03-05-09 Special Called Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

#R 08-003 P&Z 3/19/09 Page 2 of3 district is limited to administrative, wholesaling, manufacturing, and related compatible uses, with suitable open spaces, landscaping, and parking areas". The option of rezoning relates to the applicant's desire to provide future rail service to a proposed motor freight warehouse. As per Section 106-521, Table A, industrial uses, "Railroad Transportation is permitted in Heavy Industrial (HI) zoning district". However, the applicant has pursued this option of rezoning to Planned Unit Development (PUD). Multiple zoning designations for a parcel ofland are not suggested. Analvsis : In considering this request, Staff reviewed the following elements of the Comprehensive Plan: Land Use - One of the objectives of the land use element of the City's Comprehensive Plan is to achieve orderly, contiguous development that is compatible with adjacent land parcels and consistent with zoning. The City's Land Use Plan indicates this area developing with commercial industrial uses. Conformance of a zoning request with the land use plan is one consideration among several criteria to be considered in approving or denying a rezoning application. Transportation - The property in question has approximately 1000 feet of frontage along the State Highway 146 North feeder road, which should accommodate traffic generated by future development. In addition, railroad transportation could be available to this tract to the north. Highway Corridor Standards - One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to include consideration of landscaping, additional setbacks, visual attractiveness and the preservation of green spaces along the major highway corridors. Special performance standards for development in the Business Industrial zoning district stipulate compatible uses with open spaces, landscaping, and parking. The subject property is located near the entrance gateway to La Porte. Future development in this area should enhance the entrance corridor to the City. Special Use Performance Standards - Section 106-522, table B, industrial area requirements of the Code of Ordinances show building setbacks for Business Industrial (BI) zoning districts as Front 50', Rear 40', and Sides 30'. Maximum lot coverage (roofed over improvements) is 50%. If approved to PUD, similar district setbacks of Front 50', Rear 40', and Sides 30' should be retained with maximum lot coverage up to 50%. Currently, exterior building design standards of 100% masonry/glass products are applicable to GC & BI zoned properties along major thoroughfares. The specific requirement shall be applicable for the requested rezoning as well. With a requested Planned Unit_Development district, stringent building setbacks, lot coverage, and facade requirements will have positive aesthetic impacts at the entrance corridor to La Porte. Having said parameters in place, future development will not negatively impact the corridor enhancement plans for State Highway 225 and State Highway 146.