11-18-09 Special Called Regular Meeting and Public Hearings of the La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment

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Staff Report January 27, 2010 Special Exception Request #SE 10-002 Requested by: Jeff Samford on behalf of GCBSX, LP, Property Owner Requested for: Lots 9 thru 16, Block 101; Town of La Porte, Johnson Hunter Survey, Abstract 35, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. Location: 502 & 512 North 8th Street Zonm!!: General Commercial (GC) Back2round: Applicant is requesting a Special Exception to erect a fence in the required front yard setback. Total area of the tract in question is approximately 25,000 square foot (0.57 ac.) described as lots 9 thru 16, Block 101, located at 502 & 512 North 8th Street and West Madison Street. The property is currently zoned General Commercial (GC) and the City's Code of Ordinances Section 106-797(2) prohibits a fence being erected within the required 20' front yard setback of commercial zoning districts. Previously, the City approved a development site plan for this property, which shows twelve parking spaces with landscaping around the perimeter boundary and driveways off North 8th Street. The required building setbacks in GC zone are Front 20', Rear 10', and Side 10' (adjacent to public right-of- way). During the planning process, a fence was not proposed for this property. This Special Exception request is for a waiver of the standard front yard setback requirement in order to construct a fence around the perimeter boundary of the property. According to the applicant, a front yard fence with a rolling gate is desired for security and safety reasons. Staff analyzed the surrounding area and based upon site inspections, the following considerations are noted: . A storage/warehouse building at 816 W. Polk Street has an existing fence along N. 8th Street. . The property at 310 North 8th Street has a chain link fence within the front yard setback. . Existing parking lot at 301 North 8th Street has a chain link fence within the front yard setback.