03-22-07 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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Staff Report May 24, 2007 Special Exception Request #SE 07-003 Requested by: Fred Westergren (Owner) Requested for: Lots 25 thru 28, Block 327; Town of La Porte, Johnson Hunter Survey, Abstract 35, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. 625 North Broadway Location: Zoninf!: General Commercial (GC) Back2round: Applicant is requesting a Special Exception to erect a fence in the front yard setback. The tract in question has a 4,000 square foot building (office/warehouse) on lots 25 thru 28, Block 327, located along North Broadway near Barbour's Cut Boulevard. The property is currently zoned General Commercial (GC) and the City's Code of Ordinances prohibits a fence being erected within the required landscape portion of any yard or the front yard setback in the commercial zoning districts. The site development plan for this property was approved in 2005. The property has been developed as per approved plan, showing office/warehouse building, nine parking spaces, and 25' wide driveway along North Broadway. The building setbacks are Front 20' and Rear 10'. During the planning process applicant did not desire a dumpster, which is required for all commercial establishments per Section 58-66 of the Code of Ordinances. Recently, the building has been leased to the pressure wash company and dumpster is located occupying parking spaces. The applicant has submitted a Special Exception request that asks for a reduction in the standard front yard setback requirement in order to construct a fence at 10' off front property line. According to the applicant, front yard fence with a rolling gate is desired for the safe operation of the business in this area and is required by the above tenant. The City's Code of Ordinances, Section 106-797(2), prohibits a fence being erected within the required landscape portion of any yard or 20' front yard setback in the commercial zoning districts. Staff analyzed the surrounding area and based upon site inspections and the pictures submitted by the applicant, the following considerations are noted: . A Cold Storage Co. (formerly P&O Cold Logistics) across the street has existing fences in the front yard setback.