08-19-2004 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

• • 2 'The ZBOA's motion was to approve the variance with the vote being,3 'in favor. and 1 opposed. The motion, -therefore failed. Opponents to the motion cited that the size of the hotel would have an unfair advantage and cause a further decline in occupancy rates of other motels. They also stated that given current statistics regarding occupancy rates, the City of La Porte: cannot support another hotel. The applicant countered with an argument which showed. that -his similar hotels in DeerPark and other surrounding cities maintained good occupancy. Applicant. has also. stated that his market.study, on a regional basis,. shows good support for the project. Given that the motion failed, Council -has asked staff to look into updating the..requirements. and/or circumstances mandating. the 45' maximum height rule: FACTS AND CONCLUSIONS. ➢ LPFD has equipment that can reach up to 100' in elevation.A rule of thumb used by - the fire -department when employing this equipment is 7 stories or 70 feet (10 ' feet per story) given that positioning -of the equipment when fighting a fire -will not be ideal. ➢ Fire protection. regulations for 'this .situation mandated. a total sprinkler. system . .including; the attic:, All similar buildings attaining this height would require this ..protection.; -Other motels, in. La. Porte. have only the occupied stories protected- by a. 'sprinkler systn,(f scj.equi • ed). Coordination with the fire department shows that Pp: : r. , _ �longss-the building" has-a+sprinkler system, this reduces their concern: - ➢ Surveys of surrounding" cities• shows. that a `majority do not regulate a maximum • S"• ..w.: i. _ ➢--An: m',.to-_the.: 4`' -rule does• not. affect Shipping., • _Container_ "sa'c_ king, .. -V•. eft Cont,iners are.re afedi_to4,-hi re ardless if the stack is und_ er 45'. _ �f " ' -: • ➢: In'regards °tq economic development, hotels/inotels remain an important source `of revenue to the City. - ACTION BY THE COMMISSION 1. Conduct Public Hearing; 2. Discuss the Issue 3. The Commission may elect to: ➢ Form, a Sub -Committee.... ➢ Direct. Staff to. develop a recommendation ➢ . Make.a Recommendation to City Council .