Special Planning Commission Meeting 2/21/17 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING

Town Hall Meeting Room

AGENDA

Tuesday February 21, 2017, 7:00P.M.

1. Call to Order

2. Additions

3. Discuss Town Plan

4. Community Survey

5. Review Correspondence

6.   Adjourn

Planning Commission Meeting 1/10/17 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING AGENDA

Town Hall Meeting Room

Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 7:00PM

1. Call to Order

2. Additions to the Agenda for any additional business this meeting

3. Review and approve minutes

4. Finalize Community Survey

5. Review MPG Grant

6. Other Outreach Efforts for Town Plan

7. Approve a budget to submit to the Selectboard

8. Review Correspondence

9. Adjourn

Joint Meeting of the Planning Commission and Selectboard 12/13/16 Unapproved Minutes

TOWN OF PEACHAM

SELECTBOARD AND PLANNING COMMISSION JOINT MEETING MINUTES

Peacham Library

Tuesday December 13th, 2016 6:30PM

Present:

Selectboard: Annette Lorraine

Planning Commission: Geoff Sewake, Marilyn Magnus, Rene Joly, Melissa Laurita Kohl

Clerk to the Board: Melissa Laurita Kohl

Public: Clay Purvis, Mike Bruton, Brian Barney, Jock Gill, Rose Nunn, Samantha Gaertner, Larry Jensen, Rick Scholes, and 20 others.

The Selectboard would like to thank Mike Heath and Kingdom Crust Co for the generous donation of pizza for this meeting.

The meeting was called to order by Selectboard Chair Annette Lorraine at 7:17 PM.

1. Additions
1. There are no additions to the agenda.

2. Annette introduced Geoff Sewake, Chair of the Planning Commission. He let everyone know that his mantra is outreach and feedback from the community during this town plan process. His plan is to not incorporate personal bias but to represent the community. Broadband is one of those issues that the Planning Commission would like feedback on.
3. Annette introduced Clay Purvis, the Connectivity Development Manager for the State of Vermont.
4. Clay passed out a handout to the audience with information about Peacham’s current state of broadband access. Clay spoke at length about the ins and outs of broadband service and the State of Vermont and he fielded questions from the audience. Highlights are below.
5. Clay said that the State did some mapping of Peacham and there are 557 locations in Peacham that are listed in the database - 163 locations have access to 25 down, 3 up, which is the federal standard for broadband. 154 have something between 4 down 1 up and 25 down 3 up. 240 addresses have something less than 4 down 1 upl.
6. There are a couple of projects going on that will impact Peacham. VTEL WOW project is a thoroughly funded wireless project. They are deploying statewide 4ge territory. He brought a VTEL wireless router and there was 2 down 3 up here in the library. They were planning on building a tower in Cabot but had to move it. If they do that there should be service coming into the western part of Peacham.
7. Second major project is the Connect America Fund - the largest statewide investment in broadband to date - 50 mill over 6 years given to fairpoint. A program run through the Universal Service Fund. Expected to bring 10 down 1 up to 24,000 addressses statewide - they also have a designated territory - in Peacham that includes 330 addresses including mostly the 240 under 4/1 and mostly avoiding where cable is available. But there are 33,000 addresses that need it within their territory so will not do all of it. What we have been encouraging towns to do is to speak with fairpoint, let them know that you are interested and see if they will do a project here. If not, they provide a statewide grant program to support additional projects. The other solution for north on Bayley Hazen would be the extension of cable - if you request video service, they will extend it (legally have to it) but there is a fee and tariff and it’s based on the number of addresses. About $30,000 a mile and the tariff determines how that’s born between addresses and service provider. Did a project on Oneida Rd in Danville that was 11 addressses - cost about $24,000 - partially funded by addresses - $100 per person - and then was grant awarded though that program is not available anymore.
8. They do fund - they do not expect any match from the recipient. The cost is born by state and service provider. There are two Fairpoint companies in Vermont - he explained difference.
9. For Peacham, it seems like the best route is to talk with providers and Clay would be happy to set that up with the Planning Commission or Selectboard to see what projects are available.
10. If the town has the ability to raise or commit any money, the provider then comes to seek a grant from the community initiative it makes it much more attractive for the grant.
11. Brian said that he is a manager for Fairpoint but is speaking as a citizen of Peacham right now. Currently under caf 2 we are building on the backside of Peacham Pond and Martins pOnd sites - Peacham Pond in the next couple of months, Martin Pond by June-ish. On drawing borde for future - two sites being debated. We have hit 2 yerar milestone in first year so looking more for capital funding from Fairpoint itself. If successful would be looking at far end of Bayley Hazen Rd or Thaddeus Stevens Rd. Would have at least 25 up 3 down most likely.
12. Annette thanked Clay for his time.

