Minutes of the regular meeting of the Georgetown Township Planning Commission, held Wednesday, June 20, 2007

 

Meeting called to order by Chairman Honderd at 7:30 p.m.

 

Present:           Honderd, Poskey, South, Pearson, Huizinga, DeGood

Absent:            Stasiak

 

#070620-01 - Agenda for June 20, 2007

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Pearson, to approve the agenda for June 20, 2007 as presented.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-02 - Minutes of the June 6, 2007 regular meeting 

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by South, to approve the minutes of the June 6, 2007 regular meeting, as submitted.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-03 – Special Use Permit (SUP0704) Grandville Christian Fellowship Church, 3668 Port

Sheldon St.

 

Todd Olin, Land Development Solutions, represented the applicant and presented the request.  He detailed the project and how it met the special use standards.  He also noted that the architectural character of the church building had a residential look.

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

The request is for special land use approval to construct an 8044 square foot church at the southwest corner of 36th Ave. and Port Sheldon. 

 

A revised plan was submitted on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 with the detention basin moved to the northern portion of the parcel and 32 parking places banked for future development.  Landscaping has been slightly modified and still meets ordinance requirements.  The revised plan also shows a 40 foot front yard setback along the southeastern property line, consistent with standard operating procedures followed by the Township.  Parking is allowed in this area since the ordinance amendment prohibiting parking in the front yard has not been adopted yet.  In the future, no more buildings or parking would be permitted in this area.

 

SUMMARY

 

The deferred parking appears to meet the criteria in the ordinance.  Sec. 26.9(J) allows the Planning Commission to defer construction of the required number pf parking places if:

A.                Areas proposed for deferred parking are shown on the plan and there is sufficient area for the construction.(the deferred parking is not shown in the front setback area at the southeastern corner of the property.

B.                 The area is not used for other purposes.

C.                 If the site plan is altered amended site plan approval is required.

D.                If after the site is developed the determination is made that the parking spaces are needed, the zoning administrator can required them to be constructed.

 

As detailed with the following documentation, the request meets the special use general standards of Sec. 20.3 and the specific standards of Sec. 20.4(E), as well as the standards of Chapter 19 for a site plan.  All applicable Township ordinances appear to be met.  The 432 square foot pole barn meets setback requirements and is noted to remain.  If it is to be removed in the future, a demolition permit is required.  Landscaping exceeds requirements.  For Port Sheldon, 26 trees are required with a maximum of 9 evergreens (11 deciduous and 6 ornamental are provided meeting the requirement and 15 evergreens are provided exceeding the minimum).  An existing tree line is located along 36th Ave.

 

·         A Storm Water Drain Permit is required to be submitted with the building permit application.

·         32 parking spaces are banked as allowed by Sec. 26.9(J) and may be required to be construction if the determination is made that they are needed.

 

Documentation detailing compliance with ordinance requirements.

I D number

SUP0704

 

 

 

Date

5-22-07

 

 

Name

Grandville Christian Fellowship

Church

 

 

 

 

Address

3668 Port Sheldon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use

Church-Sec. 8.3(A)

 

SUP required

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENT

 

 

 

 

 

PROVIDED

 Needs or Comments

Date, north arrow, scale

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of preparer

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of property owner or petitioner

 

 

X

 

Location sketch

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Legal description

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Size in acres of the property

 

 

 

 

X

 

Property lines and required setbacks shown and dimensioned

 

X

 

Location of existing structures, drives, parking areas within 100 ft of boundary

X

 

Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures

 

X

 

Location of existing and proposed drives (dimensions and radii), circulation

X

 

Sidewalks, non-motorized paths-select streets, accel, decel lanes

 

 

 

 

X

 

Signs, exterior lighting

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Curbing, parking areas, dimensions of typical space, number of parking spaces

X

 

Calculations of parking spaces, unloading areas

 

 

 

Location, pavement width, ROW of all abutting roads, easements

 

X

 

Existing zoning, and zoning and use of abutting property

 

 

X

 

Location of existing vegetation-parkway association

 

 

 

 

X

 

Location, type, size of proposed landscaping, streetscape, greenbelt

X

 

Location, height, type of existing and proposed fences and walls

 

X

 

Size, location of proposed, existing utilities, connections to water/sewer

X

 

Location, size of surface water drainage facilities

 

 

X

 a. needs

Existing, proposed topo contours, max 5 ft intervals

 

 

X

 

Rec/common areas, floodplain areas

 

 

 

X

 

Special Use Standards, general and specific

 

 

 

 X

 

Residential development extra requirements-attached garages

 

 NA

 

 

General Special Use Standards

A letter was submitted detailing compliance with the general standards.  All general and specific standards have been met and compliance is documented as follows:

            (1)        Be designed, constructed, operated and maintained so as to be harmonious and appropriate in appearance, with the existing or intended character of the general vicinity and that such a use will not change the essential character of the area in which it is proposed.

            (2)        Be served adequately by essential public facilities and services such as highways, streets, police, fire protection, drainage structures, refuse disposal, water and sewage facilities, or schools.

