ZONING COMMISSION MINUTES
MARCH 15, 2017
Attendees
Theresa Spitler
Ed Spitler
Dustin Smith
Phil Whitt
Chairman Paul Shaw called the meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission to order at 7:14 p.m. For the record, he identified the date was March 15, 2017.
He introduced himself, as well as the other Commission members, that included, Stephen Lonneman, Curtis Baxter and Alternate Lewis Mindlin. Also introduced were Todd Bickley, Catawba Island Township Zoning Inspector and Board Secretary.
Mr. Shaw welcomed those in attendance. He stated the Zoning Commission appreciated their interest. He advised those in attendance that debates/talking amongst themselves would not be permitted. He asked that those in attendance sign the register. He requested that any person wishing to speak be recognized by the chairperson and identify themselves by name and address for the record. He asked that all cell phones be turned off. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Shaw suggested the following agenda for the meeting.
1) Consider application # 008767 from Quinstock Farms LLC (Quintin Smith) to rezone property in Section 3, Lot 9, at 3698 N. E. Catawba Rd., approximately 2 acres, from the A Residential Low Density District to the R-2 Residential District.
2) Consider application # 008768 from Quinstock Farms LLC (Quintin Smith) to rezone property in Section 3, Lot 9, at 3691 N. E. Catawba Rd., approximately 3.3 acres, from the A Residential Low Density District to the R-4 Residential District.
3) The reading and approval of our last meeting minutes from January 4, 2017 meeting.
4) Any old business.
5) Any new business.
Mr. Shaw asked if there were any additions or changes to the proposed agenda. There were none. Stephen Lonneman made a motion to approve the proposed agenda for the meeting. Lewis Mindlin seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Agenda Item 1 – Mr. Shaw asked for a motion to consider application #008767 from Quinstock Farms, LLC (Quinton Smith) to rezone property in Section 3, Lot 9 at 3698 Northeast Catawba Road, approximately two (2) acres, from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-2” Residential District. Steve Lonneman so moved. The motion was seconded by Lewis Mindlin. Motion passed.
Mr. Shaw requested if any board member had a personal or professional conflict concerning the case. No board members had a conflict.
Mr. Shaw forego reading the property legal description. Mr. Bickley indicated that he had not received any correspondence. Steve Lonnenman read the letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. At this time Dustin Smith, representing Quinstock Farms, LLC, explained that the Frye house across the street is intended to be relocated to the two (2) acre parcel to be rezoned. Todd Bickley explained that the applicant proposes to create a lot split from the two (2) acres and place the house on the proposed lot. Because of lot width requirements, the lot cannot be split and meet the “A” requirements. A variance could be requested, but it should be only after all other alternatives are used. A lot split is required because two (2) homes are not allowed on one (1) lot. If the rezoning request is approved, the applicant can split the lot and then relocated the home to the new lot.
Phil Whitt questioned the location of the relocated home. Mr. Bickley noted that the existing home is on the south end of the two (2) acre lot and the relocated home would be situated on the north side.
Theresa Spitler questioned if the lot is created but then the house is not relocated, can the applicant sell the lot. Mr. Bickley indicated that once the lot split is approved by the County, the lot can be sold. Mrs. Spitler questioned the uses permitted in the “R-2” District. The Board reviewed the uses and noted that “R-2” is a single family residential district.
Curt Baxter questioned if the split parcel and not the entire two (2) acre parcel of land is to be rezoned to the “R-2” District. Mr. Bickley noted that entire two (2) acre parcel has been requested to be rezoned to the “R-2” District.
Mr. Shaw closed the meeting to further discussion.
Steve Lonneman made a motion to recommend approval of application #008767 from Quinstock Farms, LLC to rezone property in Section 3, Lot 9 at 3698 Northeast Catawba Road, approximately two (2) acres, from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-2” District. The motion was seconded by Curtis Baxter. Motion passed.
