06-27-1991 Workshop Session of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Page 2 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes of June 27, 1991 Residential Uses Within Commercial Zones Staff, as directed by the Planning & Zoning Commission, researched ordinance regulations as they apply to single family homes located in commercial zones. As currently worded, the Zoning Ordinance prohibits construction of new single family homes within commercial zones as well as rendering non-conforming, all existing single family homes currently located within these zones. Concern has been expressed that this provision could prevent the reconstruction of a person's homestead property should it be located within a commercial zone (especially along the west side of 26th Street, where there exists a number of homes located on what is now commercially zoned property). Staff sees three (3) options available as a means of dealing with this type of situation. Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 ''. Currently available in the Zoning Ordinance, involves the Board of Adjustment. Two (2) tracks can be pursued in these types of situations. These are "Appeals" Section 11-604 and "Special Exceptions", Section 11-605 of the Zoning Ordinance. Maintaining the "status quo" in this area would, as intended by the Zoning Ordinance, preclude the development of new single family homesites in commercial zones while still providing the means to protect the rights of owners of existing homes. Amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow single family homes in Commercial Zones. If this option were chosen, setback and lot coverage would still be regulated by Section 5-700, Residential Table B. It should be clearly understood that a single family residence located in a commercial zone would not be entitled to the same protection as those located within residential districts. Should the Commission wish to recommend that single family residences be allowed in commercial zones, it would be necessary to amend the present Table 6-400. Rezoning commercially zoned property occupied by single family homes. Staff has been requested to research the zoning classifications of property located on the west side of 26th Street. With the exception of Pecan Villa Mobile Home Park (zoned MH) and an approximately 13.5 acre tract located north of "P" Street (zoned BI), all the property located along the west side of 26th Street is zoned for either Neighborhood of General Commercial use. The present zoning designations in this area somewhat resemble and can be seen as a continuation of those which were in place under Zoning Ordinance 780. Mr. Albrecht showed several slides on the overhead projector depicting the current zoning status of the 26th Street area and discussed the three options.