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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-16 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee Minutesaw, Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee Date: 2013 -10 -16 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Board of Selectmen Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle David Traniello Mamie West Jeff Hansen George Katsoufls Members - Not Present: Others Present: Jean Delios- Town Planner Jessie Wilson - Staff Planner Eric Bergstrom Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Staff Planner Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM. Ms. Delios said the Committee needs to select a Chair and Vice Chair. Mr. Tuttle moved to appoint Marsie West as Chair of the ZAC. Motion carried 5 -0 -0 Mr. Tuttle moved to appoint David Traniello as Vice Chair of the ZAC. Motion carried 5 -0 -0. The next item on the agenda Is to review the definitions in the Zoning Bylaw (ZBL) which includes the work already completed by the CPDC. Ms. Delos pointed out that the definitions section is very Important because it helps Interpret dimensional controls, identify and understand certain uses and helps staff and users of the ZBL to gain and understanding of terms. Currently, the ZBL has a definition section and then some definitions are located in other parts of the bylaw, to the specific section they relate. Ideally, Ms. Dellos said, all definitions should be In one place. However, because some of the definitions are so specific to the section they reference, we would prefer to have a notation to the Section they relate to. Ms. West asked why the definitions are up front in the document and not in the back. Mr. Tuttle replied that most code is written In that fashion. Ms. Delios also added that most ZBLS are also written in that manner. Page 11 n„aw, Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Mr. Katsoufis said that he noticed some of the definitions could be applicable throughout the document and there are some which need further refining. Ms. Wilson agreed and summarized the plan on how to handle the movement/rearrangement of the definitions: - All definitions will be upfront in the same section (Section 2). - For those definitions which only relate to a specific section, a reference will be included to look for the definition within that specific section. Such as definitions for Signs, Aquifer Protection District, Floodplain District, and Adult Uses. - For definitions in the Smart Growth Districts, the definitions will be modified to be applicable throughout the document. In cases where they are specific to the downtown Smart Growth District and /or Gateway Smart Growth District the definition will note It Is only for use within the zoning district. Mr. Hansen added that cases where there are two or more definitions of the same word, it appeared those definitions were intentionally different. It was also said that the State holds Jurisdiction over the Smart Growth Districts and that it may be difficult to change those meanings. Ms. Delios pointed out that Ralph Wilmer from VHB will do an entire ZBL diagnostic. There are some sections in which will be deleted in their entirety and some which will need some modification /changes. He will also identify bylaws which should be added. The ZAC discussed various uses such as tattoo parlor and animal uses. They agreed the framework needs to be business friendly. Mr. Tuttle added that It should be similar to the Passport which the EDC developed. Mr. Hansen recommended having Flow charts and graphics. Mr. Delios agreed that graphics can be very useful, especially In regards to the sign bylaw. In regards to the Sections which can be removed from the ZBL, Ms. Dellos said It was agreed that the Mixed Use Zoning, currently Section 4.6, was not written effectively and has been superseded by the Downtown Smart Growth District. The other Section which could be deleted is the Wetlands Protection Overlay District. The state Wetlands Protection Act covers the protection requirements this district had. Mr. Katsoufis asked about shared parking. Ms. Delios replied that there Is a definition for shared parking and about a year ago the CPDC made some changes to the parking bylaw. Mr. Katsoufis pointed out there may be some concepts and definitions which they may want to add in the future but which they may not be ready to Include at this point. Ms. Wilson said she would check in with the group In a week to see If they have come up with additional definitions which should be considered for Inclusion in the list of deFlnitlons. In regards to the definitions, Ms. Dellos said she wanted to make sure that their approach was sound and that the ZAC was In support of how to tackle this Issue. It was agreed to continue with this approach. Mr. Hansen asked how the Town treats temporary stores, such as the seasonal stores for Halloween. Ms. West said if the Town does not currently have any of these stores, the Town should have a plan on how to address these uses If they decide to come to Reading. Ms. Dellos said pop -up stores are among the unique uses which come across occasionally. Another one is food trucks. These sorts of temporary uses are Issues the Consultant can look at. However, it would go back to the "use" and whether the Town would permit it. Mr. Katsoufs said he would provide a Flow chart for some of the Innovative zoning techniques he has seen In other communities. Zoning Bylaw Recodification and Organization Ms. Dellos asked the ZAC whether the recodification should be brought forward on Its own or part of the comprehensive update. Ms. West said the she would not think Town Meeting would want to see It before the entire project is done. Mr. Tuttle said he would feel more Page 12 nnowe Town of Reading - Meeting Minute, comfortable to see if in the new format and go from there. Ms. Dellos said that the Consultant will perform the ZBL diagnostic which may change the formatting, however, he has been given the general layout that CPDC developed. Review of ZBA Cases Ms. Dellos said staff performed a review of the ZBA cases from 2008 and on. It seems that many of the cases Involve receiving a Special Permit for the demolition of a single family house to construct a new single family house on a non - conforming lot. In addition, many applicants sought Special permits to build an addition which may extend the use, but is in compliance with the dimensional controls. The ZAC continued to discuss various cases being brought to the ZBA. In some cases, applicants would seek a Special Permit to demo and replace a portion non - conforming structure such as a deck, even If the replacement did not extend the non - conformity. It was agreed that the bylaw should be written such that changes /alteratlons to non - conforming uses and non - conforming structures should not have to go before ZBA If the change /alteration does not Increase the non - conformity. However, care needs to be taken in writing the language as to not take away consideration for the existing neighborhood. Mr. Tuttle moved to approve the September 30, 2013 ZAC Minutes. The ZAC reviewed the draft minutes and suggested minor edits. Motion was seconded by Mr. Katsoufis and carried 5 -0 -0. On a motion by Mr. Katsoufis, seconded by Mr. Tuttle, the ZAC moved to adjourn at 9:40PM. Motion carried 5 -0 -0. Page 13