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Daphne planning commission to revise land-use changes again
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| By Russ Henderson
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Cathy Barnette
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DAPHNE, Ala. -- After receiving a half-dozen written comments about a proposed major overhaul of the city's land-use ordinance, the Daphne Planning Commission resolved Thursday to hold off on forwarding the changes to the City Council for approval.
"We're almost there. I think we just need one more review," said Councilwoman Cathy Barnette, who serves on the commission.
Just three people made comments in person during Thursday's meeting. A week before, commission members had invited the public to come to the meeting to speak about the proposed ordinance revisions and additions, which include new wetland regulations, plat fee increases and zoning changes.
One speaker didn't oppose or advocate any of the proposed adjustments, but endorsed making an entirely new amendment regarding landscape design. City regulations now require that landscape plans be submitted to the city by a state-licensed landscape architect.
Johnny Young of Coastal Exposures Landscape said the city should redefine a landscape architect as someone with a bachelor's degree in landscaping from an accredited university.
"As it is right now, I have a degree from Auburn University that's basically worthless," Young said.
The Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects requires that an individual applying for a license hold a university degree or have a combination of education and six years of experience in landscape design, according to state law.
The commission didn't discuss Young's proposed change.
Kevin Spriggs, owner of the Eastern Shore Motel and a longtime critic of the city's sign ordinance, expressed disappointment to the commission that members hadn't revamped sign regulations. Spriggs said, as he has many times before, that the sign ordinance "favors large corporations over local businesses."
Without pointing out specifics, he said the land-use amendments being considered "give more power to this body and take it away from developers and individuals."
Phillip Hinesley, coastal section chief of the Alabama Department of Natural Resources, spoke in support of Article 18, an entirely new section pertaining to stormwater and drainage regulations.
The proposed article includes a new 35-foot buffer requirement for all wetland areas, and a 50-foot buffer requirement for all streams.
"I applaud you" for proposing those buffer requirements, Hinesley said.
The commission will make revisions in the coming weeks, then accept public comments again at its next meeting, set for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 17, said Planning Director Adrienne Jones. Written comments should be submitted by Feb. 10, she said.
Residents may request a 16-page condensed version of the proposed changes, Jones said.
To submit comments or request information, contact Jones at ajonesdpln@bellsouth.net, or send written comments to Community Development, P.O. Box 400, Daphne, AL 36526.
A full version of the proposed amendments can be found online at www.daphneal.com/planning.
Some of the proposed changes include the following.
•Changes to landscaping and tree protection rules. One addition is the creation of "tree credits." Through the new system, when builders cut down protected trees, instead of planting new trees they can count the other standing trees on their property instead, Jones said.
•The creation of new zoning districts that will replace R-4, a high-density residential designation that the city will no longer award in the future, Jones said.
•Fee increases. A site plan application, which now costs $200, will increase to $500. A preliminary plat review will go from $150 to $300. The subdivision per-lot fee will rise from $10 to $20.
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