Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 08-05-1996 - VIII-N 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: August 5. 1996 Action Agenda Item #'V=-N SUBJECT: Z-2-96 Neal and Betty Tapp -Zoning Atlas Amendment DEPARTMENT: Planning PUBLIC HEARING: Yes_x—No BUDGET AMENDMENT REQUIRED: Yes_x—No ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Eddie Kirk Application Extension 2582 Vicinity Map Planning Board Findings TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Town of Chapel Hill Comments Hillsborough- 732-8181 5-28-96 Public Hearing Minutes Durham - 688-7331 6-17-96 Planning Board Minutes Mebane - 227-2031 Chapel Hill - 967-9251 PURPOSE: To consider a proposed Zoning Atlas amendment in Chapel Hill Township requested by Neal and Betty Tapp. BACKGROUND: The property proposed to be rezoned is approximately 4.8 acres of a 28.46 acre tract. It is bounded by I-40 to the west and Mill House Road(SR 1725)to the east and is located at the north intersection of these two roads(Tax Map#7.19..p/o 2A). The 28.46 acre tract is currently zoned NC-2 (Neighborhood Commercial-2). The applicant proposes to rezone approximately 4.8 acres of the tract to RB (Rural Buffer). The 4.8 acre parcel is undeveloped, however the remainder of the tract to the north contains a store located on NC 86 and a 23-space mobile home park. The property directly west is I-40 and directly east is Mill House Road(SR 1725) which also contains the University Branch of the Southern Railroad. Across Mill House Road is the Farm House Restaurant. 2 The Zoning Ordinance lists criteria which are normally used to determine the application of Rural Buffer zoning. The purpose of an RB district is to provide locations for rural residential developments and agricultural, silvicultural or horticultural uses which serve to buffer or separate more intensively planned and/or developed portions of Orange County. The property is located in an area designated as Rural Residential within the Rural Buffer in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan. Public Hearing Comments: A joint public hearing on the rezoning request was held by the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board on May 28, 1996. Commissioner Gordon requested information about the intended use of the property. Eddie Kirk, from the Planning Staff, indicated a special use permit for a cellular tower would probably be applied for,but the Staff has not received an application. Mr.Neal Tapp and Mr. Jerry Eatman spoke in favor of the request. Ms. Eve Olive indicated she had concerns with the effects a cellular tower may have on the children at the Emerson Waldorf School. That issue will be addressed through the Special Use Permit approval process if use of the property for siting of a telecommunications tower is requested. Minutes of the hearing are attached. On June 17, the Planning Board considered the proposed rezoning and made positive findings on the ordinance requirements from Articles 4 and 20 (see attachment). The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval. RECOMMENDATION: The Administration recommends approval of the request for a Zoning Atlas amendment from Neighborhood Commercial-2 to Rural Buffer per the Planning Board findings and recommendation. ORANGE CCUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA 3 APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF ZONING DISTRICT Date : - 8 -910 TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ORANGE COUNTY , NORTH CAROLINA The undersigned do hereby make application to change the Zoning Atlas of Orange County as hereinafter requested . 1 . The property is Located on the west side of S .R . r1725 ( Mill House Rd . Street/Road) etwee S .R .# I-40 and S.R . # Nr 86 It is known as Lpo°� s��►n p_2A Block - , of Orange County Tax Map - Township . It has a frontage of 450 feet and a depth af360-560 feet , and contains 207,000 +/- square feet or 4.8 +/- acres . 2. It is desired and requested that the foregoing property be rezoned from NC-2 to RB 3 .- The foLLowing information has been ., attached . .in.. support of the application for changing the Zoning AtLas (* - required on a L L applications) `a. A fully dimensioned map at a seals Of not Less then one (11 inch equals one-hundred (1001 feat nor more than one (11 inch *quota _ tw*nty' 1201 feet- $howixg' -VhS land which is proposed to be rezoned. 