09-15-2005 Regular Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Gulf Port Distribution Center Preliminary Plat Page 2 of 3 Land Use -The GP contains general information regarding the development of the entire 342-acre site. The Plan's significant features include contemplated land uses, open space and storm water detention areas, landscape and, buffer areas and roadway network. Currently, the plat shows two commerciaUindustrial reserves to the east and west of Powell Road. The Developer's Agreement defines the land uses that are acceptable within various tracts of this development. In Reserve "B", uses currently permitted within our zoning ordinance are allowed here with some exceptions. In the Business and Retail (GC) tracts, general contractors, automotive services, outdoor sales and outdoor storage are not permitted. In .the (BI) tracts, general contractors, automotive services, outdoor sales and outdoor storage, and off-premise signs are not permitted. In the. Light Industrial (LI) tracts, manufacturing of chemicals, outside storage including shipping containers, off-premise signs and a few other uses are not permitted. In Reserve "A", the uses permitted in the (I~ tract are permitted here including rail activities with limitations. Shipping containers that are in transit or are being used to deliver material into or out of the project will be permitted: This use of shipping containers may be incidental to some permitted uses. Landscaping/Open Space - In this project, the open space and trail as identified are both consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan. The General Plan shows the relationship of these features and also demonstrates how the trail system, open space area, and the stormwater detention system are interrelated. The City may elect to accept these facilities depending on the final design of the said project. Buffering and beautification is also addressed here. A 50' wide landscape buffer is provided along SH146 and east of Powell Road. In addition, landscaping will be provided within building setback areas and easements throughout the project. Staff is requesting that a consistent theme and design criteria shall be implemented throughout this development. Transportation%Traffic Control Plan -Truck traffic is typically associated with this type of commercial and industrial development. In an attempt to reasonably control truck traffic, plan should be included to further define how truck traffic will be handled. The development agreement contemplates that all trucks will enter and leave the site via SH146 and Wharton Weems Blvd. and no trucks will proceed north along Powell Road to Fairmont Parkway. The use of signs, driveway design, routing plans, and individual driver instruction will be used to implement these provisions. It also addresses number of driveways access. Staff and the developer attempted to limit the installation of driveways within this project by implementing shared-access and cross-access easements. More specific review of this will occur during site plan review as subsequent reserves develop. The ultimate total number of drives along the SH146 feeder road is subject to TXDOT approval. As far as the grade separation between Fairmont Parkway and UPRR is concerned, the Harris County, agreed to fund the construction of this overpass. As per plan, Powell Road will be widened to 100'ROW. The plat shows 40' wide strip dedicated for the widening of Powell Road.