05-22-07 Special Called Regular Meeting and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Staff Report June 21, 2007 Hotel/Motel in GC Zoning Districts Back2round: The Planning and Zoning Commission directed staff to consider the use of hotels/motels in the General Commercial (GC) zoning districts adjacent to residential uses in the City of La Porte. At the April 19, 2007, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, residents raised concerns over the proposed hotel/motel at 11003 Fairmont Parkway near Driftwood adjacent to Fairmont Park East, Section 5. Staff researched and presented this item for discussion as a workshop item at the May 22, 2007, meeting. The purpose of this hearing is to consider making a formal recommendation to the City Council for an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106) of the Code of Ordinances imposing restrictions on the placement of hotels and motels within the General Commercial (GC) zoning districts when adjacent to residential zoned property, e.g. Low-Density Residential (R-l), Medium Density Residential (R-2), High Density Residential (R-3), and Large Lot (LL) zoning districts. Existin2 Requirements: Zoning: General Commercial (GC) · Section 106-441, Table A, Commercial Uses of the Code of Ordinances permits Hotels and Motels with SIC Code# 7011 (Industry Group No. 701). Analvsis: As per current ordinances, when a commercial property is adjacent to residential zoned property, e.g. Low-Density Residential (R-l), Medium Density Residential (R-2), High Density Residential (R-3), and Large Lot (LL) zoning districts, screening and/or landscaping & buffering mechanisms are required. The building setbacks are Front 20', Rear 20', and Sides 10' adjacent to residential uses. Rear 20' area is required for landscaping and screening from view of adjoining residential buildings in compliance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances. Landscaping/screening should make an opaque fence with plant height reaches at least six to eight feet within two years from the time of planting. As a reminder, a general rule is that the Director of Planning can approve a minor development site plans per Section 2.03 of the Development Ordinance. However, the Planning and Zoning Commission is empowered to review the plan per Section 106-64 (2) of the Code of Ordinances.