08-30-12 Special Called Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes of August 30, 2012 Page 2 of 3 With regard to the Future Land Use Plan, Mark Follis pointed out there are two blocks east of the City Hall property currently zoned General Commercial, yet most of the lots are being used for residential purposes. The Commission reviewed the map and discussed the possibility of reducing the impacts of the non -conformities by changing the area from General Commercial to Single -Family Residential on the Future Land Use Plan. During previous meetings it was suggested that all property owners within a PUD be notified of the proposed changes to the Future Land Use Plan. It was noted the only property identified as having a change in land use is the La Porte Independent School District property (Bayshore Elementary) from "Single -Family Residential' to "Public/Institutional." Other PUD properties had only a change in classification or no change at all. The Commission agreed that staff should proceed with direct notification of the PUD landowners advising of the pending changes and inviting them to the September 20th public hearing. Staff ensured the Commission the notification letters would be mailed the following day, on Friday, August 315t The Commission discussed the relationship between the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Ordinance and the effects one has on the other. 5. Administrative Reports Tim Tietjens thanked the Commission Members for all their time and effort that went into updating the Plan. Mr. Tietjens reported City Council has directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to review and provide a recommendation with regard to accessory structures in the Large Lot District. It was suggested the Commission consider relaxing the code to allow property owners in the Large Lot District the ability to have an accessory structure on their property without having an existing primary use; this is currently not allowed. The Special Conditional Use process could be utilized to ensure the accessory structure would be for private use only. 6. Commission Comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific factual information or existing policy. Richard Warren wanted to ensure the final Comprehensive Plan Update would be printed, bound, and available to the Commissioners. Mark Follis would recommend any consideration given to changing the requirements for accessory structures within the Large Lot District include requiring a restroom facility. Chairman Lawler thanked staff for guiding the Commission through the entire Comprehensive Plan Update process.