'b. A LegaL description of the land proposed to be rezoned. 'c. A statement of justification addressing one or more of the following: (11 The aLLaged error in the Zoning Ordinance, it any, which would be corrected by the proposed amendment with a datailad explanation of such error in the Zoning At Las and datailad reasons how the proposed amendment wiLL correct the error. (21 The changed or changing conditions, if any, in the area or in the County generally, which make the proposed amendment reasonably necessary to the promotion of the public hasLth, safety and general wetfsre. '(3) The senner in which the proposed smendmartt ■iLL carry out the intent and purpose of, the adopted Land use PLan or per. thereof. 9141 ALL other Circumstances, factors and reasons which tho apptieant offers in support of the proposed amendment including, but not Limited to, documentation from service agencies te.g. tire, patios, rescue and utilities agencies) assuring services provision capability to the deveLcpm*nt. d. A List of aLt individuals, firms or Corporations awning property adjoining or within five hundred (500) rest of the property sought for rezoning is attached. The List is current ss Of (Dotal I certify that ail information furnished in this application is accurate the best of my knowledge . ? Licant ( s) : NP 1 Tan - dress • 6023 NC 86 . Chapel Hill . NC 27514 - 3nB : - 4 W � tr � G � � O • `� c0 O U � � � ,ya Ul) �` `� ✓ 3 ,� ;� N Ul O O W4 ca cU N `� t11 GO R 4S O G, a A y U `►'' m d N co N vA v ,a Go tn cA -� N o Ce 14A �A o m cA N O tn u' m 0.1 o � G u $A G w a 00 0 w .� 2 v a G ¢O tU3f U 'd► to a boa 4r R d y l 3-1� t d N � � N a ' N G .10 �. G O td N arx O O r aW N is l P ul G IA ` ice '� (d O U isi O y — G .dr U v N C G 3 )d N � O � � ' S INFORMATION ATTACHED IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION FOR CHANGING THE ZONING ATLAS BY NEAL D. TAPP & BETTY CANNON TAPP c. (3) The adopted Land Use Plan recommends that the property which is the subject of this petition be developed in the future as "Rural Buffer." The property is currently zoned Neighborhood Commercial-2. The proposed rezoning seeks to rezone a portion of the existing commercial node to the rezoning recommended and called for by the Land Use Plan. c. (4) The stated purpose of the Rural Buffer zoning district is to allow rural residential, agricultural and silvicultural uses in order to buffer more intense development. The permitted or special uses listed in table 4.3 are all low density uses using relatively small amounts of services. The uses are residential, government, utilities, parks, communications, clubs, lodges, kennels and golf courses. The proposed land use is a non-residential utility-type use. No water or sewer service will be required. No staff will be permanently stationed at the site; about five maintenance trips per month are average. Contrast this land use with the purpose of the NC-2 district, which is to allow limited commercial uses to serve rural and neighborhood populations with convenience goods and personal services. The NC-2 district is the opposite of the RB district in that it encourages traffic and utility intensive uses such as service stations, banks, research facilities, retail uses, restaurants and so on. The proposed use of this property clearly meets the purpose and intent of the RB zoning district, not the NC-2 district. r 6 VICINITY MAP (NOT TO SCALE) �AG B6 a SoL f ,`ems• °�/� a� v: 0 � S� Mill House Rd. -v New ,Jericho Rd. SR 1725 rr 0 0 Y U m 3 3 i RB ZONING: RURAL BUFFER ZONE 7 o ' 40 N Q LO LQ F LJ 'IV� LJ w \ \ O . . . . o \\ LO U a \ I uQ, [n Q0 ,�\ LJ Q \ I Cr co gS \ l Z 9 Is, t I _ l U ' u-• 4 N �, l Q. co I I 8 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PLANNING BOARD FROM: ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT DATE: MAY 28, 1996 SUBJECT: Z-2-96 ZONING ATLAS CHANGE REQUEST FROM NC-2 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL-2 TO RB RURAL BUFFER GENERAL INFORMATION APPLICANT: Neal and Betty Tapp 6023 NC 86 Chapel Hill,NC 27514 LOCATION: Northeast corner of I-40 and Mill House Road (Tax Map No. 7.19..p/o 2A) LOT SIZE: 4.8 acres EXISTING LAND USE: Wooded SURROUNDED LAND USE: NORTH: - Mobile homes on NC-2 zoned property. WEST - I-40. SOUTH - Wooded NC-2 zoned property. EAST - Mill House Road, Southern Railroad and The Farm House Restaurant zoned NC-2. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE DESIGNATION: Rural Residential within the Rural Buffer in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan. 9 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO: Board of County Commissioners Planning Board DATE: May 28,1996 PAGE: Two EXISTING ZONING NC-2 Neighborhood Commercial PROPOSED ZONING RB Rural Buffer a) Intent The purpose of the Rural Buffer(RB)District is to provide locations for rural residential developments and agricultural, silvicultural or horticultural uses which serve to buffer or separate more intensively planned and/or developed portions of Orange County. Development within the Rural Buffer(RB) District is at very low densities(the minimum lot size per dwelling unit is two (2) acres) and relies on individual wells and ground absorption systems for domestic water supply and sewage disposal, respectively. b) Application Criteria This district will usually be applied where the following conditions exist: 1. Designated by the adopted Comprehensive Plan as Rural Buffer or by the adopted Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan as Rural Residential or both. 2. Urban services, including water distribution and sewage collection mains are not likely within 10-20 years. The following are permited by right in the Rural Buffer Zoning District: H 1 a Large Day Care Home H2 Single-Family dwelling w/wo efficiency apartment H3 Two Family Dwelling H5 Mobile Home Dwelling H6 Family Care Home H12 Temporary Mobile Home 10 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO: Board of County Commissioners Planning Board DATE: May 28,1996 PAGE: Three Accessory Uses P2 Botanical Gardens & Arboretums P4 Bus Passenger Shelter P7 Church P10 Governmental Protective Services (Police and Fire Stations) Rescue Squads, Volunteer Fire Departments P14 Public &Non-Profit Parks P19 Schools: Elementary, Middle & Secondary P23 Universities, Colleges & Institutes P24 Governmental Facilities& Office Buildings P25 Water and Sanitary Sewer Pumping Stations S8 Clubs or Lodges S13 Greenhouses(no on premises sales) S 19A Class I Kennels S35 Recreational Facilities (Profit/Non Profit): Golf Club & Golf Club Country Club The following uses are permitted in the Rural Buffer Zoning District with approval of a Class A Special Use Permit: P1 Airport General Aviation, Heliports, S.T.O.L. P11 Landfills (2 acres or more) P16 Public Utility Stations and Sub-stations, Switching Stations, Telephone Exchanges, Water and Sewage Treatment Plants S54 Historic Structures Non-Residential/Mixed Use The following uses are permitted in the Rural Buffer Zoning District with approval of a Class B Special Use Permit: H1 Day Care Facility H7 Group Care Facility H12 Temporary Mobile Home (Custodial Care) P3 Buildings; Portable P6 Cemetery P8 Community Center 11 INFORMATION MEMORANDUM TO: Board of County Commissioners Planning Board DATE: May 28, 1996 PAGE: Four P17 Radio& Television Transmitting & Receiving Towers& Elevated Water Storage Tanks P22 Transmission Lines P26 Camp/Retreat Center S20 Class II Kennels/Riding Stables S34 Recreational Facilities(Non Profit) 12 FINDINGS OF THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PERTAINING TO: APPLICATION: Z-2-96 NEAL AND BETTY TAPP BASED ON THE APPLICATION MATERIAL SUBMITTED,THE PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS: ARTICLE 2-Q::SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR EVALUATION/REZONING("Yes"indicate compliance: "No„indicate Non- compliance) PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS Ordinance Requirements The application must comply with all requirements specified in Article 20- Amendments. Those requirements include: 20.3.2 a)Map showing affected _x—Yes No Site plan provided at scale Yes No property at scale of not less of 1"= 100'. than 1"=100'nor more than 1"=20' 20.3.2 b)Legal description of _x—Yes No Description provided on site plan. Yes No property. 20.3.2 c)Explanation of alleged error, _x—Yes No The applicant is not indicating an Yes No if any,to be corrected by proposed alleged error. amendment. 