Planning Commission

1/27/2022 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray; Brendan Sage City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Langley Smurthwaite Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:33 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: Abby Second: Sarah Motion to approve the minutes as presented. V. Continue Discussion on Creating and Incentivizing Housing Options Eric initiated the discussion by recapping the information that was presented at the meeting on January 13 th . He indicated that, based on discussions with the Chair, he wanted to provide additional time for the Planning Commission to discuss the various options presented in the memo to help incentive or create housing options. Specifically, he indicated that additional information on the dimensional standards were distributed, and he had mapping to better show what properties may be impacted by various options for amending the regulations. Eric walked through the three residential zoning districts and discussed the analysis that was done regarding lot frontage, lot depth, and lot area. He showed which properties were currently conforming to all three standards, and which properties may be impacted by changes to the frontage or depth requirements. This was specifically in relation to discussions on allowing properties that had excessive depth to consider subdividing the rear of the property provided there is access from the street, either through an easement or through the creation of a flag lot. The Planning Commission discussed other options outlined in the memo including changes to the standards for detached cottages and other options that may be considered for increasing  frontage or depth requirements. This was specifically in relation to discussions on allowing properties that had excessive depth to consider subdividing the rear of the property provided there is access from the street, either through an easement or through the creation of a flag lot. The Planning Commission discussed other options outlined in the memo including changes to the standards for detached cottages and other options that may be considered for increasing the amount of available housing. There was also discussions on ways to ensure affordability with multi-bedroom units. After additional discussions and more details on specific options, the Planning Commission agreed that two possible areas to consider for changes would include Planned Unit Development Standards and changes to parking standards to accommodate multi- bedroom units that were affordable to populations in Winooski. Eric indicated he would prepare language to address these two items for discussions at the next meeting. VI. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates from the January 24 th City Council Meeting including approval of the FY 2023 Draft Budget, a ballot question for a bond issue to purchase a new fire truck, the resolution recognizing the contributions to Winooski by Sally Tipson, and that there are seven candidates for two open seats on the City Council. Eric noted that a detailed discussion on the proposed amendments to the Form Based Code would occur at the City Council meeting on February 7 th . VII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on February 10 th . He also asked the Planning Commission about the potential for going to remote only meetings for the future. The members agreed that would be an acceptable change. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Joe Second: Abby Meeting End Time: 8:12 PM