HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-07-14 Hearings Board MIN
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Anna Howe. Other Commissioners present were Marilyn Briggs and
Russ Chapman. Staff present were Bill Molnar, Mark Knox, Maria Harris and Susan Yates.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND FINDINGS
The Minutes of the June 9, 1998 Hearings Board were approved.
TYPE II PUBLIC HEARINGS
PLANNING ACTION 98-033
REQUEST FOR A SITE REVIEW TO INSTALL A DISC ANTENNA AT 1650 CLARKE STREET. DISC (7’,
6”) TO BE MOUNTED ON OTHER ROOF ON THE BUILDING TO THE REAR.
APPLICANT: SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
STAFF REPORT
Harris described the site and where the antenna is proposed to be placed. The action was called up for a
public hearing by a neighbor who resides behind the main church on Garden Way. Two sections of the
development standards for locating an antenna include: Disc antennas exceeding 36 inches in diameter
shall not be permitted on the roof unless there is no other location for reception or transmission, and
screening of the antenna is required when possible. The applicant has provided information regarding the
size of the antenna and it is Harris’ understanding that the trees are a constraint in receiving the signal.
Harris said the ordinance states the antenna should be mounted in an area least visible from a residential
area, however, in this case it is conflicting. The applicant has chosen a location which is the least visible
from the street but the most visible to one of the nearby residences, making this application difficult to meet
the criteria.
Howe wondered if other sites on the property had been looked at and rejected. Harris said they looked at
the one story bump out in the rear yard. Her understanding is that the neighbors use their rear yard in the
summer and it would be visible to them and also there will be interference with the trees.
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Site visits were made by all.
PUBLIC HEARING
BILL PUGH, 6062 Adams Road, Talent, stated the church is asking for a satellite dish so they can receive a
private channel. They tried to get a smaller antenna but they require a larger one for their needs. The
development standards 1, 5, 7, and 8 all have to do with the structure of the disc and he has no problem
with those items. The items in question are 2, 3, 4 , 6 and 9 which have to do with visual impact. They have
tried to propose a location which will comply with the code by being on the back of the building, hidden from
all but the neighbor’s yard and a neighbor across the street. He has tried working with the neighbor in the
rear but they have not come up with a solution. Pugh presented photos to the Commissioners that were
entered into the record. They are constrained by vegetation.
Harris said Staff had a site visit on the way to the meeting and they were wondering if they could look at a
higher roof to locate the dish which would be visible from the public right-of-way but might be a possible
trade-off.
A letter in opposition from JEANETTE MCCARTNEY, 795 Garden Way, was read into the record.
HOWARD HEINER, 784 Garden Way, is the neighbor to the south. He stated because of the topography
of the site, his back yard is just about level with the roofline of the church and because they spend a great
deal of time in the back yard, they object to the location. In Harris’ report, the burden of proof lies with the
applicant. The applicants are not going to say this is not a good site. He believes a third party should be
sought out to look for a new location. From a layman’s standpoint, there are other sites that would be good
for the site or the neighborhood.
GARY LAIPPLY, 798 Garden Way, echoed Heiner’s concerns. His only view of the mountains is looking
over the church which means he would be looking at the satellite dish. He would like to see another
location, perhaps closer to Garden Way Park, with screening. He would also favor a third party to look at
the site for possibilities of other locations.
BECKY LINDGREN, P. O. Box 333, Gold Hill, OR, suggested locating it on the ground in the parking lot and
build something around it.
Rebuttal
Pugh said he would agree with Heiner and the others. He does not like to look at it either. He asked the
manufacturer about screening and he said there can be nothing in front of the dish. It is a new generation
system and anything in front of it, because it is a digital, even a corner of it will knock the picture out.
Briggs asked if the manufacturer had walked the property. Pugh said the local installer came out and
figured where the satellite signal would come in.
Howe asked Pugh how difficult it would be to arrange a tour of the property with the installer and the
neighbors to find the best location. Chapman also suggested getting a second opinion from another
installer so the neighbors would be comfortable with two opinions. This might have to be at the neigbor’s
expense. Pugh agreed.
COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Molnar asked if Pugh would be agreeable to a 30 day extension to 120 time limit for a decision. Pugh
agreed.
