11-20-2003 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Port of Houston Authority • • Major Development Site Plan Page 3 of 5 The Council action authorizes the applicant to submit a Major Development Site Plan for the Commission's consideration & approval. Analysis: In addition to performance standards, there are a number of development standards that are specified by the Zoning Ordinance. These standards are applicable to all P.U.D. developments. Section 106-659 of the Code of Ordinances establishes the following criteria for review of the development projects within a P.U.D. zoning district: Uses — The City's Comprehensive Plan shows this area developing with industrial uses. The existing land uses of nearby properties are primarily industrial (the Port Authority's main facility); however, there are single- family residences south of the undeveloped "E" Street right-of-way. In general, high intensity uses should be adjacent to each other. When higher uses abut residential uses buffering must occur to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of neighborhoods. As a part of the Port's site plan, they have incorporated landscaping and a masonry wall to protect the adjacent residential from the activities of the proposed pre -check facility. In addition, the undeveloped North "E Street" right-of-way will remain in tact. Streets - Being located along Barbour's Cut Boulevard, a primary arterial road with 100' right-of-way, and major truck route, provides more than adequate accessibility for circulation of truck traffic. There should be very limited impact on traffic flow within the vicinity even after full implementation of the proposed project. The private drives and truck parking areas shall be designed and constructed in conformance with the City's Standards Specs. Since trucking movement is the primary function of the facility, access management and circulation should be the top priority while developing the project. Driveways connecting directly onto the roadway should be minimized to avoid traffic congestion and other delays caused by turning movements for the eighteen - wheelers entering and exiting the facility. Wide turning radius and traffic signage are suggested for flow of traffic. In addition, the pre -check facility will lessen the amount of time trucks spend idling on Barbour's Cut Blvd. Topography — This area is relatively flat and stable and should not be an obstacle to this type of development. Utilities and Drainage - There is a sufficient water distribution facility in the area to supply potable and fire protection to this proposed development. Public facilities and services are sufficient to handle the needs of the said project. In addition, provisions will have to be made to ensure that sufficient utility extensions are made to serve this development.