07-21-1998 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning C~ission • Minutes of July 21, 1998 Page 7 of 8 seeking some relief from this ordinance requirement, in order to move forward with their expansion. Located nearby PPG is an existing non- conforming tower that is approximately 75 feet in height. There is also a communication tower that was constructed prior to ordinance changes regulating such towers. Also nearby is H.L.B~P.'s transmission line towers that are 125 feet tall. As a public utility, H.L.8~P. is not regulated by the Zoning Ordinance. Chairperson Waters asked permission from the Commission to instruct the City Attomey to prepare an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that would allow a case by case review by the Planning and Zoning Commission to issue a Special Conditional Use Permit for this type of endeavor. All of the Commission Members agreed. Mr. Kneupper told the Commission that staff would work with the City Attorney to develop proposed language for a Zoning Ordinance change. Mr. Armstrong asked if the City had an agreement with PPG to provide fire and emergency protection if necessary. Mr. Joems answered that the City would respond to calls, as well as would CIMA (Mr. Joems will check for absolute certainty of CIMA participation). The manager for PPG was unable to attend the meeting. However, he will be available to assist staff with anything they may need. PPG would like to begin their expansion in October. VIII. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Kneupper distributed a memo to the Commission regarding accessory structures. There is a property owner on "P" Street who would like to construct a bam for livestock. The barn is considered an accessory building and would be allowed if a principle structure were in place. The citizen does not want to build a home at this time. Chairperson Waters noted that consideration should be given to allow accessory buildings in the large lot areas of La Porte. The Commission agreed that a change is needed. Staff will put together some suggestions for changing the ordinance and bring it back for the Commission's consideration. Chairperson Waters inquired about the status of the contract with the consultant chosen to perform the Comprehensive Plan update. Mr. Joems responded that the contract was recently approved and he anticipated akick-off meeting very soon. City Council is considering the appointments for the steering committee that will assist with the update.