Geoff moves to adjourn at 8:40pm. Melissa seconds. So moved.

Joint Selectboard and Planning Commission Meeting 12/13/16

TOWN OF PEACHAM 

SELECTBOARD & PLANNING COMMISSION 

JOINT MEETING 

AGENDA 

Peacham Library 

Tuesday, December 13th, 2016 7:00 PM 

1. Call to Order
2. Additions to the Agenda
3. Clay Purvis, the Connectivity Development Manager with the State of Vermont, will discuss the resources and opportunities that are available for expanding broadband and cell service throughout Peacham, and increasing speed and quality.
4. Adjourn

Planning Commission Meeting 9/13/16 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING AGENDA

Town Hall Meeting Room 7:00PM

Tuesday, September 13th, 2016

1. Call to Order
2. Additions to the Agenda for any additional business this meeting
3. Final Zoning Regulations Review before submitting to Selectboard
4. Discuss Zoning Regulations Report for Selectboard
5. Review Correspondence
6. Adjourn

Planning Commission Regular Meeting Date Change

The Planning Commission has moved its regular meeting to the second Tuesday of the month at 7PM in the town hall meeting room. The next meeting is on Tuesday 9/13/16.

Planning Commission Meeting 8/16/16 Unapproved Minutes

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

August 16, 2016

UNAPPROVED

Present:

Planning Commission: Chair of the Board Geoff Sewake, Rene Joly, Nick Commerci, Marilyn Magnus, Melissa Laurita Kohl

Clerk to the Commission: Melissa Laurita Kohl

Public: John Reiss, Mike Bruton, Zoning Administrator Bob Hansen

Chair of the Board Geoff Sewake called to order at 7:10PM

1.       Melissa moves to change the Planning Commission regular meeting time to the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room. Nick seconds. All in favor. So moved.

2.       Approval of minutes

a.       Nick moves to approve the minutes of 6/30/16 and 7/5/16 as amended (two name spellings). Marilyn seconds. All in favor. So moved.

3.       Discuss Town Plan – Rene moves to have Geoff and Melissa apply for the municipal planning grant for the town plan from NVDA. Marilyn seconds. All in favor. So moved.

4.       The Planning Commission discussed the bylaws draft and the proposed changes presented by Rick and other community members. A final draft will be presented at the September regular meeting.

Marilyn moves to adjourn at 9:05. Nick seconds. All in favor. So moved.

Planning Commission Meeting 8/16/16 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING

Town Hall Meeting Room

AGENDA

Tuesday August 16, 2016, 7:00P.M.

1. Call to Order

2. Additions

3. Discuss Town Plan – when it expires and consequences of letting it expire
4. Reviewing potential changes to bylaws based on public feedback from hearing

5. Review Correspondence

6. Adjourn

Planning Commission Meeting 8/2/16 Cancelled

Due to low member availability the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting will be moved to the third Tuesday of the month.

Planning Commission Bylaws Hearing 6/30/16 Unapproved Minutes

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

BYLAWS HEARING

Thursday June 30, 2016

Minutes

UNAPPROVED

Present:

Planning Commission: Melissa Laurita Kohl, Geoff Sewake, Rene Jolly, Marilyn Magnus

Clerk to the Board: Melissa Laurita Kohl

Public: Alison Low from NVDA, Mike Bruton, John Reiss, Joel Wright, Rick Scholes, Annette Lorraine, Tim McKay

The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board Geoff Sewake at 7:01PM.

