SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 17, 2019
Members Present: D. Patterson; S. Gregg; B. Kerr; M. Gammal
Member Absent: D. Roy
Public Present: T. Maxham; Martha Taylor-Varney
7:01 PM – D. Patterson called the meeting to order.
Changes to the Agenda
There were none.
Public Input
There was none.
Discussion of Section 404.A(2) – Reduction in Non-Conformity: Allow waiver in updated Regulations?
The Commission members discussed including in the Development Regulations the ability to grant a waiver to the requirements regarding height of a structure. It was decided that Martha would write proposed language to add to the appropriate Section in the draft Regulations allowing the DRB discretion in whether to waive the height restriction in the case of a non-conforming structure.
Review of Minutes
- Gregg moved to accept the minutes from the June 19, 2019 PC meeting; B. Kerr second. All in favor.
New/Old Business
- Kerr presented information to the Board on Noise Ordinances, including State Statute that allows for a $50 penalty for ‘Disturbances of the Peace’ (firing guns, blowing horns, unnecessary or offensive noise). Sample noise ordinance language from Alburgh, Wallingford, and Burlington were handed out to the members. The members weighed the benefits of talking with the offending party vs. having a blanket ordinance. There have been increasing complaints about noise recently but one-on-one discussions with Town officials or the Sheriff’s Department may be having a positive impact. D. Patterson pointed out that there is a procedure by which complaints about noise at Airbnb’s have had a positive effect on reducing the number of incidents.
- Gregg discussed some ideas on regulating Food Trucks with an ordinance. Her discussion with a local food truck operator were positive. The Commission agreed that there should be some regulation – whether by ordinance or DRB review – for food trucks and Sandy will continue to work on it.
- Patterson discussed the need for a junk ordinance. Although the State defines a junk car as one that is un-registered, he would like to see it defined as un-registered and un-inspected. There was discussion on whether an ordinance can be enforced on a private road. Doug will continue to look into samples from other towns in and out of state.
- There was also discussion about the recently signed Sign Ordinance. Doug had been asked by a Selectboard member whether a non-conforming sign that had been damaged or destroyed had to be replaced by a sign conforming to the new ordinance. He had answered that it did need to meet the requirement of the new ordinance.
- Gregg told the Commission that she is considering attending the Vermont Community Leadership Summit on August 12 in Randolph. More information on the conference can be found at – VTRural.org.
Administrator’s Report
- There will be a 5th Monday meeting on July 27 at 7PM with the Selectboard, DRB, and Planning Commission. Final drafts of the Development Regulations will be available, and approval procedures and public hearing schedules will be discussed. A second public meeting for the Old White Meeting House Committee will also be held at the meeting that evening.
- Martha presented information from NRPC on how to identify which structures have roof-mounted solar. There had been concerns from the State Fire Marshall about the safety of fire personnel when fighting fires where these panels are in use. The website – vtenergydashboard.org/energy-atlas lists the location of every renewable system in the State. Martha will forward this info to Kim Julow for the Fire Department.
The next meeting of the Planning Commission (only) will be August 7.
8:08 – S. Gregg moved to adjourn; M. Gammal second. All in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Signed: ____________________________________ Date: ______________________
For the Planning Commission
These minutes are unofficial until approved at the next regularly scheduled meeting. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.