O-2006-1501-K5 exterior building design standards

Browse Search

RE UEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Agenda Date Requeste . Requested By: Wayne J. s~tfJ Appropriation Source of Funds: N/ A Account Number: Department: Planninl! Amount Budgeted: Report: _ Resolution:_Ordinance:--X Amount Requested: N/A Exhibits: Ordinance Area Map Budgeted Item: SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATION Recent developments have generated discussion on possible controls on architectural standards or facades on buildings fronting the major corridors or thoroughfares throughout the City of La Porte. While initial discussions centered on the Main Street District as a way to facilitate interest in redevelopment of the downtown area, concern has grown over the proliferation of "metal" buildings along the City's major access ways which may detract from further development. As reviewed with Council in the January 30, 2006, retreat, current ordinances allow some controls to be included with Special Conditional Use Permits associated with uses listed as "Conditional" within certain zoning Districts and for construction within Planned Unit Developments (PUD) which usually normally follow some form of developer's agreement. No such control, however, is associated with construction of a development whose use is "permitted" within a zoning district. While the building must meet code, the City cannot apply architectural standards or facade material. Council previously approved design and construction standards for commercial and industrial buildings within TlRZ #1. The zoning ordinance, Chapter 106, Section 106-680 now requires building to be a1oo% masonry and/or glass product. Nonconforming structures must come into compliance with these standards per existing regulations in Sections 106-262 and 106-268. These Sections generally require conformity when damage or renovation is over 50% of the total value, or upon review of a nonconforming lot of record. Several cities in the area have approached this issue by writing fac;ade ordinances defining standards to be used on new construction fronting along identified thoroughfares. Typically, these ordinances mandate the use of a combination of brick, masonry and glass to a certain percentage to achieve the desired effect. After several workshops, the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 19, 2006, conducted a public hearing and received Citizen input on provisions governing building design and architectural standards for new projects along major thoroughfares in General Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts. After some discussion, it was recommended that the proposed standards be included as footnote 8 to Section 106-443 and footnote 10 to Section 106-522 and be applicable to new construction in GC and BI along SH 146, SH 225, Fairmont parkway, West Main, Barbour's Cut Boulevard, Old Highway 146 (Broadway), Underwood Road, Bay Area Boulevard, Sens Road, Canada Road and East Main. The Planning and Zoning Commission excluded Main Street District from these provisions since that District is considering separate and distinct architectural standards. Heavy Industrial (HI) and Light Industrial (L1) Districts were not considered by the P&Z. The P&Z also recommended that a Historical District be considered for exemption. Given that that District has not been considered, as yet, for creation, the ordinance does not yet address that District and may be considered in the future.