01-20-11 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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#11-91000002 P&Z2/17/11 Page 2 of 4 Analvsis: The option of rezoning related to the owner'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). City Council, at their April 27, 2009, meeting, approved recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to rezone the property from Business Industrial (BI) to Planned Unit Development (PUD). Current owner is proposing a rail-served office warehouse facility consisting of 300,000 sq. ft. Truck parking is proposed within the west side of the property near the frontage road of SH 146 North with an outside storage behind the building to the east. Additional rail spurs are also being proposed adjacent to Union Pacific Railroad (100' ROW) to the north ofthe facility. In addition to performance standards, there are a number of development standards that are specified by the Zoning Ordinance. These standards are applicable to all P.D.D. developments. Section 106-659 of the Code of Ordinances establishes the following criteria for review of the development projects within a P.U.D. zoning district: 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 the zoning. The City's Land Use Plan indicates this area developing with commercial industrial uses. Conformance of the land use plan is one consideration among several criteria to be considered in approving or denying a conditional use permit. 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. Two pints of access along frontage road should help prevent traffic delays and disperse the impact of additional traffic on the roadways. In addition, railroad transportation will be available to this facility 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. 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 to establish a regional identity.