05-20-2004 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Special Conditional Use #SCU04-008 P & Z (6/17/04) Page 2 of 3 screen be constructed along the eastern and western portions of the tract intended for open storage, and a 10' landscaping buffer along the boundary abutting Spencer Highway. In further coordination with the applicant, however, it was learned that boats and RVs were also being stored along the strip running east and west adjacent to the current facilities. Given that the initial proposal did not have any landscaping along this portion of the development,. and that eastern portion of the proposed expansion abuts the railroad, we are amending our initial recommendation. We recommend that the 10' landscaping screen along the eastern portion of the expansion abutting the railroad be eliminated. We further recommend. that ,the 10' landscaping buffer along that portion of the expansion adjacent to Spencer Highway remain. The westernperimeters of the expansion, including the strip adjacent to the current facilities, retain a 5' landscaping buffer along its entire length thereby isolating the storage activity from the view of the proposed Police Station. Streets — Access to the .proposed development is off of 23`d Street.. We see little to no impact by the proposed development. Topography — This- area is relatively flat and stable and should not be an obstacle to this type of development. Density — No density issues . Utilities — The proposed expansion will require no additional utilities. Drainage —Current drainage calculations now account for the adding of impervious'cover (paving). Recommendation: Based on the above analysis, staff recommends approval of the Special Conditional Use Permit #SCU04-008. Given the project's proximity to Spencer Highway, however, certain conditions should be considered. Should the Commission favorably consider the request, we recommend the following conditions: 1. The site is constructed with a.10' landscaping along that portion that abuts Spencer Highway. This landscaping 'barrier - should be a mixture of trees and sight bearing bushes (e.g. red tips or oleanders) and be able to fulfill the intent of the barrier from one (1) year after planting. - The an additional 5' landscaping barrier be constructed along the western portions of the perimeter including the entire length of the strip running east and west adjacent to the existing facility and facing the proposed site of the new Police Station. The landscaping plan must be approved by the City Staff.