Town Planning Commission Opens the Way for Wall Murals and Chickens, Bids Adieu to Chairman

At its unusually quiet regular meeting on August 16, the Front Royal Planning Commission Chairman Darryl Merchant confirmed the rumor that it was to be his last meeting as Chairman, as he would not be seeking reappointment to the Commission. During the Citizen Comments portion of the meeting, George McIntyre, one of the very few audience attendees at the meeting, called out “Congratulations!” in probable reference to Chairman Merchant’s announcement.

There were only two public hearings scheduled. For the first time in several months, there were no short-term rental permits for the commission to consider.

Juliana and William Kryssing have applied for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for two murals on the North and South facing walls of their building at 1314 North Royal Avenue, zoned C-1, Community Business District, and located in the Entrance Corridor Overlay District. The applicants are extensively renovating the building and are locating their business, First Response Chimney Sweeps and Services, there. They want their building to display a tribute to First Responders as part of their facility. The applicants have expressed some frustration with the pace and complexity of the permitting process since wall murals are considered “signs” for the purpose of town approval. It is a common misconception that a sign must have a permit if it advertises something like a product, business, or activity. The current ordinance defines a sign as: “Any device employing letters, words, symbols, etc., used or intended to attract the attention of the public from streets, sidewalks or other outside public rights-of-ways.”  Zoning Administrator John Ware explained to the commission that the ordinance requires a SUP for any mural over 60 Square feet in size, and these murals are 210 and 400 square feet, respectively.

Permit Applicant William Kryssing addresses the Front Royal Planning Commission to urge them to recommend approval for his Mural proposal for his building at 1314 N. Royal Avenue, a 2-sided mural to commemorate emergency first responders. The Commission went on to approve the permit request for a total of 610 square feet of hand-painted murals. Royal Examiner Photos Stephen Sill

 There were no speakers at the public hearing, and Commissioners Glen Wood and Michael Williams expressed their appreciation for the mural theme. After a brief discussion on a motion by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Marshner, the Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval.

Chickens in town

 The Planning Department has been working on a proposed text amendment of the Town Code Section 175-110.5, Performance Standards for Urban Agriculture, that would increase the number of allowed non-crowing female chickens in single-family, duplex, or two-family dwellings in residential areas within town limits from the current number of six to 10, based on square footage of coop and run space. The text amendment was the subject of a commission work session on August 2. Under this change, provisions are added to specify standards for keeping chickens and rabbits, including the minimum size of coops or enclosures (4 square feet per chicken or rabbit), a minimum size of runs (8 square feet per chicken or rabbit), and a prohibition on poultry running at large. The text changes also include adequate drainage, sanitary conditions, and feed storage provisions.

Zoning Administrator John Ware outlines the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance related to Urban Agriculture – specifically, Chickens. After some levity from Commissioner Glen Wood about poultry operators running “afoul” of the law, the Town Planning Commission voted to recommend approval for the Planning Department’s recommended ordinance text amendments.

There were no speakers at the public hearing, and the commissioners discussed the distinction between an enclosed run and, say, a fenced backyard. The Ordinances language intended to clarify that a fenced yard is not adequate for containment by itself.  Chairman Merchant pointed out that when the Urban Agriculture idea was implemented in the Zoning Ordinance in 2015, there were public concerns about disease and other impacts on neighbors. So far, there have been no such instances. The Planning Department conducts annual inspections of the permit holder’s premises, and violations of the standards can cause a permit to be revoked.

On a motion by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Wells, the commission recommended approval of the proposed ordinance change by a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Marshner abstaining.

New Business for the commission included review and approval of a site plan application for Randolph Macon Academy for six Faculty Housing Units on a 21.65-acre parcel on the campus. R-MA and the planning department have been working on this project for several months, and all the previously identified issues with access and orientation of the units have been resolved. Access to the housing will be from the campus and not from West Main Street, although there will be a locked gate from West Main for emergency use.  The Planning Department is awaiting only final approval from Warren County for drainage and sediment control. All other approvals have been met. On a motion by Commissioner Wood, seconded by Commissioner Daniel Wells, the Commission voted unanimously to approve the site plan.

Chairman Merchant expressed his appreciation to the Town Council, Planning Department Staff and the Commission members for their hard work and support of his 5-year tenure on the Commission. “Everybody here has the best interest of Front Royal at heart,” he said.  Chairman Merchant hinted that he may have future plans for community service but did not reveal what form that service may take.

The Town Planning Commission gathers for a final picture with outgoing Chair Darryl Merchant, who appears to be craftily recruiting his replacement about 20 years early – His Grandson Christian! Left to Right: Commissioner Wood, Commissioner Wells, Chairman Merchant, Commissioner Marshner, and Commissioner Williams. Below, Making his mark! The Planning Department presented outgoing Chairman Merchant with an engraved US Geodetic Survey Marker Pin

 Planning Department Director Lauren Kopishke presented Chairman Merchant with a unique award commemorating his service to the commission and the town. She said the Town and the Planning Department had greatly benefited from his experience and leadership.

The Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.