            (3)        Not create excessive additional requirements at public cost for public facilities and services.

            (4)        Not involve uses, activities, processes, materials, and equipment or conditions of operation that will be detrimental to any persons, property, or the general welfare by reason of excessive production of traffic, noise, smoke, fumes, glare, or odors.

 

(E)       Churches (in residential districts only-revised April 1998).

            (1)        Minimum lot area shall be two (2) acres; plus an additional fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet for each one hundred (100) seating capacity or fraction thereof in excess of one hundred (100).  Met.

            (2)        The property location shall be such that at least one (1) property line with a minimum lot width of two hundred (200) feet abuts and has access to a collector, major arterial, or minor arterial street. (revised 2-24-2003).  Met.

 

South commented that the elevation was close to the drain elevation.

 

Honderd stated that banking the parking spaces made sense and that the detention pond would double as green space.

 

Pearson asked about the size of the building and if there would be room for growth since churches typically expand.

 

Calvin Burksema stated that he had a pastoral roll with the church and this church was different than those with the current trend of becoming mega-churches.  He said that they could not handle more than 500 people and size was not a problem because if they got too big they would build another church.

 

Pearson asked about screening for the neighbors.

 

The zoning administrator explained that the ordinance required that parking lots have a 25 foot greenbelt; however, the ordinance did not require that screening be provided for the building.

 

Pearson asked that they make adjustments to provide screening for the back of the church and clarified that the sign would be ground-mounted.

 

The chairman opened the public hearing.

 

Bruce Fennema, 6391 36th Ave., stated that he lives in a house near the church and uses a bridge to access church property for a fire pit.  He wanted to keep the access and still use the property.

 

The applicant stated that they wanted to be a good neighbor and would not disturb the area.  He also stated that they would meet the request for the additional landscaping to screen the church.

 

South stated that the church might not want to allow access to church property because of liability.

 

The applicant said that they would not stop the neighbor from using the property.

 

Honderd said that the Planning Commission did not have the authority to require the church to allow the neighbor to use church property and the issue was in the hands of the church.

 

The chairman closed the public hearing.

 

The applicant stated that they would look at the landscaping.

 

Andy Mcleod, Post Associates, stated that at first there would be about 125 to 150 members and the plan was to double the size to about 320 members before any addition was considered.

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Poskey, to recommend to the Township Board to approve Special Use Permit Special Use Permit (SUP0704) Grandville Christian Fellowship Church, 526 Brownell St., Grand Rapids, to have a church under Sec. 8.3(A), on a parcel of land described as P.P. # 70-14-20-300-071, located at 3668 Port Sheldon St., in a (LDR) Low Density Residential district, Georgetown Charter Township, Ottawa County, Michigan (elevations, grading plan, survey, utilities, letter) (new letter, revised plan, revised landscaping plan), based on compliance with the general standards in Sec. 20.3, the specific standards in Sec. 20.4(E) and all applicable standards of Township ordinances, and with the condition that a Storm Water Drain Permit be submitted at the time a building permit application is submitted to the Township.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Poskey, to approve the revised plan dated 6-18-07 and received 6-20-07 as submitted based on compliance with applicable Township ordinances and with the following conditions:

o   A Storm Water Drain Permit is required to be submitted with the building permit application.

o   32 parking spaces are banked as allowed by Sec. 26.9(J) and may be required to be construction if the determination is made that they are needed.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-04 - (PUD0702) Eastbrook Development Company, 1188 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids,

is requesting approval for a preliminary development plan for a Planned Unit Development for residential uses under Chapter 22, on parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-09-100-036, -037, -011, -042, located at 2999 Bauer Rd., Bauer Rd., 3075 Bauer Rd. and Twin Lakes Dr., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan. (application, preliminary development plan, grading plan, legal description and map of additional property, purchase agreement, purchase agreement addendum, picture Gilmore St. extended, 2005 sign permit application, signs requested, pictures sign1, sign2, sign3, sign4, violation letter)

 

Ed Tynnonen, Eastbrook Development, represented the applicant and presented the request.

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

The request is to revise the previously approved preliminary development plan of a residential planned unit development.  While the overall concept remains the same, 9.28 acres of property has been added and some changes are proposed for the numbers of types of residential units.  Some minor layout changes are also proposed, along with the relocation of the soccer fields to the pool area.  Since additional property is proposed to be a part of the PUD and the changes have not been determined to be minor as per Sec. 22.12, the ordinance requires that a change not determined to be minor shall be processed in the same way as the original plan.  Hence, the application is for preliminary development plan approval for the revision to the PUD.  (The request also includes the final development plan for phase 5 and a review for the Preliminary Plat of Lowing Woods No. 5.)

