SUMMARY OF FOURTH QUARTER
FY 2003 REPORT
• Assisted in continued support of the development of Urban Salisbury, Inc., as a new 501(C)(3) partnership for the revitalization of Salisbury’s urban core, and continued support for Main Street Maryland Activities.
• Provided planning and revitalization strategy services for area neighborhood Revitalization Projects.
• Researched and prepared reports for twenty-three (23) City cases and three (3) subdivisions for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Researched and prepared reports for six (6) cases for the City Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Maintained all correspondence, minutes and records for the Planning Commission and City Board of Zoning Appeals.
• Implemented State Forest Conservation Act for City.
• Implemented Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Program for City.
• Administered County Housing Block Grant Program for City residences.
• Coordinated with MDOT and City Council on establishment of Salisbury Metropolitan Planning Organization.
• Assisted developers, appraisers, market analysts, etc. with gathering of data on the Salisbury area.
• Recommended and assisted developers and citizens with general zoning information relative to Site Plans, Standards, Landscaping, etc.
• Met with developers and other City department representatives on pending annexation and development issues.
• Assisted Mayor’s office with the Community Legacy Housing Program.
• Assisted Mayor’s office with Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Single Family Housing Programs.
• Initiated work with Consultant Proposal for Legacy Connectivity and Lighting Studies and assisted in coordination with Neighborhood Roundtable.
• Staff assistance with Health Housing Ratio Task Force for the City of Salisbury.
• Work with various City Departments to study GIS needs.
• Needs Analysis/Early deployment implementation.
• Update City Zoning map.
• Provide GIS assistance mapping to City Police – Mapping Patrol Beats.
• Provide GIS assistance to States Attorney, City Police – mapping facilities that fall under Drug Free School Zone regulations.
• GIS analysis – City of Salisbury/County Councilmanic population study.
• Provide GIS assistance to Salisbury Fire Department – District boundary and population analysis.
• Create GIS Data base for Homeland Security.
• Provide GIS assistance for Long-Range Annexation study.
FOURTH QUARTER FY 2003
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 new 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 six (6) 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:
JERSEY ROAD – CAUSEY/THREE CREEKS ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 139.0 Acres; M-20 & 29, P-33 & 165, G-21 & 2 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation to the Causey property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission requested that the adjoining three parcels in the A-1 District be offered the option of inclusion in this rezoning request. The Commission recommended Conditions of Approval, including limiting the number of homes.
JOHNSON ROAD – CAUSEY/JOHNSON’S RETREAT ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 24.4 Acres – M-48, P-288, G-12 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation of the Causey property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission recommended Conditions of Approval.
OLD OCEAN CITY ROAD – FARLOW ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 32.4 Acres; M-38, P-295, G-12 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation to the Farlow property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission requested inclusion of Parcel #110 if the owner so desires to be included in this annexation. The other five parcels adjoining this site along Old Ocean City Road should also be contacted about annexation into the City of Salisbury. The Commission recommended a Condition of Approval.
NAYLOR MILL ROAD – INTERFAITH HOUSING ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 21.0 Acres – M-29, P-325, G-8 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-10A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Interfaith Housing property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission recommended Conditions of Approval.
ONLEY ROAD – WILLIAMS/CEDAR CROSSING ADDITION ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 3.0 Acres; M-48, P-196, G-3 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for R-8A Residential zoning upon annexation of the Williams/Cedar Crossing Addition property to the City of Salisbury. The Commission recommended a Condition of Approval.
U.S. ROUTE 50 EAST – MILFORD STREET ASSOC. ANNEXATION – Zoning Recommendation – 3.9 Acres; M-38, P-304, G-11 & 12, L-27, 35, 36, 37 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for Light Business and Institutional zoning upon annexation of the Milford Street Associates property to the City of Salisbury with the exception of Lot #27 which is recommended for R-10 Residential zoning upon annexation to the City of Salisbury.
