12-18-08 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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#R 08-003 P&Z 1/20/09 Page 2 of 3 Analysis: In considering this request, Staff reviewed the following elements of the Comprehensive Plan: Land Use — One of the objectives of the land use element of the City's Comprehensive Plan is to achieve orderly, contiguous development that is compatible with adjacent land parcels and consistent with zoning. The City's Land Use Plan indicates this area developing with commercial industrial uses. Conformance of a zoning request with the land use plan is one consideration among several criteria to be considered in approving or denying a rezoning application. Other criteria may include: • Character of the surrounding and adjacent areas; • Existing use of nearby properties, and extent to which a land use classification would be in harmony with such existing uses or the anticipated use of the properties; • Suitability of the property for the uses to which would be permissible, considering density, access and circulation, adequacy of public facilities and services, and other considerations; • Extent to which the designated use of the property would harm the value of adjacent land use classifications; • Extent to which the proposed use designation would adversely affect the capacity or safety of that portion of the road network influenced by the use; • Extent to which the proposed use designation would permit excessive air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, or other environmental harm on adjacent land use designations; and, • The gain, if any, to the public health, safety, and welfare due to the existence of the land use designation. Transportation — The property in question has approximately 1000 feet of frontage along the State Highway 146 North feeder road, which should accommodate traffic generated by future development. In addition, railroad transportation could be available to this tract to the north. Highway Corridor Standards — One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan is to include consideration of landscaping, additional setbacks, visual attractiveness and the preservation of green spaces along the major highway corridors. Special performance standards for development in the Business Industrial zoning district stipulate compatible uses with open spaces, landscaping, and parking. The subject property is located near the entrance gateway to La Porte. Future development in this area should enhance the entrance corridor to the City to establish a regional identity.