ASHLAND PLANNING COMMISSION
(CONTINUED HEARINGS FROM OCTOBER 12, 2004 REGULAR MEETING)
MINUTES
OCTOBER 26, 2004
I. | CALL TO ORDER Chair Russ Chapman called the Ashland Planning Commission meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. on October 26, 2004 in the Civic Center Council Chambers, 1175 East Main Street, Ashland, Oregon.
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II. | APPROVAL OF FINDINGS Morris/Douma m/s to approve the Findings for PA2004-110, 150 Church Street, Robert M. Saladoff. Voice Vote: Unanimous. |
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III. | TYPE III PUBLIC HEARING | |||||||||||||
PLANNING ACTION 2004-121 REQUEST FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MINIMUM DENSITY REQUIREMENTS IN R-2 (LOW DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY) AND R-3 (HIGH DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY) ZONING DISTRICTS. APPLICANT: CITY OF ASHLAND
STAFF REPORT Anticipated Outcomes: Thirty-two properties have been identified as developable that meet the parameters of this ordinance. The development potential is 154 units or eighty percent (124 units) that could potentially be developed on these properties over time. Without minimum densities, though not likely, as few as 32 units could be added to the properties. Therefore with the ordinance changes, the number of multi-family residential development would increase over time. The Housing Commission has reviewed the ordinance changes and has forwarded a recommendation that the minimum densities within the R-2 and R-3 zones be established to allow for development at the intended densities. There was a concern from the Housing Commission regarding the provision exempting areas of the lot that already have a conditional use permit on them. By allowing a reduction in the number of housing units for existing conditional uses or future conditional uses, it could inadvertently lead to a situation where housing is not prioritized for those multi-family zones. Staff believes this concern is best addressed in evaluating new conditional use permits. The Commission discussed, in particular, 2.c. Lots with authorized conditional uses may exempt that portion of the property that is subject to the conditional use for calculations of the minimum base density standard. They suggested new wording as follows: Lots with existing or proposed conditional uses may be exempt for that portion of the property that is subject to the conditional use for calculations of the minimum base density standard.
PUBLIC HEARING She supports affordable housing but not everyone can live here nor has a desire to live here. Participate in providing housing where the land can be purchased through existing mechanisms and affordable housing can be provided for sale or rent without requiring a private property owner to meet the goals enforced by the City Council. The City can issue a bond for affordable housing as they have done for other city projects.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION Goldman noted that the Housing Needs Analysis takes the place of a housing type analysis. With regard to the 96 SOU units, the units will not create vacancies just within the Ashland city limits. McLaughlin explained that the market will determine the rate of consumption and rate of development. This ordinance looks at the efficient use of land. There is a goal for affordability and maintaining the city's compact urban form and that land identified for R-2 and R-3 development is not inefficiently used. The impact for long term is that we don't have to be looking beyond our boundaries for additional land or extending services if we have to build beyond our boundaries. Some Commissioners questioned changing the rules for those property owners who purchased land before this ordinance is enacted and they were uncertain if there would be any impact with the changes proposed to the ordinances. McLaughlin responded that as growth pressures continue, a single family home is the desirable housing type. We are going to see land zoned multi-family used more and more for single family. It is the City's responsibility to amend ordinances to achieve what is best for the community in the long-term. Let's set the pattern now. Other Commissioners see the change as setting property aside for how it is already zoned. If more single family homes are built on multi-family zoned land, this will cause sprawl and extra expenses for the citizens. As lots get more expensive, there is more value in building a single family residence on a lot, not multi-family. Multi-family is a needed part of our housing stock. McLaughlin reminded the Commission we are defining density, not units. The Commissioners changed the wording of 2.g. A lot that is nonconforming in minimum density may not move further out of conformance with the minimum density standard. However, units may be added to the lot which bring the lot closer to conformance without coming all the way into conformance, provided it is demonstrated the minimum density will not be precluded. Briggs/Dawkins m/s to accept the proposed land use amendments to PA2004-121 with the language changes to 2.c. and 2.g. as noted above (bold). Roll Call: Morris, Dawkins, Black, Chapman, Fields and Briggs voted "yes" and Douma and Dotterrer voted "no". |
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PLANNING ACTION 2004-131 REQUEST FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT RELATED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HERITAGE TREE LIST. APPLICANT: CITY OF ASHLAND
STAFF REPORT The Heritage Tree program was intended for very special trees whether by species, size, cultural or historical. The program is voluntary. If a property owner agrees to have a tree listed as a Heritage Tree, the deed agreement (copy attached to Staff Report) would be completed and signed and recorded on the title to the property. If a property owner decides they no longer wish to have their tree listed, they would need to go through a quit claim process at the City Recorder's office. Once a tree is listed, a tree removal permit would be required to remove the tree. That is a function of the deed agreement. Bryan Holley, 324 Liberty Street, said arborists have said that mature trees on a property add value to the property. The Tree Commission wanted to create an easy in/easy out method if people choose to participate. There will be no cost to the property owner to either place a tree on the list or remove a tree from the list. Holley said the reason for the deed agreement is that the danger to loss of a tree comes in the transfer of property.
COMMISSIONERS' DISCUSSION AND MOTION Douma/Black m/s to recommend approval of PA2004-131 with the proposed changes. Voice Vote: Unanimous. |
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IV. | OTHER BUSINESS ABSTAINING FROM VOTES McLaughlin said the Planning Commissioners are appointed to make decisions. The only way not to vote is if there is a conflict of interest. It is the Commissioner's responsibility to make decisions. This is not written anywhere, but comes from the Council. |
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V. | ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. |
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Yates, Executive Secretary
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