Source: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/clerk/meetings/11674-547th-planning-commission-meeting
Timestamp: 2020-02-23 04:34:49
Document Index: 123591016

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 246', 'Application No. 247', 'Application No. 246', 'Application No. 246', 'Application No. 247', 'Application No. 247']

547th Planning Commission Meeting | City of Laurel, Maryland
Tuesday, April 11, 2017 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-SEVENTH MEETING
TUESDAY–APRIL 11, 2017– 7:00 P.M.
Approval of Minutes from the December 13, 2016 meeting
Approval of Minutes from the February 14, 2017 meeting
Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application- 106 Lafayette Avenue filed by R.L. Thompson Electric Company
Action on Resolution No. 17-02-PC
Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application- 310 Second Street filed by Vannarath Chea
Action on Resolution No. 17-01-PC
Text Amendment Application No. 246 (Ordinance No. 1911)- An Ordinance amending Laurel City Code, Chapter 20, Section 20-6.12 “Neo-Traditional Overlay Areas” to permit a Neo-Traditional Overlay Area in the R-T Zone, for recommendation to the Mayor and City Council.
Text Amendment Application No. 247 (Ordinance No. 1912)- An Ordinance amending Laurel City Code, Chapter 20, Article I, Division 1, Section 20-1.9 and division 5, Section 20-7.8 “Commercial Zones” and Section 20-9.5 “Industrial Zones” to authorize “Brewery, Pub” and “Brewery, Craft” in certain zones; and providing an effective date, for recommendation to the Mayor and City Council.
The meeting convened in the Council Chambers of the Laurel Municipal Center at 7:00 P.M., with Chairwoman Mitzi R. Betman presiding. The roll was called with Vice Chairman John R. Kish, Councilman Fred Smalls, Ex-Officio Member, Mr. Bill Wellford, and the Honorable G. Rick Wilson present. Also present were Mr. Jack T. Brock, Director, Mr. Monta Burrough, Planner II, Nathan D. Grace, Planner I and Ms. Sara Green, Secretary to the Commission. There were three (3) members of the public in attendance.
Chairwoman Betman announced that the meeting was Mr. Jack Brock’s final Planning Commission and that Mr. Brock was retiring to Florida with his family. Chairwoman Betman and the Commissioner’s thanked Mr. Brock for his service and for always being helpful.
The first agenda item was the approval of the minutes of the December 13, 2016 meeting. Mr. Wilson made a motion for approval as written. Mr. Wellford seconded the motion, Mr. Kish abstained from the vote because he was not present for the meeting, and Chairwoman Betman cast the final vote of “Yes”.
The minutes of the February 13, 2017 meeting were approved on motion by Mr. Kish, seconded by Mr. Wellford, and carried on a roll call vote of all other members present, as written.
Next, Mr. Nathan D. Grace, Planner I presented the Technical Staff Report dated April 3, 2017 for an Amended Site and Landscape Plan for 106 Lafayette Avenue, filed by R.L. Thompson Electric Company c/o Mr. John Thompson. Mr. Grace stated that the Applicant was requesting approval to build a 50 ft. X 40 ft. garage addition behind the existing building to house the electrical company’s trucks. Mr. Grace said that the property was located in the Industrial General (I-G) Zone and that the Staff Report recommended approval with certain conditions.
Chairwoman Betman asked the Applicant if they wished to speak regarding the request. Mr. John Thompson, 106 Lafayette Avenue stated that he was available for questions. Chairwoman Betman noted for the record that there was no one signed up to speak regarding the application and opened the public hearing at approximately 7:04 p.m. No one came forward to speak regarding the application. Chairwoman Betman closed the public hearing at approximately 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Wilson made a motion for approval of the Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application for 106 Lafayette Avenue with the conditions as listed in the Technical Staff Report and included Resolution No. 17-02-PC. Mr. Wellford seconded the motion and roll call continued with all other members present voting in favor of the motion.
