Zoning Board of Appeals - Regular Meeting

Good evening. It's my pleasure to call this meeting of the City of North Charleston Planning Commission to order. I'm Sharon Reid. I serve as chairperson and we welcome each one of you to tonight's meeting. Um before I explain the signin sheets and all of that, we have a new member of the planning commission that I wish to introduce to you, Mr. Kevin Mock. He is the newest commissioner and we welcome you and we look forward to a long engagement with you.

Okay. As we before we begin, there were signin sheets um at the table out there that I hope you all saw. When we have the public hearings, we invite those of you from the community to speak to any issue regarding a certain um piece of property that you wish to, but we always like you to sign in if you can't. Now, if if you can, if you have not signed in, it's okay. It is a public hearing and we will entertain those um who just want to come up and speak uh for three minutes and I'm going to say that again later on for three minutes each. All right. We'll begin with consideration of the minutes from the October 13th meeting. Are there any corrections to the minutes as published? Hearing none, I'll entertain a motion.

Motion accept that we accept the minutes. Second. It's been moved and seconded that we accept the minutes from the October 13th meeting as published. All in favor? I.

I. I. Oppose. Nay. Minutes stand correct. Stand approved. All right. We move to the first request for reszoning, 2896 KC Street. You'll hear the staff report. The first item is a proposed annexation and reszoning of the property address to 2896 Casey Street, Charleston County TMS 484140073 from Charleston County R4 low density residential to M1 light industry. This is located in council district 2. The property can be seen here highlighted in blue on the map. It's currently zoned R4 in the county. Upon annexation, um has requested M1 light industrial zoning. Just a repeat of that prior statement. The subject property is designated suburban residential on the uh city's future land use map. Uh this designation is applied to areas where the city intends to sustain lower density neighborhoods. The principal use uh of land within this designation is low density single family residential developments, large yards and open space. The M1 zoning would not be consistent with the suburban residential category.

Uh this is the subject property seen here in the photos. It's currently an undeveloped lots. Adjacent properties uh along Ashley Fox Road properties are developed with a mix of commercial uses. However, Ashley Heights neighborhood is comprised of single family residences, mobile homes, and some undeveloped wooded lots. You see those here. uh photos provided. Staff's recommendation given the subject property's location, the residential character of Casey Street and South Oakidge Circle and the lack support from the comprehensive plan. Staff is recommending denial of the proposed reszoning of the property from the staff recommended R2 multifamily residential to M1 light industrial.

All right. Thank you. Do any of the commissioners have questions for staff hearing? None. Is the applicant here? The applicant here. here for planning commission. Uh are you which item here for you here for the annexation and resoning. You want the address of the Yeah. No,

okay. Thank you. Sorry to put you on the spot. No, we're we're on a different item. We just wanted to make sure. Notified. Thank you. So, the applicant is not here. All right. Uh this is an advertised public hearing. Persons may speak to this item and you have three minutes each. I have one person who has signed up. Lisa Hajes. Yes, ma'am. You can come forward.

Oh, thank you. Okay. Thank you, Miss Reed. Thank you. Everybody here on the staff. Um, my name is Lisa Hodes. I live at My own 2817 South Oakidge Circle over 50 plus years. Um, and the property that you are refererring to is adjacent directly beside us. Um, in no way, shape or form would I like for this to happen. Um, I would love to see some residential properties put beside us, but uh not any type of uh any type of I'm sorry, industrial zoning. Um, there could be noise emissions. It would lower our property value because of types of odor. Um any type of noise. Uh the appear the appearance would uh could devalue our property. Um our property is not separated by by a highway or a waterway. We are directly right there beside it. Um, I don't know. Um, sorry I am very nervous. Um, I don't know if the federal or state regulations will be adhered to by OSHA or the Department of Transportation. Um, also, um, our neighborhood, uh, is not a very big neighborhood. Um, it's very small. We do have some residents that have been there for a very long time like myself. Um unfortunately uh when we do have problems in the area uh we don't have a very uh but we do have a quick response that comes uh very

quickly. But I don't foresee uh we are surrounded by residential people. There are not businesses in our neighborhood like this. Um the property was cleared uh quickly. It was there was live oak trees that were cleared. It broke my heart. Um there was dirt added to this property to make it higher which made my property uh flood easier and I think enough damage has been done. Um I don't know uh as to I'm sorry. I apologize. I don't know as to what um what quality of life for my future generations are they expected to have if we're going to turn the whole neighborhood into a whole business. I mean, Ashley Phosphate, I had a house already on Rock Street that got sold I sold to a gas station. I want to be able to keep this home and keep it as a value and somewhere for my grandkids to play at. That's all I want to say. I just would like for y'all to please deny this. It residential properties are fine, but not a business. We've lived there for 50 plus years and it's just it means a lot to me. You know, it's one of the first homes I've the first only home I've ever had. That's all I want to say, guys. Thank you so much. and um I'm glad that you're here and you allow me to speak. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Again, this is an advertised public hearing. So, if there is there anyone else who wishes to come forward regarding this proposed reasonzoning on Casey Street, I'd like to say something. My name is Marcy Duan and I live in Midland Park Terrace subdivision. And several years ago we ended up with a M1 parcel of land. And um now it backs up to Mi Mazique Road and the people on Mazique built a beautiful house and it back that uh they built a um warehouse right behind his house. and we didn't know about the reszoning until the last meeting and so there was nothing that we could do and um of course it passed but I'm afraid that something like a warehouse or storage facility will go in to this property on Casey cuz um I don't believe that there's any room M1 zoning in a residential area. Thank you.

Thank you. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak regarding this resoning request on Casey? Hearing none, the floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. I move for the approval of the staff recommendation of a denial. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we recommend denial of this request to city council. Any question? All in favor of the motion signify by I. I.

All opposed. Nay. Motion carries. The next item is request for reszoning Stall Road. Next item is a proposed uh reszoning at 747 Stall Road, Charleston County TMS number 478130016 from B1 limited business to B2 general business and council district 2. Uh the property can be seen here on the map highlighted in blue is currently a vacant and cleared lot. The subject property is designated as employment center on the future land use map which is intended to create a commerce focused environment with ease of access to supportive services and residential areas to congestion. While this designation can support large-scale office and industrial uses, the surrounding land uses would make B2 zoning incompatible with the area's midblock context. As you can see here, again highlighted in blue, the uh color on the map does show that uh employment center designation. see the subject property here and the photos cleared lot stall road adjacent properties uh majority of the lots in the neighborhood fronting on

stall road are zoned R3 which is mobile home uh R2 which is multifamily residential most are occupied by single family houses and Given the subject property's proximity of other residential uses in the midblock location of the subject property, staff is recommending denial of the proposed resoning of the property from B1 limited business to B2 general business.

Right. Thank you. Do any of the commissioners have questions? Is the applicant here? come forward to speak.

