Minutes of the regular meeting of the Georgetown Township Planning Commission, held Wednesday, October 15, 2008

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Honderd at 7:30 p.m.

 

Present:           Honderd, South, Huizinga, Pearson, Stasiak, Blouw, VanDenBerg

Absent:            none

 

#081015-01 - Agenda for October 15, 2008

 

Moved by Del South, seconded by Rebecca VanDenBerg, to approve the agenda for October 15, 2008 as presented.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#081015-02 - Minutes of the September 3, 2008 regular meeting 

 

Moved by Stasiak, seconded by Blouw, to approve the minutes as presented.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#081015-03 – Final Development Plan (PUD0604-03) 36th Ave./Baldwin PUD

(final development plan, parcel B plan, elevations, dumpster enclosure, application, request for additional parking, property owner’s permission, traffic study)

 

Don DeGroot, Exxel Engineering, represented the applicant and presented the request.  Dan Colella, Wesco Inc., was also present.

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

The request is for final development approval for phase 2 of the Baldwin/36th Ave. PUD for Wesco Service Station. 

 

SUMMARY

 

1.      The phases as shown on the plan are correct; however, the note depicting phase one should have the up/down marks and phase two should have the dashed lines.  They are inverted.

 

2.      Parking calculations are provided as follows for the convenience store: 33 spaces are the minimum required and 49 are provided.  Sec. 26.9(L) limits the number of spaces to a maximum of 20% more than required.  The plan shows about 48% more than required.  The applicant submitted an explanation as to why they determined the extra spaces are needed.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this is acceptable.  An ample amount of landscaping has been provided on three sides of the parcel and there may not be a negative impact from the additional parking spaces.

 

3.      According to the ordinance, three wall signs are permitted (since there is a front yard on the north, east and west sides) and the three signs could be multiplied by two into six signs with a total of 75% or less of the allowed square footage (as allowed by the ordinance).  A table on the Elevation Sheet details how the 75% of the allowed square footage was divided into SEVEN signs (one more than the ordinance allows).  While the overall square footage is less than the maximum allowed (75% = 261 permitted and 258 shown), there is one more sign than what is allowed.  Since the ordinance allows flexible zoning for a PUD, the Planning Commission will have to determine if it is acceptable to have the additional sign.  So far, none of the other buildings in the PUD have more wall signs than are permitted by the ordinance.

 

4.      The final development plan for phase 2 appears to be in conformance with the preliminary development plan other than the following.  The size of the building has increased and more parking spaces are shown.  Landscaping along the southern property line was removed.  The layout has also been shifted 90 degrees counterclockwise.  It appears to be acceptable because Sec. 22.5(A)(1) states that the preliminary plan should show the location of proposed structures, but realizing that this is preliminary, dimensions were not required.  The Planning Commission should determine if this is acceptable.

 

5.      Sec. 22.10 contains the standards for approval for both the preliminary and final development plans.  One of the standards is that the PUD complies with all qualifying conditions of Sec. 22.2.  The Planning Commission will have to make this determination after reviewing the following elements:

a.      Acreage requirement.  The acreage was approved with the preliminary plan.

b.      Utilities.  Met and a Storm Water Drain Permit was submitted from the Drain Commissioner’s Office.

c.       Land ownership.  The land owner signed a letter granting permission for  the applicant to submit the plan and is, therefore, a part of this application.

d.      Master Plan.  The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met with the preliminary plan approval.

e.       Pedestrian.  The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met with the preliminary plan approval.

f.       Architecture.  Elevations were provided and the Planning Commission will have to determine if the architecture is acceptable.

g.      Traffic.  Although the overall circulation was approved with the preliminary plan, the Planning Commission should determine if the circulation is acceptable now since the layout has changed, and the building size and number of parking spaces have increased.

h.      Open space requirement.  This was determined to be met with the preliminary PUD approval.

 

6.      Sec. 22.10(D) contains the standards for approval for both the preliminary and final development plan.  One of the standards is: The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.  The Planning Commission will have to make this determination.

7.      A condition of approval must be added that the following is submitted to the Township at the time a building permit application is submitted in order to meet ordinance requirements: 1) documentation regarding deed restrictions, covenants or similar legal instruments to be used within the PUD and documentation that an association will maintain the common areas; and 2) a recorded PUD agreement as per Sec. 22.11. 

 

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Details of the review:

Sec. 22.8       FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPLICATION.