Aspen Hills – Final – 31 Lots – Dykes Road – The Commission approved the Final Subdivision for Aspen Hills, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Rayner Farm – Preliminary – 175 Lots – Pemberton Drive – The Commission approved the Preliminary/Final Subdivision for the Rayner Farm, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Martin and Ruark, represented by ESP Design – Rayner Property – Pemberton Drive – R-8A Residential District – M-37, P-277, G-23 - #SP-0301 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan for the Rayner Property – Villages at Sleepy Hollow, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
COMPREHENSIVE SITE PLAN – Kirk Kinnamon – Office Building – 305 Philip Morris Drive – Light Business and Institutional District – M-110, P-2432, G-14, L-10 - #SP-0305 – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Development Plan for Kirk Kinnamon, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Osprey Builders – Shady Grove Apartments – Dykes Road – R-8A Residential District – M-48, P-224, G-9 & 15 - #SP-0303 – The Commission approved the Final Comprehensive Development Plan for Shady Grove Apartments, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – Spring Chase Community Association – To include Spring Chase PRD #1 in the 4 to 2 “Family” amendments - #SP-0306 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for amendment of Section 17.04.120, Definitions, to include Spring Chase PRD #1 in the amended definition of a “Family”.
REVISED SIGN PLAN – Tiger Express – 1801 Autumn Grove Court – Autumn Grove & Punkin Courts – Regional Commercial District – M-110, P-2451, G-12, L-1 - #SP-9506-02E – The Commission tabled the Revised Sign Plan for Tiger Express until a new Revised Sign Plan could be submitted.
RESOLUTION OF DECISION AND FINDINGS OF FACT – Robertson Farm PDD #1 – Commission Approval – The Commission approved the Resolution of Decision and Findings of Fact for the Robertson Farm PDD #1.
RESOLUTION OF DECISION AND FINDINGS OF FACT – Dale Dashiell/Milford W. Twilley – Addition of Parcel #2505 to St. Alban’s Commons PRD #9 - Commission Approval – The Commission approved the Resolution of Decision and Findings of Fact for Dale Dashiell/Milford W. Twilley – Addition of Parcel #2505 to St. Alban’s Commons PRD #9.
Heritage – Final – 10 Parcels – Pemberton Drive – The Commission approved the Final Subdivision for Heritage, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
SIGN PLAN AMENDMENT – M & T Bank (Allfirst Bank), represented by Sheridan Sign Co., North Pointe Plaza Shopping Center – General Commercial District- M-20, G-23, P-p/o#507 – Outparcel C-1 - #SP-9112-03Q – The Commission approved the Sign Plan Amendment for M & T Bank to permit the color green in their new signage.
SIGN PLAN – Mill Pond Village Plaza Shopping Center – East Naylor Mill Road – General Commercial District – M-101, G-11 & 17, P-5461 - #SP-0113-03A – The Commission approved the Sign Plan for Mill Pond Village Plaza as submitted subject to a 20 percent reduction in the size of the wall signage.
REVISED SIGN PLAN – Tiger Express – 1801 Autumn Grove Court – Autumn Grove & Punkin Courts – Regional Commercial District – M-110, P-2451, G-12, L-1 – ESP-9506-02E – The Commission approved the Revised Sign Plan for Tiger Express for a ground sign with a height restriction of eighteen (18) feet.
PUBLIC HEARING – TEXT AMENDMENT – Donnie Williams – To exclude Cedar Crossing from the limitations of the 4 to 2 “Family” amendments - #SP-0307 – The Commission continued this hearing until the July 17, 2003 meeting. This Continuance will allow Staff to do additional research regarding the existence of any other developments that might qualify for the requested exemption.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Maryland Square, represented by Ed Maguire – 2410 North Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District – M-101, P-3790, 5483, 5484, G-21 - #SP-0308 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for Maryland Square, 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.
REVISED COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Home Depot – Outdoor Storage – 115 East Northpointe Drive – General Commercial District – M-29, P-78, G-6, L-1 - #SP-9704-03P – The Commission approved the outdoor storage area for seasonal storage in Area 3 (approx. 2,584 sq. ft.) as shown on the plan and denied the request for outdoor storage in Areas 1, 2 and 4 as shown on the plan.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – The Fountains – Medical Office – Sweetbay Drive – Regional Commercial District – M-110, P-4487, G-6, L-5 - #SP-0210-03B – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Development Plan for a professional office building on Lot #5 of The Fountains Planned Business Center, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – North Salisbury Shoppes LLC, represented by Soule & Associates – 5,550 sq. ft. Shopping Center – 2424 North Salisbury Blvd. – General Commercial District – M-29, P-139, G-11 - #SP-0309 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for North Salisbury Shoppes, 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.
