02-17-2005 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• • Staff Report Truck Stops Zoning Ordinance Amendment March 17, 2005 City Council has directed the Planning and Zoning Commission consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106), Section 106-521; Table A, Industrial Uses, to amend, change or modify conditions to allow truck stops in a Business Industrial (BI) zone. Staff assessed existing development conditions and future development strategies relating to the development of truck stops in a Business Industrial zone. Staff analyzed the situation thoroughly and presents this item to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their discussion and recommendations to City Council for the following changes to the Code of Ordinances relating to the development of truck stops: Definitions of Truck Stop: • A commercial/industrial use of property on one site for the refueling, maintenance and/or servicing of large over the road vehicles carrying large loads and which may have service activities for such vehicles and their drivers including but not limited to dispensing of motor fuels and petroleum products directly into motor vehicles, restaurants or cafes, overnight accommodation, shower or laundry facilities, truck service and overnight truck parking, truck scales, and parking area in association with the above services. (Definition is added to Section 106-1) Definition of Convenience Store: • A small retail store that is open long hours and that typically sells staple groceries, snacks, and sometimes gasoline. (Definition is added to Section 106-1) Service Stations: A retail establishment at which motor vehicles are refueled, serviced, and sometimes repaired. Also called filling station, gas station . Difference between Truck Stop & Convenience Store/Service Station: The difference between truck stop and convenience store/service station is quite clear from the above definitions. Truck stop is an establishment where trucks may be parked overnight and truckers are provided with all the facilities and amenities related to trucking operations. Truck stops usually have 10 to 12 diesel dispensers with a canopy approximately 20' high. The Zoning Codes require truck stops to be located along major truck routes to facilitate entrance and exit to major highways or freeways.