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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-03 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Zoning Advisory Committee Date: 2014 -02 -03 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: David Tuttle David Traniello Eric Bergstrom Jeff Hansen George Katsoufis Members - Not Present: Marsie West Erin Calvo -Bacci Others Present: Time: 7:30 PM Location: Selectmen Meeting Room Session: 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 7:40 PM. Continue Review on Section 2 — Definitions Mr. Traniello suggested that the ZAC focus on those definitions which require additional review. He said that Consultant has made recommendations for changes and that the ZAC should rely on his expertise. The ZAC agreed. Ms. Wilson told the ZAC that Mr. Ralph Willmer of VHB has provided some information in regards to the Smart Growth District Definitions. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will allow non - substantial changes so long as they do not affect the density or intent of the district. It is required that DHCD review and approve the non - substantial changes and therefore, Mr. Willmer suggested sending along our changes prior to the zoning change process under Chapter 40A Section 5. Gas Station Minimart Mr. Katsoufis asked if there are currently any of these uses in a residential district. Ms. Delios is unaware of any. Mr. Tuttle added that this type of use is currently prohibited from all zoning districts. Page 1 1 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Frontage Mr. Traniello recommended some language to be included that mentioned the front fagade of a building shall face the frontage. Mr. Katsoufis said that may not always be the case. It was agreed to move forward with the alternative definition developed by the Consultant and that graphics should be provided. Especially when explaining the issue of using a curve to establish frontage on intersecting streets. Garage Detached Mr. Tuttle asked whether the 10 -foot limitation is necessary to have in the definition. He suggested that is more regulatory language and should be in the body of the text for accessory structures. Ms. Delios agreed that it should be in Section 4 for Accessory Structures. The ZAC agreed. Grade Natural Mr. Katsoufis said sometimes the natural grade is altered to make more habitable space in the basement levels of structures. Mr. Tuttle said that this definition is used to establish a measurement for building height. Natural grade is what currently exists and established grade is created from the Town. The ZAC did not make any changes to this definition. Hazardous and Toxic Mr. Traniello said this definition is statutory and confirmed that Chapter 94B is correct. We should keep this the same. The ZAC agreed. Health Club Mr. Traniello asked if it mattered whether the club was for profit or not - for - profit. Mr. Hansen also asked whether the Ice Arena would fall under this definition. It was agreed that the Ice Arena and the YMCA would fall under this definition. However, the ZAC agreed to eliminate the language referencing profit or not - for - profit as well as eliminate the language regarding membership and open to the public. Height of a Building Mr. Katsoufis said that the building code indicates elevators or stairwells can be higher than the roofline. Mr. Tuttle said that the current definition does not account for all architectural styles. Ms. Delios suggested that graphics may be useful for this definition. Mr. Katsoufis agreed and also suggested graphics for different roof styles. The ZAC agreed to use the alternative definition from the Consultant and modified it slightly. That definition would be used up front and the existing definition for the Smart Growth District and the PRD would remain the same. Home Occupation The ZAC agreed to discuss this at a later time when it can be fully discussed with the Consultant. Hotel Mr. Katsoufis asked why the definition specified central kitchen and not commercial kitchen. Mr. Tuttle asked why the second sentence was even necessary. The ZAC agreed to modify the definition. Impervious Surface Mr. Katsoufis believed that considering "all roofs" as impervious surfaces was incorrect because some roofs may be "green roofs ". He suggested looking at this from a performance criteria standpoint. The ZAC continued to discuss this definition as well as the definition for Impermeable Surface. Ultimately the ZAC decided to keep the definitions the same. Kindergarten Private The ZAC agreed to modify the language to eliminate the use of the word 'parentage ". Page 1 2 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Landscaped Areas The ZAC agreed to not make any changes at this time. Life Sciences Mr. Traniello believes this is a statutory definition. However, the ZAC agreed the definition could be simplified. It was requested to have the Consultant look at this to see if a more simple definition can be developed. On a side note, Mr. Katsoufis will work with Ms. Wilson on the idea of architectural projections. Live /Work Mr. Katsoufis said that artist studios would fall under this definition. The ZAC modified the definition. Lot The ZAC discussed this definition and made some minor changes. Lot Coverage There are two definitions for this term. Ms. Delios said the up front definition does not include accessory buildings, but it does for the 40R district. So if a homeowner in a residential district wanted to put up 10 sheds, he would be able to and it would not count towards the lot coverage. Mr. Katsoufis said that the idea behind lot coverage limits is to manage the density of an area. The ZAC preferred the second listed definition. Lot Frontage It was agreed that Staff would work the Town Engineer on developing a definition that addresses his concern. Mr. Katsoufis asked about the permitting process for Historic Properties. He recommended that a permitting path be developed for those properties. Lot Width The ZAC reviewed and suggested a minor change. Next Public Forum Agenda The ZAC reviewed the draft agenda prepared by the Consultant. Mr. Tuttle said that many folks may be viewing the revised Sections - Purpose for the first time. Mr. Hansen suggested providing handouts including a description of the districts. Ms. Wilson said she would touch base with Mr. Willmer to see if he can provide a draft presentation for the next meeting. As for presenting the revised Table of Uses, Mr. Tuttle suggested splitting the uses into residential and other. Mr. Katsoufis said the entire table does not need to be presented, but that it is more important to show what is different between the districts. Mr. Traniello reminded the ZAC that this topic can be very dry to some and will be difficult to make interesting. He suggested relying on the Consultant and his expertise on how to present the information to the public. Ms. Wilson said it may be more useful to identify which uses were added /deleted but then include a handout of the entire revised table. Ms. Delios agreed noting that providing examples of issues related to uses can be helpful, such as the Dirty Doodle having to get a special permit because their use is not currently in the table. Mr. Hansen suggested adding in introductions for the ZAC. Ms. Delios agreed that would be beneficial. Mr. Bergstrom said that he would really want to focus a lot of time in receiving input from the public. That is the idea behind the public forum - not only to push out information, but to get questions and input from the public. Page 1 3 Town of Reading - Meeting Minutes Update on Permittina Flow Chart Mr. Katsoufis reported that he met with Ms. Delios on the flow chart. She has also provided many websites which speak to this type of process. He would like to have a draft flow chart in time for the forum and should have a draft by the next meeting. It may expand to permits in general, but he would like to focus on keeping it simple. Ms. Delios agreed that a simple flow chart is the best, but that it cannot be inclusive of all the requirements and still be simple. She also highlighted the Dedham Business Guide which received an award from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. She went through the guide with the ZAC. Mr. Tuttle agreed that Reading needs a guide similar to that, in addition to the flow chart. The ZAC also agreed. Approval of Minutes The ZAC reviewed the minutes of January 22, 2014 and suggested minor edits. On a motion by Mr. Tuttle, seconded by Mr. Katsoufis, the ZAC moved to approve the January 22, 2014 minutes as amended. Motion carried 5 -0 -0. Adiournment On a motion by Mr. Katsoufis, seconded by Mr. Hansen the ZAC moved to adjourn at 10:10113M. Motion carried 5 -0 -0. Page 1 4