HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-17-11 Planning and ZoningCity of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda
Notice is hereby given of a Regular Meeting and Public Hearings of the La Porte Planning and
Zoning Commission to be held on November 17, 2011, at 6:00 P.M. at City Hall Council Chambers,
604 West Fairmont Parkway, La Porte, Texas, regarding the items of business according to the agenda
listed below:
1. Call to order
2. Elect a Vice -Chairperson
3. Consider approval of October 20, 2011, meeting minutes.
4. Open Public Hearing to receive public input on Special Conditional Use Permit #11-91000006,
amending Special Conditional Use Permit #SCU03-001 for the Port of Houston Authority's
Truck Pre -Check Facility located at 600 E. Barbour's Cut Boulevard. The Port of Houston
Authority seeks amendments to existing Special Conditional Use Permit #SCU03-001 for
completion of said project within the Planned Unit Development (PUD) district.
A. Staff Presentation
B. Proponents
C. Opponents
D. Proponents Rebuttal
5. Close Public Hearing.
6. Consider recommendation to City Council regarding Special Conditional Use Permit Request
#11-91000006 (amending Special Conditional Use Permit #SCU03-001).
Open Public Hearing to receive public input regarding proposed regulations on Group Care
Facilities (a/k/a group homes, community homes, residential personal care homes, living
centers and assisted living centers).
A. Staff Presentation
B. Proponents
C. Opponents
D. Proponents Rebuttal
8. Consider recommendation to City Council regarding amendments to Chapter 106 "Zoning" of
the Code of Ordinances, for the purposed of enacting regulations on Group Care Facilities.
9. La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update
A. Overview of Chapter 3, Infrastructure and Growth Capacity (including Public Safety)
• Overview presentation
• Discussion and comment
B. Preview of Chapter 4, Community Mobility
10. Administrative Reports
11. Commission Comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific
factual information or existing policy
12. Adjourn
A quorum of City Council members may be present and participate in discussions during this meeting; however,
no action will be taken by Council.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of La Porte will provide for reasonable
accommodations for persons attending public meetings. To better serve attendees, requests should be received
24 hours prior to the meetings. Please contact Patrice Fogarty, City Secretary, at 281.470.5019.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that a copy of the November 17, 2011, agenda of items to be considered by the Planning and
Zoning Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on the day of 2011.
Title:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of October 20, 2011
Members Present: Hal Lawler, Richard Warren, Phillip Hoot, Mark Follis, and Helen LaCour.
Members Absent: Danny Earp, Les Bird, Doretta Finch, and Lou Ann Martin
City Staff Present: Assistant City Manager, Traci Leach; Planning Director, Tim Tietjens; City
Planner, Masood Malik; City Attorney, Knox Askins; Planning Assistant, Shannon
Green; and Chief Building Official, Debbie Wilmore.
1. Call to order
Meeting called to order by Chairman Hal Lawler at 6:01 p.m.
2. Consider approval of September 15, 2011, meeting minutes.
Motion by Richard Warren to approve the minutes of September 15, 2011. Second by Phillip
Hoot. Motion carried.
Ayes: Hal Lawler, Richard Warren, Phillip Hoot, Mark Follis, and Helen LaCour.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
3. Open Public Hearing to receive public input on Special Conditional Use Permit #11-
91000005, which has been requested by Marcos Luna, property owner for the property
described as Lots 7 & 8, Block 41, Town of La Porte, Johnson Hunter Survey, Abstract No.
35, La Porte, Harris County, Texas. The applicant seeks approval of a permit for the
development of an off -site parking lot for King's BBQ located at 521 West Main Street. Off -site
parking is classified as a conditional use per City's Code of Ordinances.
A. Staff Presentation
Masood Malik, City Planner, gave staff's report.
Sixteen public hearing notices were mailed to property owners within 200' of the subject
property. One response in favor was received.
B. Proponents
1. Paul Larson of 200 N. 4t" Street spoke in favor of the Special Conditional Use Permit.
Mr. Larson disseminated a copy of a letter from the adjacent neighbor, Floyd Brown
of 113 S 5t" Street. Mr. Brown is in favor of the Special Conditional Use Permit and
requested a privacy fence not be installed.
2. Tom Hudgens of 3720 Bayou Drive spoke in favor of the Special Conditional Use
Permit. Mr. Hudgens owns property adjacent to Kings BBQ and would like to see the
parking lot built to prevent parking on his property.
C. Opponents
There were none.
D. Proponents Rebuttal
There were none.
4. Close Public Hearing.
Chairman Hal Lawler closed the public hearing at 6:47pm.
5. Consider recommendation to City Council regarding Special Conditional Use Permit
Request #11-91000005.
The Commission asked staff to contact AT&T and request they install bollards to protect the utility
boxes on the property.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of October 20, 2011
Page 2 of 3
Motion by Mark Follis to omit item # 7 of the Special Conditional Use Permit. Second by Phillip Hoot.
Motion failed.
Ayes: Mark Follis, and Phillip Hoot.