Briggs thought if the neighbors and church were agreeable, the hearing could be continued until next month
so there would time for a site visit with an expert. Briggs moved to continue PA98-033 to August 11, 1998 at
1:30 p.m. There will be no notice mailed to property owners. It will be up to the applicant to arrange for
the site visit. Chapman seconded the motion and everyone favored.
PLANNING ACTION 98-046
REQUEST FOR A SITE REVIEW AND LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT TO CONSTRUCT THREE UNITS AT
784 PARK STREET (REAR LOT). UNITS TO BE ACCESSED BY WAY OF FLAG DRIVE FROM PARK
STREET.
APPLICANT: KNECHT DEVELOPMENT
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 2
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES
Site Visits and Ex Parte Contacts
Site visits were made by all. Briggs met Knecht while on the property. She noted there was no sign posted
and Knecht spoke with her about that. Briggs found out the plan had changed significantly and is now not
like the plan in the packet. She saw the new plan.
STAFF REPORT
Knox said that through the noticing of the project, the neighbors approached the applicant to make changes
and the applicant has been willing to work out the problems with them. The neighbors are here in support
of the new plan. Staff is supportive of the plan drawn up by the applicant and neighbors.
The applicant is proposing to put more vegetation in the back unit for screening. The sidewalk will extend
from the front to the back units. The cherry tree will need to be removed.
Briggs suggested in the area showing asphalt that the applicant could use grass crete. Knox said that is
usually only asked for in a highly visible right-of-way area.
Knox showed the newest elevations which Staff supports. The design is compatible with the neighborhood.
Briggs has concerns about how one would get into the apartments. Knox said the building official has to
approve the structural issues but a Condition could be added that would require the bedroom to have a
window.
Howe wondered if the parking will impede the development of the front property. Is there anything being
done now that will stop the front property from being correctly developed later. She is concerned about
parking and about making the lane wide enough for an access lane so there could be two additional
parking spaces along it to allow the development of the front property without continuing the right hand
drive. Knox said they asked for a comprehensive plan of how everything functions together. Knecht had
shown on the original site plan two cut-in spaces in the flag drive area which he does not see on the current
plan.
PUBLIC HEARING
ALEX KNECHT, Knecht Development Company, explained the front lot is in his original development plan
for three units. They have calculated 11 parking spaces for both lots. On today’s plan there are six spaces
with five and one-quarter spaces required. With regard to the floor plan, he did not believe that was being
reviewed at this meeting. He has made some slight revisions to the floor plan based on Briggs’
suggestions.
Briggs suggested continuing this action until next month. It is confusing and she sees some structural
problems. She does not want to make a decision based on last minute information. She is having trouble
with the entrances, exits and parking. Also, what will eventually happen on the front lot should be
reviewed.
Chapman believes it is a good plan. The details need to be worked out but he will leave that up to Staff.
Howe feels the back-up drawn in needs to be incorporated into this plan. She cannot imagine a two-story
building without stairs. Overall, she can accept the plan.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 3
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES
Knecht showed a plan that has been signed off by the neighbors (King, Massey, & Bishup).
BARBARA MASSEY, 787 Park Street, said the original plan showed a parking space right next to her
house. The current proposal does not infringe as much with more plantings and less building. She is much
happier with the new plan as there is more open space.
HERSCHEL KING, 791 Faith Avenue, felt the original plan consumed the entire property. After meeting
with Knecht, he has now agreed with the revised plan.
Rebuttal
Knecht is pleased with how he and neighbors cooperated in creating this plan that is an improvement.
Howe suggested the applicant talk with the neighbors a long time before a project ever comes to the
Commission. Also, when Knecht comes in with a development for the front of the property, Howe will look
at it as though it is a part of today’s development; a full development.
Staff Response
There is definitely a lack of detail on the site plan, but all the elements are there, just not refined.
COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Chapman moved to approve PA98-046. Howe seconded. Chapman and Howe voted “yes” and Briggs
voted “no”.
PLANNING ACTION 98-041
REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAN APPROVAL FOR A FIVE-LOT SUBDIVISION UNDER THE
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OPTION LOCATED NEAR THE GRANITE STREET/WINBURN WAY
JUNCTION (SOUTH OF 247 GRANITE STREET).
APPLICANT: ROB CAIN
The applicant is not present. Public testimony will be taken. The Commissioners have questions of the
applicant and will need to continue the meeting until August 11, 1998 so answers can be provided.
