PC_03-01-78_Meeting_MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Held in the Board of Supervisors' Room March 1, 1978.
PRESENT: C. Langdon Gordon, Chairman; Frank Brumback, Vice Chairman;
Manuel C. DeHaven; James Golladay, Jr.; W. French Kirk;
Thomas Rosenberger; Elmer Venskoske; Herbert L. Sluder
ABSENT: None
CALL TO ORDER
The Chairman called the Meeting to Order and proceeded to the First Order
of Business.
Minutes of the Meeting -- February 9, 1978 -- Approved as Submitted
February 15, 1978 -- Approved with Correction
page 404 -- line 13 -- change "leans" to "liens"
Upon motion made by Elmer Venskoske and seconded by James Golladay, Jr.,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby approve the minutes of February 9, and 15, with the one
correction.
The motion passed by a unanimous vote.
Request by Douglas 0. Grimm to correct the zoning maps.
Mr. Berg told the Commission that Mr. Grimm's property had been zoned incorrectly
and that the intended use of his property was Agricultural. He sated this was a
matter of staff error and with the Commission's permission, it would be advertised
for public hearing to correct it.
Mr. Douglas 0. Grimm, property owner, appeared before the Commission and
told them that he had sent a letter to the Planning and Development Department
in August of 1974 explaining to them that he had discovered that his property
was zoned three different zones and he would like it to be all zoned Agricultural.
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Mr. Grimm stated that he had been notified that the Planning Commission had
reviewed the request and that it had been noted that the Land Use Plan, that
was being adopted at that time, would make some adjustments to the zoning maps
and this should take care of his problem. Mr. Grimm stated nothing had
resulted after that and he was asking for the land to be zoned Agricultural.
The Commission held a brief discussion.
Upon motion made by Thomas Rosenberger and seconded by W. French Kirk,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia, does hereby recommend that this zoning matter of Mr. Grimm be held
for public hearing.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr.;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FREDERICK MALL SUBDIVISION
Request for subdivision approval for three (3) lots fronting Route 522 North
and Fox Drive.
Action -- Recommend Approval
Mr. Berg stated this was a request for subdivision of three lots; two
lots fronting Route 522 and one lot fronting Fox Drive. Mr. Berg told the
Commission two corrections had been requested by the Commission when this
was brought before them on August 17, 1977: (1) to give additional right -of
way on Fox Drive for future widening of Fox Drive, (2) Lot 2 had been moved
back from the Corner property to permit a sixty (60) foot right -of -way to
serve both lots 1 and 2. Mr. Berg stated that the plat met all requirements.
Harry K. Benham, III, attorney representing this petition, appeared before
the Commission. He told the Commission that this was the revised plat that
had been requested.
A discussion was held by the Commission.
Upon motion made by Frank Brumback and seconded by Manuel DeHaven,
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BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors of the
Frederick Mall Subdivision.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr.;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Chairman told the Commission they had about one -half hour before the
public hearings would be held so they decided to start their worksession on
proposals for residential - agricultural developments.
Mr. Berg reminded the Commission of their worksession meeting that had
been scheduled for March 2, at 7:00 PM.
Clinton L. Ritter from Kernstown appeared before the Commission and stated
that he would like to see the Commission enforce the Ordinance which they had
adopted in December, 1977. Mr. Ritter stated that variances could always be
granted for persons who needed to vary from the Ordinance. Mr. Ritter recommended
a thirty (30) foot right -of -way and stated that the wider the right -of -way, the
more water accumulation and the more storm problems you create. Mr. Ritter
told the Commission if the land was being sold for recreation purposes, streets
would not be needed.
The Chairman told Mr. Ritter the Commission was having a difficult time
determining between what was recreational and what was residential.
The Chairman- stated that the worksession would continue after the public
hearings.
A ten minute recess was held.
The Chairman reconvened the meeting.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
Zoning Map Amendment Petition No. 002 -78 submitted by G. M. Kerns contract
purchaser acting for Marquis Property of Winchester and Duane B. Dillard 3237
Valley Avenue, Winchester, Virginia who hereby request that 2.506 acres North-
west of Winchester on the North side of U. S. Route 522 on the West side of
Darlington Drive now zoned both Business- General District (B -2) and Residential-
General District (R -3) be rezoned: all Residential - General District ( -3 ).