Yes. Uh question changed to one uh basically to give a broader range of use uh for the property. We tried several different things uh to be able to put on the property and use it like uh a few mobile homes said we couldn't do it. Can't understand why when we're surrounded by mobile homes. Uh tried to do a duplex onto the property. There was an issue with that. um uh some other issues with like being with bring in like a small used car lot, you know, put on uh you know, just different things that could generate some income onto the property. And we feel like if we can get that uh B2 zoning, which is just a little bit down the block as you can see in the red there at the bottom right hand of the page, um you know, that would allow us some more things that we can do with the property. Not exactly sure reason is for the now. I don't I'm not quite understanding that. If somebody can explain that to me. uh when you have the same zoning just a you know a few blocks over or on the same street excuse me just a few blocks down

I mean I can I the recommendation is based on the location of the property it's surrounded by R3 zoning and R2 zoning as you can see here this is R3 around which is mobile home park this is R2 which is multif family residential your closest B2 is further down the one it's more appropriate to be directly adjacent to residential. So it's just because of the positioning of the property. That's correct. So what can you actually put on the property that it won't be a problem? You may want to have that conversation with staff after the meeting. After the meeting,

we're happy to discuss that further with you. And if you had come in previously, we we could have chatted about that. I've actually been in several times, met with the folks over across the hall here. Um, and still haven't been able to get some exact answers. The best thing that was told to me was to try to reszone it to this particular zoning, which y'all are denying now. So, um, you said wait until after this is over. We haven't voted yet. So, Okay. Yeah, we haven't voted yet. Okay. So once this process is done, is something else lined up that we can look forward to?

Well, you can always talk to staff and and sit down and decide what may work or and why it can't work, but we have not the commission has not voted yet. So a decision has not been made as to what we will recommend to council. We are in the process of doing that now. Okay. Sorry, this is my first time at one of these trying to understand how this process works. I understand. Any other questions for me? You have any questions for the applicant? Um, in your process with uh trying to resone this, have you spoken to uh folks within the community associated with the area with you trying to reszone? Have you spoken to the neighbors and so forth?

Um, we've only spoken with one neighbor. I thought he would be here, but I'm not sure here or not. But, um, outside of that, no. Um, like I said, what we're trying to do there is being done some of the other areas. I'm not sure why, you know, there's a restriction on this use right now. So, just trying to understand it a little better so we can know how to move forward. All right. This is a public hearing. uh those there are two people who have signed up to speak and uh correct my pronunciation because I I not quite sure is it Reno.

That was Oh, that was you. Okay. I'm sorry. You're the applicant. Um I have another name here. I believe the last name is Spivey. Yes, ma'am.

Okay. I'm William Spivey. I own 7043 which is contiguous adjacent to the property. Um I've never met Tony. Um he has done a tremendous amount of improvement in that property. Tremendous. Uh I've been there for over 10 years. We we desperately need local people making long-term investments here in this area. I'm I'm sort of in agreement. We don't need any more uh corporate warehouses and things of that nature. Uh, we need our local folks, local people taking their own money, investing in our area, and having having a skin in the game as to the quality of our neighborhood in our area. I am one of those residential people you're afraid of offending. And you, if you want to offend me, let's turn down hardworking, honest people who want to improve our area. Let's let us let us have a voice in what's being said. I am one of those residential people. Please allow him to continue to improve that property and improve the quality of your life there.

Thank you.

Is there anyone else? One thing I I think if you I don't know if you got any better pictures on there of it, but if you look at the property itself, you'll see all of the work that's been done on it and you compare that piece of property to the other parcels around it. It's a night and day difference. We're not trying to bring, you know, something in there that's going to lessen the value of everything else around it. We're trying to raise that. So, we're just trying to get the correct zoning to make that appropriate, make that happen. Um, it is very frustrating trying to move forward with it and we're running into all these roadblocks that we take care of the land pay the taxes on it. We want to be able to do something on the property. Please, we're asking for some help.

Since he gets to comment, he is raising the value of my property which in turn raises my taxes to you. So, I have to pay more for him to approve his property. and I am all for it. Please let us let us improve our neighborhood.

I am sure that we are all in agreement that we want to see all of our neighborhoods in North Charleston improved. Um, keep in mind we do not approve or disapprove projects. Our role is to recommend zoning. So that's all that we are considering the zoning of the property not what project goes on the property. We have nothing to do with that only the zoning. Okay.

Zoning inhibits being able to offer and provide jobs to people in that neighborhood increase and invest in that neighborhood. But the zoning is based on things like the the comprehensive plan that we just approved for the city that council approved for the city. If you look at that comprehensive plan, the zoning is there and we went to the public about the different zonings and and all of that. So, what we are doing tonight is looking at the request for reszoning. That's that's all we're doing. Not individual projects. We don't have anything to do with individual projects as long as it's within the zoning. Okay. All right. Is are there any others who wish to speak? hearing none. The floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. Everybody speak.

Oh. Um, I've moved to uh deny the staff recommendation for that and I'll second. It's been moved and seconded that we uh deni denounce the the approval from the recommended approval from staff from the staff report and that recommended denial. Yes. That we deny their Okay. Got it. recommendation.

And uh move to approve the resoning request. Okay. And it's been seconded. Yes. Third. Thank you, sir. But can't use it. Okay. Is there discussion? discussion.

Afterwards, right? Is that still the plan? Oh, we can definitely discuss with the applicant uh after after the fact. Yeah. Regardless of what we do here, after this recommendation, it goes to city council next month. So there will be first reading committees will be a second opportunity for the public to provide input and then final reading actually that's what I'm asking. So before this goes to council will you guys have an opportunity to talk or

the recommendation I'm trying to figure out how you can get questions before How will recommendation recommendation? I just want him to have the information he needs before it goes when he gets Yeah, that's what I'm trying to figure out. Will they have an opportunity to if he withdraws somebody and I think that's what I'm trying to figure out like like what's the best way for him to get the information that he needs before it goes to counsel? denial.

I think if he was going to withdraw it, he would have to withdraw it himself versus what we just if we approve the if we send forth the recommendation, he would have to withdraw it himself because it would benefit through the council. The recommendation would for us to um

other discussion. I have to tell you, I um I'm leerary about this particular zoning for an area like that. You know, like like I mentioned earlier, when we say this property is eligible for resoning, remember it doesn't matter what the person puts there if it is a part of that resoning. So there are a number of things that can go in as the reszoning request is um what

B2 B2. So consider all of the things I think everybody has a a copy of that. All of the things that are allowable in B2 and you don't have any B2 in the immediate vicinity. You have it I did my site visit and B2 is further down but not in that specific area. So I I would be concerned I would

my yeah once we say reszoning to B2 anything that's on that list and there's a lot of stuff on the list about what is available in B2. So I would be concerned. I'm I'm certain I don't want to deny anybody any neighborhood to advance, but I am concerned that it is not quite understood that we reszone. We recommend reszoning. We do not recommend projects. and consider that B2 is I don't have my list here.

Everything from stores to funeral homes, storage units. So if the property that would be my B2, yeah, if it sells, it won't match in that area.

