HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-09 ad Hoc - Zoning Advisory Committee MinutesTown of Reading
`af Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Date: 2014 -07 -09
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Zoning Advisory Committee
Time: 7:30 PM
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
David Tuttle
Erin Calvo -Bacci
Eric Bergstom
Jeff Hansen
Marsie West
David Traniello
Members - Not Present:
George Katsoufis
Others Present:
RECEIVED
[OWN CLERK
LADING, MASS.
ZD14 JUL 22 P I: 41
Location: Conference Room
Session:
Jean Dellos - Assistant Town Manager, Community Services
Jessie Wilson - Community Development Administrator
Tony D'Arezzo
Virginia Adams
Tom Wise
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jessie Wilson, Community Development
Administrator
TOPICS of Discussion:
There being a quorum the Chair called the meeting to order at 7:35 PM.
Update from Town Planner
Ms. Delos said that she had an extensive conference call with the Consultant, VHB, on July
8th. We talked about the outstanding Items and also had a long discussion on Section 6
Including Signs, Parking and Nonconforming. As for parking, she said she developed a
stripped down version that the ZAC could review tonight which does not Include the table.
As for signs, she said that they reviewed the comments from the ZAC Including simplifying
the language and making it easier to understand. Ms. Delios said that for Nonconforming, it
is the goal that the ZAC could get through that this evening. She also noted that VHB also
needs to provide the revised Planned Residential Development (PRD) and Planned Unit
Development (PUD) bylaws.
Ms. West expressed concern with the level of work provided from the Consultant. The ZAC
will continue to work forward toward the due dates.
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Town W Reading - Meeting Minutes
ReVlew of Nonconformina Section
Mr. Tranlello said he took some time to review the Applicability Section under
nonconforming. He suggested some revised language.
Mr. Tuttle questioned the entire applicability section. The ZAC discussed it and decided to
have VHB evaluate whether the statement under GL Chapter 40 Section 5 Is needed In the
Applicability Section.
Mr. Tranlello said that applications under Section 6.3.3 for "Alteration of Nonconforming
Single and Two - Family Residential Structures by Special Permit" are commonly seen at the
Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) and that more often than not, the permits are granted. The
ZAC continued the review on this section and suggested to modify the criteria listed for
consideration to leave some jurisdiction up to the ZBA.
Ms. Wilson suggested allowing some sort of by -right option where an alteration would meet
the dimensional controls for Section 6.3.2 on "Nonconforming Uses ". Mr. Traniello
expressed concern with this stating the applicability of this section is very minor and the
number of applications related to that is limited. However, he said It may be worthwhile to
develop an exclusion for those pre - existing residential uses. The ZAC agreed to modify the
provision 6.3.2 to exclude single or two - family residences in a business, commercial or
Industrial district and to subject them to Section 6.3.5 and 6.3.6.
The ZAC made some minor edits to the remaining provisions.
The ZAC reviewed Section 6.3. 10 "Voluntary Demolition and Reconstruction." It was agreed
to include a statement Indicating that a permit Is required for demolition from the Building
Inspector.
The ZAC also made some language modifications to Section 6.3.4 "Variance Required ".
Accessory Apartments
The ZAC reviewed the draft Accessory Apartment language. Minor modifications were made
related to the Carriage- House - Stable- Barns. The ZAC also reviewed and agreed to go with
Mr. Tuttle's revisions to the language.
The ZAC suggested revising the graphics.
Mr. Tom Wise asked if the Town has records related back to the date for Carriage- House-
Stable- Barns. Mr. Tuttle replied possibly.
In review of the language for parking requirements, Mr. Wise pointed out that currently a
second driveway could be permitted upon approval by the Board of Selectmen for an
addition If It was not at all related to an accessory apartment. However, second driveways
are not allowed under the current language for accessory apartments.
The ZAC continued the review of the draft language. It was agreed that the reference to
Section 4.3.2.6 needs to exempt Accessory Apartments and clarify gross or net floor area.
As it relates to the new proposed performance standards, the ZAC agreed to eliminate the
statement for a temporary absences.
The ZAC reviewed the language regarding a second driveway. The ZAC agreed to include
language stipulating that no additional driveways may be constructed without plan approval
from the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Wise said he is concerned with this as there may be some
challenges In terms of permitting order.
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Town of Reeding - Meeting Minutes
In regards to the language for Carriage- House - Stable- Barns, the ZAC agreed to Include the
suggested language from the Historical Commission; however it was modified some to make
It easier to understand.
In regards to the process for approval of an accessory apartment, Mr. Wise pointed out that
the current language regarding transfer of ownership appears to be clearer than the
proposed language. The ZAC agreed to maintain the current language regarding transfer of
ownership and revocation.
Medical Marlivana
The ZAC reviewed the revised medical marijuana bylaw language. The ZAC agreed to
eliminate the proposed Section 1.5.5 in regards to the siting of dispensaries since the ZAC
agreed to go with the 500 -foot buffer consistent with state law.
In general, the ZAC agreed to eliminate any duplications of the enabling statue. It was
agreed to have the Consultant review this and eliminate those duplications or specify why
they should remain in the language.
Ms. West said that this should be reviewed by the Reading Coalition Against Substance
Abuse (RCASA) upon final revisions by VHB and make sure they are aware that the buffer
restrictions are already in the state requirements.
Approval of Minutes
The ZAC reviewed the minutes of June 6, 2014, June 11, 2014 and June 17, 2014. Minor
edits were suggested.
Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to approve the minutes of June 6, 2014 as amended. Mr.
Hansen seconded and the motion carried (5 -0 -1).
Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to approve the minutes of June 11, 2014 as amended.
Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried (5 -0 -1).
Mr. Tuttle moved the ZAC to approve the minutes of June 17, 2014 as amended.
Mr. Hansen seconded and the motion carried (5 -0 -1).
Ms. West said that Ms. Delios will do the presentation for the Board of Selectmen on July
15, 2014. An Executive Summary has been provided for the Board as well.
Adfournment
Ms. Calvo -Baccl moved the ZAC to adjourn at 10:2513M. Mr. Bergstrom seconded and the
motion carried 6 -0 -0.
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