This property is designated as Property Identification Number 053AOA0000002 and
is situated in Stonewall Magisterial District.
Action - Denied
Mr. Berg told the Commission the property was zoned both Residential - General
and Business - General and it was being requested that it all be made Residential-
General (R -3). He stated it had been proposed to have seven (7) single - family
dwellings on the property.
"Butch" Kerns, and "Swag" Koonce, property owners, appeared before the
Commission and told them that they had planned for seven (7) brick houses with
basements and car shelters. Mr. Kerns stated the smallest lot would be 13,000
square feet and the.largest would be 17,000 square feet. He maintained that
the houses he had planned would be compatible with the neighboring Darville
Subdivision. Mr. Kerns pointed out that-the homes in that area are on larger lots
because at the time the houses were built they had to have individual water and
sewer and now central water and sewer is available in the area.
The Commission held a discussion and it was noted that although the area
was zoned R-3 it had developed into an R -2 or R -1 zone. The Commission felt that
the property should not be divided into seven (7) lots, they felt _five (5) lots
would be better.
Mr. Kerns stated that economics and feasibility were the reasons for the seven
(7) lots.
The Chairman called for persons to'speak in favor of the petition. Since no
one appeared in favor, the Chairman asked for opposition.
nDDn CTTTnV
I. W. Pike, resident of 1325 Darlington Drive, appeared in opposition of the
petition. He stated he would like to see the lots zoned R -2 because it would require
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(P /C 03/01/78) p 5
a much more restrictive use.
Ellen Murphy resident of 1333 Darlington Drive, appeared in opposition of
the petition. She stated regardless of the honor of the builders, the County
could not hold the builders to the type of house they said they would be building
on the lots. Ms. Murphy stated that Darville Subdivision was composed of single
family residences on 20,000 square foot lots and she didn't think the small lots
proposed by Mr. Kerns and Mr. Koonce would coincide with the area. Ms. Murphy
stated that the more lots proposed the more houses would be built and this would
bring more children into the area. Ms. Murphy maintained that the lots would be
small and the children would not have room to play in their own yards. She also
pointed out that the streets would be congested with the additional traffic. Ms.
Murphy concluded by saying that she was not against an R -2 zoning of the property
which would allow for five (5) lots.
Peggy Love resident of 1329 Darlington Drive, presented a petition to the
Commission from the residents of Darville Subdivision. Mrs. Love told the Commission
the Subdivision had been zoned R -3 without the resident's knowledge and she thought
it should be zoned R -2 or R -1. She maintained that the crowded homes would decrease
the value of their homes and she did not think this should be allowed. Mrs. Love
stated she felt the area should be zoned R -2 which would coincide with the existing
homes.
Sheila A. Naravas resident of 1305 Ambrose Drive, told the Commission she
lived across from the property in question. Ms. Naravas pointed out that the seven
(7) lots would face what is presently on three (3) lots. She stated the lots and
houses planned would not be compatible with the existing neighborhood.
The Chairman pointed out that the Commission could control the size of the lots
however, they had no control on what size house went on the lots.
Agnes Tyndall adjacent property owner, told the Commission she objected to
the number of houses proposed. She added that she would concur that the subdivision
was zoned wrong.
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Peggy Warner resident of 1316 Darlington Drive, appeared in opposition of
the petition. She sated that the Commission could not control the size of the
houses but they could control the zoning and if this particular piece of
property was zoned R -2 then Mr. Kerns and Mr. Koonce would have to build
accordingly.
James L. Berry attorney representing Sara and Bob Smith' (residents of 1316
Ambrose Drive), told the Commission they were opposing the request for the R -3
zoning but would support the R -2 zoning. He maintained that the Darville
Subdivision conforms to a R -2 or R -1 zoning. Mr. Berry stated he felt the
Commission should rezone the entire Darville Subdivision.
Raymond Ward appeared before the Commission in opposition and asked the
Commission who had control of the size of the houses being built on the lots.
The Chairman stated that deeds of dedication can specify size of houses
but the County had no control over the matter.
Lawrence Ambrogi, Commonwealth's Attorney, stated the County could only
regulate the size of the lot not the house.
