09-16-2004 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

Planning & Zoning Commis ion • October 2l , 2004 Truck stops Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 3 of 3 count towazd the minimum landscaping requirement. The landscape buffer is recommended for this particulaz activity. Performance Standards -Truck stops should meet the following minimum performance standazds and be in compliance with the appropriate federal, state and local regulations: • Lighting and glaze • Radiation and electrical emission • Smoke • Dust • Odor • Explosives • Noise Conclusions• City Council intends to provide the best services to its citizens and visitors to La Porte. Future development of the community depends on maintaining and enhancing the local economy. Truck trafficking is an existing commodity due to the Bazbours Cut Terminal and the Port. Bazbours Cut Boulevazd is an established major truck route which can provide services to these travelers. Council has set priorities with economic development as one of the highest. The goal is to foster the growth and retention of business activity and, through a healthy local economy, provide employment opportunities and a strong tax base. The above stated recommendations are based on Planning Department staff reseazch and direction provided by the Commission during the September 16, 2004 meeting. Staff recommends truck stops should be allowed in a Business Industrial (BI) zoning districts. City staff is also using this opportunity to bring an existing truck stop, apre-existing, non- conforming facility at the northeast corner of W. Bazbours Cut Boulevazd and State Highway 146 into a more conforming. It is staffls opinion that recommendations allow for reasonable development of truck stops with the said stipulations that will provide sound development and promote public health, safety, and general welfaze of the community. The La Porte Comprehensive Plan is focused on physical development; the above change would not be contrary to the goals and intent of the Comprehensive Plan.