Yeah. General business. B2 is general business. B1, the zoning that it has now is limited business. Uh general business includes um liquor stores, funeral homes, commercial recreation facilities, gas stations. Um so it it's it's a little bit more than than B1 would allow. That that would be my concern. That would be my concern. It's also serious concern that that plays into the the recommendation for denial is because it's in the middle of the block. It's a residential block. B2 zoning allows for more auto oriented uses and it's not necessarily an appropriate location for those uses right here. There are still other uses that are more compatible in B1 for neighborhood level businesses that can be done on this property. So that that's the basis for staff recommendation.

Was was there there was a was there a sign posted on that particular piece of property just like they normally do for before the meetings?

You know, like I was asking the gentleman here, you know, whether he spoke with folks within the community. Um, the only person I saw from the community that came out was kind of positive and I figured, you know, most people just like you reading off of this would be too. If they were against it, we would should have had an outpouring of people. I mean, I'm not certain, you know, the way that community works. I mean, I'm familiar with the area, but a lot of times when folks are generating push back, you normally have a lot of people moving towards saying, "Well, we don't want that in our neighborhood or whatever the case may be." So, I mean, we at a point where we have made a decision what we're going to do and we're waiting to kind of vote on it and it still has to move further up the chain before it gets that approval anyway.

Okay. Is there any further discussion? What's the property adjacent to it? Is it all resident? What? It's B1. He lives there.

So, the current this is B1 here. This is R3 which is the mobile home park zoning and then R2 across the street which is multifamily. My I thought of it you start changing the zoning for that then what happens when the next person to the adjacent properties wanted well I want that too and then you start moving away from residential to something in a whole neighborhood. We didn't ask for three properties to be a business per se. So maybe that's what staff is thinking before you start. Every property has got a different zone and it's not equal for what's around it. I think for a lot of people that's like the major the major concern. It's not necessarily what the current property owner wants to do is if that property changes hands are you okay with the next property owner in whatever could go there. So that's also something that consider as well. So,

but at the same time, we would be concerned about what is going there. We do

because it's a it is generally B2, not B1, B2. So, that would be my concern. I I did my site visit yesterday and there's a lot of residential surrounding it and I just don't see sitting in the middle of that. I would strongly recommend that while we deny I would recommend that we deny this particular request for B2 and that we make it a point to try to bring the applicant and the staff together to try to see what it is that he wants to do to improve the community and try to find something. I I just, you know, between B1 and B2, it's already B1. So it seems to me that it would be very easy to find something that would suit like I said we can't recommend the projects

but with staff he can certainly work with staff directly and his intent pardon me on what his intent

yeah what his intentions are what will work what is you know these are are planners And so, and you know, we looked at the comprehensive plan and we worked through that. And I just I I don't want to see us just go in another direction when it's it's not necessary. I I certainly understand that the gentleman has a piece of property and he wants some he wants to do something with it. the neighborhood is supportive, that he wants to do something to improve the neighborhood. My concern is that if you if we recommend B2, we're starting something that we won't be able to that the neighborhood won't be able to handle.

Just the zoning itself that the neighborhood won't be able to handle that long term. I can I can see coming from we were talking about putting in like a bunch of biker bars or some gole bars or something like that but we're talking about putting in something that's going to uplift the community and sir I understand that but understand our position we have nothing to do with what you put in there if we approve B2 We can't take any more comments.

We really can't. We really can't. We're can't be It's not a back and forth discussion. This is discussion hearing. So, it's time for the commissioners to talk among themselves and make a recommendation. Okay. So, the the that part is over. Two parcels is next to it. It's not in the city. Do we know what that is? Yeah. Charleston County R4 for low density resity res so basically the equivalent of our R1 single family res.

Okay. Further discussion. We do have a motion on the floor. Motion to approve. That's been seconded. Yes. Are we ready to vote? Just to confirm the vote right now is for approval of the reasonzoning, not approval. Approval of that was the Mr. Bellamy. Mr. Crawford. Uh Mr. Duon. Mr. Fire. Nay. Mr. Mock. Nay.

Mr. Sharf. Nay. And Miss Reed. Nay. And that is uh 6 to one. Uh deny approval. Uh, this recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor and council with the next opportunity for public input at the public safety committee of city council on January 15th. That meeting will be located in this room uh on the 15th at 5:30. And

I'm going to ask that um you get together Mr. Mr. Yeah,

I never did get your last name, but I'm going to ask that you get together with staff before leaving here and setting up a a meeting so that you all can talk about what will work for you, for you, and for the neighborhood within the zoning that exists. That B1, it's not like it's residential. It is B1 already. So, I'm going to ask you to meet with the staff to set something up so that the neighborhood can be um helped and that your needs are taken care of as well. Okay. All right. The next item, Brain Street. We'll hear the staff report.

Excuse us. I have two little girls that don't find this as fascinating. Absolutely. Question. Um, do I need to be here on January 15th in case the council does not accept your denial? If you would like to come in and provide your input, thank you. Thank you so much. Have a blessed night.

Okay. We'll hear the staff report for Grayson Streeting request. This is a proposed resoning of the property addressed as 1809 Grayson Street, Charleston County, TMS number 4691200316 from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential property can be seen here highlighted in blue on property uh on the map and as said it's already currently zon R1 they're requesting R2 two multifamily. Uh the current existing land use on the property is a single family home. You see the current zoning here in the neighborhood. We have a mixture of R1 zoning, R2, and a little bit of B1 and B2 to the north along North Carolina Avenue. subject property is designated as traditional neighborhood development, which is intended to support higher density neighborhoods with smaller lots and a mix of housing types. This designation also encourages infill and redevelopment opportunities, promoting walkable neighborhood units and appropriately scaled commercial uses. The proposed R2 zoning is consistent with the traditional neighborhood development designation. Subject property can be seen here in the photos is currently developed with a single family home. Adjacent properties can be seen also in these photos. Uh the properties within the Chakor Cherokee neighborhood which

is predominantly R1 with some R212 zoning as I uh previously stated. Uh the lots fronting North Carolina Avenue are zoned R1 up to B1. Most are occupied by single family houses or multifamily houses and some commercial buildings. Given the traditional neighborhood development designation, uh given that the traditional neighborhood development designation supports multifamily and appropriately scaled commercial uses, staff is recommending approval of the proposed resoning of the property from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential.

All right. Thank you. Are there any questions for staff? Is the applicant here? Hey, good evening. My name is Jeff. Um, I'm looking to build some affordable hot tub family on this lot. Feel like it's a great use for it. There's R2 and R1 in the neighborhood to hopefully have an upper Do any of the commissioners have questions for the applicants?

Thank you. This is an advertised public hearing. Uh, no one has signed up to speak, but if there are those of you who wish to do so, you may come forward now and give us your name and address, and we will have three minutes. Your name? Craig Logan. address is 19. Wait, wait. I'm sorry. Craig Logan. Craig Logan. And your address?

1 1929 Quitman Street. Qu UI T M A N. That's Charles, right? Yes, ma'am.

