http://www.meggettsc.com/plancomminsmay5.htm
Planning Commission Meeting
7:00 PM May 5, 2005
Megget Town Hall
Chairman Bill Krucke called the Planning Commission Meeting to order at 7:00pm. Mayor Coffin led the group in prayer and afterwards the pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners who were in Attendance were the following: Bill Krucke, Andy Anderson, and Ed Amerman. Andrea Pietras represented Charleston County. Also in attendance were Mayor Grange Coffin and Mayor Pro-tem Reeves Bair and Josh Garvin. Mayor Coffin introduced Keith McCarty as new Town Council member to the committee.
Chairman Krucke briefly talked about the previous meeting on April 28 and the comments from the residents who attended. Their concerns focused on land being able to be divided at higher densities than what was being proposed by the committee. Being able to sell a small parcel of land to provide income for hardships was a main concern the residents had expressed. Chairman Krucke went on to say that perhaps the discussion of development standards might be a way to aid in the concerns that were presented by the residents.
Planned Development Zoning
Charleston County representative Andrea Pietras introduced what is called Planned Development Zoning, which could be another zoning option. She handed out documentation of State Law 6-29-740 which outlined information about Planned Development Zoning. Basically the law stated that local government might adopt an amendment to an existing local zoning plan to achieve flexibility in the development. The landowner or developer would write his or her own proposed zoning including a site plan of the area with lot divisions, road layout, community buildings, and green areas. This plan would be presented to a committee to be reviewed and returned with conditions to be negotiated before acceptance. The remaining area, not related to the parcel presented, would remain with the existing zoning standards that originally applied to that area. This plan would help with the development of subdivisions more in accordance with the Meggett Comprehensive Plan. A planned development would still have to meet certain criteria that the committee would require. Andrea also discussed that fees charged to the landowner for the submittal of an area that is zoned through planned development can be higher in cost than development where an area is just rezoned.
A homeowners association is to maintain roads when subdivisions are designed by the planned development method. Concerns that were expressed regarding homeowners associations were, that in the past, the associations did not maintain the roads as intended and came back to the town expecting maintenance. Areas with ten lots or less require no road standards. Andrea said that she would talk with the County’s Engineer and get him to come and discuss the pro and cons of road maintence issues. Chairman Krucke suggested approval of a Planned Development amendment to the basic zoning regulation. It could also be beneficial for the subdividing of land for family purposes. All three council members present agreed.
Heritage Overlay zoning
Charleston County Representative Andrea Pietras presented literature of laws pertaining to Heritage Overlay Zoning. The landowner would need to apply and also present a site plan to Town Council. This method offers a range in certain areas for zoning. The Heritage Overlay Zone would be a floating zone. Setbacks and certain lot criteria would have to be approved. Andrea also said the Heritage Overlay Zone could have special criteria for waterfront lot standards as well. Chairman Krucke said that the Planning Commission had decided that waterfront zoning requirements would have its own zoning criteria. Andrea advised that base zoning would need to be determined before Heritage or waterfront zoning could be designated.
Commission Co-chairman Anderson asked to have Heritage Zone explained. A Heritage Floating Zone is described as a parcel where the zoning request will be described in text of a zoning ordinance but is unmapped. The property owner may petition for the zone to be applied to a particular parcel meeting the minimum zoning requirements through legislative action. Requirements, standards and setback are still applied to the parcel and should be used for single-family residence. It was agreed by the Planning Commission to have a Heritage Overlay as part of their zoning.
The Commission also decided Waterfront Property Standards will be a separate zone criteria.
Waterfront development standards
Land along coastal rivers is far more valuable than interior lots so it has been decided to provide separate zoning restriction for these areas. Commissioners decided that there would be no buffer zones required in these areas. The minimum lot requirement for waterfront lots was decided to be a minimum of 1 acre with one residence. The density for lots that are long and narrow was brought up for discussion. The minimum lot width was set at 150 feet. Andrea stated that the distance of 1000’ from the coastal council critical line determines what a waterfront lot is. Beyond the 1000 feet the zoning would go back to the established zoning for that area. Andrea also reminded the commission that the height restriction is 35’ from base flood elevation. There was further discussion regarding density issues for waterfront lots that are long and narrow and having more than an acre. How will density apply to these areas? The basic zone density would apply to these areas. Other facts for waterfront property are that most of the parcels at present may not have access roads. Ingress and Egress easements would need to be acquired in the division of waterfront property. The discussion of waterfront zoning will continue at the next meeting scheduled for May 12, 2005 at 7:00pm
A motion was to adjourn was made by Andy Anderson and seconded by Ed Amerman
Meeting ended at 8:35pm
Respectfully submitted by Gail Seabrook, acting Meggett Town Clerk