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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-06 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee Minutestf F � , J9 ' 1' Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: ELEIVED i OWN CLERK A%INu, MASS. Zoning Advisory Committee A J0 2 1 A II: 21 Date: 2014 -01 -06 Time: 7:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Session: Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle David Traniello Marsie West Eric Bergstrom Jeff Hansen Erin Calvo -Bacci Members - Not Present: George Katsoufis Others Present: Jean Delios- Assistant Town Manager - Community Services Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Community Development Administrator Topics of Discussion: There being a quorum the Vice Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM. Ms. West asked about the draft permitting flow chart and whether it clearly identified the sign permitting. Ms. Delios replied that signage in the Downtown does require review by the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) and then a separate Sign Permit from the Building Inspector. Ms. West believed the flow chart was not clear in identifying that process. It was also suggested that the flow chart identify all possible Town - issued permits such as a Street Opening Permit, Jackie's Law Permit and utility permits from RMLD. Mr. Tuttle suggested that individual flow charts be developed for specific uses such as a flow chart for commercial uses and a flow chart of restaurant uses. Continue Review of Revised Section 2 Definitions The ZAC reviewed the revised Section 2 - Definitions. Administering Agency - Mr. Tuttle suggested modifying the language so that it is not in conflict with the state regulations. Ms. Wilson reminded the ZAC will need input from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in regards to the Smart Growth 40R Districts and whether those definitions can be modified. Agriculture - Mr. Tuttle asked if this definition would account for slaughter and production. It was agreed to ask the consultant if that would be covered under the proposed definition. Page I 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Alteration - There was some discussion about the proposed language and whether it meant that alteration includes physically moving the building. Ms. Calvo -Bacci believed that the definition is intended to include changing the structure and not moving it. It was agreed to have the Consultant weigh in as to whether the term "location" should be included in the proposed definition. Animal Hospital - The ZAC agreed to include the language "and short-term boarding for recovery or rehabilitation" into the proposed definition as suggested by. Mr. Tuttle. Animal Kennel - The ZAC agreed the proposed definition is suitable. Animated Sign - The ZAC discussed the proposed definition. There was some concern that the definition was confusing and did not clearly indicate what an animated sign is. In addition, there was a specific question as to why the language "8 times a day" was selected. It was agreed to list all the sign types under the general definition for Sign and review it as such. Multi - Family Dwelling - It was agreed that this term should replace the term "Apartment ". However, Mr. Traniello said the word "condominium" has some statutory connotation and it was suggested to take it out. It was agreed to revise the propose definition by eliminating the word condominium. Assisted Living Facility - Ms. West recalled it was suggested to reach out to Artis and Peter Sanborn Place to get input on the proposed definition. It was agreed that staff will reach out to both those facilities in addition to Longwood Place. Mr. Tuttle expressed concern with the proposed language regarding permitted accessory uses associated with assisted living facilities. He said that is regulatory language and should not be included in the definition language. Ms. Wilson agreed and said it could be included in the new section written for Assisted Living Facilities. The ZAC continued to discuss the existing Table of Uses and how there are several accessory uses not included. Mr. Tuttle said this needs to be revised to include additional accessory uses and then cross - referenced with the Definition Section so that definitions are provided for those accessory uses. Automobile Graveyard (or junkyard) - Ms. West expressed concern over the term graveyard. Ms. Delios reminded the ZAC that sometimes it is important to include these terms so it is clear if they are not allowed. Mr. Hansen suggested to define junkyard separately and then reference graveyard. The ZAC continued to discuss junkyard. It was said that junkyards could sell things commercially which would be different than graveyard in which would just be a site in which items or left and /or hoarded. Ms. Delios said that junkyard could fall under open storage of sellable items so it would cover items outside of automotive uses. Ms. West expressed concern with that as it may be to general and apply to consignment clothing store. Automotive Repair /Service Station - Ms. West asked if the two definitions were necessary or if one could cover both. Ms. Calvo -Bacci said that here is a difference between a use such as Midas and a gas station. After some discussion the ZAC agreed to modify the proposed definition. The revised language will be "Any building, structure or land use primarily for the dispensing or sale of automotive fuels, oils or accessories, including lubrication or automobiles and replacement or installation of parts and accessories." Big Box Retail - Ms. Calvo -Bacci had a few comments regarding the proposed definition. She recommended modifications to the language so that it was not so discouraging of this type of use. It was agreed to state the size limit in the positive and eliminate the examples out of the definition. Building Line - Mr. Hansen said a graphic for this definition would be very helpful. There was some discussion as to whether this definition is to establish the buildable area. It was Page 1 2 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes agreed that a new definition for Buildable Area should be included and then re- examine the definition for Building Line, The ZAC would also like input from the Building Inspector. Bulletin Board - The ZAC discussed the proposed definition. It was unclear from the proposed language if it qualified for indoor or outdoor boards and whether it even needs to be defined. It was agreed to re- examine this definition with the sign bylaw. Civic or Private Club - Ms. Calvo -Bacci expressed concern with the language in the proposed definition that excludes establishments that serve alcoholic beverages or engage in games of chance. The ZAC agreed that should be eliminated from the definition. Consumer Service Establishment - The proposed language includes specific use types that would fall under Consumer Service Establishment. Ms. West suggested eliminating including examples of uses in the definition. Ms. Wilson explained how the Building Inspector evaluates various uses in practice and determines how they are classified. If something does not fit, he has to send the Applicant to the Board of Appeals for a Special Permit. The ZAC continued to discuss consumer services. Mr. Tuttle felt that a new category of "retail services" should be provided as well as "professional services" to cover uses outside of consumer services. It was agreed to take out the example uses and move them into the table of uses. It was also agreed to modify the language to be less specific and have the table of uses call out what would be permitted under this category. Ms. West decided to table the rest of the review of the definitions to the next meeting. In addition, Ms. West tabled the approval of the December 16, 2013 ZAC minutes to the next meeting. She requested the Committee review the draft and get comments back to Ms. Wilson in advance. Ms. Delios said that the next Public Forum will be in less than one month. She has coordinated with the Town Clerk who will do an email back about the event to Town Meeting Members. In addition, the January 23rd Bi- Weekly Update will feature the forum. Ms. Delios also reached out to the Chamber of Commerce who will also do an email back about the event to their Reading Chamber Members. She will also follow up with the School Department to see if they can send an Edline email to parents. Ms. West suggested the next ZAC agenda include a continuation of the review of Definitions, discuss Site Plan Review and Visioning and then also finalize an agenda for the Public Forum from the Consultant. Ms. Delios added that the CPDC will have a discussion on Site Plan Review on the 131H Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Ms. Calvo- Bacci, the ZAC moved to adjourn at 10:15PM. Motion carried 6 -0 -0. Page 1 3