Uh, perfect. Thank you uh all for allowing me to come and speak. Um, I serve as neighborhood vice president for the SCORE Cherokee Neighborhood Association. Uh, we got um information about this potential reszoning and um, uh, I had the opportunity to share this out with some neighborhood residents. Um, also our neighborhood association meets every fourth Monday of the month. Um, but I say that because typically we know well in Shakur right now really Shakur is a high demand area. we see gentrification coming from the south and also the north, right? Um and so while we understand kind of the housing demand, the need for it, affordable housing is very important and also historical neighborhood character is even more important for us. Um, while we've seen an influx of developers purchase lots in the area, we really like to establish kind of community agreements to where development is able to come into the community association, have conversation with neighbors, ensure that the property is a just fit for the neighborhood and also I think the ultimate thing is affordability. Um the other piece is affordable housing. Like currently right now there are no terms around that. So while we say affordable housing, we don't know what terminology or what defines affordable housing. So, the neighborhood would love an opportunity to work and have a conversation with the developer about the proposed uh reasonzoning and what is going to be applied to the lot so that we ensure that it does not displace current neighborhood residents or also it doesn't bring gentrifying neighborhood residents to the community. We're not opposed to gentrification, but we love gentrification with a purpose. And so we like to again encourage development community to work handinhand with community so that again community

members have an opportunity to share their insights, thoughts and ensure just that whatever development is going in there is a good fit for the community. So uh again just wanted to share that information out too as well. Um, I do understand that there are already some R2 in the neighborhood, but there is predominantly single family residents within the neighborhood. Um, and again, considering the Low Country Rapid Transit and all the development that is happening surrounding the neighborhood, um, this is just an opportunity for, you know, this type of gentle density to kind of come into the neighborhood. So the neighborhood would request that the planning and zoning commission deny this so that we have an opportunity to converse with the developer and ensure that this is a right fit for our neighborhood and our association.

Thank you to speak again.

Let me wait. Um, let me clarify uh that we do not uh approve projects. We only deal with we recommend reszoning. That's all. Um, I do suggest that regardless as to what happens with the vote that the two of you need to get together um before you leave this site. I would suggest that. Um, is there anyone else who wishes to speak before we close the floor? Okay. Uh the floor is now closed for the public hearing and we will entertain a motion.

Motion, please. I'll second that motion. Okay. It's been moved and seconded that we approve recommend approval of the request for reszoning as presented. Is there discussion?

Hearing none, we're ready to vote. The motion on the floor is a recommendation of approval of the resoning from one single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. Mr. Bellamy. Mr. Crawford. Nay. Mr. Du. Mr. Fe. Hi. Mr. Mock. Hi. Mr. Scarf. Hi. and Miss Reed. I

All right. The vote is four to three or three to four to approve. So that re that recommendation fails and uh we will uh item will be forwarded to the mayor and council. Next opportunity for public public safety committee city council on January 15th. All right. Thank you.

The next item, English Street. Next item on the agenda is a proposed resoning of the property addressed as 1912 English Street, Charleston County, TMS 4691600122 from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential in council district 10. See the subject property here highlighted in blue. the west side of school avenue. It's existing single family home. Current zoning of the property is R1. Adjacent zoning is mostly R1 with R2 directly adjacent and B1 on the frontage of Spruel Avenue. This property is designated as traditional neighborhood development within the mixeduse corridor of Spruel Avenue. As can be seen here by the crosshatch on the property, the mixeduse corridor, the proposed R2 zoning is consistent with both the corridor and neighborhood development designations which promote a cohesive integration of residential and commercial uses in close proximity. The mixed use corridor land use designation is intended to promote development of mixed uses that will enhance access to a wider range of services for nearby neighborhoods. See the subject property here in the photos and other sign. It's currently a um boarded up single family home. properties located within Shora Cherokee

neighborhood and is predominantly zoned R2 with some R2 B1 and B2 zoning interpersed throughout. English Street has residential character that is developed with a mix of single and multifamily uses. See those adjacent properties in the photos there. Given the support from the comprehensive plan and the residential character of the neighborhood, staff is recommending approval of the proposed reszoning of the property from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. Are there any questions for staff?

Is the applicant here? Um, I'm not going to get into any projects because we know we do not approve projects here. Um, I would just ask that the commissioning and the planning team um, again reference the zoning requirements and the approval based on the surrounding properties. We already have an R2 right next door. We are looking at a uh R2 right across the street and so we are surrounded by um higher density properties that are in line with the future transition plan, the future comprehensive plan as well. So not thinking about property or the um the actual project that is going on. I too um am looking to do uh affordable development here as well. However, I know that that is not what we're doing here. So, I would ask that you consider the actual benefits and the alignment with the comprehensive plan and the R2 zoning and what is nearby.

Are there any questions for the applicant? Just have you guys talked as well? I have not, but I do um know Mr. Logan and I have no problem doing that.

Any other questions for the applicants? Thank you. Again, this is an advertised public hearing. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak regarding this request, Mr. Logan? Right. Let me put this down for this. See, I got information. Yes, ma'am. Um, again, same thing, just uh representing the neighborhood association. Uh, again, our biggest thing is how development is done. We want to ensure equitable development and also community engagement throughout the entire development process. I think what this can do is set a standard of how development should happen. Uh, especially given Shakura has been a long uh community that has not had a lot of investment in it. And again with considering everything that is happening around it, we know the development is coming is coming. We're not against it. However, I think we just want to ensure that there is community involved within those process. So I just ask that you consider that as well.

Thank you. Thank you. This is an advertised public hearing. Is there someone else who wishes to speak to this matter? I need your name and address. Alexis McNeely and McN McNeely. Oh, McNeely. M C N E L Y L Y. Your address 1921 Baxter.

Thank you. I my biggest concern just in the Chakora neighborhood um with him I not necessarily opposed to just development but just a lot of these lots are really small. This particular lot is a tenth of an acre. Putting multiple families onto that small of a lot. You're talking about a lot of vehicles. We're already having parking issues. Um especially on Baxter we have a lot of duplexes and multif family homes. cars are overflowing everywhere. Um, and it's just with the multif family, I get that we do need more affordable housing, but multif family tends to be leans more towards the short-term rentals and less long-term residents. Um, and yeah, that's about it.

Thank you. The public hearing is still open. Is there anyone else who wishes to come forward regarding this request? Hearing none, the floor is now closed. Is there a motion? Motion recommendation. You're recommending to approve your request to deny the request.

Oh, okay. Staff's recommendation. So, I got these deny staff recommendations. Deny request, right? Okay. It's been moved, seconded that we deny this request that we recommend to council. Denial of this request for reszoning discussion. Do we know how many times this has come up for this neighborhood or this particular one?

Well, if we already have they already have R2 in the neighborhood. I'm familiar with it. every time a house comes up for sale or a lot comes up for sale goes multif family over there and it's like we're going to transition a whole neighborhood to that as houses come open because you know about the redevelopment but like for your for the neighborhood has this come up before and what was the process I mean I won't single out one developer for denial from us but what how does the rest of the community feel coming to the meetings and how many times have you represented and what what has happened or is this first time?

