Frederick Planning Commission Workshop on Fence Modification and Bloomfields Development – October 16, 2023
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Frederick Planning Commission Workshop – October 16, 2023
On October 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM, the Frederick Planning Commission held a workshop at City Hall to discuss three items: a fence modification request at 800 Rosemont Avenue, an architectural review for a new home elevation in the Bloomfields age-restricted community, and a combined preliminary plat and final site plan for the Bloomfields clubhouse and pool. The workshop allowed for informal conversation between the applicant, staff, and commissioners. No votes were taken; the items are scheduled for a future hearing.
Discussion Items
1. PC23-924PCM – Fence Modification, 800 Rosemont Avenue
The applicant, Steve Barger, sought a modification to allow low hedges (boxwood, Little Gem variety) planted along the front facade of his home. The city code prohibits front-yard hedges or fences. The applicant stated he was unaware of the restriction and that the hedges were intended as a low border (24–30 inches tall) maintained by a landscape contractor. He noted that similar installations exist in the neighborhood and argued the hedges improve the streetscape without creating safety issues. He also offered to move a holly tree at the corner that may obstruct sight lines.
Staff clarified that the code allows modifications based on specific criteria (Section 308 and 821), not requiring a hardship variance. The purpose of the prohibition is to preserve an open, unimpeded streetscape conducive to pedestrian traffic. Staff noted that the hedges, if kept low, do not contradict this purpose. The definition of a “hedge” is based on close planting, not height.
Commissioners expressed mixed views. Chair Strawson and Commissioner Menelas focused on safety (sight triangle at the corner) and the applicant’s willingness to keep the hedges low. Commissioner Beattie raised concerns about preferential treatment and the fairness of granting a modification when the code is clear, but later acknowledged that the hedges at 24–30 inches would preserve the streetscape. The commission discussed imposing a maximum height of 3 feet (36 inches) to ensure the hedges remain low, with enforcement complaint-driven. The applicant agreed to maintain the height and relocate the holly tree.
2. PC18-387-06MU – Architectural Review, Bloomfields
The applicant, Michael Natelli (Natelli Communities), presented a request to add a second elevation option for the Albright home type. The new elevation replaces a three-column front porch with a single-column, more open porch. The design otherwise matches the approved home. Staff noted that the change is minor and consistent with the overall architectural character of the community.
3. PC23-776PSU/FSI – Combined Preliminary Plat and Final Site Plan, Bloomfields Clubhouse and Pool
The applicant described changes to the previously approved clubhouse and pool site plan. The original L-shaped single building is being split into two separate buildings: a fitness building (with locker rooms, workout rooms) and a main clubhouse (with lounge, game rooms, card room, kitchen). The split improves internal circulation and creates a more inviting entrance. Other changes include: adding a covered pavilion, relocating the fire pit, and moving the tot lot to another location within the community. The applicant emphasized that the design treats the rear of the main clubhouse (visible from the entrance) with front-like detailing. Pickleball courts are located over 400 feet from the nearest homes, and forest conservation buffering provides additional sound mitigation. Staff confirmed the changes remain within previously approved modification limits for parking, landscaping, and setbacks.
Key Outcomes
- No formal votes were taken; all items will proceed to a future public hearing for a decision.
- For the fence modification, the commission signaled support for a modification contingent on a maximum hedge height of 3 feet and the relocation of the holly tree. The applicant agreed to these conditions.
- For the Bloomfields items, the architectural review and site plan were discussed favorably, with a suggestion to improve package clarity by showing before/after elevations. No opposition was raised.
- Staff will prepare findings for the fence modification for the hearing.
Meeting Transcript
Good afternoon. It is two o'clock, and welcome to the Planning Commission of the City of Frederick workshop for the month of October, and welcome to the annex. So what our procedures are, and we're a little bit more casual at the workshop in that we want to fully have a conversation with the applicant, with the staff, get any public comment with the commissioners, et cetera. So all of our questions are answered. So we start with the applicant, and we have the applicant walk us through their application, and we go back and forth and ask uh questions, et cetera, et cetera. After that, we turn to staff, ask whatever else staff has to add, and we go back and forth with questions. We welcome the applicant to come back again. It's a lot more casual. We see if there's any public comment, and then we conclude. So with that, will everybody that is going to testify before the planning commission today? That includes staff, applicants, and the public. Would you stand for the swearing in? Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the responses given in statements made in this hearing before the planning commission will be the whole truth and nothing but the truth? If so, say I do. That was uh right at the end there. Squeak in the underwire. That's right. Squeaked in. All right. First item on our agenda is the fence modification at 800 Rosemont Avenue. And this is PC 23-924. And we welcome the applicant to the table. All right. And when you're ready to speak, if you'll push the button so that it turns green, then you know that makes sense. My first question is what what do you want from me just to Okay? So uh, and I normally say this, and I was thinking that the people coming here have been here, and I recognize that you haven't. Instead of just saying, I know you've read this. Do you have any questions? If you would give a summary of the application. That would be appropriate. I appreciate it. The application is what you guys all have that I filled in the blanks on. Is that what you're well um we have a staff report? Has the applicant seen the staff? Yes. Report? Okay. And that might be a little easier because instead of going through your questions, it summarizes it. It summarizes the and I should have said that. It summarizes the the situation. Okay. Um I've read Monica's, I've read Monica's uh staff report, and I pretty much agree with most of it, with maybe uh just one exception, maybe a note about something. Um Monica has indicated that there wasn't any other residents that had a hedge. Am I going to be able to do that? Um actually would you mind giving context? Because there are people who are watching this that may not have read the staff report. So just give a summary for why you're here. Okay. What your issue was, and then some of the highlights. Okay.
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