11-18-1999 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• Staff Report Shipping Containers December 16,1999 Proposed Ordinance Amendments Background: Since 1992, the amount of containerized cargo handled by the Port of Houston Authority has doubled. The Port of Houston's Barbours Cut container terminal handles eighty percent of all containerized cargo moving through Texas ports and more than half of the containers crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The City of La Porte, being in close proximity to the Barbours Cut terminal, is experiencing tremendous pressure for the development of container yards. The City Council has directed staff to assess existing development conditions and future development strategies related to the outside storage of shipping containers. Currently, outside storage of shipping containers are permitted in Light Industrial (LI) zones with conditions such as; screening, lighting & glare, smoke, dust, or odor etc. Whereas, it is allowed in Heavy Industrial (HI) zones as per requirements of Section 106-522 of the Code of Ordinances (Table B). Uses Minimum Maximum Lot Minimum Yard Maximum Landscaping Coverage Setback& Height Li 6% 70% 2040-10 45 ft. HI 6% 30% . 50-50-30 45 ft. Shipping containers are allowed as accessory buildings, but must be screened from public view. The required screening consists of planting a strip four feet wide with evergreen plantings, a minimum of four feet high at the time of planting, such that, within two years of normal growth, a solid screen will be formed to a height of at least six feet. In order to enhance the visual appearance of La Porte and the potential for development along major thoroughfares and in nonresidential areas, Staff is proposing the following amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. The amendments to the Zoning Ordinance were further studied to ensure their compatibility with the Land Use Plan and beautification element of the draft Comprehensive Plan. The Plan provides guidance to maintain a high standard of livability, economic vitality, and environmental quality, which together comprise the quality of life for the residents of La Porte. Analysis: The amendments presently being proposed lead to three options; First, completely eliminate an outside storage of shipping containers from the City of LaPorte. Second, to be permitted only in Heavy Industrial (HI) zones, and third, to update references to the Code of Ordinances relating to the shipping containers.