SUMMARY OF THIRD QUARTER
FY 2005 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 fifteen (15) City cases 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 Staffed meetings of the Salisbury-Wicomico Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Council and Technical Advisory Committee; developed operating procedures for both groups and began work on the area’s Long-Range Transportation Plan.
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 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 the Mayor’s office with the Entitlement CDBG Program.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with the City’s Revolving Loan Program.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with Downtown Revitalization efforts.
v Convened a meeting of riverfront property owners to formulate zoning code changes to support further investment.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with Enterprise Zone Application to establish the Westside Enterprise Zone.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with City-living Project.
v Assisted the Mayor’s office with the Federal lead project – Review and possible implementation.
v Assisted the City Historic District Commission and the Department of Building, Housing, and Zoning on Revised Historic District Procedures.
v Worked with various City Departments to study GIS needs.
v GIS Needs Analysis/Early deployment implementation.
v Update City Zoning map.
v Created integrated Salisbury/Wicomico GIS intranet Website. Continue the installation of GIS intranet software on City of Salisbury computers.
v Continued GIS Map Project Development for City/County Intranet.
v Worked with SU to integrate existing aerial photography into enterprise GIS.
v GIS Neighborhood/Ownership Analysis – SU Vicinity.
v GIS Mapping Update – Salisbury Annexation Program.
v GIS Mapping – Salisbury Neighborhoods.
v GIS Mapping – Salisbury Floodplains.
v GIS Analysis – Salisbury/Wicomico Enterprise Zone.
v GIS support for CDBG Program
v GIS support for Enterprise Zone Expansion.
v GIS support for North Prong Redevelopment.
v GIS support for Csafe.
v GIS support for Purchasing Department – Map Parking Lots/Districts.
v Review Aerial Photography.
v Researched City annexation issues as it relates to Priority Funding Areas and the County Water and Sewer Master Plan.
THIRD QUARTER FY 2005
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, proposes 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, City Board of Zoning Appeals, and County Board of 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 and 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 Zoning Code.
8. Subdivision plat reviews for City.
9. Preparation of studies and recommendations for Zoning and Subdivision Code amendments.
10. Assumed responsibility for the administrative duties and case reports for the City Historic District Commission.
11. Administrative duties and case reports for Board of Zoning Appeals.
12. Preparation of studies, follow-up and inspections and related administrative duties for the Planning Commission.
13. Provide information to potential developers, prospective and existing businesses and the general public.
14. Review and update of Comprehensive Plans and state mandated Economic Growth Act.
15. Coordinate Census data and Census tracts area designations.
16. 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 Community Development Block Grant Housing 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 assists 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:
SIGN PLAN – Mill Pond Village Plaza, Phase II, represented by Phillips Signs – East Naylor Mill Road – General Commercial District - #SP-0113-05B; M-1010, P-5461, G-11 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan for Mill Pond Village Plaza, Phase II as submitted. It is consistent with signage approved in May 2003.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Advanced Auto, represented by Kimley-Horn and Assoc. – General Commercial District - #SP-0501; M-29, P-438, G-11 – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Development Plan for Advanced Auto, including a Waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Advanced Property Rentals/Donald Williams, represented by M.B. Carew – Cedar Crossing, Section 2 – R-8A Residential District - #SP-9902-03A; M-48, P-196, G-3 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan for Cedar Crossing, Section 2, including a Waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Barbara Davis, represented by Davis, Bowen & Friedel – The Fountains – Sweetbay Drive – Regional Commercial District – #SP-0210-05F; M-110, P-4487, G-6, L-7 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for a 10,400 sq. ft. office building on Lot #7 at The Fountains Planned Business Center, including a waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Pigg, Krahl & Stern, represented by Davis, Bowen & Friedel – The Fountains – Sweetbay Drive – Regional Commercial District - #SP-0210-05G; M-110, P-4487, G-6, L-12 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for an office building on Lot #12 at The Fountains Planned Business Center, including a waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – ERA Martin & Associates, represented by Parker & Associates – U.S. Route 50 & E. Main Street – Light Business & Institutional District - #SP-0505; M-108, P-2604, G-11, L-9 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan for the ERA Martin & Associates office building on Lot #9 of the Salisbury Regional Health Center Plat, including a waiver of the Community Impact Statement and the Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
SIGN PLAN – Kohl’s, represented by Selby Sign Co. – W. Dagsboro Road – General Commercial District - #SP-9806-04G; M-20, G-23, P-100, L-1 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan for Kohl’s as submitted.
