County Planning Commission meets to consider land use, ordinance change

The Warren County Planning Commission met September 9th at the Government Center. Chairman Robert Myers (Happy Creek district) opened the meeting, reviewed the agenda and prior meeting minutes. There were no public presentations and the commission moved into public hearings for commission action.

Luis and Tamara Feliciano have requested a conditional use permit for their property at 71 Shepherds Road, in the North River Magisterial District, zoned Agricultural. Planning Director Taryn Logan briefed the members on the proposal. The Felicianos have submitted a management plan that meets all the permit requirements. The property meets all setback requirements, the nearest neighboring dwelling is 487 feet away, and there is no HOA in the area. The Planning department listed the requirements for approval of the permit, including continued compliance with all county Health Department requirements, maximum occupancy of 8 occupants, an annual water well test, and provision of that report to the Health Department. The hearing had been properly advertised before the Commission meeting. Chairman Myers opened the floor for public input, but there was none. There being no input, the Chairman closed the hearing and Vice Chairman Henry introduced a motion to recommend approval, with Commissioner Kersjes seconding. The Commission voted unanimously in favor of forwarding it to the County supervisors.

An Ordinance Text amendment to Section 180-28 of the Warren County Code has been requested by Frank Barnett to allow Commercial Repair as a by-right category of use within an Industrial (I) zoning district. Planning staff identified language that can be added to the ordinance.

Chairman Myers then opened the public hearing. There were no speakers, so the Chairman closed the hearing. Commissioner Kersjes asked if it was appropriate to include a time limit for inoperative vehicles to be stored on the site. After a brief discussion, the Chair called for a motion, which was made by Vice-Chairman Henry, seconded by Commissioner Kersjes. The vote was unanimous to approve.

The Chairman then addressed a shortlist of requests for Authorization to Advertise.

Kevin and Renee Roig, and Daniel and Samantha Nobles are requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a short-term tourist rental for their property at 2686 Panhandle Road, Zoned Agricultural (A) in the Fork Magisterial District. The Planning Department reported that the property owners must submit a property Management Plan as part of the approval process. The Chairman then called for a motion to approve the request to advertise a public hearing at a Planning Commission Meeting. Vice-Chairman Henry made the motion, and Commissioner Longo seconded. The vote was unanimous in favor.

Shelly Cook is requesting an ordinance change to section 190-55.2 of the Warren County Code that would amend the definition of “Rural Events Facility” as a use allowed by conditional use permit in the Agricultural (A) zoning district. The Chairman asked commissioners if they had any questions regarding the text amendment. Commissioner Kersjes asked if there would be an attendance limit, and Planning Director Logan responded that attendance maximums would be dealt with in the Conditional Use Permit process. Vice-Chairman Henry reminded the commissioners that action on this request does not grant a permit, only makes the necessary amendments to the ordinance. Chairman Myers then asked for a motion, which Commissioner Longo duly introduced, and Vice Chairman Henry seconded. Commissioners voted unanimously to advertise the public hearing.

Shelly Cook is also requesting a conditional use permit for a Rural Events Facility on her property on Lee Burke Road, Zoned Agricultural (A) in the Fork Magisterial District, a 41 Acre parcel of Woodland and fields. The proposal indicates that the property will continue to be used for agricultural purposes alongside the additional uses of special events and is intended to support the overall vision of the County. In her comments to the commission, Ms. Cook assured the members that all uses and events would be conducted in conformance with the zoning requirements.
Motion to approve for advertisement was made by Vice-Chairman Henry and seconded by commissioner Longo. The Commission voted unanimously to approve.

The final item of action for the commission was the approval of a Site Plan for a proposed commuter lot by Holtzman Petroleum at the corner of Route 55 and 79 in Linden. The property is zoned Commercial (C). Chairman Myers expressed his appreciation to Mr. Holtzman for his quick removal of the unsightly abandoned building on that site. Commissioner Kersjes asked the proposal representatives if the Culvert issues for stormwater management were resolved by the site plan. There was a brief discussion of the submitted plan before the Chair asked for a motion to approve the final site plan.

The motion was made by Vice-Chairman Henry, 2nd by Commissioner Kersjes. Approval was unanimous.

Planning Director Taryn Logan updated the commission on the review of the Forestal Districts of Rockland, South River, and Limeton. Letters have sent to all property owners in those districts soliciting input. A public meeting will be scheduled at 6 pm prior to the next Planning Commission meeting.

There were no additional comments by Commissioners or Planning staff.

The Assistant County Attorney, Caitlin Jordan, had no comments.

A motion to adjourn by Vice-Chairman Henry and a second by Commissioner Longo ended the meeting at 7:45 PM.