Well, the Planning Commission (PC) met Monday and nothing truly significant occurred. Unless you consider a lapse of 90 days between being tasked by town council to getting ready to examine how to approach the task as being significant.
On March 19, Town council directed the commissioners to "examine historic overlay district zoning requirements and prepare a report." Commissioners have been casually talking to other folks they know, gathering some background information. A representative of the state's Department of Historic Resources (DHR) is scheduled to make a presentation at the commission's June 16 meeting. A recent public presentation in Blacksburg enumerated benefits of historic preservation programs.
Council had given this ill-defined task to the commissioners after overriding the commission's recommendation to deny a condition use permit, instead voting to approve the development of an 11-unit rental in the Historic Cambria. They did not set a timeline nor indicate what steps, if any, they might take after this report if finally prepared and presented to council.
The Planning Commission's chairman indicated he had spoken with "a number property owners in the historic districts" and stated these folks all wanted to be involved in the process of defining Christiansburg's Historic District Overlay definitions.
One item from the last PC meeting that may have been significant was a matter not on the commission's agenda, that being a metal recycling facility adjacent to the Historic Cambria district. The town manager indicated that code provided some latitude for interpretation under Industrial zoning, yet this permit could have some impact to adjacent residential properties. While a screen would prevent drivers from seeing stored scrap metals and a modest amount of equipment, these materials would be visible from a nearby historic church and residences which are situated at a higher elevation. Subsequently, this permit was denied due to other environmental concerns.
Another task that may take a good bit of time to address is preparing a revision to the town's sign ordinance. One commissioner stated that, at a minimum, they must look at the definition for "marquee" signs. Optimally, he stated the entire code should be reviewed. This came up in early May due to issues about code interpretation, both for signs that have been permitted in the past and relative to a new application which had been denied.
The next PC meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 9 at 3 pm in the town hall, to review:
1) Council's intention to adopt an ordinance in regards to a rezoning request by Rita Irvin and Glen Holmes for property at 310 Holmes Street from A-Agricultural to R-3 Multi-Family Residential, containing approximately 1.0 acres and scheduled as residential in the town's Comprehensive Plan. A related Public Hearing on this matter is set for council's June 17 meeting.
2) A conditional use permit (CUP) request by Dwelling Place Christian Fellowship for property located at 3325 N. Franklin St., for a private school in the B-3 General Business District, also scheduled to have a public hearing on June 17.
3) Another CUP by Bishop Townhomes for property located at 65 Salem Lane for a professional (sales) office in the R-3 Multi-Family District, also scheduled to have a public hearing on June 17.
4) Consideration of allowance of Premier Transfer at 415 Cambria St., in the MU-2 Mixed Use: Residential/Limited Business/Limited Industrial District.
5) Consideration of amendment to Chapter 3 "Advertising" will be continued.
As always, a full description of these items and related town documents may be viewed during regular business hours (M-F 8am-5pm) in the town hall and written comments may be sent to 100 E. Main Street, Cburg, 24073.