PUBLIC HEARING
BECKY LINDGREN, P. O. Box 333, Gold Hill, OR, is representing herself, her mother, and her
grandmother. Their lots border the proposal. The map shows a large area for common open space but it
appears to be cut off at the top. She is concerned with whether or not the open space would be public or
private. Is the walkway or road private? Has there been a new alignment for the walkway? Lindgrens have
had problems with trespassers and vandals on their property. Presently she deals with people parking on
their land. Can they fence both sides of the ten foot easement?
Lindgren said it is evident that so much granite has been taken from the pit that they have lost ground water
which is resulting in losing trees.
Briggs noted the location of the path is greater than a ten percent deviation from Outline Plan. Molnar
agreed and said this can be a basis for continuation.
Chapman said the number of dwelling units is not noted, the yard depth and distances between main
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 4
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES
buildings is missing.
Briggs said on Lots 1 and 2 there is no indication of where the building envelope is. It was shown at Outline
Plan but not on the Final Plan. She has no idea where the open space is located and where the cut begins.
Molnar said that information is available at this meeting if the Commissioners wish to see it. Briggs said the
notice sign was down.
Briggs said the applicant’s text said erosion control would be done before the rain falls. She would like a
Condition that erosion control equipment be on site at the beginning of construction as a precaution.
COMMISSIONERS’ DISCUSSION AND MOTION
Briggs moved to continue Planning Action 98-041 until August 11, 1998 at 1:30 p.m. Chapman seconded
the motion and it carried unanimously. No notices will be mailed again.
TYPE I PLANNING ACTIONS
Howe left the meeting but made some comments with regard to the Type I hearings before she left.
PLANNING ACTION 98-061
REQUEST FOR A SITE REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A STRAW BALE CLASSROOM LOCATED ON
MORSE STREET.
APPLICANT: HARVEST BUILT HOMES
A letter was received today. Addicott said he sent a letter but the office did not receive it. Molnar
recommended the Commissioners have a Type I review and the City Attorney can make a decision about
whether it can be called up.
This action was approved.
PLANNING ACTION 98-052
REQUEST FOR A MINOR LAND PARTITION TO DIVIDE A LOT INTO TWO PARCELS.
VARIANCE REQUSTED TO CREATE A LOT WIDER THAN IT IS DEEP.
1330/1334 SEENA LANE
APPLICANT: TOM FRANTZ
This action was approved.
PLANNING ACTION 98-054
REQUEST FOR PREVIOUSLY APPROVED SITE REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT A COMMUNITY YOUTH
CENTER (APPROX. 8,000 SQUARE FEET)
1175 EAST MAIN STREET
APPLICANT: COMMUNITY WORKS
This action was approved.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 5
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES
PLANNING ACTION 98-056
REQUEST FOR A SITE REVIEW AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN ACCESSORY
RESIDENTIAL UNIT.
251 E. HERSEY STREET
APPLICANT: BEHROUZ OSTOVAR
Howe would hope for adequate parking. Briggs said two cars will not fit in the garage as she measured it.
This action was approved.
PLANNING ACTION 98-057
REQUEST FOR SITE REVIEW FOR A 6,044 SQUARE FOOT ADDITION TO THE EXISTING BUILDING
(HANDYMAN).
2200 ASHLAND STREET
APPLICANT: LARRY & PAM CARDINALE
Howe is concerned with the swale of water that exists when raining. The pedestrian access should be
staired.
PLANNING ACTION 98-058
REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAN APPROVAL OF PHASE V (EIGHT LOTS) OF THE OAK KNOLL
MEADOWS SUBDIVISION OF THE OAK KNOLL MEADOWS SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON OAK KNOLL
DRIVE
APPLICANT: OAK KNOLL MEADOWS, INC.
This action was approved.
PLANNING ACTION 98-060
REQUEST FOR FINAL PLAN APPROVAL OF PHASE V OF A 21-LOT SUBDIVISION UNDER THE
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS OPTION.
LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF NORTH MOUNTAIN AVENUE DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM
MOUNTAIN MEADOWS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY.
APPLICANT: MOUNTAIN MEADOWS LLC
This action was approved.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION 6
HEARINGS BOARD
JULY 14, 1998
MINUTES