20.3.2 d)Changed conditions _x—Yes No This area was designated as a Rural Yes No if any,which make amendment Neighborhood node in the reasonably necessary to promote 1981 Land Use Plan. When public health,safety and the Joint Planning Land Use Plan general welfare. was adopted on October 13, 1986 this designation was changed to Rural Residential within the Rural Buffer. 13 ARTICLE 20-SPECIFIC STANDARDS FOR EVALUATION/REZONING("Yes" indicates compliance: "No" indicates Non- compliance) PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS Ordinance Requirements 20.3.2 e)Manner in which _x—Yes No The tract is designated Yes No proposed amendment will carry out in the Joint Planning Area purpose and intent of adopted Land Use Plan as Rural Comprehensive Plan. Residential within the Rural Buffer District. The Rural Buffer Zoning District is allowed in this plan designation. ARTICLE 4-DISTRICT STATEMENTS OF INTENT AND APPLICATION CRITERIA PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF RECOMMENDED EVIDENCE SUBMITTED COMMISSIONERS FINDINGS TO SUPPORT FINDINGS FINDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS Article 4.2 identifies the criteria which will normally be used to determine the application of a zoning district designation. The zoning applied for is the RB Rural Buffer designation. The criteria for this district are set forth in Article 4.2.1 and are as follows: (1) Designated by the adopted _x_Yes No The property is designated as Yes No Comprehensive Plan as Rural Rural Residential within the Buffer or by the adopted Joint Rural Buffer in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan Planning Area Land Use Plan. as Rural Residential or both. (2) Urban services, including _x—Yes No Urban services are not Yes No water distribution and sewage available and not proposed collection mains are not likely for the rezoning. within 10-20 years. 14 TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL =?CM couft4w SrIm cm&r ,tmd.tXXM CAM MA M16 May 16, 1996 Tdq*—sM 9Wroo Mr. Eddie kirk Orange County Planning Department 306-F Revere Road Hillsborough, NC 27278 Subject: Z-2-96 Neal a Betty Tapp, NC-2 to RB Dear Eddie, Thank you for providing an opportunity for Town comment, in accordance with the Joint Planning Agreement, on the Tapp rezoning request. We understand the applicant requests a rezoning from Neighborhood Commercial-2 to Rural Buffer for approximately 4.8 acres, on Mill House Road. Although the proposed rezoning appears to be in accordance with the Rural Buffer designation on the Joint Planning Land Use Plan, we do have concerns associated with the range of uses allowed in the Rural Buffer zoning district. We believe telecommunication towers are allowed in the Rural Buffer district, and not allowed in the Neighborhood Commercial-2 district. We request that the County Commissioners be made aware of the list of uses allowed in the zoning district at the May 28th Public Hearing on this item. Thank you for providing an opportunity for comment. Sincerel , 9 J u per, velopme Coordinator JBC/mrk.LTR 15 5/28/96 Public Hearing Minutes 3. Zoning Atlas Amendments (a) Z-2-96 Neal and Betty Tapp Planner Eddie Kirk outlined the information as included in the agenda. The property proposed to be rezoned is approximately 4.8 acres out of a 28.46 acre tract It is bounded by 1-40 to the west and Mill House Road to the east and is located at the north intersection of these two roads. The 28.46 acre tract is currently zoned NC-2. The applicant proposes to rezone approximately 4.8 acres of the tract to RB (Rural Buffer). Commissioner Gordon asked why they want the rezoning and Eddie Kirk said that the applicant has indicated his intention to apply for a Class B Special Use Permit for a communications tower. However, the staff has not received an application. