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Planning commission discusses cell-tower applications, home-occupation rules and denied Chesapeake Bay exception
Summary
Commissioners said a tower company has two pending cell-tower applications, the board asked the commission to narrow the definition of home-occupation businesses, and the board denied a Chesapeake Bay exception for a waterfront pavilion; enforcement steps were unclear and no formal votes occurred due to lack of quorum.
At its July 16 meeting, the Northumberland County Planning Commission discussed several zoning and land-use matters including two pending cell-tower applications, a referral from the board of supervisors to narrow the zoning definition of home-occupation businesses, and a recent denial of a Chesapeake Bay exception for a waterfront pavilion.
A commissioner reported the board wants the commission to "narrow the definition" of home-occupation businesses after complaints that some home-based operations are disruptive to neighbors; cited examples included small hair salons and law offices versus more intrusive uses such as boat repair. The commissioner said the commission will take up the home-occupation item at a future meeting and that one commissioner (Mr. Marston, referenced in the discussion) will be instrumental in that work.
The commission also heard that a tower company that applied for a conditional-use permit in Callao had asked for an update because it has two additional tower proposals in the county. "I think that might prioritize the cell towers over the home occupation," the commissioner said, but added that nothing is finalized and the ordinance is still in flux.
Separately, commissioners discussed a recent Chesapeake Bay exception application that the board denied. According to the discussion, a property owner built a pavilion adjacent to Shell Landing that covered natural vegetation; the pavilion dimensions were described as "35 foot, 12 foot pavilion, 35 feet in the water." Commission members said the board denied the Chesapeake Bay exception but they were not clear on the enforcement outcome—whether the structure must be removed or whether fines will be imposed.
Participants also observed that contractors from outside the county sometimes proceed without permits and that residents reported the activity to county officials. One commissioner named a property owner said to be associated with the incident (Jairo Ramos, 282082 Fleetton Road) when noting a specific parcel discussed at the meeting.
Because the meeting lacked a quorum, the commission did not conduct public hearings or issue formal recommendations; members said the zoning items will be prioritized and scheduled for full consideration when a full commission can act.