Mr. Shaw noted that application #008767 will be recommended for approval to the Catawba Island Township Trustees for their consideration, which is scheduled to be heard 7:30 P.M., April 11, 2017.
Agenda Item 2 – Mr. Shaw asked for a motion to consider application #008768 from Quinstock Farms, LLC (Quinton Smith) to rezone property in Section 3, Lot 9 at 3691 Northeast Catawba Road, approximately 3.3 acres, from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-4” Residential District. Lewis Midlin so moved. His motion was seconded by Stephen Lonneman. Motion passed.
Mr. Shaw questioned if any board member had a personal or professional conflict concerning the case. No board member had a conflict. Mr. Shaw questioned Todd Bickley if he had received any correspondence. Mr. Bickley commented that he had met with Theresa Spitler to review the case and identify the area requested to be rezoned to the “R-4’ District.
Steve Lonneman read the letter from the Ottawa Regional Planning Commission. Mr. Bickley explained that the land use plan recommendation was for medium density residential uses, which is defined as two (2) to four (4) units per acre. Single family house lots in the “R-4” District meet the four (4) units per acre requirement; however, the “R-4” density requirements for multiple family developments is seven (7) units to the acre.
Mr. Smith commented that two (2) lakefront lots are proposed to be created for Quinton Smith and Michael Bassett. Two (2) new homes will be built.
Mrs. Spitler questioned what constitutes the zones. Mr. Bickley explained that the applicant determines which zone he or she would like to rezone to. Theresa questioned if condo’s are permitted. Mr. Lonneman noted that multiple family/condominiums are a permitted use.
Mrs. Spitler expressed concerned with property values and if condominiums are developed. She wanted protection of her property. Mr. Baxter noted that once rezoned to the “R-4” District, it will not be taken back to the “A” District. Mr. Baxter indicated that he was not necessarily against the request, but he preferred that additional detail be provided by the applicant. Mrs. Spitler questioned if more detail was provided, could the board determine if the “R-2” District would work. Mr. Baxter noted that it could be figured out. Mr. Bickley also noted that the adjacent property to the south is zoned “C-3”, which would allow for multiple family/condominium developments.
Mr. Smith indicated that the “R-4” District was chosen because of lot size and setback requirements. Mr. Shaw reviewed the residential districts size and setback requirements. Mr. Bickley noted that with the recently approved text amendments, the “R-4” side yard setback requirement for single family dwellings was changed from thirty-five (35) feet to ten (10) feet for lots greater than 120 feet in lot width. Mr. Shaw noted that requirements for single family house lots are the same for the “R-4” and “R-3” Districts.
Mr. Smith called Quinton Smith who indicated that he would be OK with an “R-3” District.
Mr. Baxter commented that with an “R-3” zoning district, the condominium possibility would be eliminated.
Mr. Shaw closed discussion.
Steve Lonneman made a motion to amend application #008768 submitted by Quinstock Farms, LLC to rezone property located in Section 3, Lot 9 at 3691 Northeast Catawba Road, approximately 3.3 acres, from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-4” District and approve a modification from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-3” District. The motion was seconded by Curtis Baxter. Motion passed.
Mr. Shaw noted that the recommendation submitted to the Catawba Island Township Trustees for application #008768 will be a modification of the application from the “A” Low Density Residential District to the “R-3” Residential District. The trustees hearing will be scheduled for April 11, 2017 at 7:30 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
Mr. Shaw requested a motion to approve the minutes of the January 4, 2017 meeting as mailed. Steve Lonneman moved for their approval. Lewis Mindlin seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Old Business
No old business to conduct.
New Business
The PUD process and checklist was reviewed by the board. The board requested that the checklist be provided to the applicant. Mr. Bickley will contact Mr. Lenny Partin and provide him the checklist.
Mr. Shaw indicated that the next meeting of the Catawba Island Township Zoning Commission is 7:00 P.M., March 22, 2017.
Adjournment
Steve Lonneman moved to adjourn the meeting. His motion was seconded by Lewis Mindlin. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Bickley
Secretary