1. Geoff reviewed the “Major Changes” document prepared by the Planning Commission detailing the significant suggested changes to the bylaws.
2. Geoff told the public that each person had five minutes to speak and he encouraged each person present to give input.
3. Rick presented an edited copy of the bylaws, edited for punctuation, tense, and content. He highlighted his major concerns:
   1. The definition is farming is very inclusive and farming is protected by the State. Rick is concerned by the fact that people would be able to take advantage of and abuse this language.
   2. Accessory Dwelling Units are listed in both the permited and conditional uses.
   3. Allowable Uses are not defined and listed.
   4. The combined definitions from flood hazard regulations and the bylaws are clumsy and need some work.
   5. The Planning Commission suggested that sheds under 100 square feet not be subject to a permit. Rick said that currently structures 24 square feet or larger affect the appraisals of properties and permits are the only way that the listers find out about these properties.
   6. Different words are used to describe the same thing or same role and should be changed to one word for consistency (examples include “Zoning Administrator” and “Zoning Regulations”).
   7. There are too many definitions – not all of the words are used in the document.
4. John Reiss said:
   1. that under RD and VD schools are listed as permitted uses but he would like to see them moved back to conditional uses as they can really effect the character of a neighborhood.
   2. Subdivision should not require a formal survey for a conditional use review as it is a financial hardship and a permit is not guaranteed.
   3. John is wondering if the 30 feet maximum height is too restrictive. He suggested up to 60 feet, but as a compromise, maybe 40 feet.
5. Joel Wright:
   1. Lives in VD and is concerned about the reduction of lot size requirements from 1 acre to ½ acre. He does not want the character of the historic village to change as that is why he moved to Peacham. Alison said that most of the village is also in the Agricultural Overlay, which has a 2 acre minimum that supercedes the VD zone guidelines.
6. Annette Lorraine
   1. Annette wanted to know how Shoreland 1 and 2 were determined. She is concerned because despite the State Shoreland Act and the restrictions in the bylaws, multiple neighbors are disregarding the bylaws and the State Shoreland Act. There is no significant enforcement and other residents on the pond are upset to see it happen.
7. Bob Hansen would like to see a penalty clause for building before getting a permanent as this is something that happens somewhat regularly. He thinks a higher fee for the permit would be appropriate.

Marilyn moves to adjourn at 8:10PM. Rene seconds. So moved.

Planning Commission Meeting 7/5/16 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING

Town Hall Meeting Room

AGENDA

Tuesday July 5, 2016, 7:00P.M.

1.            Call to Order

2.            Additions

3.            Discuss Bylaws Hearing and Suggestions from Public

4.            Discuss Town Plan

5.            Review Correspondence

6.            Adjourn

Significant Changes to the Proposed Bylaws

The Bylaws are quite long. In order to highlight the major changes in the bylaws, the Planning Selection has created a cheat sheet:

Major Changes document available at the Town Clerk's Office or at Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/MajorChangesBylaws2016
Bylaws available at the Town Clerk's Office or at Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/Draft.Bylaws.CLEAN.11.29.16






INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOWNLOADING DOCUMENTS FROM ARCHIVE.ORG:
Follow the provided link.

There is a "Download Options" box on the right hand side of the page. Within that box, there is a "PDF" or "DOC" link. Click on the link to download the file.
 
If you have any questions, please email Melissa at: peachamkohl@gmail.com

Reminder: Bylaws Hearing 6/30/16

Town of Peacham

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given to the residents of the Town of Peacham that the Peacham Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Peacham Town Clerk’s Office on Thursday, June 30^th, at 7:00. This hearing will be held for public review and comment on the proposed revisions to Peacham’s Zoning Bylaw pursuant to Title 24 VSA, Chapter 117, the statute that regulates planning and zoning. If and when it is adopted, the proposed revised Zoning Bylaw will affect all lands within the Town of Peacham.

The proposed bylaw revisions support theTown Plan’s stated needs: “To provide for higher density and more affordable housing opportunities through higher densities in village zones, the need to encourage creative design and mixed use plans in the village district (particularly Peacham Corner)…” and “to encourage a more simplified or ‘user-friendly’ zoning and planning process.” The proposed revision proposes changes to the zoning districts include additional lands to the Village District. No new districts were created.

Other technical changes to the bylaw involve clarification on state jurisdictions, such as the Shoreland Development Act, which took effect in 2014, as well as changes to land use definitions and other provisions in order to eliminate conflict with FEMA requirements in the flood hazard regulations. Other changes include provisions to home occupations and signage, as well as the review process for boundary line adjustments.