 

B.                 Final Development Plan Approval Time Period – Dual or Multi Phased: If the project includes phases, then the applicant must submit a request within twelve (12) months of the Township Board’s approval of the preliminary plan and PUD rezoning for final development plan approval of a phase.  Following the final approval of the first PUD phase, the applicant must submit each subsequent phase within twenty-four (24) months of the approval date for the previous phase.  If the applicant fails to submit the first phase within twelve (12) months or each subsequent phase within the twenty-four (24) month time period then the preliminary site plan incorporating all phases not already approved for final site plan shall be determined to be invalid.

 

The PUD has multiple phases and this is within the time frame required.

 

D.        Final Development Plan Application Requirements:  A final development plan application shall consist of the following (unless determined by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission to be unnecessary):

 

1.                  A completed application form, supplied by the Zoning Administrator.

 

Submitted.

 

2.                  Payment of a fee, as established by the Township Board.

 

Submitted.

 

3.                  A written response to the findings, review comments, and conditions, if any, from the Township Board’s review and approval of the preliminary development plan and a narrative explanation of the changes made to the plan in response to those items.

 

The Township Board approved the preliminary PUD plan with the following conditions.  Conditions a, b, c and d were addressed on the plan.  For condition e(2), Road and Drain Commission approvals were submitted.  For conditions e(1) and (3) a condition of approval must be added that the following is submitted to the Township at the time a building permit application is submitted; 1) documentation regarding deed restrictions, covenants or similar legal instruments to be used within the PUD and documentation that an association will maintain the common areas; and 2) a recorded PUD agreement as per Sec. 22.11. 

 

Township Board conditions of approval for the preliminary PUD:

a.                  Permitted uses would be allowed as per the narrative dated July 11, 2006, but would not include vehicle repair, drive-in restaurants or truck rental;

b.                  A total of 4 (2 entry and one for the office and one for the convenience store/gas station) ground mounted signs would be permitted (two development signs are shown on the plan) with setbacks for all ground mounted signs according to the ordinance requirements (75 feet from the centerline of either Baldwin or 36th Ave.), with a maximum of 50 square feet in area per side and a maximum of 4 feet in height (wall signs to meet ordinances);

c.                    A berm is added along Baldwin, adjusted to shield headlights from the residential area;

d.                  The convenience store/gas station hours of operation are 5 am to 1:00 am;

e.                   The following are to be submitted to the Township:

1.      Documentation regarding deed restrictions, covenants or similar legal instruments to be used within the PUD and documentation that an association will maintain the common areas to be submitted at the time of final development application submittal;

2.      Approvals from the Ottawa County Road and Drain Commissions at the time of final development application submittal; and

3.      A recorded PUD agreement at the time of building permit application submittal.

 

4.                  A site plan containing all of the information required in this PUD Chapter and the following information shown below: (If the plan consists of phases, then the above-mentioned information is only required for the specific phase(s) being presented for final approval.  Each subsequent phase shall be reviewed in the same manner).

 

a.                   The location and dimensions of all proposed structures and buildings on the PUD site.

 

Provided.  Dimensions of the building and fuel area are shown, along with details about the dumpster enclosures. 

 

b.                  The location of all proposed drives (including dimensions and radii), acceleration/deceleration lanes, sidewalks / pathways / bikepaths, curbing, parking areas (including the dimensions of a typical parking space and the total number of parking spaces to be provided), and unloading areas.  Street names must also be included.

 

Provided.  Parking calculations are provided as follows: 1 per each service vehicle shown adjacent to the pumps, plus 1 for each 200 feet of GFA.  For the convenience store, 33 spaces are required and 49 are provided.  Sec. 26.9(L) limits the number of spaces to a maximum of 20% more than required.  The plan shows about 48% more than required.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this is acceptable.  The dimension of the sidewalk along 36th Ave. was shown, along with vehicle queuing areas.

 

c.                   The location of all proposed signs and lighting, including the sizes and types.

 

Provided.  Sign details are provided for the ground mounted freestanding sign which complies with the preliminary plan approval, including height and area in square feet.  Lighting details were provided, including a note that the lights will be downward directing and will be shielded to avoid the shedding on light onto adjacent properties.  Maximum light height is 25 ft.

