Warren County Planning Commission begins new work year 2 members short; Chipotle and Five Guys coming soon

The Warren County Planning Commission opened its January 8 meeting in an unusual way. Instead of a standard opening by a commission Chair, Planning Director Taryn Logan called the meeting to order so the three members in attendance could elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a secretary. Robert Myers was nominated as Chair, Hugh B Henry as Vice Chair, and Cindy Kokernok was nominated as secretary. Once the votes were taken, Chairman Bob Myers began a more traditional meeting by introducing the newest member of the commission, Joe Longo of the Shenandoah District. Nominees for two more vacancies, for North River and South River districts, have yet to be announced by the Warren County Board of Supervisors.

Planning Director Taryn Logan called the meeting to order so the three members in attendance could elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and a secretary. Royal Examiner file photo.

The minutes for the previous meeting of December 11 were approved and the public presentation portion of the meeting was opened and closed with no members of the public offering any input.

Three conditional use permit requests were presented to the commission with a public hearing for each request.

Brian and Ann Conley have requested a Conditional Use Permit for a short-term tourist rental for their existing property at 64 Rocky Lane. Planner Matt Wendling described the staff recommendations to the commissions, which included a waiver to the setback requirements of the county Zoning Ordinance. The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the permit request to the Board of Supervisors.

Damon and Robin Feldman requested a Conditional Use Permit for a short term tourist rental for their existing property at 53 Crystal River Road. Mr. Wendling related the staff recommendations for approval of the permit request and the Property owner provided a written summary of their actions in response to the recommendations. The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the permit request.

County planner Matt Wendling. Royal Examiner file photo.

Randall Parz requested a Conditional Use Permit for a proposed 5,000 SF Artisan and Craftsman trades facility on his property at 775 Esteppe Rd. The facility will be used for custom carpentry. Commissioners expressed their support for a small business in the county, and Planner Joe Petty described the staff recommendations. He reminded the commissioners that the facility will be subject to all county inspections and code compliance as part of the construction process. The Chairman asked if provision had been made for controlling the noise generated by the activities, and the staff pointed out that the county ordinance requires a 60db limit at the property line. At the request of the planning department, the applicant also described his plan for disposal of the sawdust products, as well as describing the noise suppression as part of the facility plan. The commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the permit request.

The commission then considered a single authorization to advertise a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for a short term tourist rental requested by Sean O’Reilly for his property at 317 Old Barn Lane. The planning staff is working with the applicant to prepare for a public hearing at the next meeting of the planning Commission. An authorization to advertise means that actions to analyze and provide a recommendation to the commission continue while the public is notified of an opportunity for input.

During the Planning Director’s remarks, Taryn Logan welcomed the newest commissioner, Joe Longo from the Shenandoah District, and indicated that two additional new commissioners should be in attendance at the next meeting. She also reported that 2019 was a banner year for building permits and new home construction.

The Director also made a major announcement about new tenants at Riverton commons. Both Five Guys Hamburgers and Chipotle with a drive-through will soon be among the dining options available to Warren County residents.

Planner Matt Wendling outlined a few of the department’s goals for 2020, including a fresh review of the Warren County Comprehensive plan, Capital Improvement Plans, and forestry plans.

The new Chairman then adjourned the meeting at 7:45 PM.