08-19-1999Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

• Hwy. 146 & 225, L.P. 9/23/99 P&Z Meeting Page 2 of 2 • Conformance of a zoning request with the Land Use Plan is one consideration among several criteria to be considered when approving or denying an application. Other criteria may include: • Zoning and uses of nearby properties; • Suitability of the property for the uses permissible within the zoning designation; • Extent to which approval of the application would detrimentally affect or substantially harm the value of nearby properties; • Extent to which the proposed use would adversely affect the carrying capacity of existing public infrastructure; and, • The gain, if any, to the public health, safety, and welfare of the City. Based on the siting criteria noted above, the tract in question is suited for either LI or HI zones. City's Comprehensive Plan addresses a need to achieve growth through a deliberate planning process to encourage sustainable development within the existing city limits and particulazly the existing service area of municipal infrastructure. In general, high intensity uses should be adjacent to each other and intensity of land use and zoning should relate to the thoroughfaze system classification. The zoning regulations and districts as herein established have been made in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan for the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, and general welfaze of the City. One of the principle goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan is to achieve orderly, contiguous development that is compatible with adjacent land uses. The City believes that the best way of accomplishing its objective is to prepare specific design that include techniques such as landscaping, screening, setbacks and other appropriate methods to minimize negative effects among different land uses. The other criteria may be to utilize the existing land use inventory to identify potential opportunities for developing vacant land. Due to adjoining Battleground Industrial District, the proposed use will be compatible with the surrounding heavy industrial uses. Conclusion: From the information provided by the applicant, this request would appear to be based solely on a desire to develop a facility compatible with the uses on north and west of the said property. Creating an industrial zone at this location would not be contrary to the intent of the Comprehensive Plan and could well compromise the viability of the remaining undeveloped LI zone. Staff recommends approval of the zone change request.