 

Wall sign details have also been provided.  Sec. 25.6(C) allows two wall signs in place of one if the total square footage is not more than 75% of what is allowed for the one.  The building has frontage on three streets: 36th Ave. to the east; Black Star Street (private street) to the north; and Black Star Street (private street) to the west. 

 

According to the ordinance, the three permitted signs could be divided into six signs with 75% or less of the allowed square footage.  A table on the Elevation Sheet details how the 75% of the allowed square footage was divided into seven signs (one more than the ordinance allows).  While the overall square footage is less than the maximum allowed (75% = 261 permitted and 258 shown), there is one more sign than what is allowed.  Since the ordinance allows flexible zoning for a PUD, the Planning Commission will have to determine if that is acceptable.     

 

d.                  The location, type and size of all proposed landscaping and site amenities (art work, fences, gateway features, etc.).

 

Provided.  Landscaping calculations were provided as follows: to the east 1 per each 25 feet of frontage on 36th Ave. (260.95/25 = 11 trees required) and 11 deciduous are shown which meets the ordinance requirements.  Calculations for the north were provided since the north is considered a front yard.  To the north the width is 288.60/25 = 12 trees required and a maximum of 1/3 may be evergreen.  The rest (8) are deciduous.  The west frontage is 260/25 and could be considered a front yard or a yard with greenbelt requirements.  The amount of trees shown exceeds the number shown on the approved preliminary plan.     

 

e.                   The location, type and size of all utilities and storm water drainage facilities, including fire protection, sanitary sewers, water services, etc.

 

Provided.

 

f.                   Existing and proposed topographic contours at a maximum of three (3) foot intervals.

 

Provided.

 

g.                  Elevation views of all proposed structures and floor plans for all multi-family residential dwelling units.

 

Provided. 

 

h.                  Proposed open space areas, including recreational amenities (playgrounds, etc.).

 

Provided in the overall PUD.

 

i.                    Floodplain areas. (Revised 6-27-2005)

 

Provided.

 

5.                  The Planning Commission may request from the applicant any additional graphics or written materials, prepared by a qualified person or persons, to assist in determining the appropriateness of the site plan.  Such material may include, but need not be limited to, aerial photography, photographs; traffic impacts; impact on significant natural features and drainage; soil tests; and other pertinent information.

Sec. 22.9       PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

 

A.                The Planning Commission shall review the final development plan in relation to its conformance with the preliminary development plan and any conditions of the PUD rezoning.  If it is determined that the final plan is not in substantial conformance with the preliminarily development plan, the review process shall be conducted as a preliminary development plan review, in accordance with the procedures of Sections 22.5 - 22.7 of this Ordinance.

 

The final development plan for phase 2 appears to be in conformance with the preliminary development plan other than the following.  The size of the building has increased and more parking spaces are shown.  Landscaping along the southern property line was removed.  The layout has also been shifted 90 degrees counterclockwise.  It appears to be acceptable because Sec. 22.5(A)(1) states that the preliminary plan should show the location of proposed structures, but realizing that this is preliminary, dimensions were not required.  The Planning Commission should determine if this is acceptable.

 

A large amount of additional parking spaces are shown in addition to those approved with the preliminary plan.  For the convenience store, 33 parking spaces are required and 49 are provided.  Sec. 26.9(L) limits the number of spaces to a maximum of 20% more than required.  The plan shows about 48% more than required.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this is acceptable (note the applicant’s reasons).    

 

B.                 Planned Unit Developments, whether established as a single or multiphase development, shall reasonably accommodate for the intent of the PUD in each phase.  If the proposed PUD appears to provide for phases that do not incorporate the intent of the proposed PUD, the Planning Commission may require bonding or other similar financial obligation, which shall be established in the PUD agreement.  If a portion of the PUD intent it to provide for a variety of uses, then the proposed phasing schedule shall show how the development of these uses will be balanced in the phased development schedule.

 

Appears to be met.

 

C.                 If the final development plan is consistent with the approved preliminary development plan, the Planning Commission shall review the final plan in accordance with the standards for approval in Section 22.10.

 

See the review under Sec. 22.10 below.

 

D.                The Planning Commission shall prepare a record of its findings and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the final development plan.

 

Minutes will be prepared.

 

E.                  Any regulatory modification from traditional district requirements shall be approved through a finding by the Planning Commission that the deviation shall result in a higher quality of development than would be possible using conventional zoning standards.  Regulatory modifications are not subject to variance approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  No part of this PUD process of the approved site plans may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  This provision shall not preclude an individual residential lot owner from seeking a variance following final approval of the PUD, provided such variance does not involve alterations to open space areas as shown on the approved PUD site plan.

 

Regulatory modifications are shown on the preliminary and final development plans.

 

F.                  A table shall be provided on the final site plan which specifically details all deviations from the established zoning area, height and setback regulations, off-street parking regulations, general provisions, or Township subdivision regulations which would otherwise be applicable to the uses and developments proposed in the absence of this PUD article and rezoning.

 

Regulatory modifications are shown on the preliminary and final development plans.

 

Sec. 22.10     STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL (both preliminary and final).

A PUD shall be approved only if it complies with each of the following standards:

A.        The proposed PUD complies with all qualifying conditions of Section 22.2.

As per the review for the preliminary plan, the Planning Commission will have to make this determination.

1.      Acreage requirement.  The acreage was approved with the preliminary plan.

2.      Utilities.  Met and a Storm Water Drain Permit was submitted from the Drain Commissioner’s Office.

3.      Land ownership.  The land owner submitted a letter.

4.      Master Plan.  The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met with the preliminary plan approval.

5.      Pedestrian.  The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met with the preliminary plan approval.

6.      Architecture.  Elevations were provided and the Planning Commission will have to determine if the architecture is acceptable.

7.      Traffic.  Although the overall circulation was approved with the preliminary plan, the Planning Commission should determine if the circulation is acceptable now since the layout has changed and the building and number of parking spaces have increased.

8.      Open space requirement.  This was determined to be met with the preliminary PUD approval.

B.                 The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development.

The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met when approval was granted for the preliminary plan. 

C.                 The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.

The Planning Commission determined that this standard was met when approval was granted for the preliminary plan.

D.                The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.

The Planning Commission will have to make this determination.

E.                 The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of this Chapter, respective of being either a preliminary or final PUD request (Preliminary PUD’s must meet Section 22.5, A and Final PUD’s must meet Section 22.8, D.)

See the review for Sec. 22.8D above.

Sec. 22.11     PUD AGREEMENT..

 

A.                Prior to the issuance of any building permits or commencement of construction on any portion of the PUD, the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the Township in recordable form, setting forth the applicant's obligations with respect to the PUD. 

B.                 The agreement shall describe all improvements to be constructed as part of the PUD and shall incorporate, by reference, the final development plan with all required revisions, other documents which comprise the PUD, and all conditions attached to the approval by the Township Board. 

C.                 A phasing plan shall also be submitted describing the intended schedule for start and completion of each phase and the improvements to be undertaken in each phase. 

D.                The agreement shall also establish the remedies of the Township in the event of default by the applicant in carrying out the PUD, and shall be binding on all successors in interest to the applicant. 

E.                 All documents shall be executed and recorded in the office of the Ottawa County Register of Deeds.

A condition of approval will be that the recorded PUD agreement will be required to be submitted at the time a building permit application is submitted to the Township. 

 

 

 

Honderd asked for the reason the extra parking was requested.

 

Dan Colella stated the following.  Wesco identifies the market and determines the store and customers.  To handle the anticipated transactions they proposed the additional parking spaces in order to have an adequate amount of parking and to make the parking safe for customers.  Customers could include delivery trucks, buses, and vehicles towing boats and trailers.  They need the extra space.  They have made the spaces ten feet wide which is one foot wider than the nine feet required in the ordinance in order to help customers to maneuver.

 

South said that he would rather see more parking spaces than less.

 

VanDenBerg said that it seemed logical to provide the extra spaces.

 

Stasiak said that the extra spaces were okay.

 

Honderd expressed a concern for loitering.  He said that they could bank the extra spaces and provide landscaping now; then have the spaces available they were needed later.

 

Huizinga and Blouw said that the extra spaces were acceptable.

 

Pearson said that there was a lot of asphalt and asked if it was possible to landscape along the retaining wall and provide more landscaping along the back side.

 

There was discussion regarding the signs and it was noted that the Township had consistently interpreted canopy signs to be wall signs.  The applicant detailed the location of the signs and indicated that the number and location of signs were typical.

