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

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Planning & Zoning Common • Truck stops Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 3 of 4 Building Setbacks -Truck stops should adhere to the minimum building setbacks already established for the BI zone as Front 50', Rear 40', and Sides 30'. When adjacent to residential zones, same setbacks shall be applicable to the sites with no construction of any kind being permitted within said setback areas. Landscaping /Screening - Truck stops development, specifically truck parking, should be screened from the view of adjacent residential districts. Staff suggests a minimum landscape setback of 20 feet adjacent to residential areas. Landscaping and screening could be achieved as currently stated in the zoning ordinance. However, a more effective technique needs to be employed that actually achieves this objective. This could be accomplished in a number of different ways. 1) The property owner could leave in place existing trees, vegetation, underbrush, etc. to provide a thorough and effective visual screening. 2) The property owner could use earthern berms with a combination of trees, shrubs, and groundcover that after three years growth will be at least 10-15 feet in height and creates a continuous visual screen. It is recommended that this particular provision of the ordinance may add a minor change to the footnotes. In the case of a property adjacent to residential zoning districts, screening and other performance standards shall be applicable for this particular use. Along with the screening requirement, a minimum percentage of landscaping along front and sides should be stipulated as per ordinances. A 15% of landscaping/screening is recommended in addition to the current requirements for the development of a truck stop in the Business Industrial zoning districts adjacent to residential areas. The required screening would count toward the minimum landscaping requirement. The landscape buffer is also recommended for this particular activity. Performance Standards -Truck stops should meet the following minimum performance standards and be in compliance with the appropriate federal, state and local regulations: • Lighting and glare • Radiation and electrical emission • Smoke • Dust • Odor • Explosives • Noise In addition, truck stops when adjacent to residential areas, shall only operate during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and no overnight facilities will be allowed on the premises.