SIGN PLAN AMENDMENT – Salsarita’s, represented by Robert Abresch – College Square Shopping Center – General Commercial District - #SP-9702-05C; M-115, G-15, P-2949 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan Amendment for College Square Shopping Center to allow a second wall sign for Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina as submitted.
PALEOCHANNEL SITE PLAN – Courtesy Chevrolet – 2531 North Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District - #SP-0502; M-101, P-5468, G-10 – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Site Plan for Nordstrom Salisbury, LLC/Courtesy Chevrolet, as submitted, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGN & SITE PLAN APPROVAL – Mercer Group International Recycling Center, represented by Soule & Associates - #SP-0504 – 404 Mill Street – Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District; M-106, G-11, P-1662 – The Commission tabled the requested Certificate of Design and Site Plan approval for the proposed recycling center to allow the applicant to submit a Revised Site Plan depicting the landscaping areas with a planting schedule. The Commission also noted that a concrete screening wall that obscures the view of the equipment from nearby properties will be required for the car flattener.
SIGN PLAN – Philip Morris Business Park, represented by English Sign Systems & AES Architech – Phillip Morris Drive – Light Business and Institutional District - #SP-0416-05A; M-110, P-2432 & 2443, G-20 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan for Phillip Morris Business Park as submitted as the proposed signs comply with the Code requirements in the Light Business and Institutional District. This approval includes burgundy letters on ivory panels for the individual tenant panels, burgundy letters and graphics on an ivory background for the center identification portion of the ground sign and navy sign casing and pylon colors. The colors ivory, burgundy, dark blue, and green are the permitted colors for the individual tenant wall signs.
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE – PRMC, represented by Bruce Patterson – To permit a 75 ft. height for all buildings on the hospital campus - #SP-0507 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for amendment of the text of the Hospital District as follows:
AMEND SECTION 17.68.020, PERMITTED USES IN THE HOPSITAL DISTRICT BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:
H. Hospital AND HOSPITAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURES, with a maximum height of seventy-five (75) feet;
AMEND SECTION 17.68.040 (C) DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS IN THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE:
C. The height limitation shall be forty (40) feet, EXCEPT THAT HOSPITALS AND HOSPITAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURES ARE PERMITTED A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF SEVENTY-FIVE (75) FEET.
COMPREHENSIVE SITE PLAN – Royal Farm Store, represented by John H. Plummer & Associates – Pemberton Drive & Parsons Road – Neighborhood Business District - #SP-0506; M-106, P-1120, G-7, L-1 & 2 – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Site Plan for Royal Farm Store, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGN & SITE PLAN APPROVAL – Mercer Group International Recycling Center, represented by Soule & Associates - #SP-0504 – 404 Mill Street – Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District; M-106, G-11, P-1662 – The Commission tabled the request until further direction is received from the Mayor and the City Council. This action was taken due to the enactment of Ordinance #1930 by the Council, which imposed a 60-day moratorium on the issuance of zoning certifications, building permits, and site plan approvals in the North Prong area.
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE – Rezoning of lands between Lake Street and Wicomico River and Text amendments to the Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District and the Central Business District (creating two RRMU districts and amending the parking standards in the RRMU and CBD) - #SP-0508 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for a reclassification of zone from General Commercial to Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District for the five parcels on the easterly side of Lake Street and the westerly side of the Wicomico River based on a Mistake in the Existing Zoning and the Findings of Fact included in the Staff Report. The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council for the following actions regarding the Text of the Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use District:
1. DELETE CHAPTER 17.104 IN ITS ENTIRETY.
2. AMEND THE TEXT OF THE SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE BY ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 17.104 AS RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT MULTI-USE DISTRICT #1.
