MINUTES
CITY OF GOOSE CREEK
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2010, 6:30 P.M.
MARGUERITE BROWN MUNICIPAL CENTER
GOOSE CREEK, SOUTH CAROLINA

 

I. Call to Order - Chairman Allen Wall

Chairman Allen Wall called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
Present: Joel Arenson, Paul Connerty, Doug Quinn, Jeffrey Smith, Allen Wall, and Barry Washington (arrived 6:55)
Absent: Gayla McSwain
Staff Present: Daniel Ben-Yisrael

II. Review of Minutes of October 5, 2010 Meeting

Mr. Arenson questioned the reference to Mr. Metts as Crowfield Manager, asking for clarification of who that was referring to. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he would get additional information.

Motion: Mr. Connerty made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Smith seconded.
Discussion: There was none.
Vote: All voted in favor; none opposed.

III. Election of 2011 Officers

Mr. Wall asked to defer the election of officers until other members arrived.

IV. Approval of 2011 Calendar

Mr. Wall asked if the November meeting needed to be moved to 7:00 because of it being election day. Mr. Smith asked about the July 5 meeting. It was decided the schedule could be changed at the time if necessary.

Motion: Mr. Smith made a motion to approve the 2011 Meeting Schedule as presented. Mr. Quinn seconded the motion.
Discussion: There was none.
Vote: All voted in favor; none opposed.

V. Discussion - Land Use Buffer Ordinance

Mr. Ben-Yisrael referred to changes made since the first draft, specifically section (E) Measurement of Buffer Areas, to insure the uniformity and the adequacy of the buffer area, and sections (G), (H), and (I). He stated this was devised by reviewing other ordinances and from experience in the field. He briefly explained his opinion concerning item (H), requiring a buffer be provided when there is an adjacent vacant property which is zoned differently from the property being developed.

There was brief discussion about enforcing compliance indefinitely and the role of code enforcement. Mr. Ben-Yisrael suggested adding additional language which speaks to being able to go back to address the maintenance of the buffer at any point.

Mr. Arenson suggested that 15' is not an adequate buffer. He also stated there was no mention of buffers for street frontage. Mr. Ben-Yisrael suggested these buffers are at the property line, so it's not the distance between structures. Mr. Arenson suggested the Crowfield Greens project was an example of needing additional buffering. There was discussion about there being no street buffering requirement currently, and he suggested that is something that should be included. Mr. Arenson stated he felt a street buffer made a difference in the aesthetics. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he would provide a table for the next meeting that would include varying buffers for various types of streets and roads. There was agreement that this was an important need, as it adds to the beauty of the city.

Mr. Wall asked about the Institutional Use noted, and Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated that refers mainly to religious and educational land uses. There was discussion about whether a minimum of 15' for several uses was adequate with suggestions to state that these were simply minimums. Mr. Arenson suggested the height of the structures could also impact what was adequate buffering, as single story structures would require less buffer area than a three story structure. There was discussion about requiring increased setbacks that would allow for increased buffer requirements and making changes in the zoning ordinance to allow for varied setbacks depending on heights. It was decided to change the minimum to 20'.

There was discussion about the density of buffers and the ability to provide more screening in smaller areas. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he would bring Mt. Pleasant's ordinance to them, as it discusses various buffer widths based on the density of the buffer. There was discussion about specifying the size and height of the required landscaping. Mr. Wall asked if this gave Mr. Ben-Yisrael the flexibility and discretion needed for his reviews. Mr. Arenson suggested it be specific enough to limit interpretation and not result in nonconformance to the Comprehensive Plan.

Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he felt this could be edited and wrapped up within the next couple of months. Mr. Wall asked if Mr. Ben-Yisrael wished to have this as an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance rather than made a part of the Comprehensive Plan, and Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he did wish to have this as a zoning ordinance amendment.

VI. Election of Officers for 2011

Mr. Wall opened the floor to nominations for Chairperson.

Nomination: Mr. Arenson nominated Mr. Wall as Chairperson. Mr. Connerty seconded the nomination.
Mr. Connerty moved that the nominations be closed.

Mr. Wall opened the floor to nominations for Vice Chairperson.

Nomination: Mr. Connerty nomination Mr. Quinn as Vice Chairperson. Mr. Arenson seconded the nomination.
Mr. Washington moved that the nominations be closed.

Motion: Mr. Connerty made the motion to accept the officers in their present positions for another year. Mr. Washington seconded the motion.
Vote: All voted in favor; none opposed.

VII. Comments from the Commission

Mr. Quinn referred to an issue with a resident of Berkeley County suing to be able to keep signs in his yard, with the County having to back down and allow the signs. There was discussion concerning this case. Mr. Quinn stated that any ordinances passed for the City must be enforceable or they shouldn't be written and passed. He stated he hopes the City will be mindful of this and not pass something that is not enforceable.

Mr. Wall reminded the Commission that the City Council will hear the recommendations for the zoning amendments at the Council Meeting on November 12 at 7:00.

Mr. Wall asked about Mr. Arenson's question about reviewing the land use table and making changes and if that would be a part of the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he felt it would be a part of the rewriting of the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Arenson suggested making an action item list for future review.

Mr. Wall asked if there was a plan for development of the old Teddy Bears location, and Mr. Ben-Yisrael answered there is an approved site plan for a gas station/BBQ restaurant. He confirmed it was the same property that had previously been planned for a Stay-Over Lodge.

 

VIII. Comments From Staff

Mr. Ben-Yisrael stated he would be sending an email in the next week or so with training options. There was brief discussion about the COG regional planning meeting held that week.

IX. Adjournment

Mr. Quinn made the motion to adjourn. Mr. Washington seconded the motion. All voted in favor, and the meeting adjourned at or about 7: 40 pm.