information on each of the options outlined, staring with dimensional standards. Eric gave an overview of the dimensional standards that currently exist within the land use regulations and provided several examples of where the existing lots were not entirely consistent with the regulations. Eric indicated that there are many lots in the City are narrow, but have extensive depth, which could accommodate additional lots, if the dimensional standards were amended. The Planning Commission discussed this option, but raised concerns with how this may impact existing neighborhoods, or the amount of lot area that would remain as open land. Eric stated that the current dimensional standards include a maximum lot coverage that would limit how much of a property could be developed. Another option that Eric highlighted was the potential for lots with double frontages to be able to be subdivided for development. He highlighted several properties along West Canal Street and West Allen Street that have frontages on both streets. He indicated that these lots had enough depth and width to be subdivided, but did not have enough lot area, as outlined in the dimensional standards. Eric also provided information on how the standards may be updated to accommodate varying housing styles with Planned Unit Developments, as has been discussed previously. The Planning Commission discussed these options, and ultimately requested additional detail on what this might look like if changes to the dimensional standards, as discussed, were enacted. Eric agreed to provide additional information on these. The last option that Eric discussed was reform to the parking standards. Eric highlighted discrepancies with the way parking is addressed in the regulations noting that residential zoning districts have one standard, where non-residential districts have a separate standard. Eric highlighted several options for how to address these differences, and even allow for additional reductions for units that are designated affordable and have three or more bedrooms. This idea was generally supported by the Planning Commission but more detailed was requested. The Planning Commission engaged in additional discussion on these topics and took comments from the public, including support for more dwellings with multiple bedrooms to accommodate larger families in need of housing that is close to supportive services provided in the City. Following the discussion, the Planning Commission requested additional information to aide in continuing the discussion at a future meeting. VII. FY 2022 Work Plan Status Update Eric provided a general update to the Planning Commission on the progress of the FY 2022 work plan. He indicated a summary was in the agenda, and would be happy to provide more detail if necessary, on any of the items included. Sarah asked about progress on the historic preservation language. Eric indicated this information was included in Article IV and the discussions would resume in the near future. Mike requested that the document be sent to the members again so they could review in advance of any future discussions. VIII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on discussions from the Housing Commission related to code issues; informed the Commissioners on talks from the Municipal Infrastructure Commission  members again so they could review in advance of any future discussions. VIII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on discussions from the Housing Commission related to code issues; informed the Commissioners on talks from the Municipal Infrastructure Commission regarding energy use and goals; updated the group on the discussion from the City Council meeting regarding Green Mountain Transit service; and concluded with an update about the noise monitoring program from the airport, including information on the sound mitigation pilot program. IX. Other Business Eric reminded the Commissioners that the next meeting would be on January 27 th . X. Adjourn Motion by: Amy Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 8:16 PM