MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

April 8, 2004                          

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane on the evening of April 8, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.  Members Palmer, Bair, Albert, Beaver and Chairman Wiskeman; Manager of Planning and Development Siders; City Attorney Walsh; County Planner Graf; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the minutes of March 11, 2004 were approved as amended.

Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit No. 1087 – Westminster Crossing.  Mr. Siders stated that pylon signs will replace the existing pylon signs on the Lowe’s and Kmart sites.  Mr. Siders stated that the proposed square footage for each new sign is less than what exists.  On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mr. Beaver, Sign Permit No. 1087 was approved as presented. 

Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit No. 1081 – Heritage Nissan of Westminster.  Mr. Siders stated that the current Nissan sign is approximately nineteen feet tall and approximately sixty-four square feet in size.  Mr. Siders state that the proposed sign would be moved closer to MD Route 140 and would be thirty five feet tall and would be approximately one hundred fifty square feet.  Ms. Bair stated that she is concerned with the proliferation of signage on MD Route 140 and the Commission has worked hard to ensure that signage does not overtake the landscape of MD Route 140.  Additionally, too many signs on MD Route 140 are unsafe for travelers because they serve as a distraction.  Ms. Bair asked if it would be possible to install a monument sign which would be much shorter, rather than the large pylon that is being proposed.  Mr. Rob Long, General Manager of Heritage of Westminster stated that the monument sign is not a type that is available for the Nissan franchise.  Ms. Bair asked if it would be possible to consolidate signage so that the various manufacturers could share a single pylon.  Mr. Long stated that Honda and Nissan require sign exclusivity.  Mr. Long stated that because the Nissan Dealership is set back off of MD Route 140, his business is at a tactical advantage because of poor visibility.  Mr. Beaver asked if Mr. Long would further investigate whether or not the various manufacturers could share the existing pylon signage.  Mr. Long stated he would and would provide that to the Commission.  Mr. Wiskeman stated that he too is concerned with the proliferation of signage along MD Route 140.  Ms. Bair asked if Heritage would need additional larger signage along MD Route 140.  Mr. Long stated that Heritage would need no further signs beyond the proposed Nissan pylon sign. The Commission deferred action on Sign Permit Application No. 1081 until its meeting of May 13, 2004.   Mr. Long stated that he would provide additional information to the Commission regarding the various franchise agreements.       

Mr. Siders presented the site plan for Integral Components, Inc.  Mr. Siders stated that the applicant proposes the construction a new building at the intersection of Magna Way and Tech Court.  The proposed plan would construct a new 17,773 square foot manufacturing facility in the West Branch Trade Center.  On motion of Ms. Bair, seconded by Mrs. Albert, the site plan for Integral Components, Inc. was conditionally approved, subject to satisfying all outstanding comments.   

The Commission initiated its work session on the 2004 City of Westminster Comprehensive Plan.  Mr. Siders summarized each chapter of the Comprehensive Plan and provided further clarification when necessary. Mr. Siders stated that no action would be required of the Commission at this meeting, however, the Commission will be holding a Public Hearing regarding the Comprehensive Plan at a special meeting on Thursday, May 6, 2004.  Mr. Siders stated that it is anticipated that the Commission will make a decision regarding the Comprehensive Plan at its regularly scheduled meeting of May 13, 2004.   

Ms. Rebekah Orenstein stated that the Commission should consider implementing Historic District Zoning in the City of Westminster.  Ms. Orenstein stated that this measure will increase property values while ensuring the historic character of Westminster is preserved.  Ms. Bair stated that Westminster does in fact have an elective Historic District which is eligible to all properties listed on the National Register District of Historic Places. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
SHAWN SIDERS