SUMMARY OF THIRD QUARTER
FY 2004 REPORT
v Assisted in continued support of the development of Urban Salisbury, Inc., as a 501(C)(3) partnership for the revitalization of Salisbury’s urban core, and continued support for Main Street Maryland Activities.
v Provided planning and revitalization strategy services for area neighborhood Revitalization Projects.
v Researched and prepared reports for eighteen (18) City cases and for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
v Researched and prepared a report for one (1) City subdivision case and for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
v Researched and prepared reports for five (5) cases for the City Board of Zoning Appeals.
v Maintained all correspondence, minutes and records for the Planning Commission and City Board of Zoning Appeals.
v Implemented State Forest Conservation Act for City.
v Implemented Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program for City.
v Coordinated with MDOT on establishment of Salisbury Metropolitan Planning Organization.
v Assisted developers, appraisers, market analysts, etc. with gathering of data on the Salisbury area.
v Recommended and assisted developers and citizens with general zoning information relative to Site Plans, Standards, Landscaping, etc.
v Met with developers and other City department representatives on pending annexation and development issues.
v Administered County Housing Block Grant Program for City residences.
v Assisted Mayor’s office with the Community Legacy Housing Program.
v Assisted Mayor’s office with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Single Family Housing Programs.
v Assisted Mayor’s office with the Entitlement CDBG Program.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with the City’s Revolving Loan Program
v Assisted the City Historic District Commission and the Department of Building, Housing, and Zoning on Revised Historic District Procedures.
v Provided local coordination for Maryland Department of Planning’s work for the City of Salisbury as a pilot study area for the Governor’s Development Capacity Initiative.
v Worked with various City Departments to study GIS needs.
v Needs Analysis/Early deployment implementation.
v Update City Zoning map.
v Provided GIS assistance (Data BAse & Maps) for Salisbury Neighborhood Housing.
v Created integrated Salisbury/Wicomico GIS intranet Website. Continue the installation of GIS intranet software on City of Salisbury computers.
v Worked with GIS Consultants - Preparation of a Request for Proposal for Aerial Photography and various data layers relating to Emergency Services Dispatch for the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County.
v Provided assistance to Salisbury Wicomico Economic Development in locating a site for a potential business that could provide jobs for approximately 200 local citizens.
v Prepared GIS data for Hazardous Material Mitigation Plan.
v Population/Statiostical GIS Analysis for Fire Department Service needs.
v Continued GIS Map Project Development for City/County Intranet.
THIRD QUARTER FY 2004
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
I. Planning Department - Responsibilities
A. Planning and Zoning
Since 1943, the City of Salisbury and Wicomico County have cooperated in conducting a joint planning program. In the early 1960’s the two jurisdictions established a separate planning office to oversee planning and zoning activities. In response to the dramatic changes that have occurred in both the City and County over the past many years, the former Planning Office was designated in 1989 as the Salisbury/Wicomico Department of Planning, Zoning and Community Development.
MISSION
The department directly benefits the citizens of both the City and County in a variety of ways. Specifically, these are:
1. It endeavors to achieve cooperative agreements between the City and County on vital planning matters.
2. It serves as planning and zoning advisers to the legally established City and County Planning and Zoning Commission and any other group designated by the County or City Council.
3. The department conducts background studies, proposed code amendments and instigates other related evaluations for those activities requested by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the County Council, or the Mayor and City Council.
4. The department is specifically authorized by local charter to perform various duties that are required under State law to assist municipalities that may participate in a County-wide program.
5. The department compiles background data and monitors development trends in both the City and County which influence both the short term and long range development of both jurisdictions.
6. The department oversees the periodic review, evaluation and update of the City and County Comprehensive Plans, Zoning Ordinances and other regulatory measures related to these documents.
7. The department serves as a direct “line” agency to the County Council, to administer housing grants and other related programs, community development block grants, and agricultural land preservation grants.
8. The department serves as the enforcement agency for the State’s required Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program and Forest Conservation Program for the City and County as well as the County Zoning Code and portions of the County nuisance ordinance.
