09-23-1999 Special Called Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report November 18,1999 Zone Change Request #R 99-003 Requested by: Frank D. Pickens, Owner Requested for: Lot 109, Block 8, Spencer Highway Estates Location: 3709 Clazksville Street Present Zoning: Low Density Residential (R-1) Requested Zoning: General Commercial (GC) Background: The property described above is cwrently zoned R 1 (Low Density Residential). The applicant also owns lots 107 and 108, block 8, Spencer Highway Estates facing Spencer Highway, zoned General Commercial (Exhibit A). The tract in question is occupied by apre-existing non- conforming structure (1500 sq.ft.) used as a contractor's office. This facility was constructed prior to November 29, 1971. This is the date when Spencer Highway Estates was taken into the City of La Porte (Ordinance 905). At the time of annexation, the property in question was assigned a zoning classification of R-1 Residential. This was done under the provisions of Ordinance 780, the Zoning Ordinance in effect at that time. On January 26, 1987, as part of the comprehensive rezoning o~La Porte, the property on lots 107 and 108, block 8 facing Spencer Highway was zoned general commercial. The comprehensive rezoning was in conjunction with the adoption of the City's present Zoning Ordinance No. 1501 and as an element of La Porte's Comprehensive Plan. Analysis: The purpose of rezoning is to allow remodeling of the building and improving the site in general. The facility has operated a nonconforming use since annexation. The applicant is seeking this rezoning as a means to alleviate a degree of nonconformity. If granted, this rezoning would render the building a conforming use in the general commercial zone. The staff, in reviewing the applicant's request, found it to be rea sonable. The azea in which the subject tract is located, based on the criteria established by City's Comprehensive Plan, is suitable for either the present zoning or the requested general commercial. Conformance of a zoning request with the land use plan is one consideration among several criteria to be considered in approving or denying an application. Other criteria may include: