01-20-11 Regular Meeting and Public Hearing of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

Browse Search

Landfill Site #3 Page 4 of5 Conclusion: height landscaping shall be located along North 8th Street and approximately 400' east along North J & H Streets from an intersection with 8th Street. In addition, the landscaping shall be required along portion of property frontage along North Broadway per ordinance. The property owner could leave in place existing trees, natural vegetation, underbrush, etc. to provide a thorough, continuous and effective visual screening elsewhere. However, the requested zone (PUD) provides flexibilities and variances in this regard. The required screening would count toward the minimum landscaping requirement. Street & Alley ClosinglReplatting - The applicant has petitioned the City to vacate, abandon, and close the alleys in Blocks 373, 374, and 376, Town of La Porte. The purpose of this request is to consolidate parcels into a single tract. As the process continues, if passed and approved by City Council, the owner/applicant will need to replat the whole property. Based on the above analysis, staff finds the requested change is compatible with the zoning and uses of nearby properties. The tract in question is suitable for the requested change to PUD. Development within the subject tract should not negatively impact the surrounding properties and should not harm the value of nearby properties. It would not have a significant impact on traffic conditions in the area and utilities would not be affected. In reviewing this request the Commission should consider the following: . There was no apparent error in assigning the present zoning designation to the tract in question. · The applicant's requested zoning provides some flexibility for the developer while at the same time allowing the City to review specific uses subject to Special Conditional Use Permit and site layouts at the various stages of the development. Section 106-637 of the Code of Ordinances sets procedure for establishing a Planned Unit Development and subsequent review for a Special Conditional Use Permit. A Planned Unit Development (PUD) zone would be considered for allowing industrial use of this nature followed by provisions as applicable in the Special Conditional Use Permit (SCUP) attached to this project. Staff recommends approval of the rezone request with an understanding that proposed development shall be in compliance with the SCUP approved by the City.