 

The zoning administrator explained the ordinance allows one and a half times the lineal frontage for a wall sign on each street frontage, and the Township took a lenient interpretation that the property had frontage on three streets, 36th Ave. and two interior private streets.  She said that the ordinance also allows the three wall signs to be divided into six signs as long as the total square footage of all six signs was 75% or less of the allowable square footage.  She said that plan showed seven signs, one more than allowed, with a total square footage under what was permitted. 

 

Stasiak said that he would like to see the ordinance limit of six signs upheld because he questioned the necessity of that number of signs since some would be on interior streets anyway.  He said that most people know what a gas station looks like and it would be readily identifiable anyway.  He also said that they should be sensitive to the condos that were to be built as part of the development and they should do whatever they could to help make those condos marketable.

 

When questioned as to which sign would be eliminated, the applicant indicated the canopy sign that faces the interior street.

 

Huizinga said that seven was acceptable.

 

Pearson and South said that the plan should stick to the ordinance and only have six signs.

 

There was discussion regarding the proposed architecture of the building.  The applicant stated the following.  There were peaked entrances and they like to keep the light color because of heat absorption.  There were fifty stores throughout Michigan that were white and they wanted to keep the same image.  Although there was a certain expectation for the design work for being involved with a PUD, but there should be variety and the proposal was not objectionable.

 

Stasiak stated the following.  The proposed building should be more upscale than a conventional store front since it is a part of a PUD.  The proposed architecture was not consistent or similar to the rest of the buildings.  He wanted to see some other elements like brick work or different colors.

 

Huizinga said that white goes with anything.

 

Blouw stated that it was not necessarily the colors as much as uniformity in materials and there should be more continuity within the development, though he did understand the value of variety.

 

Dan Colella said that the bottom below the window could be split fact block and above could be smooth face block.

 

Stasiak said that there should be brick like the other buildings and there should be a darker color to coordinate with the other buildings.

 

Dan Colella said that they could have darker block on the bottom and transition to a lighter color from the bottom up.

 

Stasiak asked if the rooftop and peaks were standard colors.

 

Pearson said that this was a typical Wesco structure.

 

Dan Colella said that the company has grown and acquired more buildings which are remodeled to a version of what is shown, with the same color pallet, peaks and square footage.  He said that they plan to have a full service bakery where the products are prepared and have a food service.

 

Pearson asked if the color was typical and the applicant answered yes.

 

Pearson said that the hopes were that the structure would be nice looking with creative architecture, especially since it is close to a residential area and the condos.  He said that it should fit and blend with a residential feel with bricking or a peaked roof.  He said that he would love to see a more creative approach.  He questioned the distance from the doorway to the edge of the parking lot and wanted to know if there was enough space for pedestrians to walk without going onto the parking lot.

 

Dan Colella said that this was the size of a typical sidewalk and the traffic study did a nice job describing traffic flow.

 

Pearson asked f the pillars were too large for a right turn.

 

Dan Colella said that there was a minimum of a three foot clearance.

 

Pearson said that the pedestrian traffic should be addressed because every convenience store poses a fundamental issue getting into the store.

 

South said that he has no problem with what is proposed because it has to be remembered that this is a gas station and convenience store.  He said that he can’t say that he wants fancy architecture and colors.  He said that if there were more entrances, there would be more traffic control issues.  He said that shrubs to the south depend on what is developed on parcel C and this is the back yard.

 

VanDenBerg said that although she appreciates the comments, the proposal is doable as presented.

 

The Planning Commission reviewed the traffic study that was presented and the conclusion of the study was that the new proposed circulation was an improvement over the proposal for the preliminary PUD because there would be an easier flow of traffic that had fewer conflicts with pedestrians accessing the convenience store.

 

Honderd said that the new proposal for traffic circulation within the site made sense and he just wanted to be sure that parcel C does not have a problem with vehicles trying to access the site.

 

Don DeGroot explained the traffic study and noted that there would be less car and pedestrian conflicts with a more convenient circle around.  He said that the site is designed much more pedestrian friendly and with conflicts eliminated.  He said that this is an improvement and there is adequate access to the bank site.

 

Honderd stated that he was the one that questioned the access and the traffic study gave the Planning Commission more strength in their decision.  He was concerned that the bank site may want to have a right-in and right-out access to a main street, but he said that he can see that this plan is safer for pedestrian traffic.

 

Don DeGroot showed where a curb cut had existed on 36th Ave., but had been eliminated as per part of the PUD approval.

 

It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that the traffic circulation was acceptable.

