04-11-1996 Special Called Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• 0 • Analysis: This request would result in one-half of a block being rezoned to GC, while blocks east, west, and north are zoned R-1 and R-2. The Proposed change would increase the number and size of the current warehouses by 50%, thus the zone change will impact traffic conditions in the residential area. Comprehensive Plan: Section 1.7 Residential Development Plan of the Comprehensive Plan states that one of the principal goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to enhance La Porte's attraction as a residential community; moreover it states the need to plan La Porte's future residential development. The housing development tendency today is increasingly moving towards the development of smaller lots, smaller units, and higher densities. This tendency affects La Porte since the City enforces a zoning ordinance. The zoning ordinance specifically defines what areas may or may not be developed, the type of development that should occur, and in the case of residential development, at what densities housing should be developed. Section 1,10 The City of La Porte, like other cities, has areas that are in a deteriorated condition or in the process of deterioration. While in the ca negative effect on both surrounding areas and se of La Porte these areas are limited, they have a on the City's overall image. It is the goal of the Comprehensive Plan to have these areas upgraded in quality. In order to achieve this goat, two options are available to the City of La Porte and its residents — the first is to recognize the need for redeveloping these areas, designating them as such and establishing specific capital programs and investment incentives designed to improve the area's condition; the second is to reshape in ons and surrounding these areas through the concerted effort of improvements proposed b ltr the Master Plan for the City as a whole in order to create favorable conditions for their uading y through the traditional development process. P Zoning Ordinance Section 1-200 states: "The zoning regulations and district as herein established have been made in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan for the safety, morals, and the general welfare of the City of La Porte. " Section on 1--30rpose of 0 staff ting health Policy of the City ... that enforcement, amendment and administration of this ordinance be accomplished with due consideration of the recommendations contained in the Comprehensive Plan" In light of the above statements, there are three factors that can provide grounds for granting a rezoning request. They are as follows: • The request conforms with the intent and recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan. • The recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan, regarding the area in question were made in error. • Circumstances regarding the area in question, have (since the date of Plan adoption) • changed sufficiently to warrant amending the Comprehensive Plan.