No, it's come up before. We're actually working with a developer in the community right now who wants to do some like tiny home kind of thing on furthering the neighborhood. But again, I mean that's been going on for about a year now, right? And I think it is just again how I just say it's a two-way thing, right? So we want to make sure community and stakeholder engagement is included in that process. Um I think the developer, this particular developer is learning that. So he is coming to neighborhood association meetings having conversations with us. Um we met out on the lot giving him feedback on his proposed uh design for the property and he's taken that feedback and kind of you know taking our feedback to uh update his designs on it. So again, I think it is just about how do we engage community within these developments, especially within the Shakura Cherokee neighborhood.

I understand the concern for the neighborhood, especially myself being on an HOA in my community. Um I do believe that developers should be communicating with the association. I believe that is vital and I believe that's great oversight to miss that or to not communicate with the association. But based on the zoning, I do agree with staff's recommendation for this. It does follow the future plan. It does match the area. The zoning next door is the exact same. I do agree with staff's recommendation for this putting projects beside what's going to go their side strictly on zoning. I agree with staff taking the personal aspect out of it. Again, I do agree with the association. I think a developer should always communicate with the association, but just strictly looking at the zoning, I do agree with Seth in this statement.

Other discussion? Okay, I need to get clarification because I've gotten confused. The motion on the floor is that we deny the reszoning request. Correct. So an I vote means that we deny. Correct. A nay vote means that we allow the recommendation to go through. I just needed my recommendation would stand. Okay. City council. I just needed my approval.

I just need your clarification. Yep. Oh, that's fair. So to to restate that again, uh the motion on the floor is a motion uh to recommend denial of the reszoning from R1 single family to R2 multifamily res multifamily residential. Ready to vote? All right, Mr. Bellamy. I Mr. Crawford I. Mr. John I on denial Mr. Fe. Hey. Mr. Mock. Hi.

Mr. Scarf. No. And Miss Reed. No. Again we have three to four recommendation. Um, so the recommendation going forward will be to deny the reszoning and this item will be at the January 15th public safety committee for further public.

Okay, thank you. Next item, uh, reszoning request for Durant Avenue. Next item is a proposed reszoning of the property. Address is 4621 Dante Avenue, Charleston County, TMS number 470 0400127 from R1 single family residential to Nhood office in council district 8. property can be seen here on the map highlighted in the front line is currently being developed with a small office building on the property as can be seen here on the map. The property is zoned R1 and the surrounding property is R1 except cross on the other side of Durant uh where it B1 across the intersection there. Subject property is designated traditional neighborhood development which supply areas of the city to provide and/or sustain higher density neighborhoods, smaller lots, mixed housing types and smallcale uh commercial uses. Therefore, neighborhood office zoning at this site would be consistent with both the established neighborhood character and the intent of the land use designation. Subject property can be seen here in the photos as well as the public notice sign that was posted on the property. It's currently developed with a small office building. Adjacent properties can be seen here in the photos. The surrounding area is developed single family residential uh type buildings along with some smallcale

commercial properties. This portion of Durant Avenue is primarily zoned R1 single family residential and uh it's consistent with the established residential character of the neighborhood. Given support from the comprehensive plan and the residential character of the neighborhood, staff recommends approval of the request to reszone the property from R1 single family residential to 0 neighborhood office. You've heard the staff report. Do you have any questions for staff hearing? None. Is the applicant present? Good evening. My name is Hayden Albert. I am the owner of the property. I bought this property uh a little over a year ago from a gentleman who had been running his uh tax office uh Mr. Michael Michael Fox. He was a very prominent member of that neighborhood in that community for decades and decades. Um the gentleman was 70 years old and had been running his tax office out of there for probably 50 years. Um so I am simply asking to continue using it as an office. I did not understand when I bought it that um it was grandfathered in at at that time and I missed that timeline. So the property is built as an office is set up as an office and um there's a small you know concrete parking lot in the front. I would like to um continue using it as such. Um we have went ahead and mailed um all of the neighbors in the community to try to contact them and you know earn earn their support for this. Um that is all I have. Thank you.

Wait. Are there questions for the applicant?

This is an advertised public hearing. If there are those who wish to speak, someone has signed. That's the applicant. Oh, that's the applicant. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak regarding this resoning request? Uh, we did receive an email.

I can read. So, the email is from Brady Cork Darban. Uh the and it reads, "Councilman Hudson, city staff, I saw the zoning sign at 4621 Durant Avenue. We live around the corner from this property and can see it from our back window. I wanted to write in support of this zoning to neighborhood office. For many years, it already served this purpose and I think it fit in nicely with the neighborhood. There are dozens of us who work from home within a few blocks of this area and would fit in with the character of the area. I am glad it was not zoned for broader commercial purposes or retail, but the neighborhood office is very fitting. Many thanks, Brady Court Garvan at 1223 Chesterfield Road, North Charleston, 29405.

Is there anyone else going to need to give me your name and address? Sherman Smith. Uh Sherman Smith. Address 4624 Avenue across the street but across the street. Okay. Thank you.

I just have a question. is uh zoning reszoning this as a office is that going to open the door for later on if say if an office comes there and fails is it going to be able some other type of business is going to be able to move in there or uh is is that going to open a door a Pandora's box so to speak I can address that you uh is supposed to be neighborhood level offices. So lower impact would not be larger type of commercial development. Uh only uses that are permitted in the O zoning district would be permitted. So similar to like a tax office or other uh smaller low impact offices uh could potentially be located in that district.

Okay. My concern was uh earlier I heard you mention about a B2 and there's a list of things that could go in a B2 and that was my concern if the O has a list of things that might come in there that much not really O basically says business and professional office maximum height is 25 ft measured at the highest point in the building. Okay. And so that's it. That's all that's here for All right. I was just trying to get some clarification. Sure. Okay. Thank you.

Is there anyone else who wishes to speak regarding this request hearing? None. The public hearing hearing is now closed and we will entertain a motion. Staff's recommendation. It's been moved and seconded that we accept staff's recommendation and recommend this resoning request to council for approval. Discussion

hearing none. We're ready to vote. Motion on the floor is a recommendation of approval of the request to reszone the property from R1 single family residential tow neighborhood office. Mr. Bellamy. I Mr. Crawford. Hi. Mr. Don. Hi. Mr. Fe. Hi. Mr. Mock. Hi, Mr. Sharf. Hi. And Miss Reed. Hi.

So, that is unanimous. This recommendation will be forwarded to the mayor and council. My apologies, I didn't stop the uh timer. Uh it will be forwarded to the mayor and council uh at the January 15 public safety committee meeting for any further public input. I thank you. The next item is request for reszoning road. Uh should be Oh, I'm sorry.