9. The department assists in the preparation of plans for Planning Commission review and recommendation to the Mayor and City Council; upon request serves as technical staff to the Commission and Council in matters relating to Historic Zoning and Urban Renewal and general Neighborhood improvement or protection programs.
10. The department has routine administrative duties which include meeting arrangements, preparations for public hearings, technical advice to citizens, special interest groups, and developers; maintains all correspondence, minutes and records for the Planning Commission and City and County Boards of Zoning Appeals.
11. The department provides information to potential developers, and to the general public pertaining to zoning, development sites and trends, and provides maps and statistical information of various kinds.
II. Annual Operating Program
A. Planning and Zoning - City
1. Formulate planning and community development strategies for downtown and neighborhood revitalization.
2. Implement the City’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program.
3. Work with the Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council to implement the transportation and growth strategies for the City.
4. Work with various Citizen Groups and Task Forces on revitalization activities upon request.
5. Prepare background data for Neighborhood Planning activities as requested.
6. Document changes on the City’s development patterns and population shifts.
7. Continue to recommend revision of City of Salisbury’s and Wicomico County’s Zoning Codes.
8. Subdivision plat reviews for City.
9. Preparation of studies and recommendations for Zoning and Subdivision Code amendments.
10. Administrative duties and case reports for Board of Zoning Appeals.
11. Preparation of studies, follow-up and inspections and related administrative duties for the Planning Commission.
12. Provide information to potential developers, prospective and existing businesses and the general public.
13. Review and update of Comprehensive Plans and state mandated Economic Growth Act.
14. Coordinate Census data and Census tracts area designations.
15. Conduct zoning and plan analysis on all annexation requests.
III. Activities and Accomplishments
A. Planning Office Activities
1. Processed routine information requests.
2. Researched and prepared reports for five (5) cases for the City Board of Zoning Appeals.
3. Completed various drafting assignments pertaining to City reports, maps, charts, and graphs.
4. Continued regular assistance to developers, appraisers, market analysts, etc. with gathering data on Salisbury area.
5. Continue to recommend and assist developers and citizens with general zoning information relative to Site Plans, Standards, Landscaping, etc.
6. Attended several meetings with developers and other City department representatives on pending annexation or development issues.
7. Maintained all correspondence, minutes and records for the Planning Commission and City Board of Zoning Appeals.
8. Implemented State Forest Conservation Act for City.
9. Implemented Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program for City.
10. Administered County Housing Block Grant Program for City residences.
11. The Community Development Division of this Department continues to assist the Mayor and City Council in the Downtown Redevelopment efforts.
12. The Community Development Division of this Department assist the Mayor and City Council in Revitalization efforts for neighborhoods.
13. Coordinate Revitalization efforts with the Weed and Seed Program initiatives.
14. Coordinate Urban Salisbury, Inc. activities.
15. Administer USDA-Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) for City of Salisbury.
16. Assisted with the preparation of the Community Legacy Application.
17. Coordinate Main Street Maryland activities.
B. Day to Day Planning and Zoning Activities of the Staff and Planning Commission
The Planning Commission held three (3) regular meetings and one (1) special meeting during this quarter.
The Commission held Public Hearings or reviewed and made recommendations on the following matters. The Planning Staff coordinated with other City Departments and prepared detailed reports in regards to each of the following:
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE – To add a School of Special Instruction (for Dance, Cheerleading, and Aerobics) to the Industrial Park District – #SP-0401 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and Salisbury City Council for the amendment of the text of Section 17.80.060, the Industrial Park District to include Schools of Special Instruction, including dance, cheerleading, karate, and aerobics schools/studios, and indoor recreational establishments.
OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD ANNEXATION – FARLOW ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 37.5 Acres – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Farlow property and Parcels #104, 110, and 429 to the City of Salisbury. This zoning classification is the lowest density offered in any district in the Salisbury Municipal Code permitting approximately 4 units per acre. The recommendation is consistant with the Suburban recommendation of the Metro Core Comprehensive Plan that recommends a density development of 4 to 8 units per acre. A Condition of Approval was imposed.
