PLANNING BOARD
November 25, 2008 - Minutes
A meeting of the Orleans Planning Board was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Nauset Meeting Room at the Orleans Town Hall. Present: Chairman: John Fallender; Vice-Chairman: Seth Wilkinson; Sims McGrath; Associates: Gary Guzzeau; John Ostman. Planning Department Staff: George Meservey; Secretary: Karen
Sharpless. Board of Selectmen Liaison: Jon Fuller. Absent: Clerk: Paul O'Connor; and Kenneth McKusick.
John Ostman and Gary Guzzeau to vote as regular members in the absence of Kenneth McKusick and Paul O'Connor.
ZONING AMENDMENT PROPOSALS FROM ZONING BYLAW TASK FORCE
Meservey noted that the following proposed zoning bylaw amendments were forwarded to the Zoning Bylaw Task Force for review and a recommendation for which ones to forward to a public hearing and possible inclusion on the May 2009 Annual Town Meeting warrant.
Amend Zoning Bylaws §164-35 - Signs
Planning Board members discussed proposed changes to the existing sign bylaw and Ostman requested the opportunity for input from the Orleans Chamber of Commerce. A discussion ensued which entailed the need for clarification of various sign definitions and board members noted the need for a separate section for clarification of temporary real estate open house signs. Wilkinson expressed his concern with a proliferation of signs all over town if there is no limit stated in the bylaw, and whether there is a need to require permits for various types and the number of allowed signs. Planning Board members discussed prohibited signs, particularly the advisability of allowing off-premises signs. Planning Board members discussed whether there is any grandfathering of signs and/or how to
bring them into conformance with the bylaw regarding size and projection from buildings. Fuller requested that the Planning Board consider how to regulate contractor/
subcontractor signs all over town, particularly after construction jobs have been finished. Ostman requested clarification for banners and business flags.
Amend Zoning Bylaws §164-4 - Definitions
Meservey provided proposed definitions for fences, building height and conventional restaurants and Planning Board members agreed on the importance of providing these clarifications.
Amend Zoning Bylaws §164-21 - Schedule of Lot, Yard and Bulk requirements.
Meservey provided clarification for the Schedule of Lot, Yard and bulk Requirements to be added to the Orleans Zoning Bylaws §164-21replacing the April 1, 1983 date with May 2008 at the end of section C.
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section §164-22 - Modifications
Planning Board members discussed a proposed clarification to §164-22.I.2 regarding the size of side and rear yards.
Amend Zoning Bylaws Section §164-6 - Zoning Map
Meservey reported to Planning Board members that a request has been received from a property owner to change the portion of Cove Road near the Orleans Yacht Club from a Limited Business District to Residence District which would result in the need for a change to the Orleans Zoning Map.
McGrath expressed his concern that making this change to the Orleans Zoning Map could have unintended consequences and the Planning Board requests that the Planning Department research the results of making the requested zoning change and whether it would create new non-conformities. Meservey agreed to research and inform the Planning Board members of any burdens that would result for the affected property owners under the requested zoning change.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING STATUS
Using statistics from the Department of Housing and Community Development, Chapter 40B Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI) as of September 9, 2008, the Planning Board noted that there were 3,317 year round housing units as of the 2000 Census and 328 total development units and a total of 298 SHI units which is 9.0% of the 10% required. Planning Board members discussed the following programs which are current in progress in Orleans: The housing development at 257 Route 6A being evaluated for a 4-unit homeownership project, a Condominium Purchase program using Community Preservation Act funds to explore the feasibility of the Town assisting qualified homebuyers in the purchase of existing condominium stock for affordable housing in exchange for an affordable deed restriction to be obtained by the town,
expeditious affordable unit resale to qualified buyers, which may otherwise be lost through foreclosures, Village Center District zoning to allow up to four dwelling units in a commercial building with the district, continuous searches for affordable housing and a housing rehabilitation program to provide funding for qualified homeowners to improve housing condition.
CORRESPONDENCE
Recommendations For Comprehensive Plan Implementation In Fy10
Meservey reported that a memorandum dated November 5, 2008 was forwarded to the Board of Selectmen from the Planning Board entitled, “Recommendations for the Comprehensive Plan Implementation in FY10”.
Adopted Board of Health Nutrient Management Regulations
McGrath reported that the Nutrient Management Regulations were adopted by the Board of Health at their public meeting on November 18, 2008.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: October 28, 2008
MOTION: On a motion by Sims McGrath, seconded by Gary Guzzeau, the Board voted to approve the minutes of October 28, 2008.
VOTE: 4-0-1 The motion passed by a majority (Seth Wilkinson abstained).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 3, 2008
MOTION: On a motion by Sims McGrath, seconded by John Ostman, the Board voted to approve the minutes of November 3, 2008.
VOTE: 3-0-2 The motion passed by a majority (Seth Wilkinson and Gary Guzzeau abstained).
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Board meeting adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
SIGNED: ______________________________ DATE: _______________________
(Paul O'Connor, Clerk)
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