2012-05-21 Community Planning and Development Commission Minutes

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CPDC MINUTES Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone: 781 - 942 -6612 Fax: 781 -942 -9071 Email: jdelios @ci.reading.ma.us Community Planning and Development Commission Meeting Dated: May 21, 2012 Location: Selectmen's Meeting Room Time: 7:30 PM Members Present: John Weston, Chair; David Tuttle, Nicholas Safina and Charlie Adams Also Present: Jean Delios, Town Planner; Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner and Recording Secretary Others Present: None There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Planning and Zoning Work Session Non - Conforming By -Law The Board reviewed the memo provided to them which suggested there may be an issue related to partial demolitions. The issue is how to interpret a partial replacement of a structure on an existing building. Section 6.3.8 — Voluntary Demolition and Reconstruction should not be used when an individual would like to demolish some portion of a structure and rebuild in its place. The question may be on how to interpret "structurally alter ". Ms. Delios noted that in the situation described in the memo, the individual referred to Section 6.3.8 as the work would involve the demolition of a breezeway and then the reconstruction of a mudroom. The Board continued to discuss whether any changes or clarifications to the by -law were needed. It was agreed that in the situation above, the individual should not refer to Section 6.3.8, but should have referred to Section 6.3.5 — Alteration of Nonconforming Single and Two - Family Residential Structures and that this work would qualify as a "structural change ". Mr. Safina stated that the previous re -write of this section of the by -law was done so that it would provide more as -of -right flexibility. The Board agreed that no changes to the by -laws are needed at this time. Sign By -Law Mr. Weston opened the discussion for review of the sign by -law. He was not in favor of making any changes to the current sign regulations until more businesses in town are in compliance. Mr. Weston did state he liked the way the Town of Dennis presented their sign ordinance and the photos seem to be very helpful. He suggested that instead of re- writing the sign by -laws, it may be worthwhile to develop a guidance document that may be easier for public to understand. Mr. Tuttle agreed and noted that it is not the by -law that is the issue. Ms. Delios stated that the compliance efforts completed a while ago were not well received. Enforcement lies with the Building Inspector and the Town is working on the best method for enforcement. Mr. Weston stated he is not in favor of changing the by -law especially when it is difficult to enforce what is currently in effect. Ms. Delios noted that it can be challenging and timely to work with business to come into compliance with their signage. Obtaining the appropriate plans and Page 1 of 4