LOWELL CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION

PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR MEETING

APRIL 14, 2003

 

PRESENT:  Blough, Cornish, Sanford, Simmonds

ABSENT:  Batchelor

ABSENT STUDENT REP:  B. Batchelor

CITIZENS:  35

 

PUBLIC HEARING

 

The Public Hearing to present proposed amendments to Ordinance 4.2.7.B “Parking, Storage or Use of Major Recreational Equipment” was called to order by Chairman Cornish at 7:00 p.m.

 

The Planning Commission Secretary read the Notice of the Public Hearing.

 

The Planning Commission presented the proposed amendments to Ordinance 4.2.7.B.  They outlined portions of the ordinance where there was no change or minor changes from the existing Ordinance.  They discussed the proposed changes to the ordinance section related to the use of major recreational vehicles for living, housekeeping or for sleeping quarters.

 

This concluded the presentation portion of the Public Hearing.   The Hearing was then opened for public comment and input.  This included the following:

 

-  J. Boss – Bewell Ave.

   Is there a higher standard for property appearance on a Natural Beauty Road?

      *NO

   He thinks the proposed ordinance addresses the situation of relatives living on someone 

   else’s property for six months and not paying taxes.  He is in favor of the amended

   ordinance.

 

-  S. McBride – Bewell Ave.

   He is in favor of the proposed amendments.

 

-  M. Rosenberger – Cumberland

   The roads in his area are changing.  His stored motor home will now be in his side yard.

 

-  R. Campbell – Bewell Ave.

   He is in favor of the proposed ordinance changes.

 

-  C. Stougaard – Grand River Dr.

   No comment.

 

 

 

 

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2003

Page 2

 

-  K. McBride – Bewell Ave.

    She is in favor of the changes.

 

-  R. Huver – Timpson Ave.

   What is the definition of residential?  What is a front yard set back?

 

-  H. Thumser – 36th St

   Will this ordinance allow RV’s in side yards?

      *Yes

   He hates to see laws that say that people cannot do what they want.  Let people do what 

   they want.

 

-  D. Bonn – Bewell Ave.

   No comment.

 

-  W. Henderson – Bewell Ave.

   He is in favor of the proposed ordinance.

 

-  D. Rash – Bewell Ave.

   He requests that the following verbiage be added to the proposed amendments to the

   Ordinance, “or in any location not approved for such use”.

   What is the definition of front yard?

   Is there a standard related to stored items?

   He would like to see the number of days allowed for living in an RV increased from 30

   days to 90 days.

   He is opposed to the ordinance amendments.

 

-  J. Tomkins – Bewell Ave.

   He is opposed to adding verbiage related to, “locations not approved for such use”.  This   

   could just lead to more confusion on the issue.  He supports the proposed amendments

   to the ordinance.

 

-  P. Blumm – Kissing Rock Ave.

   She supports the changes to the ordinance.

   What if someone parks a horse trailer in a front yard?  Is this defined as a recreational

   vehicle?

 

-  W. Potts – Woodbushe Dr.

   Is a motor home defined as a self-propelled dwelling?

     *Yes

   What is a front yard?

      *From the front of the dwelling structure to the road.

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2003

Page 3

 

   He is opposed to the ordinance change.

 

-  S. Tompkins – Bewell Ave.

   She is in favor of the changes.

 

-  L. Rash – Bewell Ave.

   They received Township approval for an RV in their front yard.

   What about side yards?  Why not ban RV’s from side yards?

 

-  C. Bonn – Bewell Ave.

   The proposed amendment is actually more lenient related to the number of days allowed

   for living in an RV.  He does not mind storage of RV’s.  He has a problem with people

   living in RV’s.  He supports the proposed ordinance amendments.

 

-  D. Yomtoob – Rolling Creek Dr.

   Why not require screening from the road?

   Why the limits of 14 days and 30 days total?

       *This seemed to be the length of a vacation visit.  Do not want to encourage long term

          living in RV’s.

 

-  Jay Hobbs – 36th St.

   He is not opposed to the ordinance.  He does not like house trailers that are granted a

   grandfather provision.

 

-  R. Huver – Timpson Ave.

   This ordinance will help prevent bringing in extra residents that vote in the Township but

   they do not pay taxes.

 

This concluded comments/input from the public.  The Public Hearing was closed at 8:12 p.m.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

The Regular Meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission was called to order by Chairman Cornish at 8:17 p.m.

 

APPROVAL OF PRIOR MEETING MINUTES:

 

The minutes of the March 24, 2003 Public Hearing and Special Meeting were considered.  Blough moved to approve.  Seconded by Simmonds.  All in favor and the minutes were approved as presented.

 

 

 

 

 

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2003

Page 4

 

AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE 4.2.7.B

 

The Planning Commission discussed the input received at the Public Hearing for this proposed ordinance amendment.

 

The Planning Commission discussed the request to include, “or in any location not approved for such use”, in the amended ordinance.  The Planning Commission concluded that this would open the ordinance to confusion.  Also, there are designated areas in the Township for RV camping, etc.

 

After further discussion, the Planning Commission declined to add the verbiage to the proposed ordinance.

 

The Planning Commission discussed the term “residential district” at length.  This term seemed to be causing confusion.  Various options included:

   -  Eliminate “in a residential district” altogether

   -  Substitute “in any district

   -  Leave it as “in a residential district”, but get the Township attorney’s opinion on this

      verbiage as it relates to the ordinance.

 

After a great deal of discussion, it was decided to leave the term “residential district” in the proposed ordinance and to request our attorney’s opinion related to its meaning.

 

Simmonds moved that the Lowell Charter Planning Commission recommend to the Lowell Charter Township Board of Trustees that they approve the amendments to Ordinance 4.2.7.B (Parking, Storage, or Use of Major Recreational Equipment) as described in the proposed Amendment dated April 14, 2003.  Seconded by Cornish.  All in favor and the motion carried.

 

WIFNET:

 

Mr. Yomtoob was present to discuss his request.  After further questioning the Planning Commission determined the following:

   -  He wants to build a “tower” to support his antenna

   -  The tower could be 80 feet tall

   -  He may try to find an existing HAM radio tower to co-locate upon

 

The Planning Commission advised that he could co-locate, but that would still require a Special Use Permit.Mr. Yomtoob requested an attorney’s opinion.  He was advised that he could consult his attorney for an opinion.  Mr. Yomtoob was given material related to applying for a Special Use Permit.

 

Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

April 14, 2003

Page 5

 

DENHOUTER SAND MINE – ALDEN NASH:

 

The Planning Commission received as annual report and two pictures of the DenHouter sand mining operation on Alden Nash.  D. Sanford took the material and will inspect the site.  He will report back to the Planning Commission.

 

ZEIGLER FORD – LIGHTING:

 

No one from Zeigler Ford was present at the meeting.

 

OTHER: 

 

There will not be a Planning Commission Workshop on April 28, 2003.

 

CONCLUSION:

 

Simmonds moved to adjourn.  Seconded by Cornish.  All in favor and the Regular Meeting of the Lowell Charter Township Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

Submitted by D. Simmonds - Secretary