EAST NAYLOR MILL ROAD ANNEXATION – RUARK ANNEXATION – 42.7 Acres – M-30, P-p/o 223, G-12 The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Ruark property, including the stormwater management pond that serves several City properties to the west to the City of Salisbury. This zoning classification is the lowest density offered in any district in the Salisbury Municipal Code permitting an average of 6 units per acre. The recommendation is consistent with the Suburban recommendation of the Metro Core Comprehensive Plan that recommends a density of development of 4 to 8 units per acre. A Condition of Approval was imposed.
REVISED FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DELVEOPMENT PLAN – Avalon PRD #8 – Phase II – Troopers Way – M-20, P-491, G-24, #sp-9602-04B – The Commission approved the Revised Final Comprehensive Development Plan for the Avalon PRD #8, making Phases 16 and 17 now Phases 16-19, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
REVISED COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – E.S. Adkins/Shore Transit – North Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District – M-104, P-1444, G-16, L-3 - #SP-9905-04A – The Commission approved the Revised Comprehensive Development Plan for the E.S. Adkins Business Center and a waiver from the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability permitting construction of an administration building and maintenance facility for Shore Transit, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
REVISED FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Doug P. Williams – Lot Line Adjustment – Harbor Pointe PRD #3A, Phase II, Section 2, Lot 26, Block 'A' – 1400 East Upland Drive – M-113, P-1131, G-14 - #SP-8612-04F – The Commission approved the Revised Final Comprehensive Development Plan for Harbor Pointe PRD #3A, Phase I, Section 2, Lot 26, Block 'A', subject to the Conditions of Approval.
REVISED COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Woodbrooke, represented by George, Miles & Buhr – to convert the project from Townhouses to a Medical Office Complex – Woodbrooke Drive – Light Business and Institutional District – M-29, P-5477 & 5478, G-6 – The Commission approved the Revised Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for Tilghman Road, LLC, Phase I which includes the following approvals:
A. Removal of the previously approved recreational areas.
B. Elimination of the sewer and water easements.
C. Relocation of Woodbrooke Drive.
Conditions of Approval were imposed.
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Lord Salisbury Shopping Center, represented by Soule and Associates – 113,786 sq. ft. shopping center – North Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District – M-29, P-5477 & 5478, G-6 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan for the Lord Salisbury shopping center, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Milford Street Associates – Belmont Avenue – Phase I – 17,256 sq. ft. office building – Light Business and Institutional District – M-38; P-304; G-12 and M-117; P-2580; G-14 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan, including the Sign Plan, for East Park Professional Center, Phase I, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PALEOCHANNEL SITE PLAN – Thomas H. Ruark – East Naylor Mill Road – General Commercial District – M-119, P-p/o 239, G-11, L-6A – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Site Plan for Thomas H. Ruark/Donald Layton as submitted, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
SOUTH SCHUMAKER DRIVE – ROBERTSON-SCHULTZ-BRITTINGHAM ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 21.0 Acres – M-29, P-325, G-8 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the City Council for R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation of the Robertson-Schultz-Brittingham properties to the City of Salisbury.
HARFORD ROAD – HOMES AT FOXFIELD ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 0.85 Acres – M-29, P-9, G-16, L-76 & 77 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Wicomico County Council and the Mayor and City Council for Light Business and Institutional zoning upon annexation of the Homes at Foxfield property to the City of Salisbury.
Salisbury Investment Group – Resubdivision – 1 Lot – East North Pointe Drive – The Commission approved the Preliminary/Final Resubdivision for Salisbury Investment Group Ltd. Partnership, subject to the conditions of Approval.
PEMBERTON DRIVE – RUARK-MARTIN ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 40.7 Acres – M-37, P-145, G-17 –The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Pemberton Drive - Martin & Ruark property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission recommended a Condition of Approval be included in the annexation resolution.
