04-24-08 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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Staff Report May 22, 2008 Variance Request #V08-003 Reauested by: Alvin Oncken & Associates, Building Designer Owner: Jon Loring, Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas, Inc. Reauested for: Lots 1-16, 19-32, Block 337673, and adjoining alley between these lots, Johnson Hunter Survey, Abstract 35, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. Location: 615 State Highway 146 ZoniD!!:: General Commercial (GC) Back2round: Applicant is requesting a variance to construct a proposed six feet high wrought iron fence on the front property line within the front yard setback along State Highway 146. The property in question is located to the southwest of Barbour's Cut Boulevard and State Highway 146. The property is currently zoned General Commercial (GC). The Code of Ordinances prohibits a fence from being erected within the required landscape portion of any yard or the front yard setback (20') in the commercial and industrial zoning districts. A development site plan for the proposed project is under review by the City. A 19,000 square feet building is proposed to the southwest of the subject property. The facility is required to comply with the City's exterior building design standards of 100% masonry or glass products. There are two driveways proposed for this facility, one along Barbour's Cut Boulevard and a second along State Highway 146. Landscaping and screening shall be provided along North 11th Street due to residential zoned properties across the street. Utility schematics and parking layout except fence are shown on the site plan. General site note #8 states that the developer will install 1180 linear feet of 6' high wrought iron fence at property line with motorized sliding gates at each driveway. As per Section 106-797 (2) of the Code of Ordinances, ''fences in commercial and industrial zones which are primarily erected as a security measure may have arms projecting into the applicant's property on which barbed wire can be fastened commencing at a point at least seven feet above the ground, and such fence shall not be erected within the required landscaped portion of any yard or the front yard setback of any commercial or industrial establishment". The applicant has submitted a variance request that seeks approval to erect a fence at the front property line within the standard 20' building setback line for commercial zoned property. According to the applicant, the front yard fence at the property line is desired for the safe operation of the business in this area. In addition, construction of this proposed fence will allow the developer to utilize approximately 7,000 square feet of additional property for parking and other amenities at site.