Oh, here it is. Right. I'm sorry. Uh it is 5623 Dobson Street. Forgive me. say proposed reszoning the property addressed as 5623 Dobson Street, Charleston County, TMS 4731300140 from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential property can be seen here just south of Green Mount Road highlighted in blue. Property is currently developed as a single family home. See here on the zoning map one surrounded on all sides by zoning would be to remount subject property is designated as traditional neighborhood development within the mixeduse corridor of Remount Road. The mixeduse corridor is intended to support higher density neighborhoods adjacent to principal transportation corridors throughout the city as well as provide for commercial and retail. This designation also encourages infill and redevelopment opportunities, promoting walkable neighborhood units and appropriately scale commercial uses. The proposed R2 zoning is consistent with the traditional neighborhood development and mixeduse corridor designations as can be seen on the map. subject parcel is currently developed with a single family home seen here in the photos. The Charleston Farms neighborhood was zoned R2 multifamily residential until 2003 where in a majority of the neighborhood was reszoned to R1 single

family residential. The area is developed with a mix of single and multifamily residential uses. You can see here and photos multifamily development as well as single family development in the neighborhood. Given the support from the comprehensive plan and the residential character of the neighborhood, staff is recommending approval of the proposed resoning of the property from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. Do any of the commissioners have questions for staff? Hearing none. Is the applicant here?

Hello, Elizabeth. Um, I am not seasoned at this. So, what I heard you say a minute ago about in 2023, so Charleston Farms 2003 2003. So my question I guess is am I reading this correct? So there is a trailer park actually on these lots here but on this key it says it's single family.

Yeah. So use zoning don't always correspond. Uh so there there isn't always a direct connection between those two things. Uh back in 2003 there was a neighborhoodwide reszoning, right? Dropped the zoning from R2 multifamily to R1. Uhhuh. So that is why the majority of the neighborhood is currently zoned R1. can't speak for why the trailer park would have been zoned R3 which would have addressed that use at that time.

Right. So yeah. So looking at here it appears that all this just by the key it appears that it's R1 but it's actually a trailer park. It's R2. And then the same with um and that that is directly across the street from this property. And then there's also apartments that are also showing in here that are R1, but but would actually not be R1. They I guess my my point is confusion for me that before I get my three minutes. So, I guess I just wanted to make this awareness that there are apartment there's an apartment complex across the street here and there's a trailer park across the street here from if I'm standing on that property.

I would I would add that those probably were our legally non-conforming uses because the property or those that neighborhood was R2. That apartment was likely established when the neighborhood was R2, which did allow prior for that establishment. And so now it's legally non-conforming, though the current zoning is R1 because they've continued that use. It is legally non-conforming.

Okay. So that would have been prior to 2003 or whatever. Okay. Okay. So, so just so I'm understanding that, but um and I've heard, you know, everybody that has gone before me that y'all the job is not to approve a project. Um but I do want to say that um so this is a single family home that I own as a rental property. I have a long-term resident in the home. There's a 600 square foot garage that's attached. It was existing there. It's been there for 60 years. Um, I've all along planned to convert that garage to an apartment like a mother-in-law suite and um started talking to builders and they said, you know, you in order for we need to make sure that we can do this. So, I'm trying to follow the right steps. Um, when I say I'm requesting for multifamily, my vision is never I I would never put an apartment building on that property. All I want to do is to be able to make this 600 square foot garage into a mother-in-law suite. So if there's for zoning if there's some kind of in between between R1 and R2 or you know this is probably a common request. I don't want to I want to do I want to do the right steps but I don't want to run into you know I'm I'm just trying to convert a garage to an apartment. I'm not changing the appearance. I'm not changing um I'm not changing anything um

except inside the footprint of that garage. Um my letter that I wrote, I don't know if y'all have copies of this, but um there plenty of parking. I don't have any issues with parking, so it would just be one extra parking spot. Um, ma'am, sorry. Can I uh I'm going to interrupt real quick. It sounds like what you'd like to do is accessory dwelling unit. No, no,

no, no. There there actually there actually is an existing I think what at one time a long time ago was an accessory dwelling unit. Um it's a tear down. So, if you're seeing something on that, if you're seeing something that looks like an an ADU, it is not an ADU. This is an attached garage that it doesn't show a very good picture on on there, but it is not an ADA.

Basically, you do want to change the zoning to R2, right? if if that's the only way to be able to convert the 600 square foot garage, which is not Yes, there is an ADU on that property, but it's it's terrible. It's a tear down. So, that'll go away, but the what I'm talking about is the apartment that is I mean, excuse me, the garage that is attached main building. Yes. Okay. So, you're requesting R2?

Yes. It would be a multifamily dwelling. That That's the difference. Okay. Because it's located in the same building. So, it would be multi. Yeah. I mean, this shares the same roof, everything. You're fine. We We needed to clarify. So, thank you. Right. Do you have any questions? I have a question. It may be for actually for Tim. If if it's not considered an edu, is it going to be uh They would have to add a separate electrical like a meter like rent one side off versus the other side. Is that correct?

They don't have to. It's not required to add a separate panel or utilities. Um the way that our ordinance is written, we allow a detached accessory dwelling unit, not an attached accessory dwelling unit. So in this case, that's why she would need wire the are to multif family residential but specifically to your question no separate panel separate utilities are not specific to can be operated separat if this was detached as like attached mother-in-law suite then that would still classify as R1 in this category just because it's sharing that common like breezeway basically It could be operated uh without the need for a reasonzoning if it was a detached garage that was being converted. Uh we our ordinance does allow uh based on the size of the lots.

Yeah,

this is basically getting kind of hit like in the technicality more than anything. Yeah, it's a it is unfortunately because it's a an existing attached garage in the in the same building under a single roof. It's becomes a multifamily building once that gets converted to be able to meet her needs and would need to be our two to be able to proceed. Just also another side note, um this existing garage that's been there for 60s something years does have plumbing. There is a bathroom already out there. So, um you know, for me to be here asking for reasonzoning for multifamily to me sounds way over overboard for what I'm actually wanting to do. Um, so yeah. Any any questions?

Any other questions? Thank you. So, okay. Thank you. Thanks for listening. This is a an advertised public hearing. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak regarding this matter? Anyone else hearing? None. The floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. A motion for approval.

It's been moved and seconded that we approve this request for resoning to R2. Is there discussion? We put in approvals for reszoning for this. We went through this in wonder woods. She sells this and I'm not against her doing it. But if something happens and she has to sell that now it's R2. Somebody does want to put an apartment building there. It's already zoned for that. So then what happens? What happens in the future on that? If say well it's zoned for that. Too bad. The neighborhood don't want it. It's it's zoned for that.

That's correct. I mean, that opens the door. The entire neighborhood was ours previously. Just to to point that out, the basis for our recommendation. Currently, there's like an apartment complex right next door to it.

Any other discussion? If there's no further discussion, we are ready to vote. The motion on the floor is a recommendation of approval uh for the reszoning from R1 single family residential to R2 multifamily residential. Mr. Bellamy

I Mr. Crawford I

Mr. you on uh the recommendations approval from R2 to R from R1 to R2 Mr. Fe Mr. Mock I Mr. Scarf. Hi. And Miss Reed. Hi.