 

The proposed changes are as follows:

Previous PUD                                    Amended Plan                                               Change

289.28 acres                                        298.56 acres                                                    9.28 acre increase

65.2 acres of open space                     66.2 acres of open space                                 1 acre increase

126 lots with 60’minimum width       187 lots with 60’ minimum width                  61 lot increase

136 lots with 65’ minimum width      142 lots with 65’ minimum width                  6 lot decrease

112 lots with 75’ minimum width      99 lots with 75’ minimum width                    13 lot decrease

128 lots with 85’ minimum width      96 lots with 85’ minimum width                    32 lot decrease

22 lots with 95’ minimum width        22 lots with 95’ minimum width                    same

112 townhouse units                           112 townhouse units                                       same

125 ranch condominium units             158 condominium units                                  33 unit increase

23 villa units                                        23 villa units                                                    same

 

The additional property proposed to be added to the PUD encompasses four parcels currently zoned RR (and PUD), including P.P. # 70-14-09-100-036, -011, -037, -042.  The PUD currently surrounds most of the additional property and roads were stubbed for future access to this property. 

 

The additional changes are as follows:

·         Gilmore Lane is proposed to extend to the east and provide access to the proposed single family homes in the area of the additional property.  The existing Leigh Trail is proposed to extend to the south to intersect with the existing Gilmore Lane (after Gilmore Lane traverses the new additional property).  Three lots at the northeast corner of Gilmore and Leigh Trail have been reconfigured.

·         Ranch condos are proposed to replace single family homes to the north of the existing phase 4.

·         The soccer fields initially planned for the northwest of the site have been relocated to an area to the north of the newly proposed ranch condos.  In addition, parking and a pool are proposed for this area.

·         Single family homes are now proposed for the area where the soccer fields were initially proposed.  In addition, two lots to the east of this area have been reconfigured.

 

SUMMARY FOR THE PRELIMINARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN, THE FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF LOWING WOODS NO. 5

 

The following items must be addressed:

1.                  The Planning Commission must determine if 860 square feet is acceptable for the area of the attached condominiums and townhomes since the ordinance requires 900 square feet.  The Township has encountered situations where builders have applied for building permits for dwelling units with areas less than the minimum permitted in the ordinance.  Those have not been approved.  Now the plan specifically calls for houses to have a minimum of 1000 square feet which meets the minimum requirement of the ordinance.  However, they are requesting to have a minimum of 860 square feet for the attached units, which is 40 square feet less than the ordinance allows.  While the previously approved documentation includes elevations and typical floor layouts, no square footages were provided.  The applicant has indicated that the layouts for previous approvals were for 860 square feet for the attached units.  Proposed garage sizes meet ordinance requirements.

 

2.                  The PUD agreement must be recorded and provided for all previously approved phases (phases 1 to 5) before approval is granted or any building permits are issued (no agreements have been provided for any phases).  The applicant has presented a concern with recording the agreements and the Township Attorney addressed the applicant’s concerns by drafting language for an addendum.

 

3.                  Does the PC still want the eyebrow concept for streets?  The Ottawa County Road Commission has problems with snow removal.  Does the Planning Commission want to leave these at developer’s discretion?

 

4.                  All basements poured and left un-constructed for more than 10 days must be fenced to protect the safety of residents.  The Code Enforcement Officer has taken enforcement action with Eastbrook over basements that have been constructed and left unprotected for long periods of time, which is in violation of Sec. 3.16 that requires excavations to be protected.

 

5.                  The Planning Commission should review the following information and determine if approval should be granted for the signs requested by Eastbrook.  The following signs are requested and pictures of sign1, sign2, sign3, sign4 are provided.

****************************************************************************

1.                  “Model Center Sign” (the ordinance refers to it as a real estate sign) – to be located at the model office on lot 3, five feet from the road right-of-way.  The sign is requested to be 3.5 feet in overall height and 8 square feet.  Sec. 25.4(H) of the ordinance exempts real estate signs from the requirements of the Chapter (which means no permit is needed) when the sign does not exceed one per street frontage and is not larger than 6 square feet and not located within any public road right-of-way.  

 

The requested sign DOES NOT meet the ordinance requirements since it exceed the 6 square feet by 2 square feet.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this should be approved as part of the flexible zoning for the PUD.  Also note that the sign has already been erected WITHOUT a sign permit, WITHOUT Planning Commission approval and IN VIOLATION of the ordinance.  The applicant was informed of the violation on the phone and with a letter.  The applicant was also informed that the sign could be left at this point pending review by the Planning Commission because if the sign is approved, it would be permitted to remain as long as a sign permit application was submitted.  A point to consider is that no other developments (whether PUDs or plats) in the Township are permitted to have exempted real estates signs larger than 6 square feet in area.

 

2.                  “Community Sign” (the ordinance refers to it as a construction sign) – to be located 75 feet from the centerline of Bauer Rd. on Eastbrook community property along Bauer Rd.  The sign is requested to be 9.5 feet in overall height and 32 square feet in area.  The ordinance allows a construction sign to be a maximum of 32 square feet in area and a maximum of 8 feet in height, and it is to be set back 15 feet from the 60 foot point from the centerline of Bauer Rd. (for a total of 75 feet from the centerline of Bauer Rd.)

