MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

January 13, 2005

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane, on the evening of January 13, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Members Albert, Graham, Palmer, and Beaver; Chairperson Bair; City Attorney Walsh; Manager of Planning and Development Davis; Assistant Town Planner Fisher; County Planner Graf; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Ms. Graham, and duly passed, the minutes of the meeting of December 9, 2004 were approved as presented.

Mr. Fisher presented Sign Permit Application No. 1111 for Petsmart.  Mr. Fisher stated that the applicant was requesting approval of a 196 square foot sign package at the Crossroads Square Shopping Center.  Mr. Fisher stated that the sign meets all related requirements specified in the City’s ‘B’ Business zone and that the size could be justified as the signs would advertise the shopping center’s anchor tenant.  Based on the information presented, staff recommended approval of the permit.  The Commission briefly discussed the potential expansion of the shopping center.  On motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Mr. Beaver, Sign Permit No. 1111 for Petsmart was approved as presented.

Chairperson Bair requested additional time to review Local Map Amendment No. 05 – 1 “Thomas, Bennett & Hunter Property.”  Mr. Davis noted that a representative for the applicant was not present.  By consensus of the Commission, LMA No. 05 – 1 was tabled until the February meeting.

Mr. Graf updated the Commission on the Washington Road Medical Center project underway along MD 32.

Mrs. Palmer requested that the City review options for the regulation of signs advertising rental housing.

Mr. Fisher presented the Commission with copies of the 2004 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Fisher updated the Commission on the Frizzell’s Final Addition barricade issue and described the purpose and need of the upcoming Pennsylvania Avenue Urban Design Study.

On the motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Mrs. Albert and duly passed, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

ERIK N. FISHER
SECRETARY