Article 1: Enactment, Purpose

Article 2: Zoning Districts and Zoning Map

Article 3: Zoning Districts

Article 4: General Provisions

Article 5: Flood Hazard Regulation

Article 6: Non-Conforming Uses and Structures

Article 7: Conditional Use

Article 8: Planned Residential Development

Article 9: Administration and Enforcement

Article 10: Amendments, Interpretation, Effective Date

Article 11: Definitions

Copies of the proposed bylaw may be viewed at the Peacham Town Clerk’s Office, as well as online at http://www.nvda.net/towns.php?town=9.  Dated in Peacham, Vermont, June 13, 2016.

 

The Peacham Planning Commission

Proposed Zoning Bylaws 2016

Minutes available at the Town Clerk's Office or at Archive.org: https://archive.org/details/Draft.Bylaws.CLEAN.11.29.16

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DOWNLOADING DOCUMENTS FROM ARCHIVE.ORG:
Follow the provided link.

There is a "Download Options" box on the right hand side of the page. Within that box, there is a "PDF" or "DOC" link. Click on the link to download the file.
 
If you have any questions, please email Melissa at: peachamkohl@gmail.com

Planning Commission Reporting Form for Municipal Bylaw Amendments

Planning Commission Reporting Form

for Municipal Bylaw Amendments

 

This report is in accordance with 24 V.S.A. §4441(c) which states:

 

“When considering an amendment to a bylaw, the planning commission shall prepare and approve a written report on the proposal. A single report may be prepared so as to satisfy the requirements of this subsection concerning bylaw amendments and subsection 4384(c) of this title concerning plan amendments.…. The report shall provide(:)

 

(A) brief explanation of the proposed bylaw, amendment, or repeal and ….include a statement of purpose as required for notice under §4444 of this title,

 

 

 

(A)nd shall include findings regarding how the proposal:

 

1. Conforms with or furthers the goals and policies contained in the municipal plan, including the effect of the proposal on the availability of safe and affordable housing:

The proposed revision involves changes to the boundaries of the Village District, and some land has been added. Minimum lot size has been reduced to .5 acre. No new districts were created.

Other technical changes to the bylaw involve clarification on state jurisdictions, such as the Shoreland Development Act, which took effect in 2014, as well as changes to land use definitions and other provisions in order to eliminate conflict with FEMA requirements in the flood hazard regulations. Other changes include provisions to home occupations and signage, as well as the review process for boundary line adjustments.

 

2. Is compatible with the proposed future land uses and densities of the municipal plan:

The proposed bylaw revisions support the Town Plan’s stated needs: “To provide for higher density and more affordable housing opportunities through higher densities in village zones, the need to encourage creative design and mixed use plans in the village district (particularly Peacham Corner)…” and “to encourage a more simplified or ‘user-friendly’ zoning and planning process.”

 

 

3. Carries out, as applicable, any specific proposals for any planned community facilities.”

There is no plan for a community facility, nor do we anticipate that the proposed zoning change will create such a need. Lands to be developed in the Village District will still need to meet the requirements of the state regulations for onsite septic systems, and the town has no intention to build a municipal wastewater system.

 

 

Please Note:

 

• The planning commission shall hold at least one public hearing within the municipality after public notice on any proposed bylaw, amendment or repeal and;
   
• At least 15 days prior to the first hearing, a copy of the proposed plan or amendment and the written report shall be delivered with proof of the receipt, or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, to each of the following:
   

1. the chairperson of the planning commission of each abutting municipality, or in the absence of any planning commission in an abutting municipality, to the clerk of that abutting municipality;
2. the executive director of the regional planning commission of the area in which the municipality is located;
3. the Department of Economic, Housing and Community Development within the Agency of Commerce and Community Development.
    

• The planning commission may make revisions to the proposed bylaw, amendment, or repeal and to the written report, and shall then submit the proposed bylaw, amendment or repeal and the written report to the legislative body of the municipality.  If requested by the legislative body or supported by petition the planning commission shall promptly submit the amendment with changes only to correct technical deficiencies, together with any recommendations.
   
• Simultaneously, with the submission, the planning commission shall file with the clerk of the municipality a copy of the proposed bylaw, amendment, or repeal, and the written report for public review.
   

