Planning Commission

1/11/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray; Brendan Sage; Connor Daley City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Grace (last name unknown); Harly (last name unknown); Michael Arnold Call to Order by: Abby Meeting Start Time: 6:32 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment Grace provided comments on the need for a housing replacement regulation including replacement of affordable units. This was brought up in the context of possible redevelopment at 300 Main Street. Mayor Lott provided a response and indicated that at the January 8 th City Council meeting, they directed the Planning Commission and Housing Commission to prioritize a housing replacement regulation, including replacement of affordable units. Harly provided comments on clarification of priorities for the City between renter and owner- occupied units. He noted potential issues with gentrification based on ownership and wealth equality in the City between renters and owners, including refugees. No other public comments were offered. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes Decision: 4 – 0 – 1 Motion by: Joe Second: Tommie Minutes/Notes: Eric indicated that the minutes were included with the agenda packet. Joe made a motion that was seconded by Tommie to approve the minutes as presented. Sarah abstained as she was not in attendance at the meeting. V. Continue Discussion on Unified Land Use Development Regulations Amendments Related to Statutory Changes Eric started off the discussion of this item by recapping the discussion at the previous meeting. He identified additional changes for the Planning Commission to discuss, including what additional information may be needed to inform their decision. He focused the discussion on minimum lot sizes. Specifically, the information that was discussed related to having one  V. Continue Discussion on Unified Land Use Development Regulations Amendments Related to Statutory Changes Eric started off the discussion of this item by recapping the discussion at the previous meeting. He identified additional changes for the Planning Commission to discuss, including what additional information may be needed to inform their decision. He focused the discussion on minimum lot sizes. Specifically, the information that was discussed related to having one minimum lot size regardless of the use being proposed. Eric highlighted information on minimum lot sizes from his memo on property evaluations in the three residential zoning districts noted that 99% and 93% of the properties in the R-A and R-B Zoning Districts were at least 5,000 square feet in size; and 96% percent of the properties in the R-C Zoning District were at least 3,000 square feet in size. These were the proposed minimum lot sizes that were included in the draft update to Section 2.5. The Commissioners discussed this information in the context of Planned Unit Developments and how these lot sizes might impact properties in the City. Eric indicated that minimum lot size was more important when looking at subdivision of property rather than existing properties. He further noted that lot coverage and setbacks may do more to establish a development pattern than minimum lot sizes would. This was based on the fact that there was limited raw land available for new subdivisions, therefore the minimum lot sizes that were proposed would help bring the City’s residential properties into conformance with what is on the ground. The Planning Commissioners discussed the proposed amendments for only one minimum lot size and provided feedback to staff. There was general acceptance of the draft proposal, however the Planning Commission requested examples of what development in the R-A, R-B, and R-C Zoning Districts may look like under the proposed changes to minimum lot sizes. The Planning Commissioners wanted to better understand how the changes may impact development before providing any specific direct to staff on the matter. Eric agreed to work on information on specific properties in the City to show what potential development may look like. Finally, Eric highlighted a future topic of conversation related to increasing density in the Central Business District (C-1) around the Downtown Core. He noted that this issue had come up in conversation with properties owners. After an evaluation by staff, it was determined that, based on the size of properties in the C-1 Zoning District, several exceeded the maximum density and were therefore non-conforming. One example that was highlighted was the Winooski Block. Eric indicated that this would be brought back at a future date for additional discussions. VI. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates indicating that a public hearing on the Winooski Bridge replacement would be held on January 23 rd at the school; the Walk/Bike Master Plan was reviewed by the Municipal Infrastructure Commission, including comments provided from the Winooski Alliance for Active Transportation and an updated plan would be brought back to Council at a future date; a public hearing on the Local Resources Protections would be held on February 5 th ; and the City Council continues to finalize the FY 2025 Budget. Eric noted that several draft bills were being discussed at the legislature with a housing nexus and may lead to additional changes in the land use regulations; depending on what was enacted. VII. Other Business Eric noted that the next meeting would be on January 25 th . Sarah asked about the process for identifying violations to the land use regulations. Eric stated that she should send a correspondence to him as the Zoning Administrator and he would investigate the issue at hand. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Brendan  identifying violations to the land use regulations. Eric stated that she should send a correspondence to him as the Zoning Administrator and he would investigate the issue at hand. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Brendan Second: Sarah Meeting End Time: 8:15 PM