 

The requested sign DOES NOT meet the ordinance requirements since it exceeds the maximum height by 1.5 feet.  Also note that the sign has already been constructed with a 10 foot height (2 feet higher than permitted), in violation of their approved sign permit.  See the attached copy of the sign permit application and approved permit which lists the OVERALL height at 8 feet.  (They indicated that they considered the overall height to be only the dimension of the sign board itself and not the height from the ground.)  The applicant was informed on the phone and with a letter that the sign is in violation and that the sign could be left at this point pending review by the Planning Commission because if the sign is approved, it would be permitted to remain as long as a sign permit application was submitted.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this should be approved as part of the flexible zoning for the PUD.  A point to consider is that no other developments (whether PUDs or plats) in the Township are permitted to have construction signs higher than 8 feet.  Also, just during the past week, the Township has received two requests for signs for development to be larger and higher than permitted by the ordinance (for Hager Part West and for Allen Edwin Homes for a model home, both are off Bauer Rd. near the Eastbrook Development and both stated that they should be allowed to have larger signs since Eastbrook Development has them).

 

3.                  “Model Directional Sign” (the ordinance refers to it as a sign guiding and directing traffic) – to be located 2 feet from the right-of-way line along the east side of the entrance to the development on Twin Lakes Dr.  The sign is requested to be 4 feet in height and 6 square feet in area.  The ordinance exempts signs directing and guiding traffic from the requirements of the ordinance (which means no permit is needed) when the sign is located on private property, bearing no advertising matter and not exceeding 4 square feet in area. 

 

The requested sign does not meet the ordinance requirements since it exceeds the maximum area by 2 square feet and contains advertising matter.  Also note that the sign has already been constructed WITHOUT an approved sign permit and WITHOUT Planning Commission approval.  The applicant was informed by phone and by a letter that the sign was in violation of the ordinance and he was directed to remove the sign.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if this should be approved as part of the flexible zoning for the PUD.  If the Planning Commission determines that it should be allowed to remain, a sign permit must be obtained.  A point to consider is that no other development in the Township is permitted to have a directional sign larger than 4 square feet and no other development (whether a plat, PUD or commercial or industrial development) is permitted to have a directional sign with advertising matter.  There have been many instances when the Township has taken enforcement measures to have advertising matter removed from directional signs since this is an ordinance requirement and consistently enforced throughout the Township.

 

4. “Unique Sell Position Signs” (the ordinance does not allow such signs unless they would be a portable

sign which would only be permitted to be displayed for a maximum of 6 one-week periods per year and a portable sign permit is required for each week period) – to be located 2 feet from the road right-of-way on the east side of the entrance to the development on Twin Lakes Dr.  The applicant is request to have four such signs and each sign is requested to be four feet in height and 3.5 square feet in area. 

 

The requested signs do not meet the ordinance requirements because such signs are not permitted.  Also note that these four signs have already been constructed WITHOUT Planning Commission approval and WITHOUT approved sign permits.  The signs have been constructed in the road right-of-way which is also a violation of the ordinance since no signs other than Road Commission signs are permitted in the road right-of-way.  The applicant was informed by phone and by letter and he was directed to remove the signs.  The Planning Commission will have to determine if these signs should be approved as part of the flexible zoning for the PUD.  A point to consider is that no other development in the Township is permitted to have such signs.  If the Planning Commission determines the signs should be approved, sign permits would be required and they would have to be located outside of the road right-of-way.

 

5. An additional sign has been constructed on Gilmore Lane that has not been requested by the applicant to be constructed.  The sign is large, tall and was constructed in the road right-of-way.  Again, the sign was constructed WITHOUT Planning Commission approval and WITHOUT an approved sign permit.  No dimensions are available for the sign other than the picture provided (sign1).  The applicant was informed by phone and by letter that the sign must be removed. 

 

Discussion

 

The Lowing Woods waterfall plat entry sign (which is higher and has more square footage in area than the ordinance permits for a plat entry sign) was approved by the Planning Commission and the Township Board to be larger than permitted by the ordinance because it meets the intention of the PUD ordinance which is for flexibility in the regulation of land development to encourage innovation in design.  However, this approval does not extend to the other signs intended to call attention to the sale of the homes.

 

No other developments in the Township have as many signs as the number requested by Eastbrook Development, nor do other developments have signs that are larger and taller than permitted by the ordinance where such signs are to call attention to the advertising of houses for sale. 

 

The Township has received two requests in the last week to have larger signs than permitted by the ordinance and in both instances the applicants have referred to the Eastbrook signs.  These applicants want to know why they can’t have the same consideration to have larger, taller and more signs.  In fact, a letter was attached to the June 6 Planning Commission  agenda from Hager Park plat asking the Planning Commission to change the ordinance to allow larger and taller plat entry sign.

 

While the ordinance allows for flexibility in the zoning regulations for PUDs, it seems that the intention is for innovation of design for signs, not to allow more, larger and taller signs advertising the sale of homes.  Eastbrook took advantage of the flexibility of the PUD when the waterfall plat entry sign was requested.  It seems that the larger and taller waterfall sign met the intention of the ordinance for a PUD; however, the Planning Commission should consider if allowing the number, size and height of signs request by Eastbrook would give them an unfair advantage over other developments, especially in the slow economy.