Planning Commission Zoning Bylaw Hearing 6/30/16 Notice

Town of Peacham

Notice of Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given to the residents of the Town of Peacham that the Peacham Planning Commission will hold a public hearing in the Peacham Town Clerk’s Office on Thursday, June 30^th, at 7:00. This hearing will be held for public review and comment on the proposed revisions to Peacham’s Zoning Bylaw pursuant to Title 24 VSA, Chapter 117, the statute that regulates planning and zoning. If and when it is adopted, the proposed revised Zoning Bylaw will affect all lands within the Town of Peacham.

The proposed bylaw revisions support theTown Plan’s stated needs: “To provide for higher density and more affordable housing opportunities through higher densities in village zones, the need to encourage creative design and mixed use plans in the village district (particularly Peacham Corner)…” and “to encourage a more simplified or ‘user-friendly’ zoning and planning process.” The proposed revision proposes changes to the zoning districts include additional lands to the Village District. No new districts were created.

Other technical changes to the bylaw involve clarification on state jurisdictions, such as the Shoreland Development Act, which took effect in 2014, as well as changes to land use definitions and other provisions in order to eliminate conflict with FEMA requirements in the flood hazard regulations. Other changes include provisions to home occupations and signage, as well as the review process for boundary line adjustments.

Article 1: Enactment, Purpose

Article 2: Zoning Districts and Zoning Map

Article 3: Zoning Districts

Article 4: General Provisions

Article 5: Flood Hazard Regulation

Article 6: Non-Conforming Uses and Structures

Article 7: Conditional Use

Article 8: Planned Residential Development

Article 9: Administration and Enforcement

Article 10: Amendments, Interpretation, Effective Date

Article 11: Definitions

Copies of the proposed bylaw may be viewed at the Peacham Town Clerk’s Office, as well as online at http://www.nvda.net/towns.php?town=9.  Dated in Peacham, Vermont, June 13, 2016.

 

The Peacham Planning Commission

Planning Commission Meeting 5/3 is cancelled

The regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday May 3rd is cancelled. There will be a hearing on the proposed bylaws later in the month. Stay tuned!

Planning Commission Minutes 4/5/16 Unapproved

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

April 5, 2016 7:00P.M.

UNAPPROVED

Present:

Planning Commission: Geoff Sewake, Rene Joly, Marilyn Magnus, Nick Comerci, Melissa Laurita Kohl

Clerk: Melissa Laurita Kohl

Public: Mike Bruton

The meeting was called to order by Chair of the Board Geoff Sewake at 7:06pm.

1. Additions
1. Recommending a Zoning Administrator to the Selectboard
2. Minutes
1. Rene moves to approve the minutes of February 2, 2016 as amended (corrected the spelling of a last name). Geoff seconds. So moved.
2. Rene moves to approve the minutes of March 7, 2016. Geoff seconds. So moved.
3. Preparing for Bylaws Hearing and Setting on a Date
1. Melissa reviewed the process for hearings and approval of the new bylaws.
2. Copies of the bylaws have to be mailed to Planning Commission chairs of Adjacent Towns:
1. Cabot
2. Marshfield
3. Groton
4. Ryegate
5. Barnet
6. Danville
7. Parks Department? Ask Alison who we should send it to (Geoff said we share a border with them).
3. Rene moves to appoint Melissa to reach out to Alison for a hearing date and follow through with notice as appropriate. Nick seconds. So moved.
4. Outreach
1. Rene suggested Melissa use Google forms to collect comments on the bylaws.
4. Melissa moves to recommend Bob Hansen as Zoning Administrator to the Selectboard. Nick seconds. So moved.
5. Correspondence
1. The Planning Commission reviewed correspondence.

Melissa moves to adjourn at 8:11pm. Nick seconds. So moved.

Planning Commission Meeting 4/5/16 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

SPECIAL MEETING

Town Hall Meeting Room

AGENDA

Tuesday April 5, 2016, 7:00P.M.

1. Call to Order

2. Additions
   
   
3. Preparing for Bylaws Hearing and Setting a Date

4. Discussing Outreach for Bylaws Hearing

5. Review Correspondence

6. Adjourn

Planning Commission Special Meeting 3/7/16 Agenda

TOWN OF PEACHAM

PLANNING COMMISSION

NOTICE

SPECIAL MEETING
(NON-REGULAR)

Monday, March 7th, 2016 at 7:00P.M.



Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Additions

3. Discussion of Town Meeting

4. Bylaw Revisions

5. Review Correspondence

6. Adjourn