SUMMARY OF FIRST 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 ten (10) City cases and one (1) subdivision for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
v Researched and prepared reports for seven (7) 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 Administered County Housing Block Grant Program for City residences.
v Coordinated with MDOT and City Council 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 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 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
v Assisted the City Consultant on the Legacy Connectivity and Lighting Studies.
v Assisted the City Historic District Commission and the Department of Building, Housing, and Zoning on Revised Historic District Procedures.
v Provided in August Work Session Presentation to the City Council on Impact Fees.
v Work with various City Departments to study GIS needs.
v Needs Analysis/Early deployment implementation.
v Update City Zoning map.
v Provide GIS assistance to States Attorney, City Police – mapping facilities that fall under Drug Free School Zone regulations.
v GIS analysis – City of Salisbury/County Councilmanic population study.
v Provide GIS assistance to Salisbury Fire Department – District boundary and population analysis.
v Create GIS Data base for Homeland Security.
v Provide GIS assistance for Long-Range Annexation study.
v Created GIS data base and maps for The Salisbury Wicomico Enterprise Zone.
v Provide GIS assistance (Data Base & Maps) for Salisbury Neighborhood Housing.
v Provide GIS assistance for Hurricane Isabel planning and preparation.
v Prepared Flood Plain and Storm Surge Maps.
v Created integrated Salisbury/Wicomico GIS intranet Website. Began the installation of GIS intranet software on City of Salisbury computers.
FIRST 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 seven (7) 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 – CONTINUED FROM MAY 15, 2003 MEETING – TEXT AMENDMENT – Donnie Williams – To exclude Cedar Crossing from the limitations of the 4 to 2 “Family” amendments - #SP-0307 – The Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation to the Salisbury City Council for amendment of Section 17.04.120, Definitions, to exclude certain student housing from the definition of a “Family”. The recommendation is conditional upon the favorable review as to form by the City Solicitor, specifically addressing public questions and comments of record.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Heritage, represented by Becker Morgan Group – 50-Unit Townhouse Development – Sawback Lane – R-8A Residential District – M-37, P-144, G-18 - #SP-0217 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Development Plan for Parcel ‘E’ of Heritage, 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 AMENDMENT – BB&T, represented by Signart – 1105 Mt. Hermon Road – Light Business and Institutional District, M-108, G-12 & 18, P-2254 - #SP-9809-03B - The Commission approved the Sign Plan Amendment for BB&T including the ground sign, wall signs, directional signs and the burgundy, white and gray color scheme as submitted.
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – The Fountains Business Park – Hotel – Sweetbay Drive – Regional Commercial District - #SP-0210-03C – M-110, G-6, P-4487, L-2 – The Commission approved the Comprehensive Development Plan for a Hotel at The Fountains Planned Business Center, including a waiver of the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
SIGN PLAN AMENDMENT – Kinko’s, represented by Anchor Signs – 772 South Salisbury Blvd. – South Salisbury Plaza – General Commercial District – #SP-9105-03I; M-115, P-469, G-2 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan Amendment for Kinko’s as submitted.
SIGN PLAN AMENDMENT – Furniture & More – represented by Selby Sign Co. – Centre at Salisbury Mall – General Commercial District – #SP-8713-03N; M-119, P-237, G-15 – The Commission approved the Sign Plan Amendment for Furniture & More! with all red letters and symbol faces.
Cedar Crossing, Sec. 2 Prel./Final 10 Lots
Cedar Crossing Road – The Commission approved the Preliminary/Final Subdivision for Cedar Crossing, Section 2, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
CONDOMINIUM SITE PLAN AND DOCUMENTS – Natesan & Snitzer Offices – 1415 South Division Street – Office and Service Residential (Conditional) District - #SP-0209-03A – M-117; P-3272; G-23; L-15B – The Commission approved the Condominium Site Plan for 1415 South Division Street Condominiums as submitted.
