03-17-2005 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning & Zoning Commission • Truck stops Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 4 of 4 Conclusions• City Council intends to provide the best services to its citizens and visitors to La Porte. Future development of the community depends on maintaining and enhancing the local economy. Truck trafficking is an existing commodity due to the Port of Houston `s Barbour's Cut Terminal. In addition, Barbour's Cut Boulevard is an established major truck route, which provides services to these travelers. Council has set priorities with the economic development as one of the highest on the list. The goal is to foster the growth and retention of business activities through a healthy local economy, which can provide employment opportunities and a strong tax base to the City. Recommendations: The above stated recommendations are based on Planning Department staff research and direction provided by the Commission during the previous meetings. The definitions for Truck Stop and Convenience Store have been included in Section 106-1 of the Ordinances as suggested. Staff recommends truck stops should be permitted in a Business Industrial (BI) zoning districts only subject to specific conditions as listed above. It is staff's opinion that the above provisions will allow for reasonable development of truck stops with the said stipulations that will provide sound development and promote public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. The La Porte Comprehensive Plan guides us to make policy decisions relating to the physical and economic development of the community. The above change would not be contrary to the goals and intent of the Comprehensive Plan. Options available to the Commission are: • Recommend to Council approval of the zoning ordinance amendment. • Recommend to Council denial of the zoning ordinance amendment. • Continue the public hearing until next meeting means table the item.