REBUTTAL
Mr. Kerns rebutted by saying that he could appreciate the fact that the
people do not want a small house on the lots, but he felt he was just asking
for a zoning that was already in existence. Mr. Kerns pointed out that he could
have asked for a Business zone and put up one building but he felt houses would
harmonize with what already existed in the area.
Upon motion made by James Golladay, Jr., and seconded by W. French Kirk,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby move that the petition presented by the home owners in
Darville Subdivision be made a part of the minutes.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr.;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
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-- Petition presented by Darville Subdivision Home Owners --
RESOLVED:
That the undersigned homeowners oppose the application for rezoning #
of land adjoining Darville Subdivision to R -3 for the following reasons:
1 - R -3 zoning was applied by the county without representative or consider-
ation given to property owners in this area to the existing Darville area.
2 - R -3 zoning allows for greatly smaller lot sizes than those in the sur-
rounding area and would present a non - conforming and lower -level of building
site.
3 - That further R -3 zoning would only decrease the value of the property we
have already invested so much money and time into improving.
4 - The below signed property owners would appeal to the planning commission
and the board of supervisors to have the current R -3 zoning changed to R -2 so
that all lots will be more uniform in size.
5 - That all residential property in the immediate vacinity of this appli-
cation would conform to R -1 but residents do not wish to put an unusual burden
on the owners of the undeveloped land, therefore we have decided that an R -2
zoning would be satisfactory to all concerned.
6 - That small lots, as allowed by R -3, would prohibit yards sufficient
for small childred to have enough room to play and also increase traffic
hazards to children in this area. No playground or park facilities are avail-
able for small children in the immediate area.
Name:
Peggy Love
Brenda Miller.
Ruby Darlington
Vernon L. Thayer
Georgia Thayer
Ira W. Pike
Walter M. Shaver
Alice Shaver
Mrs. Roy H. Moore
Mrs. Lawrence Taylor
Mrs. Peggy Warner
Steve Warner
Roy B. Carper, Jr.
Mrs. Lorraine Carper
Pearl W. Urquhart
Russell J. Urquhart
Roy B. Carper
Julia-F. Carper
Margaret Ward
Margaret M. Clowser
Charles B. Clowser
Robert L. Kipps
Address:
1329 Darlington Drive
1336 Darlington Drive
1332 Darlington Drive
1328 Darlington Drive
1328 Darlington Drive
1325 Darlington Drive
1317 Darlington Drive
1317 Darlington Drive
1306 Darlington Drive
1309 Darlington Drive
1309 Darlington Drive
1305 Darlington Drive
1228 Darlington Drive
1224 Darlington Drive
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(P /C 03/01/78) p 8
Mr. & Mrs. Ben F. Wood
Mr. & Mrs. R. A. Hoover
Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Staines
Alfred & Ellen Murphy
Joseph T. Tyndall
Agnes C. Tyndall
Edward F. Naravas
Sheila A. Naravas
Frances Rush
Richard E. Rush
1345 Ambrose Drive
1329 Ambrose Drive
1325 Ambrose Drive
1333 Darlington Drive
1304 Ambrose Drive
1304 Ambrose Drive
1305 Ambrose Drive
1305 Ambrose Drive
1309 Ambrose Drive
1309 Ambrose Drive
Mr. DeHaven stated that there had always been trouble in Sunnyside with
the small lots. He maintained that the people who built the nice houses in
the Darville Subdivision and put them on the larger lots should not have the
value of their homes decreased by these smaller lots that Mr. Kerns and Mr.
Koonce were proposing. He felt five (5) lots were adequate.
Mr.:Brumback stated that the Commission could only approve or deny this
petition as presented.
The Chairman asked Mr. Ambrogi if the Commission had the right to change
the petition before voting.
Mr. Ambrogi stated the Commission could amend the petition if everyone
could come to an agreement.
Mr. Golladay stated that he felt the Commission had a policy of acting
only on what was presented and he didn't feel they should amend this petition.
Mr. Rosenberger concurred with Mr. Golladay.
The consensus of the Commission was to act on the petition as 'presented.
