DRRC 08-22-19 Meeting Summary1
DRRC Meeting Summary for 08/22/19
Members Present: Kenney, Shenk, Ambrogi, Banks, Unger, Morrison, Dawson, and Thomas
Members Absent: Cline, Oates and Wagner
Staff Present: M. Tyler Klein, AICP, Senior Planner
The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:00 PM by Chairman Unger.
Item #1 – Public Utilities. Discussion of a request by County Staff to include a definition for “Public Utilities”
that includes utility-scale solar energy generating facilities and solar power generating facility
decommissioning requirements in the Fredrick County Zoning Ordinance Supplemental Use Regulations as
required under the Code of Virginia.
Staff provided an overview of the proposed text amendment, noting the item was discussed at the June
27th and July 25th meetings.
The DRRC supported changes to the Zoning Ordinance to add a definition for “public utilities,” including
utility scale solar power generating facilities and adding supplemental uses for utility scale solar power
generating facilities (only) requiring a site plan and decommission plan.
The DRRC eliminated the requirement for primary building setbacks to apply to utility-scale solar power
generating facilities, noting that the current requirement was appropriate.
Staff noted that Frederick Water was also given the opportunity to review the proposed changes,
specifically the definition, and had no objection.
The DRRC recommended the item go forward to the PC for discussion.
Item #2– Evaluation of Conditional Uses in the RA Zoning District. Discussion of a request from the Board
of Supervisors to review the conditional use list for uses in the RA Zoning District.
Staff presented that the Board of Supervisors directed the Planning Commission to evaluate the CUP
process and those listed conditional uses to ensure that the uses, and scale of the uses, are appropriate
for the zoning district in which they are identified. This would include identifying those uses that may be
more appropriate in a commercial zoning district; such as larger service stations, motels, and larger retail
stores.
Staff noted that the purpose of the proposed amendment is to codify recent Zoning Determinations for
specific uses that lessen the need for a conditional use permit (CUP) application; to add clarity to specific
uses where intensity of a given use is important in considering its appropriateness for a CUP; and to
provide consistency in the implementation of certain uses. Staff provided an overview of the changes
presented.
The DRRC agreed with the proposed changes presented, and further amended the section to eliminate
“treatment homes” from the conditional use list, and recommended the item be forwarded to the
Planning Commission for discussion.
The DRRC also expressed concern to Staff, to be shared with the Planning Commission, with the number,
size, and location of recently approved special event facilities CUPs. The DRRC further expressed a desire
to amend the requirements for reviewing and approving the conditional use special event facilities if
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directed to do so by the Board of Supervisors. The DRRC identified the following amendments to special
event facilities requirements to be considered: requiring special event facilities to be accessory to
agricultural and farming operations, as defined in the Zoning Ordinance; requiring special event facilities
to go through a conditional rezoning process; or eliminating special event facilities from the use list.
Item # 3 – Landscaping, buffers & screening, off-street parking & requirements for certain uses.
Discussion of a request by a DRRC member to amend certain sections of the Zoning Ordinance.
Staff presented that this is a request from a DRRC member to amend Chapter 165-Zoning Ordinance to
“clean up” inconsistencies within certain sections and to clarify or reduce requirements for certain uses.
This item was previously presented by Mr. Gary Oates under “Other” items at the July 25th DRRC meeting.
Staff noted while they agreed with the majority of the changes, which were minor in nature and corrected
inconsistencies and/or codified planning practice already underway in the Department, Staff did share
comments regarding the appropriateness of changes proposed to certain requirements for: tractor truck
and tractor trailer truck parking requirements for pavement and location; buffer and screening
requirements for distance buffers and when buffers do not already exists.
The DRRC supported changes to the Zoning Ordinance to address inconsistencies and clarify or reduce
requirements for certain sections, less those changes noted by the Planning & Development Staff.
The DRRC directed Staff to work with the text amendment author (Mr. Oates) to address those comments
raised with the DRRC with proposed changes and have the item come back to the DRRC for endorsement
at a later meeting.
No other items of business were discussed.
The meeting concluded at 8:23 PM.