SOUTH HERO PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 1, 2017
Members Present: D. Patterson; S. Gregg; B. Kerr
Members Absent: D. Roy; R. Henry
Public Present: T. Maxham; S. Corbin; J. Brightwell; Martha Taylor-Varney, ZA
Changes to the Agenda
There were none
Continue Review of Regulations Draft — Article VII: Specific Uses and Structures
Section 701: Accessory Dwellings: There was discussion about whether accessory dwellings allowed an increase in density and they needed to be restricted. The Board ultimately decided that they did not. Wording on the size of an accessory dwelling was clarified to allow up to 30% of the size of the principal dwelling, but not to exceed 700 sq.ft. The owner must occupy either the principal or accessory dwelling – both cannot be rented out. Accessory dwellings for agricultural use are for single household units, double household units, or bunkhouses. No multiple-household units larger than a double household will be allowed.
Section 703: Fences: The updated draft requires permits for fences over 6 feet, rather than the current 4 feet. There was considerable discussion on whether this section is needed and how an appeal could be defended. Commission member Bridget Kerr offered to re-write the section for the Board to review.
Section 704: Home Business, Home Occupation, and Home Enterprise: Again, considerable discussion included whether this draft reflected the Commission’s earlier conversation when it began to discuss expanding the current regulations on home-based businesses. Sherry Corbin offered to review the section and the minutes and comments from the earlier discussion and make recommendations.
Section 705: Lake Access Structures: The current draft allows up to 144 sq. ft. for a top landing, and 50 sq. ft. for a middle landing. Doug suggested allowing no more than 20 Sq. ft. for the top and 16 for the middle. The larger size at the top (up to 144sf) would basically be a deck, violating the 75-ft. setback from the lake. He also wanted stair width dimensions put back into the regulations. It was decided that Martha will look at the regulations for Grand Isle and North Hero to see how those town regulate lake access structures.
Section 706: Marinas and Yacht Clubs: There was discussion about the definitions of each (public vs. private?), and if the two differ in definition beyond that. There was a question of the minimum continuous shoreline of 200’ and whether it should apply to both. There should be a set number of berths before a marina/yacht club would be required to have DRB review — how many? Jim will work on a definition for “Marina” that covers both marinas and yacht clubs.
Section 708: Seasonal Conversions: The Commission agreed to delete the requirement to comply with driveway standards and to have a letter from the fire chief documenting that the driveway was accessible by emergency vehicles. It will only read that the property shall be accessible by emergency service vehicles. This led to a broader discussion that the Selectboard needs to address the following:
- Driveway standards — do we need them?
- Seasonal conversions — should regulations include FD (or other entity) documentation?
[These questions will be included in the Administrator’s Report at the Nov. 13 SB meeting].
Meeting Minutes
- Gregg moved to approve the minutes from October 18, 2017, with corrections; B. Kerr second. All in favor.
Public Input
There was none.
New/Old Business
Title 24, subsection 4430.a.3.c of the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act states that the Planning Commission “may submit recommendations annually to the legislative body for the capital budget and program, that shall be in conformance with the municipal plan.” S. Gregg said that the Commission should be consulted in the budgeting of money for the disposition of the red fire department building, the rescue building, and the old town hall (Granny’s Attic).
Administrator’s Report
The Planning Commission’s next meeting will be on November 15 with continuing review starting with Article VIII – Administration and Enforcement.
9:12 PM – S. Gregg moved to adjourn; B. Kerr 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 hearing. All motions were unanimous unless otherwise indicated.