Upon motion made by Manuel DeHaven and seconded by W. French Kirk,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby deny this rezoning application #002 -78.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr.;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
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(P /C 03/01/78) p 9
THE RECREATION PLAN AND THE INVENTORY OF CAPITAL FACILITIES SECTION OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
Action - Recommend Approval
Mr. Berg told the Commission this was the public hearing on the Recreation
Chapter and the Inventory of Capital Facilities section of the Comprehensive
Plan.
A discussion was held with William D. Pike, Director of the Parks and
Recreation Department, concerning the Recreation Plan.
Upon motion made by Frank Brumback and seconded by W. French Kirk,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby recommend approval to Board of Supervisors of the
Recreation Chapter and the Inventory of Capital Facilities of the Comprehensive
Plan.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr.;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE FREDERICK COUNTY CODE, Chapter 21, Sections 21- 16(w),
21- 26(y), 21- 103(k), 21- 109(3b), 21- 120(u)(v), 21- 127(z)(aa), 21 -150, 21 -151,
21 -152, 21 -153, 21 -154, 21 -155, and 21 -156, ZONING, ADOPTED November 1, 1973.
Action - Recommend ADDroval
Mr. Berg told the Commission these were the sections of the Zoning Ordinance
dealing with nonconforming uses. He explained that Sections 21- 16(w), 26(y),
103(k), 109(3b), 120(u)(v), and;127(z)(aa) were sections that were scattered
through the Ordinance dealing with the nonconforming uses, and Sections 21 -150,
-151, -152, -153, -154, -155, and -156 were the sections added dealing with
the nonconforming uses. Mr. Berg stated that the nonconforming.uses_ were being
taken out of the different zoning districts of the Ordinance and being put into
one section.
A brief discussion was held by the Commission.
Upon motion made by James Golladay, Jr., and seconded by Manuel DeHaven,
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(P /C 03/01/78) p 10
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors of this
nonconforming section of the Zoning Ordinance.
The motion passed by the following vote: Kirk; DeHaven; Golladay, Jr:;
Venskoske; Brumback; Rosenberger;
Chairman - YES
Continued discussion on the review of the proposals for residential - agricultural
development
Mr. Rosenberger stated that he thought the Commission should invite George
Whitacre, Clerk of the Circuit Court, to the meeting on March 2nd to discuss
this matter.
The consensus of the Commission was to invite Mr. Whitacre and Mr. Berg was
asked to relay the message to Mr. Whitacre.
The Chairman stated it had been brought to his attention that possibly a
member of the Planning Commission should be appointed to the Capital Facilities
Committee of the Board. He asked Mr. Rosenberger to brief the Commission on the
situation.
Mr. Rosenberger told the Commission the City of Winchester had ideas of the
scopes they would like to see considered and the County had scopes that they had
been instructed to consider. He stated he understood that the City had a member of
the Planning Commission on their committee and perhaps the County should have a
member of their Planning Commission on their committee; since the committee is tied
in with the operations of the Planning Commission in the over -all plan. Mr.
Rosenberger opined he felt it:would be appropriate to have a member on the committe
and he felt they should appoint one.
The consensus of the Commission was to appoint a member, therefore, the Chairman
opened:the floor for nominations.
Upon motion made by James Golladay, Jr., and seconded by W. French Kirk,
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(P /C 03/01/78) p 11
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby nominate C. Langdon Gordon to represent the Commission
on the Capital Facilities Committee of the Board.
Upon motion made by Elmer Venskoske and seconded by Thomas Rosenberger,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of
Frederick, Virginia does hereby nominate James Golladay, Jr. to represent the
Commission on the Capital Facilities Committee of the Board.
Upon motion made by Elmer Venskoske, and seconded by Manuel DeHaven,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby move to close the nominations.
The following vote was recorded nominating James Golladay, Jr . to represent
the Commission: Kirk - YES
Golladay, Jr. - ABSTAIN
DeHaven; Venskoske; Brumback;
Rosenberger; Chairman - YES
ournment
Upon motion made by Frank Brumback, seconded by Elmer Venskoske and
approved unanimously,
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Planning Commission for the County of Frederick,
Virginia does hereby adjourn its meeting; there being no further business.
THERE BEING NOTHING FURTHER TO COME BEFORE THE COMMISSION, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED.
Respectfully Submitted,
t J aeA
H. Ronald Berg, Secretary
�- "qJ'1Ar-
C. Langd n Gordon, Chairman
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