MINUTES OF PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING

June 10, 2004                       

A meeting of the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission was held at Westminster City Hall, 1838 Emerald Hill Lane on the evening of June 10, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.  Members Palmer, Graham, Albert, Beaver and Acting Chair Bair; Director of Planning and Public Works Beyard; Manager of Planning and Development Siders; City Attorney Walsh; Technical Planner Fisher; County Planner Graf; and members of the public were present.

On motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Ms. Graham, the minutes of May 13, 2004 were approved as presented.

Mr. Siders presented Sign Permit No. 1095 – Marshalls.  Mr. Siders stated that the proposed 107 square-foot sign would be attached to the principal façade of the structure.  He further stated that the Commission had previously approved the pylon identification for Marshalls as part of the Westminster Crossing sign package.  Ms. Bair asked if uniformity of design among tenants’ signs had been considered.  Mr. Siders replied that while the individual signs would vary in appearance, the façade of the structure would ensure a consistent appearance to the shopping center.  In response to a question from Mrs. Albert, Mr. Siders stated that staff recommends approval of the sign permit.  On motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Mr. Beaver, Sign Permit No. 1095 was approved. 

Mr. Fisher presented Sign Permit No. 1090 – Office Depot.  Mr. Fisher stated that the store would occupy a portion of the old K-Mart site at the corner of MD 140 and Englar Road.  The proposed 165 square-foot sign package would face Englar Road.  Mr. Fisher stated that staff recommends approval as the signs fall within the guidelines established by the site’s ‘B’ Business zoning classification.  On Motion of Mrs. Palmer, seconded by Ms. Graham, Sign Permit No. 1090 was approved. 

Mr. Siders presented the Resubdivision of Lot 1 – Friese Estates.  Mr. Siders stated that the applicant proposes to subdivide the lot along the party wall of an existing duplex to allow for homeownership of both units.  Mr. Siders noted that the Director of Planning and Public Works had granted an administrative adjustment to the minimum required lot width, and that the plat meets the statutory requirements for subdivision with the adjustment.  He recounted that there had been no public comments received for or against the subdivision at the administrative adjustment hearing.  Ms. Palmer remarked that the property was already functionally divided by the presence of the duplex.  On Motion of Ms. Graham, seconded by Mrs. Albert, the Resubdivision of Lot 1 – Friese Estates was approved.

Mr. Fisher presented the Site Plan for the Carroll County Commerce Center Building #3 – National Instrument Company.  Mr. Fisher stated that the applicants propose the construction of a 35, 369 square-foot, one story warehouse on the 20.28 acre site.  The parcel is zoned ‘P-I’ Planned Industrial and contains two existing warehouses.  Mr. Fisher described the dual access points and looped traffic flow through the site.  In response to a question from Mrs. Albert, Mr. Fisher stated that the applicant must address minor outstanding agency comments in regard to landscaping, parking, and utility connections, among other technical requirements.  On Motion of Mrs. Albert, seconded by Mrs. Palmer, the Site Plan for the Carroll County Commerce Center Building #3 – National Instrument Company was conditionally approved, subject to agency review and comment.  

Mr. Graf updated the Commission on the Westminster Mews project, stating that the developer had submitted plans showing a sole access point from Center Street via High View Road.  He stated that the change eliminates all previously proposed access points to Gorsuch Road and Center Street.

Ms. Bair asked what infrastructure improvements were being made in the median of MD 140 between Sandymount Road and MD 91.  Mr. Beyard stated his understanding that AT&T was installing fiber optic cable to serve the area.

The developer of the Meadowbranch Industrial Park requested that the Commission consider an issue regarding the conditional approval of the final plat.  Ms. Bair stated that the Commission could not consider any requests regarding the project, as the item was not on the agenda.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

ERIK FISHER
SECRETARY