March PC Minutes
Planning Commission Minutes – March 4, 2009 Page 1
The Planning Commission met on the above date at 7:30 p.m. in the Administrative Services Building, 304 North Church Street, Bowling Green, Ohio.
Members Present: Ash, Burton, Gaskins, Roudebush, Arnold, Barber, Robinette, and Ferrell
Members Absent: Leck
MINUTES
The minutes of the February 4, 2009 meeting were approved as submitted.
LOBBY VISITATION
Allen Henry 938 Hunter Court said that he is contemplating erecting a wind turbine at his residence. He said that he understands how the current zoning regulations cover such a thing. He said that if it is considered a primary structure then it would only be allowed to be 35 feet tall. He said that if it falls under an accessory structure it could only be 18 feet tall.
He asked what course of action he should take to be able to erect a wind turbine outside the current requirements. He asked if an ordinance would have to be written or if he needs to seek a variance.
Rick Ketzenbarger, Planning Director, said that he can seek a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals. He said the only such request was over 30 years ago and it was denied.
He said that the Planning Department has obtained model legislation from another community but they have not been studied in depth yet because there are other priorities that are ahead of something like this. He said that one issue would be to have enough clearance for space that would be needed for such a structure. He said that is why it would be hard to retro-fit it into an existing subdivision.
Henry said that the State of Ohio has a website that offers model text for such ordinances. He said that there are several different versions that apply to and they are catered to every level of government, such as state, city or township.
Ash suggested to Henry that he go to the Planning Department to get more information on the next steps to take.
Barber commented that this is an issue the Planning Department should research sooner rather than later given the interest.
Ketzenbarger commented that these types of structures do not benefit monetarily for the owner anyway since it isn’t any more efficient.
Planning Commission Minutes – March 4, 2009 Page 2
Roudebush said that regardless citizens may choose to install them so it is better for the Planning Department to be prepared with the information.
SUBDIVISION
A request for waivers for a future subdivision located on South Wintergarden Road. Waivers are requested on Sections 151.17(B), 151.37(I) and 151.45(D) concerning shade trees, additional right-of-way, and public sidewalks. Kent and Carlene Creps, petitioners.
Ketzenbarger said that the Planning Department was asked by Poggemeyer Design Group to do a preliminary review of a proposed subdivision. He said that Carlene Creps asked that Mike Marsh, City Attorney, review the proposed subdivision and requested waivers from Planning Commission. He said that Marsh confirmed that all subdivisions must comply with the subdivision regulations.
Ketzenbarger mentioned a Subdivision Not Requiring a Plat was not filed.
Carlene Creps, petitioner, said that she is asking for full waivers for the two older homes on the property. She said that they are entitled to full waivers since this is not a new construction and there won’t be any new construction built. She said that according to the Ohio Revised Code these waivers must be granted.
She said that a preliminary survey has been submitted and Dana Parsell from Poggemeyer Design Group is waiting to prepare written legal descriptions after this is approved. She said that Kenny Taylor, City Surveyor, has the current legal description.
She mentioned that she is pursuing this subdivision because of estate reasons and she would like to make sure her son that has lived in one of the houses will have the use of the property by purchasing it from them.
Ketzenbarger said that Bowling Green is a charter city so our subdivision regulations hold and the Ohio Revised Code does not have to be followed exclusively.
Roudebush asked what the zoning district is on this property.
Ketzenbarger answered that it is R-2, Single-Family, Residential.
Barber asked if three parcels would be created with this subdivision.
Ketzenbarger said the petitioner is requesting that two new parcels would be created so including the original tract there would end up being three.
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Roudebush moved, Burton seconded to approve the requested waivers.
Barber pointed out that it is possible that the remaining frontage on Wintergarden could be developed in the future and this would excuse them from providing sidewalks, planting trees, and etcetera.
Creps said they have to split it into three lots because a legal description cannot be written without splitting the other. She said that the only reason this tract of land was ever annexed into the City is because she was nice and had it annexed so neighbors could get City utilities by being contiguous.
After voting, the motion failed unanimously.
REPORT
Representative to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Roudebush said there were three requests and all were approved. He said there were two temporary use requests and a request by Wood Lane for a reduction in parking at a property they own on Fairview. He said the reduction was because their residents do not drive.
Mayor Quinn said that he is pleased with Roudebush’s efforts on the Reinvestment Housing Council. He said that he is an asset on the Council and he asks great questions on the tours throughout the community. He said that Roudebush is appreciated.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
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Chairperson Secretary
