07-21-2005 Regular Meeting and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

0 Planning and Zoning Commission • Minutes of July 21, 2005 Page 2 Motion by Hal Lawler to approve the building design and architectural elevations of the Entry/Exit Pre -Check Facilities of the Port of Houston Authority. Second by Kirby Linscomb, Jr. Motion carried. 4. OPEN LARGE LOT DISTRICT WORKSHOP A. STAFF PRESENTATION Staff presentation was given by Wayne Sabo, Director of Planning. The creation of a Large Lot District would fulfill a goal of Chapter 9 in the City's Comprehensive Plan. Overall, the majority of the citizens affected are in favor of the proposed large lot district. However, in review of the most recent public presentation of the large lot district, several concerns were noted by the public: - According to some, the 1 acre requirement is too restrictive, and the city should lower the requirement to '/ an acre, or 7,000 sq. ft. - A 90 ft width requirement was suggested for large lots, as opposed to the current 100 ft. width requirement. - The current accessory building height limit of 45' could be excessive. - The citizens would like for the City to retain control of equipment storage, to prevent "junkyards" from occurring. - Suggested changes to the current positioning of accessory buildings from the rear of property to either the rear or the side of property. - Subdivision of land will become more difficult due to the fact that a lot must be 1 acre and face a public right of way, or citizen must build a City road back to it. - The City requirement of a fire hydrant within 500 ft. of any building would be difficult to accommodate on rear portions of deep lots. - Exceptions to the animal regulations were discussed in reference to organizations such as FFA or 4-H. Options include: o Amending the Ordinance to accommodate such programs. o Requiring a Special Conditional Use Permit so that each case could be evaluated independently. - Creation of a Large Lot District would lead to many pre-existing, non -conforming structures. - Creation of a Large Lot District would lessen the City's tax base and increase development costs. The Committee would like for the Staff to discuss these issues and return with an informal recommendation in workshop form next month. 5. STAFF REPORTS Mr. Malik reported the following: • Dollar General is up and running on Broadway. • Fairporte Green Shopping Center is under construction. • Enterprise Car Rental will be coming on West 'B' Street and Hwy. 146. • The National APA Conference will be held in San Antonio next year, and the City is budgeting for that. • The GIS mapping system is now available on the City's website. • Two ZBOA cases coming up: a) Berdon Lawrence is requesting a variance to put up an 8' fence around his property. b) On behalf of the Methodist Communities, a variance on density and parking requirements is being requested to expand on the Happy Harbor Senior Living Facility.