Frederick Planning Commission Pre-Meeting Workshop - October 6, 2023

The Frederick Planning Commission held a pre-meeting workshop on October 6, 2023, to review items on the agenda for the October 9 public hearing. This was an informational session with no public comment, no applicant participation, and no quorum required. Staff provided updates on several applications, including architecturals, plats, site plan revisions, a community center, an annexation, and a deferred item.

Sycamore Ridge Architecturals

• Staff (Gary) reviewed the Sycamore Ridge architecturals, which were discussed at the previous workshop. The only modification is for small windows; no updates have been made to the packet. Commissioners had no questions.

704 and 706 Trail Avenue – Final Plat

• A simple one-lot into two-lot subdivision. The commission had asked for certification that the party wall was fire safe. Staff (Gary) reported that the building department and fire engineer determined the wall is fine, and the condition of approval will be updated accordingly. No commissioner questions.

550 Highland Project – Revision to Final Site Plan

• Staff (Sherry, covered by Gary) presented the revision. The modification allows larger trailer spaces to count toward minimum vehicular parking. Cleanup conditions include: moving the loading space behind Building C, addressing an access drive encroachment on adjoining property, and sidewalk reconfiguration. The FAA and MAA need to confirm buildings do not pose air traffic hazards. Commissioner Ron asked about the threshold for review; staff clarified that the building changes (additional square footage, new building) triggered the need for commission approval, while the site adjustments are administrative. Commissioner Dorothy asked about the need for new airport approvals; staff explained that any change in building height or location requires new FAA approvals. A discussion about trip generation and access points followed, with staff (Sharon) noting that trip generation is based on square footage and use, not access points.

Maryland Deaf Community Center – Site Plan and Forest Conservation Plan

• Staff (Sharon) reported that the applicant worked on enhancing landscaping along the frontage, but those improvements are not part of the review as they will be deferred. The frontage deferral is for the city's benefit. The site plan had minor corrections since the workshop. Stormwater development plan approval was obtained on the day of the workshop. Commissioner Ron asked about moving the building closer to the street; staff explained that safety considerations for the deaf community (including deaf-blind, elderly, and wheelchair users) prevented relocation. Commissioner Dorothy asked about a pocket park; staff clarified it is a small private green space, not city parkland. Commissioner Dorothy also raised questions about the East Street Corridor Small Area Plan (SCAP) and form-based code. Staff (Gabrielle and Sharon) explained that SCAP was a policy document rolled into the 2020 comprehensive plan, and the land management code is the current implementing tool. The form-based code is in administrative review. Commissioner Dorothy noted that the general commercial zone lacks urban design standards. Commissioner Ron asked for safety standards documentation to be shared at the hearing. Staff (Gabrielle) cautioned against proffers, as the city does not have a proffer system. The forest conservation plan had no changes and no comments from reviewing agencies.

Winpenny Annexation Application

• Staff (Gabrielle) presented the annexation, continued from the previous month. The draft annexation agreement and revised concept plan were provided. The key condition is a connection to Winpenny Drive, which is essential for development. The applicant provided a legal opinion on private covenants, but the county's cooperation is still needed. Staff recommends the annexation be contingent on that connection. Other conditions: wider stream restoration easement (100 feet each side instead of 50), updated regional infrastructure contribution (current $5,000 figure considered outdated), and a pro-rata share of $623,000 for a water tank. Commissioner Ron asked about tiered annexation criteria and benefits to the city; staff referenced the fiscal impact analysis and noted that the applicant did not provide a point-by-point response. The commission will deliberate on Monday on whether the annexation is timely and beneficial.

Brickworks (Deferred)

• Staff noted that the Brickworks staff report is not yet complete. Commissioner Dorothy wanted to discuss language on building orientation for non-residential buildings. The commission agreed to schedule a separate pre-meeting workshop, possibly on Friday, October 13, or another date. Staff will coordinate with the chair and send out availabilities.

Key Outcomes

• Sycamore Ridge: No changes; proceed to hearing.
• 704/706 Trail Avenue: Conditions updated to reflect fire safety clearance; proceed to hearing.
• 550 Highland: Conditions noted; proceed to hearing with staff updates.
• Maryland Deaf Community Center: Site plan and forest plan ready for hearing; frontage deferral and safety documentation to be discussed on Monday.
• Winpenny Annexation: Staff recommends approval contingent on Winpenny Drive connection; additional conditions on easement width, infrastructure contribution, and water tank cost share. Fiscal impact analysis to be reviewed.
• Brickworks: Deferred; a new pre-meeting workshop will be scheduled for the week of October 9-13 to review the staff report before the October 17 hearing.