And that's unanimous. Recommendation approval. This project will next be heard at the public safety committee meeting on January 15th. Now we're Yes, ma'am. The

next agenda item, resoning request, Dorchester Road. This is a proposed resoning of the property addressed as 5728 Winchester Road, Charleston County, TMS 408030000004 from B2 general business to M1 Light Industrial. Property can be seen here highlighted in blue on Dorchester Road. It is currently zone B2 as being operated as a business. see the existing zoning B2 and the adjacent uh similar zonings across the street and to the south and east to the north is one. The subject property is designated as employment center within the mixed use corridor of Dorchester Road. The employment center areas generally benefit from proximity to one another with ease of access to supportive services and residential areas to relieve congestion. The mixeduse corridor land use designation is intended to promote development of mixed uses that will enhance access to a wider range of services for nearby neighborhoods. The proposed M1 zoning would not be consistent with the comprehensive plans designations. You can see the subject property here. The photos he operates as a commercial business here and here. Surrounding areas comprised of varying businesses along Dorchester Road institutions and a mix of residential uses. The surrounding area has a mix of

town homes, apartments and across Dorchester Road is the Given the lack of support from the comprehensive plan, the subject property's location along a major transportation corridor and proximity of other residential uses staff is recommending denial of the proposed reszoning of the property from B2 business to M1 Industrial. Okay, thank you. Are there any questions for staff from the commissioners? hearing. None is the applicant.

Hi, my name is Jesse Guzman. Um, we own the property. We are actually a swimming pool company and so we're applying for this M1. Uh, the front of our building, you guys have older pictures, but um, so we have about 50 employees. The majority of the front of the office is to sell swimming pools. Um, we have a plan to build swimming pools to offer swimming lessons to the community. So, that will be the front facing of the building. And then in the back, we have an 8ft fence that's going up today. Um, that will hide all of our vehicles and all of that. That was approved in our um letter of purchase when we purchased the property. The main reason why we are applying for the M1 is just for um like an excavator and a trailer just to be on site behind that 8ft fence. Um, and so I read the M1 rules and I understand um, you know, the reason for denial thinking that this is going to be like a commercial dump site or a demolition. You know, I have the the list right here. Um, we're not we're not looking to do any of that. It's just to be able to have a machine on site behind a fence. And then another part of that reason is that we service and maintain swimming pools. And so we have chemicals that were outside of the building. Um, and we were told that they have to come inside of the building. So, we're just concerned that that might be um like a hazard concern with the fire department. And so, we've applied to extend that building. Sorry, I'm nervous. And we were told that we couldn't um extend it over 7500 square feet of warehousing. So, even with a covered roof, we couldn't have that extension to cover to keep the chemicals outside. So, the plan would be all of that. You see the building is long to have it all behind the street, behind a fence. Nothing is seen. Um, and if you know anything about the lot that was purchased before, it was an RV lot.

Tons of RVs. Um, as the guy said earlier, we're a local business. Um, just looking to make it look better and we don't want any of it seen from the street. I don't know if that matters with the zoning or not, but that's why we're requesting it. Do you have any commissioners have any questions for the applicant? You said it was an RV lot next to it or It was an RV lot. So like if you look at the photo all of those are RVs.

That was peeps. Yes sir. So right now like where that building is right the building immediately there's a fence. So everything beyond the building is not seen from the street or it won't be. And then there will be beautiful swimming pools where we're going to offer swimming lessons to the community and it's skated off in the front. So the front is the design center to build and design swimming pools and then the pools will be in the front and then everything else behind that will be covered with an 8ft fence that was approved by the city. And on the right side of us is a plumbing company and on the left side of us is a used car lot. You can see all of the cars and right behind that used car lot is an M1 building as well. Any other questions for the applicant? This is an advertised public hearing. Is there anyone who wishes to speak regarding this reszoning request? the light industrial that's up there now. So like obviously behind the property and that's adjoining the property that's light industrial and starting to get across the street. Is that helping this case? Are it to help this reszone or no?

It's not open for discussion. I got you. Okay. I just we just didn't understand. Is there anyone who wishes to speak regarding this request? Hearing none, the floor is now closed and we will entertain a motion. I move we deny staff's recommendation. Okay. So you're always negative, negative motions, but what are positively what we are approving? It will approve.

So you're recommending approval of the request. Okay. All right. Is there a second? It's been moved and seconded that we approve this request for reszoning discussion.

I have a question for staff to make this compliant with the uh with the city's goals. Technically, they just would they be able to split these lots to just reszone the back portion to make it in line with the current M1 directly to the left of it. And then that way the front portion of this lot will still remain as a B2. the basically the uh comprehensive plan for uh traffic use. Uh we do allow for split zones um

as an alternate alternative for them. That sounds like that might be a solution if the front portion of their building is going to remain business. The front portion remain P2. They filed zone have the back portion for the excavator for the chemicals etc as M1. Um and then it could align to the width of the property directly to the left match current zoning because it backs up into M1. Yeah, directly to the left of it and also then that way B2 remains the front center of Dorchester Road. I mean is that something that staff would consider? Interrupt.

Yeah, let's focus on item in front of you all. the hypothetical make it very difficult um for staff to try to make decisions off the to rephrase it is that legal within as I said I don't think I I don't think we should look at alternatives we should be looking at what's presented and whether or not we agree that the zoning is appropriate question

are we still in discussion Any further discussion? If not, we're ready to vote. So, the motion on the floor is a recommendation of approval to reszone the property from B2 general business to M1 Light Industrial. Mr. Belly. Hi. Mr. Crawford. Hi. Mr. Dan, I on denial. I got it. So, it would be I got it. I got Mr. F. Hi,

Mr. Mock. Hi. Um, Mr. Scarf. Hi. And Miss Reed. I'm confused. Um, I and voting against approve.

Okay. So that is uh three to four the names have it. Uh so recommendation of denial will be forwarded to the mayor and councel um for the next opportunity of public input at the public safety committee of city council on January 15th at 5:30 in this room when does this does that mean we come back again and or react okay

you'll have another opportunity city council ultimately makes the decision as as to the reasonzonings the final decision and so you'll get another opportunity to speak and be able to sign up similar to situation to address the council. And one more question on the public. What is what are they? City council. They'll be reviewing the the city. It's a committee of city council. The public safety. You guys have questions.

All right. Next agenda item is text amendment. Consideration of text amendment.

This is an ordinance amending section 32 zoning regulations of the city of North Charleston to update and clarify the definition of a heavy commercial trailer. So, uh, within the definition section of the zoning regulations, there's a definition of a heavy commercial trailer, and it's been determined, uh, that large commercial trailers are not generally compatible, uh, within residential neighborhoods in the city. The existing definition requires that a large commercial trailer meet all of the standards listed to be considered a commercial trailer. The proposed definition allows for clearer understanding and enforcement of zoning requirements regarding this type of trailer. Uh you can see the red line here. Um previously all of the conditions it's uh being used for commercial purpose and having more than four tires and which is greater than. So, it had to be all of those things to be considered a heavy commercial trailer. Uh, what we've done is simplified that, broken it out so that we could address these types of trailers. Uh, you know, typically they're going to be greater than 15 feet in overall length, have at least four tires, has a double trailer. So that was the the basis of this modification to that. We also added uh that boat trailers are not considered heavy commercial trailers regardless of length and number of tires. We do understand that boat trailers have to be have two sets of axles. Want to address that situation.