GLEN AVENUE – EAST FIELDS ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 16.0 Acres – M-38, P-202 & 309, G-24 –The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Glen Avenue-East Fields property to the City of Salisbury.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Shopping Center – Mitch Wyatt – Parsons Road – Neighborhood Business District – M-106, G-13, P-1122-4 – #SP-0112-04A – The Commission approved the Revised Comprehensive Development Plan for a Neighborhood Shopping Center for Mitch Wyatt/Bubble Junction, including a waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and possible future development of the site if First Street is closed, and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
REVISED FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – PHASE II – Avalon Plaza Shopping Center – Dickerson Lane – General Commerical District – M-20 & 29, P-177, G-24 – #SP-9911-04C – The Commission approved the Revised Final Comprehensive Development Plan for Avalon Plaza, Phase II, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – University Village (147 Units) – Onley Road – R-8A Residential – M-48, P-263 & 264, G-9 – #SP-9814-04B – The Commission tabled the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for University Village Apartments until the April 15, 2004 meeting. At that meeting, the City Solicitor will be asked to provide guidance regarding the basis for approval or denial to the request.
REVISED BUILDING ELEVATION – Best Buy – The Commons Shopping Center – 109 East North Pointe Drive – General Commerical District – M-29, P-78, G-6 – #SP-9704-04Q – The Commission approved the Exterior Building Modifications for the building front and the Revised Signage for the wall signs and the ground sign as submitted, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
C. City Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board held three (3) regular meetings and held public hearings to consider the following applications. The Planning Staff prepared an analysis and evaluation of each of the following:
Shirley Conner, represented by Wheatley's Home Improvements – 9 ft. 10 inch Side Yard Setback Variance for a garage addition – 725 Richwil Drive – R-10 Residential District - #SA-0401 – The Board tabled the request to allow the applicant to submit revised site plans.
Dr. Jose Alvarado – 9 ft. Sign Setback Variance – 1208 Pemberton Drive – Neighborhood Business District – #SA-0316-04A – The Board approved a 5 ft. Sign Setback Variance, which would permit placement of the sign 15 ft. from the curbline and aligned with the Shore Stop sign, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Bob Lawrence, represented by Susan Usilton/READ Signs–Enlargement of Legal Nonconforming Structure/Use and Addition of a second face to an Outdoor Advertising Structure – 1600 North Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District – #SA-0402 – The Board tabled this request for ninety (90) days to allow the applicant to seek relief from the Code requirements from the Salisbury City Council.
Hekemian Group, represented by Soule and Associates – Special Exception – 115,000 sq.ft. shopping center – Lord Salisbury Shopping Center – 2637 North Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District - #SA-0403 – The Board approved the requested Special Exception for Lord Salisbury shopping center, for a maximum floor area of 115,000 sq. ft., based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., represented by Andrew W. Booth and Associates – Special Exception – Parking in a Residential District – 517 Race Street – R-10 Residential District - #SA-7416-04A – The Board approved the requested Special Exception to expand a commerical parking lot into a residential district, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
D. City Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Projects
The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area staff has reviewed one (2) projects within the City and has issued one (1) violation notice. Issued four (4) Certificates of Compliance to property owners within the City.
City of Salisbury – Intensely Developed Area – Mill Street Bridge over the Wicomico River – Reviewed a project to construct and backfill 112' of replacement bulkhead.
Donald Edwin Williams – Intensely Developed Area – M-111, P-1492 & 1493 – Inspected site to assure that it was in compliance with the Salisbury Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program.
E City Forest Conservation Projects
The Forest Conservation staff has reviewed 2 projects within the City, issued 18 Exemption certificates and performed site inspections on 7 project sites.
Projects reviewed:
University Village: TaxMap 48, Parcels 263, 264
Heritage Subdivision Easement Relocation
Reviewed the above projects to verify compliance with the Maryland Forest Conservation Act. Conducted field visits to verify existing conditions. Reviewed Forest Conservation Delineations and Plans. Made comments to engineers concerning compliance issues.
IV. Problems and Corrective Actions
None.
V. Meetings
Staff members attended the regular and special meetings of the City and County Councils, the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Appeals. Additional meetings reflect current activities and projects now under way, as well as activities of other agencies and committees that may affect City and County Planning.