Next, the Commission heard the request for an Amended Site and Landscape Plan Application for 310 Second Street filed by Ms. Vannarath Chea, 4913 Arbutus Avenue Rockville, Maryland 20853. Mr. Monta Burrough, Planner II, presented the Technical Staff Report dated March 20, 2017 stating that the Applicant was requesting permission to add five (5) parking spaces at the rear of the property and that the property was zoned Commercial General (C-G). Mr. Burrough provided a brief history of the property, summary of a previous request, and the revised plan stating that the Applicant had made significant changes to the first plan that was denied by the Planning Commission in December 2016. Mr. Burrough noted for the record that the Applicant was not present because she was out of the country on vacation. Mr. Burrough stated that the Staff Report recommended approval with conditions. Councilman Smalls asked Mr. Burrough to explain what “interlocking pavers” were as proposed by the Applicant. Mr. Burrough explained that interlocking pavers were made of grass and had premade holes in them that would assist with the water runoff. A brief discussion regarding water runoff for the site ensued. Mr. Wilson asked Mr. Burrough how long a site plan approval was valid. Mr. Burrough explained that the site plan would be valid for two years from the date of approval.
Chairwoman Betman noted that there was no one signed up to speak regarding the application and opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m. Mr. John Donahue, Owner 308 Second Street, addressed the Commission and said that he was concerned about the water runoff for the proposed paved area at 310 Second Street and the effects it might have on his property. Mr. Burrough said that the Department of Public Works reviewed the revised plan and felt it would not negatively impact the surrounding properties. Mr. Burrough stated that the City Code prohibited a property owner from directing water runoff from their property onto a neighboring property. Mr. Donahue also mentioned that he felt an inspector should determine if safety bollards should be installed around the existing gas meter at the rear of the property so that cars in the new parking area would not accidently hit the meter. Mr. Donahue also asked if Staff knew what type of tenant would be occupying the space at 310 Second Street. Chairwoman Betman stated that Staff did not know what type of tenant would use the space but that the future tenant would be responsible for obtaining a use and occupancy permit from the City and that planning and zoning staff would review the application and make sure that the parking requirements would be met. Chairwoman Betman closed the public hearing at approximately 7:21 p.m.
Mr. Wellford made a motion for approval of the Amended Site and Landscape Plan for 310 Second Street and Resolution No. 17-01-PC with the conditions as presented in the Technical Staff Report and with the addition of the following condition: 5. Paving of the proposed parking lot shall be slopped as to not direct water runoff onto neighboring properties. Mr. Wilson seconded the motion with the amendment that the following condition be added to the Technical Staff Report and Resolution: 6. The City of Laurel Fire Marshal shall conduct an inspection of the site to determine if safety bollards shall be installed around the existing gas meter onsite. Mr. Wellford accepted Mr. Wilson’s amendment and roll call continued with all other Commissioners present voting “Yes”.
The next agenda item was Text Amendment Application No. 246 (Ordinance No. 1911) filed by the Mayor and City Council. Mr. Brock stated that the proposed ordinance would amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 20 Section 20-6.12 “Neo-Traditional Overlay Areas” to permit a Neo-Traditional Overlay Area in the R-T Zone.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wilson, seconded by Mr. Kish, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to recommend approval of Text Amendment Application No. 246 (Ordinance No. 1911) to the Mayor and City Council as presented in the proposed Ordinance.
The last item was Text Amendment Application No. 247 (Ordinance No. 1912). Mr. Brock provided a brief summary of the proposed ordinance to amend Laurel City Code, Chapter 20 Article I, Division 1, Section 20-1.09 and Division 5 Section 20-7.8 “Commercial Zones” and Section 20-9.5 “Industrial Zones” to authorize “Brewery, Pub” and “Brewery, Craft” in certain zones; and providing an effective date. A brief discussion ensued between the Commissioners and Staff regarding State law regulating the amount of product produced by craft beer breweries on an annual basis.
The Commission, on motion by Mr. Wellford, seconded by Mr. Wilson, and carried on a roll call vote of all members present, voted to recommend approval of Text Amendment Application No. 247 (Ordinance No. 1912) to the Mayor and City Council as presented in the proposed Ordinance.
Approved: Sara Green, Secretary to the Commission Date: May 9, 2017