REVISED FINAL COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN/BUILDING ELEVATIONS/SIGN PLAN – Avalon Plaza Shopping Center – Dickerson Lane – General Commercial District - #SP-9911-03B – M-20 & 29; P-177; G-24; - The Commission approved the Revised Final Comprehensive Development Plan, Building Elevations/Materials, and Sign Plan for Avalon Village, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Milford Street Associates – Belmont Avenue – Light Business and Institutional District - #SP-0311 – M-38; P-304; G-12 and M-117; P-2580; G-14 – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for Milford Street Associates and waived the Community Impact Statement and Statement of Intent to Proceed and Financial Capability, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
PRELIMINARY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN – Heavenly Homes, LLC – Canal Park Drive – Waterside Landing – R-5A Residential District - #SP-0312 – M-117; P-181; G-14; L-2A – The Commission approved the Preliminary Comprehensive Development Plan for Waterside Landing at Canal Park, 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:
Anne B. Beach – 5 ft. Side Yard Setback Variance – 717 Richwil Drive – R-10 Residential District - #SA-0313 – The Board approved the requested 5 ft. Side Yard Setback Variance for the existing porch in accordance with the lot configuration recommended by the Building Department and illustrated in the Staff Report.
Funshine Early Learning Center, represented by Thomas W. Hayes – Special Exception – Day Care Center – 1531-1533 Edgemore Avenue – General Commercial District - #SA-0315 – The Board approved the requested Special Exception for a day care center, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Mel Snyder – Extension of Time to Exercise Approval – Enlargement of Nonconforming Structure and Setback Variance – 425 Patterson Avenue – R-5A Residential District - #SA-0204 – The Board approved the requested extension of time to exercise the approval of enlarging a nonconforming structure and setback variance. The approval is now valid until May 6, 2004.
Horace A. Tippett – Special Exception – Hair/Tanning Salon – 1503 Mt. Hermon Road – Lt. Business and Institutional District - #SA-0316 – The Board approved the Special Exception for a 3-chair beauty salon/tanning salon, subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Paul Elliott – 17 ft. 4 inch Rear Yard Setback Variance – 804 Hammond Street – R-5A Residential District - #SA-0317 – The Board approved the requested 17 ft. 4 inch rear yard setback variance for the proposed two family residence based on a hardship created by the Floodway and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Wayne L. Mack – 5 ft. Rear Yard Setback Variance – 411 Priscilla Street – R-8 Residential District - #SA-0318 – The Board approved the requested 5 ft. rear yard setback variance for the single family residence based on the criteria listed in Section V.c. of the Staff Report and subject to the Conditions of Approval.
Steve A. Meilhammer – 17 ft. Front Yard Setback Variance from Northwood Drive and 5 ft. Front Yard Setback Variance from Edgemore Avenue and 12 ft. Rear Yard Setback Variance for Self-Storage Buildings – 1530-1534 Edgemore Avenue/1505 Northwood Drive – General Commercial District - #SA-0319 – The Board tabled the requested 17 ft. front yard setback variance from Northwood Drive and requested front and rear yard setback variances on Lot 13 pending submission of a detailed Site Plan, drawn to scale, and more specific information regarding the construction of the units.
A. 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 two (2) Certificates of Compliance to property owners within the City.
Philip Parker & Associates, Inc. – Intensely Developed Area – M-111, P-1498 – Reviewed and approved an addition to the existing structure.
B. City Forest Conservation Projects
The Forest Conservation staff has reviewed five (5) projects within the City, issued nineteen (19) Exemption certificates and performed site inspections on eleven (11) project sites.
ØHeritage, 50-Unit Townhouse Development M-37, P-144
ØThe Fountains Business Park M-110, P-4487
ØHeavenly Homes, Residential M-104, P-2597
ØAspen Hills , Residential M-48, P-224
ØBriarcliff Estates, Residential 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.
IV. Problems and Corrective Actions
None.
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.