02-20-2003 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• 0 Staff Report March 20, 2003 Land Use Map Changes Background: During the February 20, 2003 meeting, the Commission determined that the zoning and land use on Sens Rd should become "commercial", from North "H" St. going south towards Spencer Hwy. From North"H" St. going north towards "P" St., the zoning and land use will be low density residential. In addition, Staff presented ownership and zoning designation for properties along S. Broadway. Currently, the zoning map shows R-1 (low density residential), R-3 (mid -high density residential), and approximately two blocks of neighborhood commercial along the west side of S. Broadway. The Commission decided to change the land use on the west side of S. Broadway from "low density residential" to "commercial" from East "P" St. to East "Q" St. (NOTE. These rights of way are unimproved.) The Commission expressed concern about the development of single-family homes along S. Broadway. The Commission advised the City Attorney's office to provide guidance on driveway access and "backing" onto a major thoroughfare. The Commission wanted to explore alternative land uses and restrictions (i.e. additional setbacks) for S. Broadway. After the meeting, the City Attorney's office determined that little could be done to prohibit single-family development on this street. However, the City Attorney advised that the Commission could increase the setback requirements on thoroughfares and could recommend these changes as amendments to the Zoning and Development ordinances. This would affect future development. Recommendations/Conclusions: The Commission is asked to finalize all land uses, conduct a public hearing, and forward recommendations to Council. Options to the Commission: The following options are available to the Commission: • Approve the land use map and forward it to Council as is; or • Approve the land use map with modifications and forward it to Council.