Planning Commission Minutes
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF BLOOMFIELD
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
Monday, March 17, 2008
Bloomfield Township Hall
I. ATTENDANCE:
PRESENT: Salz, Goldberg, Stefanes, Barnett, Mintz,
Stark, Petinga
ABSENT: None
Staff Present: Patricia McCullough, Planning and
Building Director, Christopher Gruba, Assistant Planner, and
Robin Carley, Development Coordinator
Mr. Salz recognized Peter Alsworth, Eagle Scout, in
attendance at the meeting. Mr. Alsworth is in the process of
earning his citizenship merit badge.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion was made by Stark, seconded by Goldberg, and was
unanimously supported to approve the Planning Commission
minutes of March 3, 2008 as written.
YEAS: Salz, Goldberg, Stefanes, Barnett, Mintz, Petinga,
Stark
NAYS: None
III. PUBLIC HEARING:
A. Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Residential Fence
/ Retaining Walls
Ms. McCullough reviewed the proposed ordinance amendments
to the Commissioners, as previously introduced at the February
20, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting. A PowerPoint
presentation was reviewed which including the proposed
ordinance language and illustrations / examples of retaining
walls and fencing.
Ms. McCullough first reviewed the proposed retaining wall
ordinance amendment, including height and separation of the
walls, along with illustrations depicting the required
landscaping. Examples of previous approvals of landscape and
retaining walls by the Zoning Board of Appeals were reviewed.
The proposed ordinance amendment language for swimming pool
fence regulations was then reviewed, including illustrations
of styles of pool fencing. Ms. McCullough noted that Chapter
10 of the Code of Ordinances was also being amended to include
the allowance of decorative metal fencing to exceed the 4 ft.
maximum fence height for swimming pool fences, when complying
with the State Construction Code.
Ms. McCullough noted that the previously introduced
ordinance amendment language allowing the Zoning Board of
Appeals to hear requests for fencing over 6 feet in height had
now been removed from this draft language. She stated that the
maximum height of decorative swimming pool fencing was
proposed at 54 inches.
Mr. Salz asked for questions or comments from the
Commissioners to Ms. McCullough.
Mr. Stark asked for clarification on the text and the
illustrations depicting the allowable height of walls within
required setbacks.
Dr. Goldberg questioned the maximum allowable height of
tiered walls, including the distance / separation between the
walls. He commented that the proposed illustrations seemed to
contradict the language within the PowerPoint presentation.
Ms. McCullough stated that she would rectify the language
with the illustrations within the presentation and further
explained how to determine the overall height of a series of
tiered walls.
There were no additional questions or comments from the
Commissioners.
Mr. Salz opened the public comment portion of the meeting.
Mr. Larry Nutson, Manager of Bloomfield Village
Association, was present in support of the proposed ordinance
amendments for both retaining walls and swimming pool fencing.
He was pleased that the previous draft had been amended to
remove the language allowing for the Zoning Board of Appeals
to grant variances for fence heights exceeding 6 feet. He
encouraged the Planning Commission to forward the proposed
amendments to the Board of Trustees with a recommendation of
approval.
Mr. Joe Baruso, 1612 Lochridge Road, asked for
clarification of the maximum height and separation of walls,
based on the proposed language and illustrations. He also
suggested a maximum grade percentage of 30 % allowed between
the walls.
The Commission discussed the grade between the walls,
including the lateral load and drainage. Ms. McCullough noted
that the Township’s building official would review plans
submitted for retaining walls including compliance with code
requirements relative to location, lateral load, type of
construction materials, and drainage issue.
Dr. Petinga questioned the allowable materials for the
retaining walls. Ms. McCullough noted that the property owner
would propose the materials with input from the Subdivision
Association, when applicable.
Mr. Barnett noted that engineering and drainage issues were
addressed in the review by the Building Department.
Ms. McCullough confirmed that the Building Department would
address the issues raised by the Planning Commissioners.
There were no additional public comments.
Mr. Salz closed the public comment portion of the meeting
and called for a motion.
Motion was made by Barnett, seconded by Petinga and was
unanimously supported to forward the proposed ordinance
amendments to the Township Board of Trustees with a
recommendation of approval, with corrections and additions to
the PowerPoint presentation as noted by the Commissioners.
YEAS: Salz, Goldberg, Stefanes, Barnett, Mintz, Stark,
Petinga
NAYS: None
IV. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
A. Items Not on the Agenda
Mr. Salz recognized Larry Nutson, the Manager of Bloomfield
Village, noting that Mr. Nutson would be relocating out of
State, and thanked him for his many years of dedication and
service to the Township and to the Bloomfield Village
Subdivision.
Mr. Barnett noted that Mr. Nutson received a resolution
from the Board of Trustees at the March 10, 2008 Township
Board meeting.
Mr. Stark discussed the possible need to amend the newly
adopted wind draft ordinance to include updated technology. He
would provide the information to the Planning Staff.
Ms. McCullough updated the Commission regarding the
Clearzoning proposal that was forwarded to the Township Board
of Trustees. She stated that the Board approved the proposal,
with an upgrade to "Platinum" status. Bloomfield Township
would be the first municipality with "Platinum" Clearzoning
status, including additional hyperlinks and illustrations.
V. GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Planning Commission Meeting Schedule
The next Planning Commission Meeting was scheduled for
Monday, April 7, 2008.
VI. ADJOURNMENT:
The Planning Commission Meeting of Monday, March 17, 2008
was adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia McCullough, Director
Planning and Building
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