 

It should also be noted that one of the reasons for the request by Eastbrook for approval for the signs that are more in number, larger and taller than allowed in the ordinance is because the Code Enforcement Officer has had multiple situations where signs were installed in violation of the ordinance and without permits.

 

DISCUSSION

 

If the Planning Commission chooses to take action, the Planning Commission could act upon the requests as follows (since PUD is the actual zoning designation and the property must be rezoned prior to both final development approval and preliminary plat approval, and final development approval must also be granted prior to preliminary plat approval):

 

1.                  For the revised preliminary PUD plan (the additional property), the Planning Commission holds a public hearing (notices were sent and published for the additional property) and makes a recommendation to the Township Board;

2.                  For the final development plan for phase 5 of the PUD, the Planning Commission does NOT hold a public hearing (no notices are sent or published) and could take action contingent upon Board approval for the preliminary plan for the PUD (i.e. if the PC decides to approve the final development plan, it would have to be contingent upon the preliminary plan approval since this is the underlying zoning), or the Planning Commission could choose to act on the final development plat at a subsequent meeting after the Board acts upon the preliminary development plan;

3.                  For the preliminary plat of Lowing Woods No. 5, the Planning Commission holds a public hearing (notices were sent because this is additional property that was not including in the initial overall preliminary plat) and makes a recommendation to the Board.  This action would have to be contingent upon the Board approval of the preliminary plan for the PUD and contingent upon approval of the final development plan for phase 5.  The Planning Commission could choose to take action at the same time as the preliminary development plan and the final development plan, or postpone action until the final development plan is approved and after the Board acts upon the preliminary plan for the PUD.

4.                  Since the plan for the PUD preliminary development plan, the PUD final development plan and the preliminary plat of Lowing Woods No. 5 are all the same plan, it appears that it would be appropriate for the Planning Commission (if it is their decision) to act upon all requests at one meeting.  The motions (provided) would have to be worded to make the approvals contingent upon the other appropriate actions.

 

 

There was discussion regarding the eyebrows and the applicant noted that an outside contractor provides snow removal services for those areas.  The applicant also stated that they were traffic calming devices that provided a greater buffer and more protection.

 

Honderd stated that the eyebrows also provide access to additional land which means that there could be an additional lot.

 

The applicant stated that it provides a way to get off the main street and it enhances the area.

 

Honderd asked if 860 square feet is an acceptable area to the Planning Commission for the attached condos and townhouses since the ordinance requires 900 square feet.

 

The consensus of the Planning Commission was that 900 square feet should be provided.

 

The applicant stated that they could provide 900 square feet.

 

There was discussion regarding the construction of basements that were left open and were a safety hazard.  It was noted that it was an enforcement issue that should be handled by the Township Office. 

 

The applicant stated the following.  Basements had been constructed in the fall but the houses had not been constructed because of the slowdown in the market.  They missed putting fence around them.  He apologized for the signs that were erected in violation of the Zoning Ordinance and without permits.  They had done the same thing in other municipalities without consequence and were learning that they could not do it in Georgetown Township.  They had gotten a permit for the sign on Bauer Rd. and thought that the interior streets were not regulated.  They will comply.  A sheet of plywood is 32 square feet and he thought that the height of a sign is measured by the dimension of the sign rather than the height from the ground.  They wanted to get the sign up off the ground to maintain the area beneath the sign.  The Edwin Allen sign was lowered to grade.  They would have to get a new sign and would have that expense if they were not allowed to keep the sign.  The extra two feet is typically not a big deal.  The sign by the model house had the hours and phone number which was difficult to get on a 2 by 3 foot sign.  They took pictures of the signs and submitted them along with the application to request approval for them with the PUD approval.  He got in trouble for having the signs in violation of the ordinance and received a citation which he paid.  He removed the signs.  In Grand Rapids and Cascade they were allowed signs for each phase.  He asked for latitude in the size of the community sign.  Each phase is as big as a typical development.  This is a different development and he understood that the Township did not want to set a precedent that would create a problem in the future.

 

DeGood stated the following.  The eyebrows were okay if they were maintained by a private contractor.  The attached condos and townhouses should be a minimum of 900 square feet.  The agreements must be submitted.  The signs should meet the ordinance in fairness to all developers.  Eastbrook already has latitude with the larger waterfall sign at the entrance.  The overall density is acceptable.

 

Honderd stated a concern that the residential ranch condos would become student housing.

 

The zoning administrator stated that the ordinance allows a maximum of 4 unrelated people to be considered a family for a single family dwelling.

 

The applicant stated that students were not the typical market, but rather a 65 year-old; however, they cannot restrict who buys a house.  He said that this would be an expensive product for students to buy since the average price is out of that market.

 

Huizinga said that the eyebrows were acceptable and the unfinished basements must be fenced.  He said that the attached condos and townhouses should be a minimum of 900 square feet and signs should be consistent with the ordinance.  He said that the layout was acceptable.

 

Poskey and Pearson agreed with the consensus of the Planning Commission.

 

There was more discussion regarding signs and again the determination of the Planning Commission was to maintain the ordinance requirements.

