Montgomery News

City of Gaithersburg Planning Commission met July 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Regular Session of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:30 PM with Chair John Bauer presiding.

Attendee Name Title Status Arrived 

John Bauer Chair Present 

Matthew Hopkins Commissioner Present 

Lloyd Kaufman Commissioner Present 

Ruthzaly Weich Commissioner Present 

Danielle Winborne Commissioner Present 

Philip Wessell Alternate Commissioner Present

Staff present: Assistant City Attorney Frank Johnson, Planning Division Chief Trudy Schwarz, Planners Jasmine Forbes and Greg Mann, and Administrative Technician Myriam Gonzalez.

2. SIGN PERMITS

A. SIGN-16903-2018: La Fonda Paisa Sign, 323 Muddy Branch Road, Icon Sign Approval in the C-2 (General Commercial) Zone

Planner Forbes introduced this plan for an icon sign. She presented the front elevation with the proposed sign, noting the sign is consistent with others in the shopping center. She further noted the property owner has approved the sign.

She voiced staff's recommendation for approval, with the following condition:

1. Applicant is to confirm with Staff that the internally illuminated box sign is opaque and only the letters are illuminated, prior to the issuance of the sign permit.

Chair Bauer commented on the size of the icon, noting that it needs to be larger. The Commission voiced no concerns.

Motion was made to grant SIGN-16903-2018 - La Fonda Paisa, 323 Muddy Branch Road, Icon Sign Approval, based on the exhibits submitted, the applicant’s testimony, and staff’s findings and recommendations, and finding it in compliance with Zoning Ordinance Section 24-212, with the condition listed above.

RESULT: PASSED [5 TO 0] MOVER: Lloyd Kaufman, Commissioner SECONDER: Danielle Winborne, Commissioner FOR: Bauer, Hopkins, Kaufman, Weich, Winborne NO VOTE: Philip Wessell

3. TREE REMOVAL WAIVERS

A. ENV-7963-2018: 138 Gold Kettle Drive - Tree Removal Waiver for the property located at 138 Gold Kettle Drive in the RP-T (Medium Density Residential) zone: TREE REMOVAL WAIVER

Planner Benjamin presented this application for a tree removal variance. He located the site and noted the condition of the tree is decaying and might pose danger to the home due to the proximity to the house and to power lines. A photograph of the tree was presented. It was noted the tree is located in the home owners association property. Mr. Benjamin answered questions of the Commission and voiced staff's recommendation for approval of the variance to remove the tree.

Motion was made to grant ENV-7963-2018 -138 Gold Kettle Drive, Tree Removal Variance Approval, based on staff’s findings and recommendations and finding it in compliance with City Code Section 22-12.

RESULT: PASSED [5 TO 0] MOVER: Lloyd Kaufman, Commissioner SECONDER: Danielle Winborne, Commissioner FOR: Bauer, Hopkins, Kaufman, Weich, Winborne NO VOTE: Philip Wessell

4. FROM COMMISSION

Philip Wessell

· Suggested creating a tree inspection program to ensure trees in residential areas are in good condition.

Lloyd Kaufman

· Commended staff for the Summerfest celebration and other upcoming City activities.

Matt Hopkins

· Shared the comment on the Summerfest, noting it was a well planned activity, given the topography of the property.

Ruthzaly Weich

· Reminded all of the next lecture presentation by the Kentlands Community Foundation and the City on July 17, 2018, at 7:30 at Arts Barn.

5. FROM STAFF

A. 2017 Annual Planning Report

Jasmine Forbes

· Reported the Commission received the illustrative version of Staff's 2017 Annual Planning Report. Staff answered questions regarding issues not included in the Report. The Commission praised staff's work, noting the report is informative, compact and illustrative.

Greg Mann

· Voiced staff's request for delegated authority for review/approval of a shared parking chart for a church use in the CBD Zone, at 431 East Diamond Avenue. He indicated that customarily this type of application comes before the Commission as a consent item. He noted there are no other items for review at the next regular July session. He provided detailed information on the warehouse and parking use, presently on the property. He further noted that staff considers there would be no conflicts with parking, as the uses operate at different times of the day. An aerial photograph of the property was presented. Commission consented.

· Announced a joint work session with the City Council is scheduled on July 9.

· Noted the next regular session will be held on August 1, 2018, since the second July meeting will be cancelled as there no regular items scheduled.

6. ADJOURNMENT

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