BARTON HILLS VILLAGE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
January 19, 2012
The regular meeting of the BHV Planning Commission was called to order by Chair Laura Weingartner at 7:34 PM at the Village Hall.
ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Curtner, CMacKrell, JMacKrell, Wallace, Weingartner and Zoldan. Absent: Commissioner Richards. Others present: ZPA Perry, BHV Trustee Forrest Butterwick and BHMC Director Chuck Bultman.
PUBLIC COMMENT Accepted throughout the meeting.
MINUTES The minutes of the December 1, 2011 meeting were approved as printed. (Wallace/Zoldan/P unanimously)
COMMUNICATIONS/ANNOUNCEMENTS Commissioners Richards and Wallace were reappointed to three-year terms and CMacKrell reappointed to a one-year term by the BHV President. The following officers for 2012 were elected: Chair Laura Weingartner, Vice Chair Andre Zoldan and Secretary John MacKrell. (Wallace/JMacKrell/P unanimously)
REPORTS A summary of the CarlisleWortman invoices to date was presented.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Zoning Ordinance The draft dated 1/16/12 was discussed. Comments included:
1) Section 1.03(C) was added to exempt Barton Hills Village from the provisions of the ordinance based on the concept of not requiring the Village to go to its own body for approval. This is a legally acceptable action that is not unusual. Citizens can voice concerns to the Board of Trustees if they think the Village is doing anything objectionable. Curtner arrived
2) Definitions—building height. The definition was simplified as agreed upon at the last meeting (Table 4.08 needs to be changed from 35’ to 40’ maximum height). The word “or” will be changed to “and” [“The vertical distance as measured from any point of the existing grade at an existing and proposed structure…”] In Section 5.03(B)(1) the word “parapet” will be removed from the list of exceptions. CMacKrell arrived.
3) Definitions—family day care home. Since this term is only referenced in Section 13.06-A (parking) it will be deleted from the definitions.
4) Definitions—lot, lot lines etc. This question will be raised with Mr. Carlisle as to the best way to state the desire that one line on a lot be designated as the front lot line (usually facing the street, but perhaps open to the choice of the owner) and everything
Approved 3/22/12 BHV PC 1/19/12 P. 2
else be defined as side lot lines. The implications of this method with regard to lot width, set backs, accessory buildings and allowable structures need to be discussed.
5) Definitions—nonconforming building. The phrase “or portion thereof” needs to be examined in reference to later sections.
6) Definitions—places of assembly and places of worship. The need for these terms was questioned. Support for leaving them in was based on providing the authority to regulate which does not exist if there is no mention of the specific items. The Village can regulate but not discriminate against places of worship according to federal law. Section 7.04 will be reviewed with Mr. Carlisle—perhaps the standards can be tighter.
7) Definitions—principal building. The definition “building, principal” will be changed to “principal building” (with no change in the content of the definition) so it will match the definitions of accessory building/structure/use [“…supplemental or subordinate to the principal building…”]
8) Definitions—retaining wall. A definition will be created with consideration of minimums.
9) Definitions—signs. Regulation of signs is being addressed in a separate BHV ordinance now before the Board of Trustees rather than in the zoning ordinance.
10) Definitions—story. The word “mezzanine” will be deleted.
11) Definitions—structure. Use of this term in other sections will be reviewed before deciding if the definition is too broad.
12) Definitions. Dwelling unit, nonconforming lots and temporary use/structure were discussed but not changed.
Question: Why do residents have to go through the zoning process for something like a new roof or windows? Doesn’t this create a barrier for those wanting to improve their property without making significant changes? Some responses: BHV should be aware of/signed off of anything (external) that requires a building or other permit. Sometimes things that seem simple have unexpected consequences (i.e. adding another layer of roof shingles may increase the weight of the roof too much). Contractors should be responsible for much of the review/permit process. It can be a time issue but BHV/BHMC make their best efforts to be efficient and the time element is present in any jurisdictional review process. The Village could contract with Ann Arbor Township to do zoning review as well as permits/inspections.
NEW BUSINESS Amendment of the Bylaws to eliminate the meeting time requirements (section 6.4) was suggested. A workshop meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 7:00 PM at the Village Hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 PM. (Zoldan/Wallace/P unanimously)
Janice K. Esch, Assistant Secretary