MINUTES of MEETING

Durham Township Planning Commission

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Township Building Meeting Room

 

Attendees:             Don Ratushny, Ken Klein, Cindy Skoriak,

Peter Thomson, George Helwig, and Gerald Ulmer

 

Quorum:               Yes

 

Secretary:             Joseph M. Kulick

 

Absent:                  Jim Pavlica

 

Township Zoning Officer Peter Bent & Township Engineer Scott Mease were also present.

 

Approval of Minutes from 01-03-2007 Meeting:

George Helwig made a motion to accept the Minutes as presented; Vice Chair Ken Klein seconded the motion and all agreed. Minutes Approved as presented. 

 

Old Business:

 

Rohs Minor Subdivision Final Map Review:

 

The plan requests subdivision of the Rohs 18.328-acre parcel into two (2) residential lots.  Lot 1 (11.721 acres) would contain three existing single-family detached dwellings.  Lot 2 (6.607 acres) would contain one (1) proposed single-family dwelling to be built.  Steve Jensen, P.L.S. was present to represent resident Stephen Rohs (also present).  Tonight’s discussion was only to review final map plan.  Subdivision recommended approval at last PC meeting.

 

Township Engineer Scott Mease noted that all changes have been taken care of as requested.  Remaining items include approval from BC Conservation District; Planning Module received today and will be signed and mailed to PA DEP.  Scott will visit site and confirm monument installation and completion of Kintner Road curve site line improvements.  Township Solicitor Peter Harrison will comment on multiple houses on lot #1 and language contained in note #8 on the plan.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent had no further comments/questions. 

 

New Business: 

 

Review of Township Zoning Ordinances / Amendments:

 

Joe Kulick advised the Commission that Township Solicitor Peter Harrison had submitted the requested amendments to both the Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission for comment.  After Planning Commission review the amendments would be passed along to the supervisors.

 

Amendment No.1:  Article 4, Section 405, Use Regulations, B. Residential Uses B1 Single-family Detached:   Definition of a “single family detached dwelling” was discussed.  Chairman Don Ratushny read aloud the ordinance amendments to the audience.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent advised the Commission that the primary change eliminates the plural “single family dwellings on individual lots” it removes the “s” on dwellings and lots.  The question of the in-law suite or accessory or parent/in-law dwelling was raised.  The amendment apparently does not address this use.  Ordinance 1998-1 permits this use via approval by Zoning Hearing Board. Township Solicitor should review this item for clarification; otherwise the Commission voted unanimously to forward the amendment to the Board of Supervisors.

 

Amendment No.2; SALDO: Article VI, DESIGN STANDARDS, Section 601, General Standards:

The addition of a new subsection (g) was reviewed.  The Chairman read aloud the proposed amendment. It would allow the restriction of any further subdivision and/or land development on a particular parcel or Open Space and/or recreation area within Durham Township that is designated on a subdivision or land development plan, regardless of any intervening zoning change affecting that property.  It would also repeal Ordinance No. 1990-5.  The Commission voted unanimously to forward the amendment to the Board of Supervisors as written.

 

Amendment No.3: Amending the Durham Township Zoning Ordinance to Redefine, Provide For and Regulate Livestock, Riding Academy, and Riding Stable Uses:

The Chairman requested copies of the above be distributed to attending residents.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent explained the need for this amendment resulting from a question raised at a Zoning Hearing Board as to the definition of horses as “livestock”.  Vice Chair Ken Klein suggested the addition of “recreational use” to paragraph #2 Definition of Livestock (1st sentence).  Also, should the word “fowl” be added to this sentence along with the word “animals”?  Scott Mease pointed out a discrepancy between No.3a and No.3c, the acreage required to keep horses.

 

The Chairman noted a previous submission of this amendment at a past commission meeting.  Since these previous notes were not readily available, and not all commission members have studied this lengthy submittal; this item was tabled to a later meeting. 

 

Preliminary Discussion on Amending Zoning Ordinances to Reflect Recently Updated Comprehensive Plan:

 

The Chairman advised the commission members on the need to perform this zoning update.  He requested the commission to solicit direction from the supervisors on this procedure via a written letter to the board.  Zoning Officer Peter Bent provided direction on the need and procedure to perform this operation.  Grant to be obtained and a consultant hired to assist in the many steps required.  Scott Mease suggested the SALDO requirements should also be reviewed, as it was originally created in 1982 and amended several times. 

 

Joe Kulick was directed by the Chairman to compile a letter to the supervisors, requesting guidance on the above, and present it at the Board of Supervisors meeting next week.

 

Comments / Questions from the Floor: 

 

None

 

Closing:

 

A motion to Adjourn was made by George Helwig and seconded by Pete Thomson, all were in favor.  Meeting adjourned at @8:42 PM.

 

 

Minutes Submitted By:  Joseph M. Kulick, Recording Secretary