FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Zoning Workshop

June 30, 2005

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present were Supervisors Naomi Decker, Larry Lambert, John Shambaugh and Don Lerew. Also present were Dominick Picarelli from KPI, Christina Fackler from Planning Principles, and Secretary Nancy Zentmeyer. Visitors included Wayne Kober, Rodney Decker, Patrick Hephner, Cynthia Jones, and Bob Eichelberger along with Planning Commission members Ed Campbell, John Holder, and Leroy Darr.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

Ms. Fackler noted that the Conservation District would be discussed tonight and that a revised Zoning Map has been prepared and will be presented tonight. It was noted that the map would be discussed first. The section above Sherwood Forest has been eliminated. The Township could go with the first map which would be the official map or 2 maps with the other map showing 15%+ or greater of steep slopes and floodplains or just the districts. It was noted that the first map showing the districts. At the next meeting there will be copies of the final draft of the zoning map for review. It was stated that this is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and that no properties are split. There was discussion on the well head protection and a request from Dillsburg Authority. A study of the well head protection area should be done or if a study has been done, with the wells located in the Township, a copy should be forwarded to KPI with references to the mountain area.

Ms. Fackler noted that information had been received from the York County Planning Commission showing the Conservation District from four other Townships. These examples deal with acreage and three of the ordinances deal with approaches. It was noted that there are different uses in these Townships such as showing value system and how protective of open space/agricultural land.

Recreation on private property was discussed with such uses as camping areas.

In reference to the memorandum received June 9, 2005 from the Planning & Zoning Committee the following was noted:

1. It states according to the Comprehensive Plan that Conservation - the philosophy is to preserve our remaining undeveloped space as envisioned by the Regional Comprehensive Plan by placing virtually all new development within the designated growth area and not in the rural landscape. Under permitted uses in the Conservation district, B4 – Public utilities structures, the Committee expresses concern with the construction of utilities that do not serve the Township, such as cable, telephone etc. Does not want to see residents having to put up with impacts of these utilities for other municipalities without serving the Township. There was also discussion on B5 – Public services office uses. It is noted in the June 9, 2005 memorandum that these uses should be moved to the Mixed Uses district.

2. It was noted that in every district you have to allow for certain mixed uses as stated in the MPC, you cannot not permit them.

3. In the Conservation district there needs to be a preservation of open space. As stated in the Comprehensive Plan 80% should be residential. There was discussion on the varies types of garages to be permitted. Again it was stated that the Township needs to preserve the rural character. It was noted that maybe "Conservation" is the wrong term being used for this district. Use and design criteria can apply to limit the size and height of buildings.

Ms. Fackler stated that once what was mostly farm land is now residential, but this Township is not a higher density area like Dillsburg or Carroll Township.

It was noted that the Comprehensive Plan is only a guideline.

Mr. Eichelberger indicated that there should be preservation of farm land, open space and no suburban sprawl.

It was suggested to change the district from "Conservation" to "Low Density/Agricultural or Open Space".

The following are other issues discussed:

floodplain overlay

steep slope issue

continuous green space

concept of all new development within 200’ of low volume roads

driveways – one access to various homes

high volume roads create a loop road or cul-de-sac

safety issues

open space – develop in a way that open space is preserved

be consistent with developments – which is good for one development is good for another, no waivers

portion estate lots by a percentage (4/5 acre lots)

flexibility for what is decided, selection of options

It was noted that once the zoning ordinance is completed the next step will be work on the design criteria, which are the requirements for each development. It was suggested that every year this should be looked at, as it is an ongoing document.

The purpose of the Conservation District is as follows: "The Conservation Zone seeks to protect environmentally sensitive areas and preserve green open spaces of the Township that also have significant value for human and natural life. Specifically, forested areas, steep slopes, stream and creek valleys, lakes and floodplains are included. Permitted uses within this zone encourage the most appropriate conservation/recreation activities for these areas. The District intent is to use a conversation subdivision design approach to conserve large contiguous tracts of land that prioritize conserving environmentally sensitive areas. The Township hereby promotes and will consider conservation minded housing development concepts that utilize cluster design dwelling unit layout." It was noted that with the change of this being a Conservation District and changed to Open Space the purpose would need to be re-written.

The review of the hand-out dated June 9, 2005 is as follows:

1. Under Section C (Special Exception Uses) C1 – Cluster residential neighborhood development plans should be moved to Section B (Permitted Uses) as number 12.

2. B11 – Accessory use customary incidental to the above permitted uses – discussion on whether it should be moved to a Conditional Use or stay as a Permitted Use.

Supervisor Shambaugh indicated that a list of definitions is needed in order to structure these sessions and to help clarify the uses.

3. Under permitted uses – number 6 – 9 were discussed: garages and other accessory structures, in-home daycare, home occupations, and private swimming pools.

4. B1 – Agricultural, horticulture and forestry related uses should be placed as a Conditional Use and also be placed in all zones.

5. C4 – Sawmills should go under Conditional Use and not Special Exception.

6. B8 – Home occupation should be stated as "low impact" and should be more defined.

7. Under Conditional Uses – D10 Cottage industry. This was questioned as to what exactly this is. It was noted that it is an assisted living use etc.

8. D1 & D7 refer to shooting ranges and outdoor trap, skeet, rifle, pistol and archery range – how can this be restrict, such as hours of operation

9. D16 – Flag lot residences should be omitted. These type of lots can place a hardship on the property owner.

10. D19 – Airport and/or landing strip – this should be kept for ultra light aircraft only.

11. D20 – Heliport should be moved to the Industrial district (urban areas).

All uses are permitted by right, conditional uses and special exceptions in this district and as indicated in Section C & D must attain strict conformance with the lot dimension requirements as well as other referenced relevant sections of the ordinance.

No more than one principal use shall be allowed on each lot.

Section E – Lot area and dimensional requirements may not apply if this district is changed to Open Space with non-residential needs to be regulated. It was noted that Section E should be left alone at this time for residential and non-residential and that there could be a sliding scale instead of the 4-acre requirement.

Section F – Maximum permitted height – no changes

Section G – Sharing of the access driveways and storm water management and parking facilities are encouraged with the appropriate maintenance agreements established at the time of land development. It is noted that this should be place elsewhere with other general criteria area.

Sections H, I, and J were not discussed as they are general statements as with the other zoning districts.

There was discussion on the overlay zone, definitions with the first draft documents and also Article III which will need to be submitted.

Mr. Kober discussed the issue regarding having a public meeting so the residents of the Township can voice their opinion before adoption of the zoning ordinance.

Ms. Fackler stated that she can do a public meeting before the public hearing is to be held, this would only highlight the zoning ordinance and not go through it page by page. She indicated that she has done public informational meeting before and it would be limited to one hour.

The next meeting date needs to be set and with the conflict of vacations in July the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.

It was noted that the first final draft of the zoning ordinance and map will be made available by August 1st for review before the next meeting. This document will also be available to the public. Any comments should be in writing.

It was noted that only one public hearing is required and a court stenographer is required to take the minutes.

Vice Chairman Lambert suggested that at the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors to be held on July 21, 2005 a decision will be made as to the dates of these meetings/hearings.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Nancy E. Zentmeyer

Secretary