Planning Commission December 12, 2017

MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Aaron Robinson, Secretary; Mike Besaw, Juanita Carson, Ron Manson. Vivian Harris was absent.

STAFF: Matthew Pepper, assistant city manager and zoning administrator.

GUESTS: Thomas Nelson; Kendra Mayfield and James Johnson, Oxford College.

OPENING: At 6:58 PM, Mr. Eady called the meeting to order, welcomed the guests, and introduced Mike Besaw and Juanita Carson as the two newest Commission members.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Upon motion of Mr. Manson, seconded by Mr. Robinson, the minutes for the meeting of October 10 were adopted as amended. The vote was 5-0.

THOMAS NELSON DEVELOPMENT PERMIT (409 EMORY STREET): Thomas Nelson requested approval to construct a storage shed behind the residence. The Commission members verified that the proposed shed met the side and rear setbacks limits.

Upon motion of Mr. Manson, seconded by Mr. Robinson, the Planning Commission approved the development permit to construct a shed behind the residence. The vote was 5-0.

OXFORD COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT PERMITS (3): Oxford College requested approval for three development permits: 1. Design approval to make improvements to the Pierce Street corridor; 2. Install a temporary hoop house at the college’s organic farm; 3. Renovate the interior of Phi Gamma Hall.

1.      The Commission had a discussion concerning several aspects of the proposed design for the Pierce Street corridor improvements including the change from a roundabout to a four-way stop, the location of the proposed parking lot on Pierce Street, the sub-service detention pond under the proposed parking lot, the lack of pedestrian connectivity on the east side of Whatcoat Street, and the change in the number of parking spaces around Allen Memorial United Methodist Church.

Upon motion of Mr. Manson, seconded by Mr. Robinson, the Planning Commission approved the development permit for the proposed parking lot on Pierce Street, as well as recommended to City Council to support the proposed street improvements as depicted in the development permit application. The vote was 4 in favor, with Mr. Eady abstaining.

2.      The Commission had a discussion concerning the location of the proposed hoop house in relation to the existing residence on the property. The Commission members verified that the proposed hoop house met the side and rear setbacks limits. In addition, the Commission had a discussion regarding whether or not the location of the existing hoop house, as depicted in the development permit application, is in compliance with the city’s current zoning ordinances. Mr. Pepper will review the development permit for the existing hoop house to determine if the Commission originally approved it to be located in front of the residence. If it is found that the existing hoop house is not in compliance, Oxford College agreed to move it to an approved location.

Upon motion of Mr. Manson, seconded by Mr. Robinson, the Planning Commission approved the development permit as presented to construct a temporary hoop house at the Oxford College Organic Farm. The vote was 4 in favor, with Mr. Eady abstaining.

3.      The Commission engaged in a preliminary discussion of the college’s design plans for the renovation of Phi Gamma Hall.

ASSIGNMENTS: Mr. Pepper will contact the new Commission members regarding planning and zoning training for their new assignments.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the meeting at 8:15 PM.

Approved by:

Aaron Robinson, Secretary