04-18-1991 Workshop Session of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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t Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 18, 1991 Page 2 of 5 The Commission after discussion had no problem with this new paragraph. The next item discussed was Section 6-400, Table A, SIC 473 which is specifically described as "Arrangement of Transportation of Freight and Cargo". The Commission had proposed to move the entire listing out of General Commercial and into the Industrial Tables. Concern was expressed that although this move would help alleviate the truck problem, it would also completely bar transport related businesses from the City's commercial districts. Staff was directed to explore the possibility of moving the majority of SIC 473 Industrial Table A while "carving out" certain activities to be retained as Permitted G.C. uses. Staff suggested a scenario which would consist of first placing SIC 472 into a separate listing and SIC 473 listed in the Commercial Table using the "Permitted with Conditions" format. SIC 473 would also be listed as a permitted use in the Industrial Tables, a new Performance Standard would be added to Section 6-501. This format in conjunction with stricter Zoning Permit controls should provide an adequate means of regulating this type of business activity. The Commission after discussion had no problem with this change. Staff, as directed by the Commission, further researched the issue of Business Industrial (BI) setbacks. Specific Zoning Ordinance regulations with an emphasis on the on-site parking and maneuvering of heavy trucks was reviewed. In summation, the Business Industrial setbacks currently in place are an integral component of the overall BI "concept". To amend setbacks independently of other BI related ordinance requirements, could both ''water down" the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and create conflicts within the ordinance that would make interpretation and enforcement difficult. After a lengthy discussion the Commission decided the current setbacks should stay as they presently are and no change was made. A review of Neighborhood Commercial regulations has been requested. Mrs. Waters stated that the reason for this request was so that each member of the Commission could make themselves familiar with this zoning regulation. Neighborhood Commercial zones are small and generally surrounded by residentially zoned property. Staff would recommend a review of the following Zoning Ordinance sections: Section 6-201 Neighborhood Commercial Purpose and Section 6-400 Table A-Commercial. The Commission requested the staff to study the Neighborhood Commercial areas and bring a recommendation to them at the next meeting. BREAK: 7:25 - 7:35 PM