 

Stasiak asked if any consideration had been given to another curb cut to the west which would eliminate some parking places.

 

Don DeGroot said that the main reason not to have a curb cut to the west is for the physical reason due to the six or seven foot grade change and they discourage too many opportunities for access approaches.  He said that there are already adequate accesses in place, including the one on the bank site, and from a physical standpoint an access to the west would not work.

 

Stasiak asked if they could be fairly accommodating with changing the elevations or if the cost would be prohibitive.

 

Dan Colella said that a structure is needed behind masonry and would increase the cost.

 

Stasiak asked if it put the project out of reach.

 

Dan Colella said that there is not a lot of construction that isn’t already strained and they are struggling with the mortgage with the numbers as currently submitted.

 

Stasiak said that he understands that this is a gas station; however, it is still a part of the PUD and this may contribute to how saleable and marketable the condos in the back will be.  He said that the elevations need to be tempered down.

 

Dan Colella said that the two existing buildings were speculative and banks want economy.  He said that some banks are very attractive.  He asked for consideration for the proto type.

 

Honderd said that brick would cost substantially more and a different color would not be a much higher cost.

 

Dan Colella said that it could be more attractive with a darker colored base.

 

Honderd said that the Planning Commission should consider a longer range view and the site could be bought out and replaced with a different color.

 

Moved by Stasiak, seconded by VanDenBerg, to approve the final development plan (PUD0604-03) 36th Ave./Baldwin PUD for Wesco Service Station as shown on the following documents:

 

1.      Application dated 9/15/08;

2.      Final development plan dated 9/16/08;

3.      Parcel B Wesco site plan dated 9/16/08; and

4.      Dumpster enclosure plan.

Based on the findings that:

1.      The site design meets the intention of the ordinance;

2.      The additional parking spaces are acceptable;

3.      The seven signs as shown on the elevation plan are not acceptable and should be reduced to six by eliminating the north-facing canopy sign;

4.      Architectural features as shown on the elevation plan are not acceptable and the applicant should return to the Planning Commission with revised elevations for review and action;

5.      Traffic circulations as shown on the overall plan and the parcel B plan are acceptable;

6.      The qualifying conditions in Sec. 22.2 are met;

7.      The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development;

8.      The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community;

9.      The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning;

10.  The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of Chapter 22 including Section 22.8, D and Section 22.10; and

11.  Any regulatory modifications from the traditional district requirements result in a higher quality of development than would be possible using conventional zoning standards.

And with the following conditions:

1.      The notes on the PUD about phasing are revised to note that phase 1 includes approximately the western 2/3rds of the site and phase 2 is parcel b as shown on the “Overall PUD site plan;”

2.      The proposed deed restrictions, covenants, or similar legal instruments to be used within the PUD as per Sec. 22.5(D)(d) are submitted at the time a building permit application is submitted to the Township;

3.      All signs meet ordinance requirements other than for elements shown on the approved PUD plan and there can be a maximum of six signs and the seventh sign proposed must be eliminated;

4.      A recorded PUD agreement (according to Sec. 22.11) is submitted at the time a building permit application is submitted to the Township; and

5.      Current elevations dated 9/16/08 are not acceptable and must be revised to be more compatible with the PUD, and submitted to the Township for action by the Planning Commission.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#081015-04 - Ordinance Amendment Sec. 22.13 (A)-Time Limit for Approved PUD District

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

With motion #080609-10, the Township Board asked the Planning Commission to review a Zoning Ordinance amendment to extend the time frame for Planned Unit Development approval.  With motion #080618-05, the Planning Commission initiated a Zoning Ordinance amendment to extend the time frame for Planned Unit Development approval.

 

SUMMARY

 

The ordinance amendment would give the Township Board the authority to grant two extensions (each one for up to twelve additional months) for the time frame under which the development must be under construction.

 

The chairman opened the public hearing.  No one present made public comments.  The chairman closed the public hearing.

 

The consensus of the Planning Commission was that the ordinance amendment made sense.

 

Moved by VanDenBerg, seconded by South, to recommend to the Township Board to approve a Zoning Ordinance amendment to Sec. 22.13 as follows:

 

Sec. 22.13       Time Limit for Approved PUD District

Each development shall be under construction within twelve (12) months after the date of approval of the PUD final development plan, except as noted in this Section.