 

Pearson said the eyebrows were acceptable and the layout was okay.

 

South said that the minimum size of the attached condos and townhouses should be 900 square feet.

 

The consensus of the Planning Commission was that the eyebrows were acceptable, the agreements for all phases should be recorded and submitted to the Township, basements left open should be fenced, and all signs should meet ordinance requirements.

 

Honderd clarified that the eyebrows were maintained by a private contractor.

 

It was clarified that the applicant was asking to have the eyebrows at their discretion and that they already had been approved last time.  It was noted that administrative approval could be given for a minor change of eliminating any of the eyebrows, especially if it was at the request of the Road Commission.

 

The chairman opened the public hearing.  No one was present to speak on the item.  The chairman closed the public hearing.

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Huizinga, to recommend to the Township Board to approve the preliminary development plan for (PUD0702) Eastbrook Development Company, 1188 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, to have a Planned Unit Development for residential uses under Chapter 22, on parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-09-100-036, -037, -011, -042, located at 2999 Bauer Rd., Bauer Rd., 3075 Bauer Rd. and Twin Lakes Dr., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, as shown on the following:

a.         application dated 3/28/07;

b.         the preliminary development plan dated 5/21/07;

c.         the grading plan dated 5/21/07;

d.         the legal description and map of additional property;

e.         and with note 11 on the plan which states: “Berming, landscaping,

narrative statement, and architectural concept (elevations) shall be per the PUD Preliminary Development Plan (PUD0406), as approved by Georgetown Charter Township on December 20, 2004.

 

On the basis that the following are met:

1.                  Qualifying conditions in Sec. 22.2,

2.                  The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development.

3.                  The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.

4.                  The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.

5.                  The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of Chapter 22 including Section 22.8, D

6.                  The information as per Sec. 22.5 is provided,

7.                  The plan meets the ordinance requirements of Sec. 22.10.

 

And with the following conditions:

1.                  Taylor Street is improved according to the standards and requirements of the Ottawa County Road Commission at the time of construction of that phase;

2.                  A detailed landscape plan which shows perimeter landscaping and/or screening methods along 36th Ave. is provided at the time of construction of that phase;

3.                  That a minimum of 900 square feet are required for the area of the attached condominiums and townhomes;

4.                  The PUD agreement shall be recorded and provided for all previously approved phases (phases 1 to 4) and for phase 5 before any building permits are issued (the Township PUD agreement document must be used or one acceptable to the Township and the additional addendum may also be used to address the applicant’s concerns);

5.                  The eyebrows on the street layout are not required and the street may have the eyebrows provided at the developer’s discretion;

6.                  All basements poured and left un-constructed for more than 10 days must be fenced to protect the safety of residents in compliance with Sec. 3.16;

7.                  Sign permits must be obtained for ALL signs.  Any signs not expressly approved with the PUD MUST meet ordinance requirements.  No sign shall be located within the road right-of-way.  Any sign not approved with the PUD and not allowed by the ordinance must be removed immediately or changed to a conforming sign.  All signs other than the plat entry waterfall sign must meet ordinance requirements because the approval does not include any signs.

 

MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-05 - Final Development Plan for Phase 5

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows and noted that the Fire Department memo as provided required a connection from Gilmore Lane to Lehigh Trail to be shown.

 

REQUEST

 

The request includes the final development plan for phase 5 which is the same plan for the Preliminary Plat of Lowing Woods No. 5.

 

SUMMARY

 

The summary is included with the summary for the preliminary plan above.

Sec. 22.8       FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN APPLICATION.

 

A.                Final Development Plan Approval Time Period – Single Phase:  Within twelve (12) months of the Township Board’s approval of the PUD preliminary plan and PUD rezoning, the applicant shall submit a request to the Zoning Administrator for final PUD approval.  If the applicant fails to submit a request within twelve (12) months as stated above, then the preliminary site plan (not the PUD rezoning) shall be determined to be invalid.    NA.

 

B.                 Final Development Plan Approval Time Period – Dual or Multi Phased: If the project includes phases, then the applicant must submit a request within twelve (12) months of the Township Board’s approval of the preliminary plan and PUD rezoning for final development plan approval of a phase.  Following the final approval of the first PUD phase, the applicant must submit each subsequent phase within twenty-four (24) months of the approval date for the previous phase.  If the applicant fails to submit the first phase within twelve (12) months or each subsequent phase within the twenty-four (24) month time period then the preliminary site plan incorporating all phases not already approved for final site plan shall be determined to be invalid.  Met.  (the last phase was approved Oct.10, 2005)

 

C.                 Approval Time Extension:  Upon request to the Township Board and in accordance with Section 22.13, A, 1 and 2, the time frames may be extended for a reasonable period of time. NA.

 

D.                Final Development Plan Application Requirements:  A final development plan application shall consist of the following (unless determined by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission to be unnecessary):

 

1.                  A completed application form, supplied by the Zoning Administrator.

2.                  Payment of a fee, as established by the Township Board.

3.                  A written response to the findings, review comments, and conditions, if any, from the Township Board’s review and approval of the preliminary development plan and a narrative explanation of the changes made to the plan in response to those items.

