01-18-1996 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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• • • The R-2 classification is intended to accommodate housing development with overall density of 9-14 dwelling units per acre. The Comprehensive Plan calls for R-2 zones to be sited "adjacent to major thoroughfares, which have the capacity to support more intense residential uses and adjacent to and in support of activity, open space and amenity areas" (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1-7). The R-3 classification is intended to accommodate housing development with an overall density of 15-27 dwelling units per acre. The Comprehensive Plan calls for R-3 zones to be sited "on major thoroughfares and intersections in proximity to principal activity and amenity areas. (Comprehensive Plan, Section 1-7) Based on the siting criteria noted above, the tract in question is suited to either an R-2, or R-3 designation. Additionally, the underlying land use designation of Mid to High Density Residential would support either zoning designation. It, therefore, appears that although the R-2 zoning assigned to the property in 1987 is a reasonable designation and that no errors were made in assigning zoning classification, the requested rezoning would not conflict with the goals or intent of the Comprehensive Plan. Under these circumstances, the question at issue is whether there have been changes in the area (development pressures, infrastructure changes, etc.) that warrant a rezoning. As noted in the background section of this report, tr~~:: • applicant has the burden of demonstrating that a rezoning is warranted and that the requested classification represents the most appropriate designation for the tract. In reviewing this request, there are two other issues to be considered. They are: • Ability of infrastructure to support types of development that could be constructed within the requested zoning designation. • Impact on surrounding properties. The highest density type of development allowed in R-3 zones is multi-family apartments. Maximum density is 27 dwelling units per acre. Based on the 12.83 acre size of this tract, the absolute maximum number of units that could be developed would be 346. Although actual densities would most likely yield somewhat fewer than 346 units, staff has used these maximums for review purposes. Regarding the issue of infrastructure, staff would note the following: • Fairmont Parkway is a major, four lane thoroughfare. It should • be able to easily accommodate any traffic generated by approximately 13 acres of R-3 development (of any type). There