O-2008-1501-C6 amend Ch 106-maximum height restrictions

Browse Search

REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM Appropriation Agenda Date Requested: Mav 19 2008 Requ..ted By: Tim Tietjen, \Yf- <f'-k Department: Planninl! Source of Funds: NA Account Number: NA Amount Budgeted: NA Report: _Resolution: _Ordinance:_X_ Exhibits: P&Z Staff Report Ordinance 1501- Amended Commercial Table SUMMARY The current discussion was precipitated by the location of the Quality Inn Hotel under construction along Fairmont Parkway at Driftwood. This prompted the Planning and Zoning Commission and Staff to review the ordinance requirements pertaining to hotels/motels located in General Commercial (GC) zoning districts when adjacent to residential zones within the City. City Council, at the July 23, 2007, meeting, approved an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of La Porte, Section 106-441, Table A, Commercial Uses, by making Hotels and Motels located within General Commercial zoning districts a "Conditional Use" when adjacent to residential zoned districts. Currently, under Sections 106-443, Table B, Commercial Area Requirements, the maximum allowable height for structures is not applicable. When a commercial property is adjacent to residential zoned districts, screening/buffering and landscaping are required. The building setbacks are Front 20', Rear 20', and Sides 10' adjacent to residential uses. A 20' rear setback area requires screening from view of adjoining residential buildings in compliance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances. Landscaping/screening should create an opaque fence with plant height reaching at least eight feet within two years from the time of planting trees/shrubs in the rear setback or landscape easement. The Planning and Zoning Commission directed staff to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106), Section 106-443; Table B., Commercial Area Requirements to amend, change or modifY the maximum allowable height for structures when abutting low density residential properties. After a workshop and public hearing at the April 17, 2008, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, by a unanimous vote, forwarded their official position for action by City Council that "the maximum allowable height for structures within commercially zoned properties located within 120 feet of residentially zoned properties is 30 feet". In order to further clarifY the classification, it was subsequently recommended that maximum allowable height for structures within R-2 & R-3 zoned properties located within 120 feet ofR-l & LL zoned properties also be 30 feet. Action Required bv Council: I. Conduct a Public Hearing 2. Consider Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to approve an ordinance amending Chapter 106 (Zoning) to add the maximum height restriction for commercially zoned and high density residentially zoned properties when adjacent to low density residentially zoned properties. Ron Bottoms, City Manager ~ 1C18 Date