REP PC 011 02/06/2007 2006-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANNING DATE: February 6, 2007 Re: Comm. No. 90Bi11 No. 29 PLACE: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street Kailua-Kona, Hawaii 96740 TIME: 10:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawaii County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Planning, to which was referred Bill No. 29, reports as follows: Bill No. 29, transmitted via Communication No. 90 from Mayor Harry Kim, dated January 8, 2007, presents an amendment to Chapter 25 (Zoning Code), initiated by the Planning Director. Bill No. 29 seeks to amend Chapter 25 (Zoning Code) Hawaii County Code 1983 (2005 Edition, as amended}, to consider noise impacts in reviewing a plan approval application, and to assure mitigation measures for any noise impacts a proposed structure, development or use may have on surrounding communities or area. Communication No. 90 reports that the Hawaii County Planning Commission, as required by Chapter 4, Sec. 6-4.3{C), Hawaii County Charter, considered the above request on December b, 2006. The Commission recommended favorable consideration of the Planning Director's request. The Planning Director states in his background report that Plan Approval is an administrative permit required for most new buildings, except for single-family dwellings, accessory buildings, and most agricultural buildings. Plan approval must be completed before issuing a building permit and is also required for some changes in use. Special Permits usually include a condition requiring plan approval. The background report further notes that various criteria for plan approval are listed in Section 25-2-76 and the proposal intends to include mitigation of noise impacts in the criteria for receiving plan approval, especially when these facilities are located close to residential areas. At the February 6, 2007 Planning Committee meeting, no statements were received from the public. Planning Director Chris Yuen explained the proposed amendment addresses a loophole or a weak point in County regulation. Mr. Yuen stated that Plan Approval is an administrative procedure within the Planning Department that occurs after zoning but before issuance of a building permit. Mr. Yuen explained that when a developer is close to building a project, site plans are brought to the Department for review. Typical things that the Department looks at during this stage are landscaping, parking and on-site traffic movements in addition to zoning PC Report No. 11