REVISED BUILDINGS COLORS – Red Lobster – 2316 North Salisbury Boulevard – M-119, G-14, P-7 - #SP-8713-03V – The Commission approved the Exterior Building Modifications as submitted including the existing color scheme for the restaurant exterior at Red Lobster, subject to the condition of approval.
DETERMINATION OF USE – Jack Pusey – 510 Naylor Mill Road – Indoor Recreational Facility in the Northwood Industrial Park - #SP-3010 – M-100, G-17, P-20 – The Commission determined that an indoor recreational facility is not consistent with the uses permitted in the Industrial Park District. The Commission advised that a text amendment should be sought regarding this request.
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:
Joly House Foods/Golden Corral – Ground Sign Height and Surface Area Variances – East Naylor Mill Road – General Commercial District - #SA-0307 – The Board approved the 50 sq. ft. sign surface area variance to allow the sign surface area that would be permitted on a primary and secondary ground sign to be combined on one ground sign, subject to the Conditions of Approval. The Board denied the requested 10 ft. ground sign height variance, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Andre B. Sykes/ABS Construction – (TABLED AT 3/6/03 MEETING) – Reconstruction of a Legal Nonconforming Structure more than 50 Percent Destroyed and Setback Variances – 400 Barclay Street – General Commercial District - #SA-0306 – The Board approved the Reconstruction of a Legal Nonconforming Structure in accordance with the Site Layout and amended building elevations submitted 3/20/03, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Donald A. Hall, Jr. – Two 4.67 ft. Lot Width Variances & Two 0.83 t. Lot Width Variances – 727-729 Jackson Street and 726-728 Roger Street – R-8 Residential District - #SA-0308 – The Board approved the requested lot width variances for 727-729 Jackson Street based on a practical difficulty associated with the Code requirements and the 0.83 ft. Lot Width Variances for 726-728 Roger Street, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Verizon Wireless, represented by R.S. Smethurst, Jr. – 23 ft. Side Yard Setback Variance for an equipment building – 202-208 West Naylor Mill Road – Light Industrial District - #SA-0309 – The Board approved the 23.0 ft. Side Yard Setback Variance for the equipment structure, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Nancy Y. Collinson – 2 ft. Fence Height Variance – 210 Snow Hill Road – R-8 Residential District - #SA-0310 – The Board approved the requested 2-ft. Fence Height Variance for a 6 ft. privacy fence within the front yard setback along Buena Vista Avenue as submitted, based on the criteria listed in Section V(c) of the Staff Report.
Salisbury Auto Body, represented by Keith Iott – 82 Space Parking Variance, Paving Variance, and 3 ft. Parking Lot Setback Variance – 1710 North Salisbury Boulevard – General Commercial District - #SA-0311 – The Board approved the 82 space parking variance, the paving variance, and 3 ft. parking lot setback variance as submitted, based on the criteria listed in Section V(C) of the Staff Report.
D. City Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Projects
The Chesapeake Bay Critical Area staff has reviewed one (1) project within the City and has issued no violation notices. Issued several Certificates of Compliance to property owners within the City.
Dolbey Marine, Inc. – Intensely Developed Area – M-111, P-1500 – Consulted Dolbey Marine, Inc. on the preparation of a Buffer Management Plan.
E. City Forest Conservation Projects
The Forest Conservation staff has reviewed seven (7) projects within the City, issued twenty-one (21) Exemptions certificates and performed site inspections on five (5) project sites.
Homes for Salisbury, LP – M-29, P-192 & p/o 9 – 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.
Villages at Sleepy Hollow – M-27, P-277 – 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.
Harbor Pointe, Phase III – M-113, P-1129 – 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.
Heavenly Homes, LLC – M-104, P-2597 - 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.
Aspen Hills, Section One – M-48, P-224 - 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.
Briarcliff Estates, Section One – M-48, P-227 - 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.
Water and Sewer Extension East Service Area – M-39, multiple parcels - 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. The Staff was also a full participant in “Municipal Government Night”, held in April at Parkside High School.