10-27-14 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

Browse Search

and he feels it is unfair. In addition, Mr. Diaz requested Council review the plans and advised it will take two weeks for architectural designs and another three weeks for structural engineers. Councilmember Zemanek asked Mr. Diaz who told him the structure will be destroyed. Mr. Diaz responded the previous owner, owner of Kings BBQ. Councilmember Zemanek askedMr. Diaz if the City is continually denying his permits. Mr. Diaz responded yes. Councilmember Zemanek requested initial permit was denied due to repairs being 50 percent more than the value of structure and requested the Inspections Department to provide information of any other permits being denied. Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens informed the City has not received any permits or reviewable drawings and has requested the owners come into the City for permits. Councilmember Zemanek questioned when the rear of the building was demolished and the current HCAD value of the building. City Manager Corby Alexander responded the rear of the building was demolished three months ago. Mr. Diaz advised Council he can get the building up to code. Councilmember Zemanek commented to Mr. Diaz, he has two concerns. One, the City telling him not to get a permit; and two, what is the reason for taking this long. Mr. Diaz responded he can get the building up to code. City Manager Corby Alexander advised the current HCAD improvements valuation is $42,539.00, approximately $46,000.00 is the value of the land,with a total of $88,464.00 for land and improvements. Councilmember Moser questioned Planning and Development Director Tim Tietjens when the Zoning Board of Adjustment ruled the building can be saved and whether plans were brought into the City. Mr. Tietjens responded the ruling was in 2012; and according to staff, the City has not seen a draft set of plans. Councilmember Clausen questioned Mr. Diaz according to the plans he passed out to Council, which part of the building does he plan to save; and which part will be demolished. Mr. Diaz responded he will tear out the back portion and build 22 feet backwards, with all of the building the same level. Mr. Diaz advised if Council wants improving to 50% of the value of the building, he can comply; and he can also build something nice, as well. Diana Diaz, 500 W. Main, addressed Council and advised that in the beginning of the process they met with two City Inspectors and were given a list of items to be done in order to proceed with the building. Ms. Diaz advised the property has been surveyed, tested for asbestos, and the property taxes are paid. She feels it has been an unfair battle with three City permits being denied. Councilmember Zemanek questioned Ms. Diaz if she recalls coming before City Council a year ago and being asked to demolish the rear of the building. Ms. Diaz responded yes, and the rear of the building has been demolished. Councilmember Zemanek questioned how many times in the last calendar year has she come into the City to request permits. Mr. Diaz informed he met with the City Mana about two months ago and requested a permit be issued. In addition, Mr. Diaz advised he had a permit application at the time but did not turn it into the Inspections Department. Councilmember Zemanek advised Mr. Diaz a permit application must be submitted to the City in order for a permit to be issued. 512 Page of October 13, 2014, Council Meeting Minutes