Even if commissioners have questions for staff regarding this. Does this have to be dual axle? Did you say or uh it would have to have four or more? We didn't address the So, I have an enclosed trailer and there's a lot of enclosed trailers that are 8 by6. It's got it's got four got four more than four tires on it, which typically most landscape, anything that your tools, anything that you got in it. So now it's not wouldn't be allowed inside a neighborhood. versus a dump truck that we I think we already got an ordinance. Yeah. Can't have that. Anyway,

a heavy commercial vehicle such as that would not be permitted to be um stored on a on a residential lot. Typically, these are uh the larger much longer vehicles. There goes the computer. um that would that are you know carrying multiple vehicles uh on on the uh on the trailer and uh it they've it's just been an issue and enforcement ability to differentiate and uh address that those concerns with neighborhoods.

Okay. So, an enclosed trailer is 16 feet that has more than four tires on it would not be allowed. That's correct. As of the writing, this the way it's written now. Yes. Are there other questions?

Hearing none, we'll entertain a motion. I move we accept staff's recommendation. Second.

It's been moved and seconded that we accept uh staff's recommendation for this um text amendment. Are you ready for discussion? Are you ready to vote? Motion on the floor is a recommendation of approval uh of the modifications to section 32 to update the definition of heavy commercial trailer. Mr. Belly, I Mr. Crawford. Hi,

Mr. Duan. Hi, Mr. Fe. I Mr. Moff. Hi, Mr. Scarf. Hi, and M. And this tax amendment will also be heard at the public safety committee meeting on January 15th uh at 5:30 in this room. The next item on the agenda is Oh, go ahead. I'm sorry. I I was just rolling. I apologize. Um, next item on the agenda is approval of a revised preliminary plan.

Uh, this is uh proposed approval of revised preliminary plan bearing a title preliminary plan for TMS number 48400000072. Uh, Havenwood Apartments at St. Ives for the establishment of two 15 ft CWS ements. the location of a 20 foot NCSD and variable width public drainage ement and the abandonment of an access east. So this was a previously approved preliminary pla uh that uh does require uh reapproval. Uh the recommendation staff's recommendation Contingent

is contingent approval. Thank you. Um so the the original preliminary plat was approved in October of 2024 and was valid for a year which has since expired. Preliminary plan is for the future Haven apartments at St. Ives and proposed to abandon and relocate an existing public drainage ement and several otherments. Uh the parcel is located at St. Ives Road off Green Ridge Road. Change this plat from the previously approved version is a minor shift in the proposed story easement location. This preliminary plan is in proper order and may be approved at the discretion of the commission contingent upon the following. Approval of detailed drainage and road plans by the city engineers as recommendation is contingent approval of the preliminary plan.

Are there any questions for staff regarding this? Oh, any questions for staff? Hearing none, we'll entertain a motion. Move that we accept staff's recommendation for contingent approval. Second. It's been moved and seconded that we grant contingent approval of this revised preliminary draft. Is there any discussion? We're ready to vote.

All right. Uh the motion on the floor is for recommendation of contingent approval or not recommendation is for contingent approval. Uh Mr. Bellamy. Hi. Mr. Crawford. Hi. Mr. Dwan. Hi. Mr. Fe. Hi. Mr. Mock. Hi. Um Mr. Scarf. Hi. And Miss Reed. Hi.

Okay. Please be mindful of the summary of actions taken by council at its November 13th and November 25th meetings regarding actions that we recommendations that we made. Um are there any comments from commissioners before we proceed? Any comments from commissioners? Okay, we do have comments from staff.

Uh for those who may be aware and those who may not be aware, the city council recently approved um staff to move forward with contract with an outside consultant to contract to do a complete zoning rewrite of the city. Uh the intent is to develop a unified development ordinance which uh is a a zoning document that compiles all of our development ordinances into a single uh document that would include our subdivision regulations, uh storm water zoning ordinance, uh so on and so forth. Uh we will be kicking off uh that process here shortly. Uh we're looking to hopefully get that contract signed uh quickly and then uh kick off the process in January of 2026 with an anticipated completion in hopefully June of 2027. That's a very ambitious timeline to do this project. Uh it would involve complete reszoning of the entire city. So all parcels will be looked at uh and we're hoping to present to the planning commission monthly our progress and you know as we go through uh we'll also you be part of uh stakeholder meetings to discuss uh that information going forward. the the consultant has a very very good plan for public engagement to really reach out to uh the citizens of the city to engage them and

let them know how the these changes potential changes will potentially affect their properties and their ability to use their property based on the zoning ordinance that we'll uh eventually adopt. So yes sir.

Well, um I think that's probably a really a good idea. But along with that, I think they should be really careful about how they present things. They should present it so that the common man can understand it without having to have major legislation to lawyers and stuff to explain it. It ought to be expos easy to understand you know

and that is the reason why we selected the group that we we did uh select to to move forward with. They uh have presented a an excellent public outreach uh program and this is what they do. You know they they rewrite zoning ordinances. you know, they they've done multiple in in various states and uh all have resulted in good outcomes uh and good engagement and clear concise documents with good exhibits so that the general public doesn't need necessarily a lawyer to decipher what's

kills a lot of people. They don't think they know does a lot.

Hey, I love him to death. So, the intent is to to try to get rid of a lot of that uh that lawyer from 1974 uh that our ordinance is based on and move it forward into you know th this time uh with pictures and exhibits and uh tables instead of just word and salad. So uh we will be bringing it to you all to to discuss and ultimately it'll be up to you to make a a recommendation uh based on what's presented.

I do hope that we make sure that we are addressing all of the neighborhoods in some form. Yeah. um that we we don't hold meetings where a certain neighborhood would have to take three buses to get there that we do enough even if it means five community meetings or something. Yeah. Okay. Great. There will be more than that and I'm glad that you know that's always my concern.

Yes. That that was our concern as well. So that was our full intent is to engage not just small pockets but as broadly right as possible both in face toface uh electronically and you know as many ways as possible and in some circumstances maybe you could bring it to individual communities that don't have transportation to their civic club meetings and so forth. You know that would be a because we have a lot of elderly people around city that can't work go out at night

and so you know they need to have um representation also. Yep. And that's part of the reason why we've uh we're trying to bring on more staff. Uh we have Ella Dodd sitting in the uh audience over there. Today was actually her first day. Uh

we should have introduced you. I'm doing it now. Everybody is here. I'm doing it now. This is plan staff comments. Uh this her first day. Uh but her background is community planning. Uh so you know that that's the intent is to to bring these discussions directly to the community. Uh not to do it from a top down but try to do it from a bottom up fashion. That's great. Sounds good. All right. Is there anything else? Is there anything else to come before this group? Hearing none, this Oh, I'm sorry. Somebody says

in case I don't get to see you all this again this year, merry Christmas. You're right. You're right. This is December meeting. Merry Christmas, everyone. This stands a jerk.