A.                The Township Board may grant two extensions, each one (1) extension of up to an additional twelve (12) month period if the applicant applies for such extension prior to the date of the expiration of the PUD or PUD phase and provided that:

1.      The applicant presents reasonable evidence that said development has encountered unforeseen difficulties beyond the control of the applicant; and

2.      The PUD requirements and standards, including those of the Zoning Ordinance and Master Plan that are reasonably related to said development have not changed.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#081015-05 – Ordinance Amendment Sec. 20.4 AD-Special use standards for vehicle service stations

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

With motion #080728-09, the Township Board asked the Planning Commission to review a Zoning Ordinance amendment to eliminate the special use standard that a gas station must be located at least 300 feet from an entrance to a school.  With motion #080903-05, the Planning Commission initiated a Zoning Ordinance amendment to eliminate the special use standard.

 

SUMMARY

 

The Zoning Ordinance amendment would eliminate the special land use standard that requires a gas station to be located at least 300 feet from an entrance to a school.

 

The chairman opened the public hearing.  No one present made public comments.  The chairman closed the public hearing.

 

It was noted that many gas stations currently exist within 300 feet from an entrance to a school with no detrimental impacts including the one just approved and that it made sense to eliminate the special use standard.

 

Moved by Blouw, seconded by South, to approve a Zoning Ordinance amendment to Sec. 20.4(AD) to eliminate standard (13) as follows:

 

Sec. 20.4         Special Land Uses

(AD)    Vehicle service stations and repair.

            (1)        Minimum lot area shall be 15,000 square feet.

            (2)        Minimum lot width shall be one hundred (100) feet.

            (3)        All buildings, structures, and equipment shall be located not less than fifty (50) feet from any right-of-way line and not less than fifty (50) feet from any side or rear lot line abutting residentially zoned property.

            (4)        Ingress and egress drives shall be designed in accordance with the standards of the Ottawa County Road Commission.

            (5)        No more than one (1) curb opening shall be permitted for every seventy-five (75) feet of frontage (or major fraction thereof) along any street, with a maximum of two per arterial street, and one for any other street.

            (6)        No drive or curb opening shall be located nearer than seventy-five (75) feet to any intersection nor more than twenty-five (25) feet to any adjacent residential property line.  No drive shall be located nearer than fifty (50) feet, as measured along the property line, to any other driveway.  A driveway shall not be permitted where, in the opinion of the Township Board, it may produce a safety hazard to adjacent pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

            (7)        A raised curb of six (6) inches in height shall be constructed along the perimeter of all paved and landscaped areas.

            (8)        All areas not paved or occupied by buildings or structures shall be landscaped.

            (9)        All lubrication equipment, hydraulic hoists, and pits shall be enclosed entirely within a building.  All gasoline pumps shall be located not less than fifty (50) feet from any lot line, and shall be arranged so that motor vehicles shall not be supplied with gasoline or serviced while parked upon or over-hanging any public sidewalk, street or right-of-way.

            (10)      When the site adjoins residentially zoned property, a greenbelt or sight-obscuring fence shall be provided in accordance with Section 3.11.

            (11)      In the HS and I Districts, all outside storage areas for trash, used tires, auto parts and similar items shall be enclosed by a six (6) foot sight-obscuring wall or fence.  No such outside­ storage area shall exceed an area of two hundred (200) sq. ft.  Outside parking of disabled, wrecked, or partially dismantled vehicles not to exceed a maximum of five (5) such vehicles shall not be permitted for a period exceeding ten (10) days.  No such outdoor storage areas or parking of disabled, wrecked, or partially dismantled vehicles shall be permitted in the CS district. (revised 12-29-1998)

            (12)      The rental of trucks, trailers, and any other vehicles on the premises is expressly prohibited without specific approval by the Township Board.  If such use is permitted, proper screening, landscaping, and additional parking area shall be provided in accordance with the requirements set forth by the Township Board.

            (13)      The lot shall be located such that it is at least three hundred (300) feet from an entrance or exit to any property on which is situated a public library, public or private school, playground, playfield, park, church or hospital.

            (14)      All exterior lighting, including signs, shall be erected and hooded so as to shield the glare of such lights from view by adjacent property.

            (15)      On a corner lot, both street frontage sides shall be subject to all the applicable front yard provisions of this Ordinance.

            (16)      Where applicable, vehicle queuing space shall be provided in front of each service bay for at least two (2) vehicles.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#081015-06– Adjournment

 

The chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.