05-15-08 Regular Meeting,Public Hearing and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Sleep Inn & Suites SCU08-002 Page 3 of5 Transportation - Staff notes that the subject tract abuts on South 8th Street (80'ROW), major access to the project, just two blocks south of Fairmont Parkway. Little Cedar Bayou Drive, a 60' public right-of-way provides access to the frontage road along State Highway 146. The transportation system should accommodate the traffic and existing properties should not be impacted by the proposed development. The existing roads are adequate to support the said project and the proposed development does not conflict with the City's Thoroughfare Plan. Utilities and Drainage - Staff reviewed the existing facilities and services for each of the components of the utility system for the proposed development. Existing water is adequate for potable and fire protection needs in the area. Sanitary sewer runs east of South 8th Street with the nearest manhole located at the intersection of South 8th Street and Little Cedar Bayou Drive, approximately 100' south of the property in question. Therefore, sanitary sewer needs to be extended to and through the property along Little Cedar Bayou Drive. Detention is proposed within the parking lot for this site. Storm water shall be detained in the parking areas with a restrictor to tie into storm drainage outfalling to the nearby Little Cedar Bayou. The plan complies with the Little Cedar Bayou Watershed study area for the undeveloped land mass south of the Fairmont Parkway system. Landscaping/Screening Plan - Landscaping and screening in compliance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances shall be required. The property abuts South 8th Street and Little Cedar Bayou Drive, and this is the most public face of the tract. Staff suggests that a substantial portion of the facility's landscaping should be placed along these roadways and adjacent to residential zoned property to the south. Existing vegetation and trees along both the streets will remain in place. Additional landscaping shall be required for screening of nearby residential properties. If approved, architectural standards coupled with the proposed landscaping and setbacks should result in a facility that is attractive and compatible with surrounding properties. Maximum Height - Currently, under Sections 106-443, Table B, Commercial Area Requirements, the maximum allowable height for structures is not applicable. When a commercial property is adjacent to residential zoned districts, screening/buffering and landscaping are required. The standard building setbacks are Front 20', Rear 20', and Sides 10' adjacent to residential uses. A 20' setback area requires screening from view of adjoining residential buildings in compliance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances. Landscaping/screening should create an opaque fence with plant height reaching at least eight feet within two years from the time of planting trees/shrubs in the setback or landscape easement.