Minutes 05-14-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Perdita Holtz said that there is a list of uses in the permitted use table, allowed in each zoning use district and if a property is zoned to a General Use Districts, any of those uses can occur. There is no limit on the number. Commissioner Rich asked how one changes to a General Use District. Perdita Holtz said this is done through a re-zoning application. Perdita Holtz reviewed the re-zoning process of the new conditional zoning district and the new overlay district. She said ASE hopes to have this manual at the February 2014 Quarterly Public Hearing. Chair Jacobs said this process has been going on since 2001, and the Board would like to finally move forward; however it is alot for the new Commissioners to take in. He said the Board members should not feel compelled to give direction on all items tonight, and perhaps some items will need to be re-visited if further discussion is needed. Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification regarding the existing conditional use method. Perdita Holtz said that "conditional use" and "conditional zoning" districts are distinct from each other. Commissioner Gordon asked about the previous wording of"existing" and "new" conditional use districts. Perdita Holtz said it would be a new conditional use district to address agricultural support enterprises. She said that none of the existing conditional zoning districts relate to agriculture. Commissioner Gordon pointed out some slight differences on the "BOCC Direction and Input" in the packet and the PowerPoint. Commissioner Gordon asked for clarification on a list in the material from the agricultural board in their packet. She asked if the agricultural board wanted clarification on these items or if these were simply focus points. Perdita Holtz said she was not clear about the purpose of the list, other than a desire for input from staff. She said the matrix was put together to show that many of the concerns are not from a zoning standpoint, but that permits are still needed from environmental health or other county departments. Commissioner Gordon noted that it sounds as if this was just a request for clarification on these specific items. Craig Benedict said he attended the Agricultural Preservation Board meeting. He thinks this list is for clarification and differentiation between economic development issues, environmental health issues, building issues, and trade issues. He said this wasn't a complete list, but it was a list of unknowns. Commissioner Gordon said this is complex, and the Board should not assume there is surety about all of the directions and issues. She noted that the proposed uses go from lower to higher impact. She said there are uses that can go on large farms or lots such as Maple View Farms. She said the controversy comes in when these more commercial uses are placed near residential areas. She feels this has not been captured in the past. She said that in those places that are suburban, like the rural buffer, the best idea is to start small, as these areas can be fairly residential. Commissioner Price said the intent of this was to help the farmers and respect the rural heritage. She said few farmers can make a living solely through farming. She said the purpose was to make it easier for farmers to sell their products and to create co-ops. She said she has concerns about the 180 day limit; restroom requirements for road side stands; and trying to limit activities in a rural areas. She said there is a need to differentiate on some of the terms, and some of these things need to be allowed without going through conditional and special use processes.