While there were only two (2) actual changes to the zoning map, first, the names of the districts and second, a correction of the zoning (granted by conditional use in 2007) of the proposed Avon Grove High School to Limited Industrial, a suggestion was made to expand the Limited Industrial Zone to the open area between the Route 1 Bypass and Baltimore Pike. Ordinances RS District – Minimum lot size should be 1.0 acre not 1.25 acres. Supervisors agree. RS District – Modular homes not addressed, only mobile homes. RS District – Questioning the definitions of “place of worship” and “personal communication service”. RA District – “Intensive farming” or “intensive agriculture” should not be a use by right but rather, by conditional use. Solicitor McMichael cautioned that this could be by Commonwealth law. Section 1501 – Revisit – “Conditional approval on accessory structure over 1000 Sq. Ft. This is a very small structure considering a maximum lot coverage of 25% and a minimum of 2 acres in an RA district. Size should be larger than 1000 sq. feet. It would barely be adequate to build a garage for an RV. “ Section 1501: A3 – “Setbacks for Accessory structures is set at 10 feet. Is this regardless of the size of the structure? The code as written with a conditional use permit for anything over 1000 sq. ft but does not indicate that there may be a different setback required for a larger building. That may be part of the conditional approval so it may not matter.” Section 1501: A4 -- A height restriction of 15 feet is very difficult to meet under several cases. Two personal examples shared were plans for a 2 acre property in an RA district as follows: “A structure capable of supporting a car lift which requires 12' 6" clear inside the building -- RV storage requires a 12' door which would require a 14' wall. Both are quite difficult to construct with a 15' height restriction forcing a requirement for basically a flat roof. This requirement would make it difficult to build a structure that is attractive and matching the house. Anything with a flat or very low pitch will look very utilitarian and industrial. I feel this is contrary to the entire reason for the changes to the zoning. It would make accessory buildings in the district look like warehouse structures versus looking like a barn or a nicer structure.” Re-evaluate “Co-housing”.
While there were only two (2) actual changes to the zoning map, first, the names of the districts and second, a correction of the zoning (granted by conditional use in 2007) of the proposed Avon Grove High School to Limited Industrial, a suggestion was made to expand the Limited Industrial Zone to the open area between the Route 1 Bypass and Baltimore Pike. Ordinances RS District – Minimum lot size should be 1.0 acre not 1.25 acres. Supervisors agree. RS District – Modular homes not addressed, only mobile homes. RS District – Questioning the definitions of “place of worship” and “personal communication service”. RA District – “Intensive farming” or “intensive agriculture” should not be a use by right but rather, by conditional use. Solicitor McMichael cautioned that this could be by Commonwealth law. Section 1501 – Revisit – “Conditional approval on accessory structure over 1000 Sq. Ft. This is a very small structure considering a maximum lot coverage of 25% and a minimum of 2 acres in an RA district. Size should be larger than 1000 sq. feet. It would barely be adequate to build a garage for an RV. “ Section 1501: A3 – “Setbacks for Accessory structures is set at 10 feet. Is this regardless of the size of the structure? The code as written with a conditional use permit for anything over 1000 sq. ft but does not indicate that there may be a different setback required for a larger building. That may be part of the conditional approval so it may not matter.” Section 1501: A4 -- A height restriction of 15 feet is very difficult to meet under several cases. Two personal examples shared were plans for a 2 acre property in an RA district as follows: “A structure capable of supporting a car lift which requires 12' 6" clear inside the building -- RV storage requires a 12' door which would require a 14' wall. Both are quite difficult to construct with a 15' height restriction forcing a requirement for basically a flat roof. This requirement would make it difficult to build a structure that is attractive and matching the house. Anything with a flat or very low pitch will look very utilitarian and industrial. I feel this is contrary to the entire reason for the changes to the zoning. It would make accessory buildings in the district look like warehouse structures versus looking like a barn or a nicer structure.” Re-evaluate “Co-housing”.
Public-Hearing-Memo-going-to-PC.docx