06-21-18 Regular Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission

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'lllti' «ltd, Z0 1i 'Ig ( 0rfIrfIi,,,,N0f1 1 u,,I,,r 1/fllti? 1uwi(. 2L /()1 Planning and Development Department Staff Report ISSUE Should the Planning and Zoning Commission approve a request by David Woodward of Genesis Design Group for a waiver to the city's exterior fagade materials design guidelines for construction of new CVS Pharmacy located at 3122 Underwood Rd? DISCUSSION The site is subject to the city's Design Guidelines as outlined in Article IX of Chapter 106 of the city's Code of Ordinances. Section 106-928 outlines various architectural design guidelines, including building form, building articulation, roof, architectural design elements, and exterior fagade materials. Because this site fronts Spencer and Underwood, and is zone GC, General Commercial, the subject site is required to comply with the requirements for Tier 2 and Tier 3 buildings. Specifically, the code requires 50% of the building's fagade along Spencer and 20% along Underwood must be covered by stone or masonry materials and 50% of the building faced along Spencer and 80% along Underwood for other materials such as stucco, architectural block, cementitious fiberboard, EIFS (above 14 feet), and painted, colored or stamped tilt -wall. The applicant is requesting consideration of a waiver to the city's Design Guidelines concerning Exterior Fagade Materials. The proposal submitted includes complying with the 50/80% other material requirement. However, the material proposed as part of the remaining 50/20% is not a material permitted in Section 106-928. The applicant is proposing the use of manufactured stone material which is constructed and designed to look and feel like real stone. The view from the street will look as though the building is clad in a real stone material, but the material is a manufactured not natural product. The attached Exhibit A shows the proposed material and explains why the applicant is requesting consideration of this product. Section 106-927 of the city's Code of Ordinances states that the Planning and Zoning Commission may approve a waiver request subject to two findings. The following is a list of those findings: 1. The project as designed is consistent with the general spirit and intent of the City of La Porte's Comprehensive Plan. 2. The proposed building will result in an attractive contribution to the community.