4.                  A site plan containing all of the information required in this PUD Chapter and the following information shown below: (If the plan consists of phases, then the above-mentioned information is only required for the specific phase(s) being presented for final approval.  Each subsequent phase shall be reviewed in the same manner).

 

A.                The location and dimensions of all proposed structures and buildings on the PUD site.  Met.

B.                 The location of all proposed drives (including dimensions and radii), acceleration/deceleration lanes, sidewalks / pathways / bikepaths, curbing, parking areas (including the dimensions of a typical parking space and the total number of parking spaces to be provided), and unloading areas.  Street names must also be included.  Met.  The location of all proposed signs and lighting, including the sizes and types.  The information has been provided.  The applicant is requesting additional signs

C.                 The location, type and size of all proposed landscaping and site amenities (art work, fences, gateway features, etc.).  Met.  Landscaping berm is provided along Bauer Rd. as per note 10.  Landscaping should be shown along 36th Ave. at the time final development approval is sought for that area.

D.                The location, type and size of all utilities and storm water drainage facilities, including fire protection, sanitary sewers, water services, etc.  Provided.

E.                 Existing and proposed topographic contours at a maximum of three (3) foot intervals.  Provided.

F.                  Elevation views of all proposed structures and floor plans for all multi-family residential dwelling units.  Same as previously approved and noted on the plan with number 10.

G.                Proposed open space areas, including recreational amenities (playgrounds, etc.).  Provided.

H.                Floodplain areas. (Revised 6-27-2005)  Provided.

 

5.         The Planning Commission may request from the applicant any additional graphics

or written materials, prepared by a qualified person or persons, to assist in

determining the appropriateness of the site plan.  Such material may include, but

need not be limited to, aerial photography, photographs; traffic impacts; impact

on significant natural features and drainage; soil tests; and other pertinent

information.

 

Sec. 22.9       PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW OF FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

 

A.                The Planning Commission shall review the final development plan in relation to its conformance with the preliminary development plan and any conditions of the PUD rezoning.  If it is determined that the final plan is not in substantial conformance with the preliminarily development plan, the review process shall be conducted as a preliminary development plan review, in accordance with the procedures of Sections 22.5 - 22.7 of this Ordinance.

 

B.                 Planned Unit Developments, whether established as a single or multiphase development, shall reasonably accommodate for the intent of the PUD in each phase.  If the proposed PUD appears to provide for phases that do not incorporate the intent of the proposed PUD, the Planning Commission may require bonding or other similar financial obligation, which shall be established in the PUD agreement.  If a portion of the PUD intent it to provide for a variety of uses (i.e. - apartments and single family homes), then the proposed phasing schedule shall show how the development of these uses will be balanced in the phased development schedule.

 

C.                 If the final development plan is consistent with the approved preliminary development plan, the Planning Commission shall review the final plan in accordance with the standards for approval in Section 22.10.

Sec. 22.10     STANDARDS FOR APPROVAL (both preliminary and final).

A PUD shall be approved only if it complies with each of the following standards:

A.        The proposed PUD complies with all qualifying conditions of Section 22.2.  Previously

determined to be met and the revised plan appears to meet this condition.

B.     The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development.  Previously determined to be met and the revised plan appears to meet this condition.

C.     The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.  Previously determined to be met and the revised plan appears to meet this condition.

D.    The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.  Previously determined to be met and the revised plan appears to meet this condition.

E.     The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of this Chapter, respective of being either a preliminary or final PUD request (Preliminary PUD’s must meet Section 22.5, A and Final PUD’s must meet Section 22.8, D.)  Previously determined to be met and the revised plan appears to meet the requirements of Section 22.5A.

Sec. 22.9       PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW

A.                The Planning Commission shall prepare a record of its findings and shall approve, approve with conditions, or deny the final development plan.

 

B.                 Any regulatory modification from traditional district requirements shall be approved through a finding by the Planning Commission that the deviation shall result in a higher quality of development than would be possible using conventional zoning standards.  Regulatory modifications are not subject to variance approval of the Zoning Board of Appeals.  No part of this PUD process of the approved site plans may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  This provision shall not preclude an individual residential lot owner from seeking a variance following final approval of the PUD, provided such variance does not involve alterations to open space areas as shown on the approved PUD site plan.

 

C.                 A table shall be provided on the final site plan which specifically details all deviations from the established zoning area, height and setback regulations, off-street parking regulations, general provisions, or Township subdivision regulations which would otherwise be applicable to the uses and developments proposed in the absence of this PUD article and rezoning.

Sec. 22.11     PUD AGREEMENT..

 

A.                Prior to the issuance of any building permits or commencement of construction on any portion of the PUD, the applicant shall enter into an agreement with the Township in recordable form, setting forth the applicant's obligations with respect to the PUD. 

B.                 The agreement shall describe all improvements to be constructed as part of the PUD and shall incorporate, by reference, the final development plan with all required revisions, other documents which comprise the PUD, and all conditions attached to the approval by the Township Board. 

