Planning Commission

5/9/2024 - Minutes I. Call to Order Members Present: Mike O’Brien, Chair; Abby Bleything, Vice-Chair; Joe Perron; Sarah van Ryckevorsel; Tommie Murray City Staff Present: Eric Vorwald Guests Present: Kristine Lott, Mayor, Thomas Creswell, Sarah (online) Call to Order by: Mike O’Brien Meeting Start Time: 6:34 PM Minutes Recorded by: Eric Vorwald II. Changes to the Agenda None III. Public Comment Sarah wanted to provide comments on the LaFountain Street/Dion Street Scoping study. Mike and the Mayor informed her that the meeting where that was discussed was the City Council meeting from Monday night and that a follow-up meeting would happen later this month. The Mayor offered to send information to her when it was available. IV. Approve Previous Meeting Minutes The Planning Commission decided to table this item due to a lack of members from the April meeting present at this meeting. V. Review of Planning Commission Report on Draft Unified Land Use and Development Regulations (ULUDR) Changes Eric introduced this item and noted that it would be a review of the proposed amendments based on the discussions from the April 25 th meeting. He explained that the report included with the agenda contained the information and amendments that were advertised for the public hearing to be held on May 23 rd . He indicated that, since several members were absent from the April 25 th meeting, this would be a review of the proposed amendments in advance of the public hearing. After the introduction, Eric walked the Planning Commission through the amendments. He identified specific changes that were made since the last meeting. He highlighted several items in Article II related to the use table and to the purpose statements under the zoning districts. The Commissioners requested several additional modifications to the language to better reflect the density being offered. Eric continued to review the proposed amendments and provided clarification on several sections related to parking for the Downtown Core Zoning District as included in Article III. Next, Eric focused on Section 5.14 related to incentives for priority housing. He identified several changes that were proposed based on Act 47 including changes related to building configuration  density being offered. Eric continued to review the proposed amendments and provided clarification on several sections related to parking for the Downtown Core Zoning District as included in Article III. Next, Eric focused on Section 5.14 related to incentives for priority housing. He identified several changes that were proposed based on Act 47 including changes related to building configuration for planned unit developments, bonus stories, and added lot coverage for priority housing. The Planning Commissioners discussed the proposed changes including the additional lot coverage offered for priority housing. Concerns were raised related to the amount of open space that would be available on individual properties if the additional lot coverage was offered. Eric suggested several options for additional language that could address this concern, including a provision to specify the amount of open space on the property and include a definition for open space. He also indicated he would review the definition of lot coverage to ensure it was still consistent with the intent and was not allowing for more lot coverage than may be otherwise permitted. After this discussion Eric provided an overview of changes to the form-based code. He noted that the changes included amendments for Act 47, but also amendments to clean up sections of the regulations that have created issues with interpretation. This included proposed changes to Part 6 of the regulations related to roofs and parapets; signage; and mechanical equipment. He also highlighted a change that would remove text related to affordable housing that was offered with the bonus story provision. He indicated that since the bonus story provision was moved to Section 5.14, the language on affordable housing was unnecessary in the form-based code. Eric concluded the discussion by stating that he would provide updated language based on the Planning Commission’s comments for discussion at the public hearing. VI. Continue Discussion on Inclusionary Zoning and Replacement Regulations Based on the time, Eric indicated that the information on Section 5.16 and Section 5.17 were included in the agenda more as an overview of the mechanics of these regulations and not intended for a detailed discussion on the draft language. He stated that the joint meeting with the Housing Commission would help inform the regulatory context for these amendments. The intent of providing this information was to inform the Planning Commission on what components were generally included with inclusionary zoning regulations and replacement housing regulations. He noted that this would be revisited in detail at a future meeting. VII. City Updates Mayor Lott provided an update on activities from the May 6 th City Council meeting including the approval of the amendments for the O’Brien Community Center, a transfer of reserve funds for a downpayment on the new fire truck, a review of the LaFountain/Dion Street Scoping Study, and indicated that the priority and strategy meeting with the City Council would most likely be held on June 9 th or 10 th . Eric had no additional updates. VIII. Other Business Eric indicated that the next meeting would be on May 23 rd and would include a public hearing on the draft amendments. He also reminded the Planning Commissioners of the joint meeting with the Housing Commission scheduled for June 25 th . He also stated that the joint meeting would be held in lieu of the second June Planning Commission meeting. Sarah and Tommie indicated they would not be able to attend the May 23 rd meeting. IX. Adjourn Motion by: Tommie Second: Joe Meeting End Time: 8:02 PM Motion by: Tommie Second: Joe Meeting End Time: 8:02 PM