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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 11.05.2009DRAFT MINUTES LAUREL-YELLOWSTONE CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD NOVEMBER 5, 2009 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Dan Koch, City Rep. Dick Fritzler, County Rep. Greg Nelson, Member-at-Large Kathy Siegrist, County Rep. John VanAken, County Rep. Lee Richardson, County Rep. OTHERS PRESENT: James Caniglia, City Planner Cheryll Lund, City Secretary Judy Goldsby Minute's approval The minutes of the October 1, 2009 meeting were approved. Public Input There was no public present. Discussion - Fence Ordinance Changes James passed out an information sheet from Gary Colley in regards to some changes he has proposed to the fence ordinance. (attached) He asked the board to look at these changes and also suggested that it be written so that the public can have a full understanding of it. Board discussion: Greg Nelson questioned Section C in regards to the sentence "Any fence, wall or hedge in excess of six (6) feet shall meet all of the yard setback requirements of structures as defined in Tables 17.16.020 and 17.20.020." He was of the understanding that the maximum height of fence allowed within the City of Laurel was 6 feet. It was clarified that there are no fence height requirements within AG, RE-20,000, CBD, CC, HC, LI and HI zones. Kathy Siegrist suggested that it be suggested in the code that a fence permit is required prior to fence placement. James stated he is considering putting the "clear vision" language into the zoning codes. At this time the clear vision triangle is in effect only for streets and alleys. James proposes adding driveways to the clear vision triangle requirements. This would give property owners more freedom to put fences on corner lots while also maintaining public safety issues. It was questioned whether or not the variance from 602 W. Maryland would have fit into the proposed clear triangle vision of the neighboring driveway. James stated that it would have been very close. James went on to say that there are many residents that routinely ask to put privacy fences on corner lots. James stated that changing the ordinance would appease the resident making this request while also maintaining public safety. A question was raised on whether adding a stipulation of a "controlled intersection" would be beneficial. James feels that the clear vision triangle should cover that issue. James feels these changes would be beneficial to the residents of Laurel. It was suggested that when homes sell, an inspection could be done by the Building Official and some of the existing (outside) code violations could then be brought into compliance, such as fences that were put up incorrectly. After more discussion it was decided because the city is not notified when residences are sold it would be difficult for the city to track real estate transactions. James stated that he would bring these proposed fence ordinance changes to the City Council for their consideration after the Planning Board schedules and holds a public hearing. Discussion - Future Zoning and Land Use near the West Laurel Interchange The State of Montana has future plans to re-construct the West Laurel interchange due to the amount of accidents that happen on both the west and east bound lane of 1-90 in the section of the interstate that consists of a long curve. There will be significant changes made to both the entrances and exits of I-90. The State hopes to start the project in 2014. James Caniglia asked the board for input and suggestions regarding what type of zoning they would like to see in that area to help with the potential commercial growth this project could cause. James passed out an example of a multi-zoned area in Tempe, Arizona that is placed next to an interstate interchange. James would like to see both residential and commercial zones placed within the same area that would be compatible with each other and beneficial for the citizens of Laurel. 2 James went on to say that more than likely West Laurel is going to be the area that the town grows towards in the future. Things could start changing in this area quicker than the board thinks and we need to plan ahead. The board suggested that it would be easier for them to visualize the area better if they knew exactly what the State plans look like. James will provide the members with a map of the area at the December meeting for more discussion. Miscellaneous The board is in need of a Chairperson for the board. Each member was asked to consider the position. This will be placed on the December agenda for consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, Chery? ll'Lund, Secretary 3 CITYHALL 11s west 1?' Street r City Of Laurel Public Works- 628-4796 P. O. Box ] a ..-- ??,•'r .: FAX: 628-2241 Water office: 628-7431 Laurel Montana 59044 , : .. t ' . TO: Laurel City-Cou nty Planning Board 0 FROM: Gary Colley, Code Enforcement RE: Fence Ordinance Delete entire Section 17.48.050 Insert Section 17.48.050 as follows: 17.48.50. Fences, walls and hedges. A. Fences, walls and hedges may be erected or maintained in any zoning district provided the height, setback, and material provisions outlined below are followed and a permit is secured. No fence shall be erected or maintained in a public right- of-way. B. Height. Height for the purpose of this section shall be defined as the vertical distance from the top rail, board or wire to the ground directly below. There are no fence height requirements in AG, RE-20,000, CBD, CC, HC, LI and HI zones- C. Setbacks required. Fences, walls and hedges of up to three (3) feet may be erected or maintained in the required front yard setback as defined in Tables 17.16.020 and 17.20.020. Fences, walls or hedges between a height of three (3) and six (6) feet may be erected or maintained anywhere outside of the front yard setbacks, except as described in subsection D below. Any fence, wall or hedge in excess of six (6) feet shall meet all of the yard setback requirements of structures as defined in Tables 17.16.020 and 17.20.020. Exception: Chain link, woven wire, or other similar type fences which provide no more than ten percent obstruction to visibility through the fence when erected or maintain can extend to four (4) feet in height in front and side yard areas. D. Setbacks for clear vision zones. No fence, wall or hedge greater than three (3) feet in height may be erected or maintained in any zoning district within a clear vision zone pursuant to the Rules and Regulations Governing Utility Services and Streets of the City of Laurel Division 2 - Streets, section 7 - Obstructions and Encroachments. Exception: All fences erected and maintained on corner lots with a side lot adjacent to a street shall not be closer than ten (10) feet from the property line. E. Materials permitted. All fences in all zoning districts shall be constructed from materials which are commonly used for fencing and shall not be constructed from railroad ties, wood pallets, tires, rubble or salvaged material. Commonly used fence materials include wood, brick stone, split railing, chain-link, vinyl, ornamental iron work. Materials not listed are subject to special review. Exceptions: Barbed wire and electric fence. In the City of Laurel, no barbed wire or electric fencing shall be permitted in any residential zoning district- Barbed wire erected and maintained in other zoning districts of the city shall, along any public street or sidewalk, maintain the lowest strand at least eight (8) feet above the sidewalk grade, over the top of a non-barbed wire fence over private property and at least six inched inside property line. Electric fences shall not be permitted in any commercial or residential zones except AG and RE-20,000 zones. F. Permit required. Permitting of fences is outlined in Laurel Municipal Code, Chapter 15.20. C]