3. AMEND THE TEXT OF THE SALISBURY MUNICIPAL CODE BY RE-ADOPTING CHAPTER 17.104 AS CHAPTER 17.105, RIVERFRONT REDEVELOPMENT MULTI-USE DISTRICT #2.
The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for adoption of the proposed amendments to Chapter 17.196 as follows:
AMEND CHAPTER 17.196.030 BY ADDING THE FOLLOWING:
Apartment development 1 for each efficiency or 1.5
in the CBD and RRMU District #1 for each one-bedroom unit, 1.75 for each two-bedroom unit, 2 for
each three-bedroom unit, .25
additional spaces for each bedroom
above three plus 10% of total for
guest parking
AMEND CHAPTER 17.168.050.E.1 BY ADDING A NEW ITEM C. AS FOLLOWS:
c. For apartment projects and single-family attached dwelling units, except townhouse units in the Central Business and Riverfront Redevelopment Multi-Use Districts #1 and #2, one off-street parking space for each efficiency, one and one-half (1.5) spaces for each one bedroom unit, one and three-quarter (1.75) spaces for each two bedroom unit, two off-street parking spaces for each three bedroom unit, and one-quarter (.25) additional spaces for each bedroom above three, plus ten (10) percent of the total for guest parking shall be provided.
C. City Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board held two (2) regular meetings and held public hearings to consider the following applications. The Planning Staff prepared an analysis and evaluation of each of the following:
Sunset Heights, Inc., represented by Selby Sign Co. – Enlarge Legal Nonconforming Shopping Center – Civic Avenue & Mt. Hermon Road – Twilley Center – Regional Commercial District - #SA-0411 – The Board approved the request to enlarge a legal nonconforming structure by adding a 30 sq. ft. tenant panel.
Goliath Shopping Center – Enlarge Legal Nonconforming Sign in Legal Nonconforming Shopping Center – 701 Roland Street – General Commercial District - #SA-0501 – The Board approved the requested enlargement of the legal nonconforming structure to add a 173 sq. ft. tenant identification sign, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report and subject to the Condition of Approval.
Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce – 2 ft. Setback Variance for a Freestanding Sign – 144 East Main Street – Central Business District - #SA-0502 – The Board approved the requested 2 ft. front yard setback variance for a freestanding sign based upon the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Etch Art Awards – Enlarge Legal Nonconforming Structure with a 5 ft. x 43 ft. Addition to the Front of the Building – 1220 N. Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District - #SA-0503 – The Board approved the requested enlargement of the legal nonconforming structure to add a 5 ft. by 43 ft. addition to the front of the building, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Peninsula Regional Medical Center – Height Variance of up to 18 ft. to construct a five-story parking garage with two towers – 100 East Carroll Street – Hospital District - #SA-9426-05A – The Board approved the requested height variance of up to 18 ft. for the proposed garage, 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 three (3) projects, performed one (1) compliance review and issued one (1) violation notice within the City.
Soule & Associates, P.C. – Intensely Developed Area – M-106, P-1662 – Meet with officials and design engineers to discuss a change in use from a previous aggregate handling activity to a recycling operation.
Iott Architecture & Engineering - Intensely Developed Area – M-111, P-1500 – Meet with officials and design engineers to discuss a proposed luxury condominium development project and it’s compliance with Salisbury’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program.
Becker Morgan Group - Intensely Developed Area – M-111, P-6 & 9 – Meet with Kevin Parson, PLS, to discuss the 10% Pollutant Reduction calculations on the proposed Peninsula Regional Medical Center parking garage construction.
E. City Forest Conservation Projects
Forest Conservation staff reviewed three (3) projects within the City, issued 17 Exemption certificates and performed site inspections on 4 project sites.
Projects reviewed:
B&W Real Estate
East Park Professional Center
Kinnamon Condominium Project
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.
F. Salisbury Historic District Commission:
The Commission held three (3) regular meetings during the quarter. The Planning Staff prepared an analysis and evaluation for each of the 15 new applications received during this time period.
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.