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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/04/1990 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning Commission (2)Minutes ® Planning and Zoning Commission Workshop - January 4, 1990 6:00 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Sawtelle, Vice Chairman Dresser, Members Colson, Davis, Esmond, and Gentry MEMBERS ABSENT: Member Michel STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Callaway, Senior Planner Kee, City Engineer Pullen, Assistant City Engineer Morgan, Mark Smith, Assistant City Attorney Banks, Development Coordinator Volk, Planning Technician Rosier Each Commissioner received a packet containing a copy of Ms. Kee's memorandum, Ordinance No. 1816, Staff's preliminary plat checklist, and a section of the City's code book which establishes the Commission's organization and duties. Ms. Kee presented some background to the functions of subdivision plats. She stated that subdivision regulations are often underestimated, but they are actually an important tool in land development, and can "make or break" a Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Kee proceeded to explain the purposes of subdivision plats as the following: - to determine who will finance capital improvements - to ensure creation and preservation of adequate land records - to set the pattern of community development which is important to the platting process. - to allow local government the opportunity to ensure that the subdivision is properly equipped and to determine who is responsible for maintaining improvements - to set minimum standards which provide consumer protection Ms. Kee then explained the purpose specifically of preliminary plats: - to serve as a blueprint for improvements or facilities that the developer is to provide. She cautioned the Commission to remember that once P&Z and Council approve the plat, the developer is given the authority to incur development costs. Ms Kee clarified the functions of P&Z and Council as the following: ® P&Z council - --------------- - Administration of Subdiv. Regs - --- Same responsibility - Authority to regulate land develop- as P&Z in ensuring ment in the ETJ to assure city the compliance with the opportunity to stage utility ser- Comprehensive Plan vices in land that it can expect to someday annex - Have final decision - Ensure compliance with Comprehensive authority (other Plan ( often a matter of interpre- areas of authority tation, compliance with land use ie: oversize street plan relative to uses proposed, / bridge participat. thoroughfare plan relative to place- ment and extension of major streets ) - Consider variance requests such as cul-de-sac lengths - Impose sidewalk requirements - Ensure good land development with compliance to Master Plan - Review Staff's evaluation of technical requirements as outlined in the Subdivi sion Regulations ( see Checklist ) Next, Mr. Callaway made a presentation to the Commission in which he used the Emerald Forest Preliminary Plat which was ® reviewed by Council to consider oversize participation as an example. He used only the issue of Appomattox in his example as it has been resolved. First, Mr. Callaway explained the areas that had to be considered: - Background (Historical) - Planning - Legal - Engineering / Traffic - Options - Recommendations He examined the kind of issues to be considered by P&Z in regard to the Thoroughfare Plan as involving Area Access and Future Access. He also stated that legal ordinance must be considered with regard to continuity of major streets required and assessment issues. Mr. Callaway said that he thinks that the (especially the Master Preliminary Plat) "big" issues which should be addressed at Although some people seem to think, "this Preliminary, we will look at that later." ® cautioned that just the opposite is true. Preliminary Plat deals with the this stage. is just the Mr. Callaway P&Z Minutes from Workshop January4 Page 2 Mr. Esmond asked why some information on the Preliminary Plat never appears on the Final Plat (ie: contours). Mr. Callaway said that only certain items were required to be filed for public record. He mentioned that some items are included on the Final Plat which are not on the Preliminary Plat. Mr. Dresser asked for clarification on "reviewing technical staff". Mr. Callaway cited an example of that type situation occurring if a cul-de-sac which exceeded length requirements slipped by staff, but was noticed by the Commission. Mr. Dresser asked if the Commission should rely on staff's review of impact studies, since the Commission does not even see them. Mr. Callaway asked if the Commission wanted to review the impact studies. Development Coordinator Volk expressed concern about the length, the technical nature of the impact studies, and their detail. Ms Kee suggested that the staff create summary sheets to ® accompany impact studies. Mrs. Volk stated that a checklist may be sufficient. Mr. Colson asked if changes may occur after Final Plat is approved. Mr. Callaway said that changes may occur but the plat would return to the appropriate Bodies for review and approval under our City policies. He said that some cities allow staff to review very minimal changes on a revised plat, adding that he would favor this sort of policy because it would lessen P&Z agendas. Mr. Gentry asked Mr. Dresser if he was concerned that the Commission's responsibilities have changed over time. Mr. Dresser remarked that he feels that we put much more strain on the developer and he feels an obligation to responsibly evaluate their work. Mr. Dresser said that he does not feel confident with the upgraded expectations. Mr. Callaway agreed with Mr. Dresser that an increase has evolved in respect to the demands placed on the developers and the reviewers. Mr. Gentry said that he did not have the technical knowledge to review impact studies and he would prefer a summary. P&Z Minutes from Workshop January 4 Page3 Mrs. Sawtelle agreed with Mr. Gentry. Mr. Dresser asked what determines when the City participates in street development and when the developer undertakes the development of a street. Mr. Pullen briefly explained the instances when the City participates in street construction costs. Mr. Callaway reminded the Commission that sometimes City participation is left up to the voters in the form of bond elections. The workshop was adjourned. U P&Z Minutes from Workshop January 4 Page 4