01-24-2002 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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' Zoning Board of Adjustment • ~ , - Minutes of January 24, 2002 Page 3 to the height of the sign, in no way could it be confused with traffic signals. And had it been known the signs with lights were indirect conflict with what they perceived to be the meaning of the statute, they would not have gone forward with installation. Mr. Armstrong again asked for clarification of the answer to his question and Mr. Flores replied it was due to reliance on the City Official's reading of the ordinance. B. OPPONENTS No opposition was presented. Ms. VPilmore answered questions from the Board. Upon conclusion of discussion, staff recommended the Board deny the Appeal. Staff suggested the applicant present the matter to the Planning & Zoning Commission for consideration of a proposed ordinance change to the sign-regulations. . Motion by Bob Capen to approve Appeal of the Building Official's Decision #A01- 002 as follows: ^ Allow corninued use of moving liglrts on a small "take-out orders" sign to be mounted on the north side of the bu>7ding. ^ Allow continued use of moving lights on a new freestanding, on pre mise pole located in froirt of the busines s- on Underwood Road: Second by Rod Rothermel. Motion carried with all in favor. V. CONSIDER SPECIAL EXCEPTION REQUEST #SE02-001-TO WAIVE OR REDUCE THE OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIItEMENTS FOR CHURCHII,L PLACE APARTMENTS AS PER SECTION 106-1O1B(3) OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LA FORTE. City Planner Gwen Goodwin presented staff's report. Clnu chi71 Place Apartments is a proposed apartment complex to be located at 1201 S. Broadway, and designed exclusively for the senior population. Al Fairfield, representing La Porte Venture LTD, has requested a special exception to allow a reduction in off-street parking from the required 168 parking spaces~to 89 spaces far this development.. The Texas Deparhnent of Housing and Community Affairs has approved the project as a development for tax credits. As such, the property cannot be sold or the use changed for a period of 40 years. Staff is concerned about the use of the property after the 40 year period ends. Additional restrictions are recommended to prevent the use from reverting to a regular multi-f amdy use, in which case the building would not have adequate parking. Chairperson Grant asked Planning Director Doug Kneupper to briefly describe a memo he had written to the Board dated January 18, 2002. According to Mr. Bneupper, initial