The Gloucester Planning Commission met virtually last Thursday night to continue its discussion on supplemental use regulations and the Family Transfer Ordinance Amendment.

Supplemental use regulations for consumer products and services as well as industrial/utility uses were discussed, specifically focusing on automotive uses.

Automotive uses discussed included automobile impound facility, automobile towing services, automobile vehicles service facility, small engine and equipment repair, and vehicle storage facility.

The planners recommended zoning changes for some of the automotive uses. For example, planners discussed if they wanted to allow automobile/vehicle service facilities in the Rural Business District, eventually recommending that a Conditional Use Permit be required for that purpose.

Family transfers

The planning commission also continued its discussion on regulations governing family transfers of property. Staff asked the planners for direction regarding a holding period in the new ordinance and who can be a grantor.

Planners recommended that there should be a two-year holding period (two years after the transfer of the property which would only apply to the grantor and not the grantee).

The planning commission also recommended expanding family transfers to Limited Liability Companies and S corporations, provided the relationship is within a family. The planners also recommended adding nieces and nephews as eligible family members.

Staff also asked the planners for direction as to what circumventing the ordinance would entail because the ordinance currently states that the agent will deny a plat if the agent suspects circumvention. The commission asked for more time to give direction on this issue.

Staff plans on having the revisions based on the planning commission’s direction along with a revised final plat checklist for review and discussion at the next meeting which will be held on July 9.