05-15-08 Regular Meeting,Public Hearing and Workshop of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Sleep Inn & Suites SCU08-002 Page 4 of 5 Conclusion: The Planning and Zoning Commission directed staff to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 106), Section 106-443; Table B., Commercial Area Requirements to amend, change or modify the maximum allowable height for structures when abutting low density residential properties. After a workshop and public hearing at the April 17,2008, meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission, by a unanimous vote, forwarded their official position for action by City Council that "the maximum allowable height for structures within commercially zoned properties located within 120 feet of residentially zoned properties is 30 feet ". In order to further clarify the classification, it was subsequently recommended that maximum allowable height for structures within R-2 & R-3 zoned properties located within 120 feet of R-1 & LL zoned properties also be 30 feet. City Council at the May 19, 2008 meeting approved an Ordinance 1501-C6 pertaining to maximum height restrictions for structures located within 120 feet of residentially zoned properties. Proposed project is in compliance with the above referenced ordinance amendment. The referenced development site plan shows the building proposed to be 3-story with 63 rooms located at 150 feet from the residentially zoned property (R-2). This site and the proposed use meet the criteria to satisfy applicable ordinance requirements. This facility and the proposed use are compatible with the surrounding properties and should not be injurious to the use, enjoyment or value of surrounding properties While recognizing that Special Conditional Use Permit request submitted in this regard conforms to the land use for this area, the La Porte Comprehensive Plan envisions this area for commercial use near Fairmont Parkway and State Highway 146. Proposed commercial development is more compatible with the existing commercial facilities in the vicinity. In addition, the subject property lies within the floodplain, which causes some difficulty for normal retail/commercial development. Based upon the facts presented above, staff feels the proposed use is appropriate due to the physical location of the tract ofland adjacent to Little Cedar Bayou. If the Planning and Zoning Commission wishes to consider approval of this Special Conditional Use Permit request, staff recommends the following conditions as a minimum be considered: · This SCUP is specifically for development of hotel on Block 1150. · Any expansion or enlargement of this facility shall be prohibited. · Screening and/or landscaping adjacent to residential area shall be required in accordance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances. · Additional or at least 15% landscaping and screening must be provided along Little Cedar Bayou Drive to insure an attractive appearance of this development.