Planning Commission

2/22/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Brendan Sage; Connor Daley City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor; Marielle Matthews 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 Given that only three members were present and two had not attended the February 8 th meeting, the Planning Commission decided to postpone action on the minutes until their next meeting. V. Continue Discussion on ULUDR Amendments Related to Statutory Changes Eric introduced the amendments and started with a discussion in Article II. He highlighted several changes in the use table, including the footnotes. Specifically, note four related to density in the Central Business District. After a short discussion, the Commissioners agreed that the change was appropriate. Next, Eric asked for clarification in the dimensional standards table for the “Public” zoning district. He indicated that there was no lot size or dimensional requirements previously listed, and wanted to include some level of standard. After a brief discussion the group decided that “no minimum” was appropriate for this zoning district. Eric also highlighted a change in the use table to include “lodging establishment” instead of hotel. This was a suggestion made by Sarah for consistency with our definitions and other sections of the regulations. After this, Eric turned attention to the dimensional standards for accessory structures. He highlighted the primary changes, which focused on the height of the structure. The group discussed the possible implications of limiting an accessory structure to only 75% of the primary structure, including the additional allowance for an accessory dwelling. After some light debate on the matter, Eric indicated that he understood the concerns and would review how to best clarify the discussion. It was suggested that maybe two footnotes would be appropriate to address the differences between accessory structures and accessory dwellings. After this, Eric turned the attention to Article III, which includes the regulations for the Downtown Core Zoning District. He highlighted several changes intended for clarification, and then focused  on the matter, Eric indicated that he understood the concerns and would review how to best clarify the discussion. It was suggested that maybe two footnotes would be appropriate to address the differences between accessory structures and accessory dwellings. After this, Eric turned the attention to Article III, which includes the regulations for the Downtown Core Zoning District. He highlighted several changes intended for clarification, and then focused on a change to the parking standards. As proposed, Eric was suggesting that only residential uses, including lodging establishments or bed and breakfasts be required to have minimum parking standards. All other parking requirements were proposed to be eliminated. Eric noted that there is an 850 space parking garage and a second garage under construction so there should be sufficient parking to support non-residential uses in downtown, which is consistent with downtown type developments. After a brief discussion, the Planning Commissioners agreed with this change. Eric highlighted several other changes meant for clarification of the regulations. No additional discussion occurred. Finally, Eric introduced changes in Article IV. The first change he highlighted was related to “changes of use”. New language was being proposed that would allow existing structures to change uses without the need for a zoning permit. Eric discussed the specific circumstances that would need to be met for this to happen and indicated there were a limited number of instances when this would occur. The Commissioners agreed that this was a good change to reduce unnecessary costs timelines. After this, Eric highlighted changes to the parking table for vehicle parking. He identified the changes that would be needed for compliance with Act 47 related to residential parking. He also flagged several minor changes for internal consistency with the regulations related to bicycle parking. After a brief overview, the Commissioners wanted to wait to continue the discussion until more members were present. Eric supported this as well and indicated that it was more to ensure internal consistency with the regulations rather than to make a substantive change. The last amendment to this section was related to parking space dimensions and drive aisles. Eric indicated that the Department of Public Works had draft standards for dimensions of both spaces and aisles. He recommended that the land use regulations reference those standards so when the change, the land use regulations do not need to be amended as well. He also noted an allowance for compact vehicle parking. The commissioners supported this change. With the discussion concluded, Eric stated that he would make changes and bring back new language to the next meeting, including Article V which includes incentives for priority housing. VI. City Updates Mayor Lott provided updates on the February 20 th City Council meeting including approval of the walk/bike master plan; draft agreement with Champlain Housing Trust for sale of the O’Brien Community Center; and approval of short-term rental regulations. Eric had no specific updates. VII. Other Business Eric reminded the commissioners that the next meeting would be on March 14 th and include a public hearing on the proposed amendments to 32 Malletts Bay Avenue and 21 Hickok Street. He also reminded the commissioners of the joint meeting with the Housing Commission scheduled for March 19 th . This meeting would be in-lieu of the second meeting in March. VIII. Adjourn Motion by: Brendan Second: Connor Meeting End Time: 8:06 PM Second: Connor Meeting End Time: 8:06 PM