Planning Commission

12/14/2023 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Tommie Murray; Brendan Sage; Connor Daley City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Thomas Renner, Deputy-Mayor; Ruth Steinmetz; Michael Arnold; Marielle Matthews; Colin Larson; Evan Gould Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:30 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment Marielle Matthews provided information from the Winooski Partnership for Prevention’s advertising monitoring report. She indicated that this work is periodically done to assess the advertising of substances at local retailers and can help ensure compliance with the land use regulations. Eric indicated that this report, and the work being done by the WPP will help inform discussions on updates to the City’s sign regulations. Eric also forwarded an email that was received from Michael Arnold at the last meeting with comments related to the draft changes. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 3 – 0 – 1 Motion by: Connor Second: Brendan Minutes/Notes: A motion was made by Connor to approve the November 9th meeting minutes as presented. This motion was seconded by Brendan. All were in favor with Joe abstaining as he was not in attendance. V. Continue Discussion on Unified Land Use and Development Regulations - Amendments Related to Statutory Changes Eric introduced the amendments to Article II of the ULUDR. He noted that this was a continuation from the last meeting and highlighted several changes to the use table. Specifically, he reviewed changes to the text to align with state statute or other sections of the regulations. This was being done for consistency throughout the document, including the definitions. The Commissioners discussed several of the uses and the applicability by zoning district and suggested revisions. Following this discussion, Eric focused on the dimensional standards. He highlighted the current  continuation from the last meeting and highlighted several changes to the use table. Specifically, he reviewed changes to the text to align with state statute or other sections of the regulations. This was being done for consistency throughout the document, including the definitions. The Commissioners discussed several of the uses and the applicability by zoning district and suggested revisions. Following this discussion, Eric focused on the dimensional standards. He highlighted the current dimensional standards, the proposed changes that were discussed at a previous meeting, and an alternative draft for consideration. As part of this review, Eric highlighted information in a memo that was prepared for the meeting including an analysis of existing lot width, depth, and area for the three residential zoning districts. Eric provided additional details on the number of properties that would meet the necessary dimensional standards within the context of the drafted lot sizes. Next, Eric highlighted information on alternative dimensional standards that would reduce the minimum lot sizes for all three residential districts; reduce the lot frontage requirements for the Residential A and Residential B districts; and reduce the setbacks for all three residential districts. He provided an analysis of the properties that would meet the updated requirements. Following this, Eric provided examples of how the dimensional standards and lot coverage requirements would be implemented on existing lots in the City. He highlighted three different properties, and noted that the key component that was factored in was lot coverage and setbacks more so than overall lot sizes. This led to a discussion on minimum lot sizes and other dimensional standards. The Planning Commission generally supported the alternative changes that were presented, but requested additional information on lot coverage to get a better sense of what is currently on the ground for comparison. Eric indicated he would work to identify this information, but it may take some time. Following this discussion, the Planning Commission took comments from the public. The public comments related to dimensional standards and parking. After the public comments this agenda item was concluded. VI. City Updates Mayor Lott provided an update from the previous City Council meeting including a review of the capital plan, information on new regulations for short term rentals, and an initial introduction to the proposed changes to the land use regulations for local resource protections. Ruth provided updates on the discussions with the Commission on Inclusion and Belonging. Eric had no specific updates. VII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting will be on January 11 th and that the Planning Commission would go back to meeting twice per month. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Brendan Second: Tommie Meeting End Time: 8:15 PM