MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Aaron
Robinson, Vice Chair; Zach May, Juanita Carson, and Mike Besaw. Laura McCanless
was absent.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, assistant city
manager and zoning administrator.
GUESTS: Anderson Wright, representative from
the Oxford Historical Society; Allyson Epps, Events Coordinator with Oxford
College; Hal Chitwood with Bureau Veritas.
OPENING: At 7:00 PM, Mr. Eady called the
meeting to order and welcomed the guest.
MINUTES: Upon motion of Ms. Carson, seconded
by Mr. Besaw, the minutes for the meeting of April 11, 2018 were adopted as
presented. The vote was 5-0.
BENJAMIN CRIDER DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
APPLICATION: Benjamin Crider requested approval to install a 4’ fence in the front yard and a 6’ fence in the back yard of his property located at 1202 Emory Street. The property is a corner lot, and therefore subject to the front yard requirements for fence height. The Planning Commission members had a discussion on whether or not the area directly behind the house is considered a side yard, and therefore a 6’ fence would be permissible. It was decided that a 6’ fence would be permissible if the fence started at the corner of the house. In addition, it was decided that the gate’s proposed location may not be within the setback limits. Mr. Crider, with the help of Mr. Pepper, will confirm the setback for the proposed gate. Mr. Crider will evaluate his request for the proposed fencing, and will submit a new development permit application. The Planning Commission members took no formal action on Mr. Crider’s development permit.
OXFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT APPLICATION: On behalf of the Oxford Historical Society, Anderson Wright requested approval to install a handicap ramp to the main entrance of Old Church (1011 Wesley Street). The Commission members had a discussion on the ramp’s proposed location within the city’s right-of-way. As part of this discussion, Commission members determined that the ramp’s location would be in compliance with the side setback requirements.
Upon motion of Mr. Besaw, seconded by Ms. Carson, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council to permit the construction of the handicap ramp within the city’s right-of-way. The vote was 5-0.
DISCUSSION OF SEC. 40-532. – FENCES AND WALLS: The Planning Commission members reviewed the current language in Sec. 40-532. – Fences and walls. The Commission members agreed to discuss possible amendments to Sec. 40-532. at future meetings.
DISCUSSION OF SEC. 40-536. – LIVESTOCK AND FOWL: The Commission members reviewed the proposed amendment to Sec. 40-536 – Livestock and fowl of the city code. The amendment includes language to allow for the noncommercial keeping of up to six laying hens in the RR, R-30, R-20, R-15 districts.
Upon motion of Mr. May, seconded by Mr. Robinson, the Planning Commission will make a recommendation to City Council to adopt the proposed amendment to Sec. 40-536 – Livestock and fowl. The vote was 5-0.
CITY REPORT: Mr. Pepper updated the Commission members on the city’s new contract with Bureau Veritas to provide building inspection services.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the meeting at 8:37
PM.
Approved by:
Laura McCanless, Secretary