Town of Seven Devils

Planning Board Minutes

May 21, 2007

 

 

 

Call to Order

 

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chairman David Hooper. Other members present were Vice Chairman Bob Haugh, Loren Williams, George Ehlinger, Mike Tarlton, Butch McLean and Sarah Manning.  Also present was Town Manager Brad Lambert and Zoning Administrator Don Fulkerson.  Town Clerk Karen Daniels recorded the minutes.

 

Adopt Agenda

 

The Zoning Administrator stated he needed to add an item to the agenda under VIII. New Business A. Review Preliminary Plat for Nettles Knob.

 

Loren Williams made a motion to adopt the agenda as amended.  Bob Haugh seconded the motion.  The members agreed unanimously.  

 

Approval of Minutes of April 16, 2007 Regular Meeting

 

Sarah Manning made a motion to approve the April 16, 2007 minutes.  Loren Williams seconded the motion.  The members agreed unanimously.       

 

Citizen Comments

 

Administrative Comments – Don Fulkerson

 

Old Business

 

  1. Possible rezoning of transitional land at end of golf course property and edge of town – Sarah Manning, Don Fulkerson, David Hooper – Chairman Hooper presented a chart he had prepared titled Slope calculations (approximate) for Land Blocks – Planning Board Mtg 5/21/2007.  Chairman Hooper stated he used the formula from the Subdivision Ordinance that shows how to calculate slope of land areas to prepare this chart.  The slope measurements are classified as approximate because Mr. Hooper is not a registered surveyor or land engineer.  However, he believes that the bottom row of numbers where it says slope percent (28.75, 21.275, 30.30405, 27.90441, and 22.79464) those numbers are probably within five points of being accurate.  Chairman Hooper stated it was his understanding the property belonged to Casey Cottom.  Leonard Cottom said that was his wife and he was there for proxy.  Chairman Hooper asked MR. Cottom if it would be possible for the Planning Board to go on the properties and look at them.  Mr. Cottom said he had no problem with that.  Chairman Hooper stated at the last Planning Board meeting, Sarah Manning presented notes on evaluating transitional zones and stated she is concerned about erosion, sedimentation, and run off along Valley Creek.  She presented a map showing five plats and suggested the Planning Board look at that property to consider whether transitional zoning is appropriate for that property or, if it should be rezoned LDR.  After Sarah's presentation on the map, it was the consensus of the Planning Board that they need to visit the property before any rezoning issues can be addressed.  Mr. Cottom said, “as the land owner, I give you permission to go on the land.  Would it be possible that we could all go as a group so we can discuss the land” and Chairman Hooper replied, “that would be fine.”  Sarah Manning presented a guide to surface freshwater classifications in North Carolina.  She stated all this property is within one mile of the Watauga River.  Areas within one mile of the Watauga River are considered a high quality water area and there are certain restrictions that apply from the State to develop land within these areas.  The Zoning Administrator stated he had talked with Steve Tedder from the Winston Salem Department of Environmental and Natural Resources and he verified that if a project disturbs an acre or more of land, it triggers the law regarding development within one mile of high quality waters. Loren Williams asked the Zoning Administrator if he is correct that the High Quality Water Law would overrule and take presidents over whatever zoning we have in place.  The Zoning Administrator said yes if at least one acre of land is disturbed it triggers the law.   A lengthy discussion followed on high density option and burdens this could place on the Town.  At the request of the Planning Board, Bob Haugh and the Zoning Administrator agreed to work on obtaining more information on high density development and how it may impact the Town.  The Planning Board and Mr. Cottom agreed to meet at Hanging Rock Villas at 3:00 on May 30th, 2007 to walk the property.  - OPEN –

 

  1. Discussion and possible action of having Zoning Regulation 11.4.2.3, Storm Drainage Facilities, apply to single family homes – meeting with Town Engineer David  Poore – David Hooper –David Poore will be available at the next Public Works meeting this issue.  The Planning Board is invited to the meeting to be held on Tuesday , June 19, 2007 at 10:00 PM. 

 

New Business

 

  1. Review preliminary plat for Nettles Knob - Chris Sheppard was present to represent West Ventures, Inc.  Chairman Hooper stated after reviewing the preliminary plat several items were not included.  After the Board reviewed the preliminary plat George Ehlinger made a motion that West Ventures, Inc. makes the necessary corrections on the preliminary plat, resubmit the preliminary plat within two weeks for the Planning Board's review and the Planning Board will make a recommendation to the Town Council.  Butch McLean seconded the motion.  The members agreed unanimously.  – OPEN –

 

Board Member Comments

      

None

 

Adjourn

 

At 7:53 pm, Sarah Manning made a motion that the Planning Board adjourn.  Loren Williams seconded the motion.  The members agreed unanimously.

 

 

 

 

____________________________                            ____________________________

David Hooper, Chairman                                              Karen E. Daniels, Town Clerk