C.                 A phasing plan shall also be submitted describing the intended schedule for start and completion of each phase and the improvements to be undertaken in each phase. 

D.                The agreement shall also establish the remedies of the Township in the event of default by the applicant in carrying out the PUD, and shall be binding on all successors in interest to the applicant. 

E.                 All documents shall be executed and recorded in the office of the Ottawa County Register of Deeds.

 

MUST BE PROVIDED FOR PHASES 1 TO 5.

 

 

Moved by Pearson, seconded by DeGood, to approve (PUD0406-05) Final Development Plan Eastbrook Development Company, 1188 East Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, to have a Planned Unit Development for residential uses under Chapter 22, on parcels of land described as P.P. # 70-14-09-100-036, -037, -011, -042, located at 2999 Bauer Rd., Bauer Rd., 3075 Bauer Rd. and Twin Lakes Dr., Georgetown Township, Ottawa County, Michigan, CONTINGENT UPON BOARD APPROVAL of the preliminary development plan;

As shown on the following:

1.                  application dated 3/28/07,

2.                  the final development plan and Lowing Woods No. 5 overall dated 5/01/07.

 

On the basis that the following are met:

1.         Qualifying conditions in Sec. 22.2,

2.         The proposed PUD is compatible with surrounding uses of land, the natural

environment, and the capacities of public services and facilities affected by the development.

3.                  The proposed uses within the PUD will not possess conditions or effects that would be injurious to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community.

4.                  The proposed project is consistent with the spirit and intent of the PUD District, as described in Section 22.1 and represents an opportunity for improved or innovative development for the community that could not be achieved through conventional zoning.

5.                  The proposed PUD meets all the site plan requirements of Chapter 22 including Section 22.8, D.

 

And with the following conditions:

1.         A recorded PUD agreement (according to Sec. 22.11) is submitted for

phases 1 to 5 at the time a building permit application is submitted.

2.         All basements poured and left un-constructed for more than 10 days must

be fenced to protect the safety of residents in compliance with Sec. 3.16;

3.         Sign permits must be obtained for ALL signs.  Any signs not expressly

approved with the PUD MUST meet ordinance requirements.  No sign shall be located within the road right-of-way.  Any sign not approved with the PUD and not allowed by the ordinance must be removed immediately or changed to a conforming sign.

4.         A connection must be constructed with this phase between Lehigh Trail and

Gilmore Lane.

 

            MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-06 - Preliminary Plat of Lowing Woods No. 5

 

The zoning administrator presented a review as follows.

 

REQUEST

 

The request is for tentative preliminary plat approval for Lowing Woods No. 5 and this is the same plan as the final development plan.

 

SUMMARY

 

The summary is included with the summary for the preliminary plan above.

 

a.         signs

 

 

I D number

 

 

 

 

Date

5-15-07

 

 

Name

Lowing Woods No. 5

 

 

 

 

 

Address

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use

Preliminary Plat

 

SUP required

NA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REQUIREMENT

 

 

 

 

 

PROVIDED

 Needs or Comments

Date, north arrow, scale

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of preparer

 

 

 

 

X

 

Name, address of property owner or petitioner

 

 

X

 

Location sketch

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Legal description

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

Size in acres of the property

 

 

 

 

X

 

Property lines and required setbacks shown and dimensioned

 

X

 

Location of existing structures, drives, parking areas within 100 ft of boundary

X

 

Location and dimensions of existing and proposed structures

 

X

 

Location of existing and proposed drives (dimensions and radii), circulation

X

 

Sidewalks, non-motorized paths-select streets, accel, decel lanes

 

 

 

 

X

 

Signs, exterior lighting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 a. signs

Curbing, parking areas, dimensions of typical space, number of parking spaces

NA

 

Calculations of parking spaces, unloading areas

 

 

 NA

 

Location, pavement width, ROW of all abutting roads, easements

 

X

 

Existing zoning, and zoning and use of abutting property

 

 

X

 

Location of existing vegetation-parkway association

 

 

 

 

X

 

Location, type, size of proposed landscaping, streetscape, greenbelt

X

 

Location, height, type of existing and proposed fences and walls

 

X

 

Size, location of proposed, existing utilities, connections to water/sewer

X

 

Location, size of surface water drainage facilities

 

 

X

 

Existing, proposed topo contours, max 5 ft intervals

 

 

X

 

Rec/common areas, floodplain areas

 

 

 

X

 

Special Use Standards, general and specific

 

 

 

 NA

 

Residential development extra requirements-attached garages

 

 X

 

 

Moved by DeGood, seconded by Pearson, to recommend to the Township Board to grant tentative preliminary plat approval of Lowing Woods No. 5 as shown on the plan and the overall plan both dated 5/1/07, and with the owners association documentation, based on the findings that Township Ordinances have been met and CONTINGENT UPON BOARD APPROVAL of the preliminary development plan and upon the Planning Commission approval of the final development plan. and with the condition that Lehigh Trail and Gilmore Lane be connected with this phase.

 

            MOTION CARRIED.

 

#070620-07 – Adjournment

The chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.