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN COMMENT JERRY EATMAN spoke on behalf of the applicant. He stated that this application is consistent in all respects with the code. Mr. Tapp has been approach by a company to buy this property on which they will place a communication tower, though the project is not guaranteed. NEAL TAPP said that this property is in the woods and this use would cause the property to remain wooded and the tower would not be seen from the road. EVE OLIVE, President of the Emerson Waldorf School which is close to this area, said that if there is going to be a telecommunications tower on this property, she is concerned about the health impact on the children. She stated that there has been a lot of evidence concerning the high incidence of leukemia in children living near power lines. She asked that this health impact be stated in the Zoning Ordinance and that the regulations limit the proximity of radio towers to areas where there are large numbers of younger children. County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill clarified that the County Commissioners have a responsibility to look at all the possible uses in making their decision on a rezoning. The Board would be endorsing these uses if they approve the rezoning request. A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Crowther to refer this item to the Planning Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of County Commissioners no sooner than August 5, 1996. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (b) Z-3-96 Buckhom Road Economic Develooment District Exoansion 6/17/96 Planning Board Minutes 16 MOTION: Walters moved approval as recommended by the Planning Staff. Seconded by Allison. VOTE: 6 in favor. 1 opposed(Price). b. Zoning Atlas Amendments (1) Z-2-96 Neal and Betty Tapp Presentation by Eddie Kirk. The property proposed to be rezoned is approximately 4.8 acres out of a 28.46 acre tract. It is bounded by I40 to the west and Mill House Road(SR 1725)to the east and is located at the north intersection of these two roads(Tax Map 7.19..p/o2A). The 28.46 acres tract is currently zoned NC-2(Neighborhood Commercial-2). The applicant proposes to rezone approximately 4.8 acres of the tract to RB(Rural Buffer). The 4.8 acre parcel is undeveloped however the remainder of the tract to the north contains a store located on NC 86 and a mobile home park which has about 23 spaces. The property directly west is I40 and directly east is Mill.House Road(SR 1725)which also contains the University Branch of the Southern Railroad.Across Mill House Road is the Farm House Restaurant. The Zoning Ordinance lists criteria which are normally used to determine the application of Rural Buffer zoning. The purpose of an RB district is to provide locations for rural residential developments and agricultural,silvicultural or horticultural uses which serve to buffer or separate more intensively planned and/or developed portions of Orange County. The property is located in an area designated as Rural Residential within the Rural Buffer in the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan. A joint public hearing on the rezoning request was held by the Board of Commissioners and Planning Board on May 28, 1996. Commissioner Gordon requested information about the intended use of the property.Planning Staff indicated a special use permit for a cellular tower would probably be applied for but an application has not yet been received. Mr.Neal Tapp and Mr.Jerry Eatman spoke in favor of the request. Ms.Eve Olive indicated she had concerns with the effects a cellular tower may have on the children at the Emerson Waldorf School. The Planning Staff recommends approval of the request for a Zoning Atlas amendment from Neighborhood Commercial-2 to Rural Buffer per findings(an attachment to these minutes on pages ). Kirk distributed copies of a letter received this date from Jerry Hartzsell recommending approval of the Zoning Atlas amendment. (A copy of this letter is an attachment to these minutes on page ) 17 Barrows asked if the rezoning would make a great number of changes in uses. Kirk responded that in the Rural Buffer no commercial uses are permitted. One use permitted in the Rural Buffer that is not permitted in Neighborhood Commercial-2 would be a tower with a Class B Special Use Permit. Allison asked if information had been received regarding health concerns that had been discussed previously. Kirk responded that comments that had been presented at Board of Adjustment meetings had indicated that the towers have a minimal effect. It had been stated that electric alarm clocks and microwave ovens give off more radiation than the towers. Jobsis stated that she had spoken informally with people on this issue and was told that there is no scientific evidence that indicate harmful effects from radio tower or cellular phone transmissions. The