OXFORD PLANNING COMMISSION
Minutes – August 11, 2020
MEMBERS: Jonathan Eady, Chair; Zach
May, Vice Chair; Juanita Carson, Secretary; Mike Ready, Mike McQuaide, and Kibbie
Hatfield.
STAFF: Matthew Pepper, City
Manager and Zoning Administrator.
GUESTS: Troy
and Brenda Willis; Stuart McCanless; Helen
Griffin.
OPENING: At 7:02 PM, Mr. Eady
called the meeting to order and welcomed the guests.
MINUTES: Upon
motion of Mr. Ready, seconded by Mr. McQuaide, the minutes for the meeting of July
13, 2020 were adopted. The vote was 6-0.
TROY AND BRENDA WILLIS
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION (1306 Emory Street): The Commission
reviewed the development permit application to construct a home on the property
located at 1306 Emory Street. During the discussion, the Commission confirmed
that the location and type of fencing that will be installed is in accordance
with the city’s fence ordinance. In addition, Mr. Willis confirmed that a
section of an existing wood privacy fence near the back-property line would be
removed as part of the project.
The Commission also discussed the proposed
garage apartment located behind the home. The Commission confirmed that the
apartment would contain two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a small kitchen area. The
Commission concluded that the apartment fits the definition of a separate
dwelling unit as outlined in the city’s code. The Commission recommended that
Mr. and Mrs. Willis consider enclosing the breezeway connecting the two
structures to ensure that it meets the city’s permissible dwelling unit
requirements. Further, the Commission explained that the city’s building
inspector may specify a distance requirement between the home and garage
apartment.
Upon motion of Mr. Ready, seconded by Mr.
McQuaide, the Planning Commission approved the development permit application to construct a
home and install a new driveway and fencing on the property located at 1306
Emory Street. The vote was 6-0.
STUART MCCANLESS DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT APPLICATION (1106 Wesley Street): The Commission reviewed the development
permit application to replace an existing storage shed on the property located
at 1106 Wesley Street. During the discussion, the Commission confirmed the
distance of the proposed shed from the existing house and the side and rear
setbacks. In addition, the Commission stated that the city’s building inspector
may require that Mr. McCanless bury the power line running from the house to
the proposed shed.
Upon motion of Ms. Hatfield, seconded by Mr.
May, the Planning Commission approved the development permit application to replace an
existing shed located at 1106 Wesley Street. The vote was 6-0.
HELEN GRIFFIN DEVELOPMENT
PERMIT APPLICATION (103 E. Watson Street): The Commission reviewed the development
permit application to complete interior and exterior renovations to the
existing dwelling located at 103 E. Watson Street. During the discussion, the
Commission reviewed the survey of the lot depicting the location of the
existing house. The Commission explained that, based on the survey, the house
encroaches on the front setback. The setback encroachment triggers the city’s
nonconforming use provisions of the city’s ordinance. The Commission further
explained that the house was built in conformance with the ordinances in place
at that time, making it a permitted non-conforming use.
In addition, the Commission explained that,
according to the city code, the structure is considered a non-conforming
building, situation, and use. The Commission also reviewed the Discontinuance
or Abandonment and Repair provisions listed under Section 40-575. The
Commission explained that the Service Assessment Inspection Report stated that
the amount of repair work necessary to bring the house into a livable condition
is above the 50 percent threshold stated in the Repairs provision of Section
40-575. The Commission further explained that the Discontinuance or Abandonment
provision precludes individuals from re-establishing a non-conforming use after
one year.
During the discussion, the Commission
explained the variance process. Given the criteria for a variance and the
condition of the house, the Commission explained that it would be difficult for
them to recommend a variance to the City Council given the amount of money that
would need to be invested in the non-conforming structure. Based on their
analysis, the Commission concluded that Ms. Griffin should consider demolishing
the existing house and build a new home within the setbacks. They also stated
that the building theoretically could be moved to a location on the lot that
meets the setbacks but did not recommend it.
The Commission also reviewed the lot size and
width and minimum floor area requirements for the R-15 zoning designation. They
also explained the documentation required to build a new home. The Commission
took no action on the development permit application.
CONVERSATION WITH KELLY ELLIS (814
Emory Street): Mr. Ellis was not able to attend the meeting to
discuss in person the development options that are permissible under the Town
Center zoning designation. Consequently, the Commission deferred discussion on
this item.
OTHER BUSINESS: Mr. Pepper
reported that the City Council reviewed the Commission’s proposed Minor
Variance amendment. He explained that the City Council is in favor of giving
authority to the Commission to make reasonable accommodations in a variety of
contexts (e.g. – flexibility in permitted non-conforming uses, minor variances,
etc.). In addition, Mr. Pepper shared that the city is supportive of the
Commission making policy recommendations on amendments to the city’s zoning
code. The city will explore hiring a third-party to draft modifications to the
ordinance under the Commission’s direction.
In addition, the Commission discussed the reasoning
and implications of assigning the Town Center zoning designation to six
properties located on the east side of Emory Street. The Commission will make a
recommendation to the City Council to rezone those properties.
The Commission will plan to hold
a special called meeting to discuss the zoning code amendment and the rezoning
recommendation.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Eady adjourned the
meeting at 8:12 PM.
Submitted
by:
Juanita
Carson, Secretary