studies that have been done were done on the high voltage electrical wires which is a totally different situation. Willis responded that there are Federal standards related to radiation and towers that must be observed. She continued that there was an item at the public hearing concerning communication towers which will be presented at the next Planning Board meeting. One of the issues that will be addressed is to specify that towers would need to meet and prove that they do meet all of the Federal standards. Willis noted that the County Attorney had stated that local jurisdictions do not have the authority to decide on that basis. What can be done locally is to determine that those standards that have been established by Federal authority are met. This will be included in the Staff recommendation regarding communication towers. Barrows questioned the finding on Article 20.3.2d referring to changed conditions indicating she did not agree with a finding in the affirmative. Kirk stated that changed or changing conditions is not a requirement that the applicant would have to prove or meet. He emphasized that the applicant had to meet only one or more of the statements of justification,not all four. Further discussion indicated that the areas surrounding this parcel are all in the Rural Buffer and rezoning this to Rural Buffer would be consistent with adjacent properties. Willis noted that the Rural Buffer became effective in 1986 and this tract was not included because of existing uses at that time. Jerry Hartzsell explained the letter he had submitted and presented a map that indicated the exact location of the proposed rezoning and the surrounding buffer area.Jobsis expressed appreciation noting the map was very helpful in viewing the area. Jobsis asked for a vote on page 73,Article 20.3.2a-20.3.2d. Six approved findings in the affirmative. One opposed(Barrows). Jobsis asked for a vote on page 74,Article 20.3.2e and Article 4.2.1 (1 &2). Unanimous approval. MOTION: Allison moved approval as recommended by the Planning Staff. Seconded by Price. VOTE: Unanimous. 1 18 r HARTZELL a WH 1TEMAN , LLP ATTORNEYS Carolina Place 2626 Glenwood Ave. Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27608 Tel: (919) 571-8300 Fax: (919)571-1004 June 14, 1996 Via Facsimile Joan Jobsis, Chair, Orange County Planning Board Karen Barrows, Vice Chair, Orange County Planning Board Planning Board Members Leo Allison, S.A.M. Brooks, Margaret Brown, H. Paul Hoecke, Cheryl Howie, Arnie Katz, Renee Price, Cherie Rosemond, Robert Strayhorn, Elizabeth Walters Re: Neal & Betty Tapp's Application to Rezone 4.8 Acres from Neighborhood Commercial-2 to Rural Buffer Dear Ms. Jobsis, Ms. Barrows and Members of the Board: On behalf of Neal and Betty Tapp, we wish to offer the following in support of the application for zoning change: • Neal and Betty Tapp are life-long Orange County residents who live close to the property. Mr. Tapp is 66 years old, Mrs. Tapp is 60 years old. • This property has been in the Tapp family for over 70 years. It has never been used for "neighborhood commercial" purposes. • Notwithstanding the NC-2 zoning classification, the property currently has no viable neighborhood commercial use. It does not have water and sewer. While it sits between I-40 and a railroad track, it does not have access to I-40 and derives no benefit from the railroad. • The property cannot be put to use for neighborhood commercial purposes in the foreseeable future: JJH04932.T51 1 19 June 14, 1996 Page 2 o Water and sewer are not likely within the next 10-20 years, if ever. 0 The road access is not good for commercial purposes: Mill House Road travels along the railroad track in front of the property, then at the corner of the property the road crosses the railroad track at a shallow angle. 0 The land slopes down from the railroad to I-40. o Mr. Tapp believes the property will not perc, though he has not had it tested. • Orange County's Land Use Plan designates this land for Rural Buffer. • The Zoning Officer recommends approval of the request; the planning staff recommends the findings that support approval of the request; Mr. and Mrs. Tapp ask that you likewise recommend approval of their rezoning request. Very truly yours, ( 3. �Crom Hartze JJH:nml Enclosures Our File: 301041.01 JJH04932.T51