Nays: Hal Lawler, Helen LaCour and Richard Warren.
Abstain: None
Motion by Phillip Hoot to change item # 4 of the Special Conditional Use Permit to move the 15'
buffer to a 5' buffer. Second by Mark Follis. Phillip hoot withdrew his motion.
Motion by Phillip Hoot to delete item # 5 of Special Conditional Use Permit. Second by Mark Follis
The motion failed.
Ayes: Mark Follis and Phillip Hoot.
Nays: Hal Lawler, and Richard Warren
Abstain: Helen LaCour
Motion by Richard Warren to recommend approval of Special Conditional Use Permit 11-9100005
with the following conditions:
Permit Conditions:
1. This Special Conditional Use Permit is specifically limited to off -site parking for King's
BBQ.
2. Off -site parking shall comply with all parking standards per Section 106-835 of the Code of
Ordinances.
3. Screening and/or landscaping of parking lot with an approved material shall be required in
accordance with Section 106-444(a) of the Code of Ordinances.
4. Maintain a 5-foot buffer with the southern property line and the parking stalls. Plant
material to be installed in a double row (two-tier) configuration. Plant material installed
with lower height vegetation on the most southern edge of the buffer and four foot high
material on the northern most edge of the buffer. Plant material shall create a light barrier
within four months (120 days) from the time of planting.
5. All lighting in the parking lot shall be hooded and arranged in a manner to deflect light
away from the adjoining residential properties in compliance with Section 106-521(a) of
the Code of Ordinances.
6. A sign shall be installed at the property to prohibit unauthorized parking during non -
business hours.
7. The Developer shall comply with all applicable laws and ordinances of the City and the
State of Texas.
Second by Phillip Hoot. Motion carried.
Ayes: Mark Follis, Phillip Hoot, Hal Lawler, Richard Warren, and Helen LaCour.
Nays: None
Abstain: None
6. Open Workshop to discuss proposed regulations on group care facilities (a/k/a group
homes, community homes, residential personal care homes, living centers and assisted
living centers) housing three (3) persons or less.
Chairman Hal Lawler opened the workshop at 7:24pm.
Debbie Wilmore, Chief Building Official, gave staff's report. The Commission was advised the
Police Department recently received a complaint on a local group home. Following that
complaint, staff determined the City had no existing group home regulations. The only reference
found was in the City's Zoning Ordinance; however, group homes are currently "prohibited" which
directly conflicts with State and Federal Fair Housing Laws.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of October 20, 2011
Page 3 of 3
During the staff presentation, Ms. Wilmore reviewed the SIC use description, a survey of
surrounding cities and an area city's ordinance. In addition, the City's zoning sections dealing
with definitions, home occupation, Table A - Residential Uses, Table B — Residential Area
Requirements, free-standing on -premise signs and attached on -premise signs were reviewed.
Along with the analysis and recommended requirements, the presentation included a "draft"
Application for Group Care Facility Certificate.
The Commission asked staff to review all the businesses listed under SIC #8361 (Residential
Care), prior to the public hearing date, and identify uses they felt were protected and should be
included verses uses that could be excluded.
7. Administrative Reports
There were no Administrative Reports.
8. Commission Comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding
specific factual information of existing policy.
There were no Commission Comments.
9. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn by Richard Warren. Second by Phillip Hoot. The motion carried. The meeting
adjourned at 8:36p.m.
Submitted by,
Shannon Green
Planning Assistant
Approved on this day of , 2011.
Hal Lawler
Chairman Planning and Zoning Commission
Staff Report November 17, 2011
Port of Houston Authority
Special Conditional Use Permit #11-91000006
Requested By: Port of Houston Authority c/o Jim Bielstein, P.E.
Requested For: Approval of amended Special Conditional Use Pen -nit.
This request is an amendment to the existing SCUP403-001 approved for
this site.
Legal Description: 20.769 acres of land described as lots 17-32 of block 438, lots 1-32 of block
439 and adjoining alley, lots 1-16 of block 974, lots 1-32 of blocks 975 thri
978, lots 1-16 of block 979, and adjoining alleys within these blocks, and
portions of loth, llth, and 12th Avenues, Brownell, Nugent, Holmes, and
Carroll Streets, Johnson Hunter Survey, Abstract 35, La Porte, Harris
County, Texas.
Location: 600 E. Barbour's Cut Boulevard
Present Zoning: Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Land Use Map: Commercial / Industrial
Background: This site consists of 20.7 acres located along East Barbour's Cut Boulevard.
The City limits of La Porte run parallel to the property line along Barbour's
Cut Boulevard. The Port of Houston Authority's container facilities are
located to the north of this property across Barbour's Cut Boulevard. At the
site in question, the Port of Houston Authority has developed a trick pre -
check facility with a combined total of 14 trick lanes. The facility has two
entry points and an exit gate along Barbour's Cut Boulevard.
Development in the PUD zone requires approval of a General Plan with a
Special Conditional Use Permit (SCUP) and a Major Development Site
Plan. The historical timeline of the project is as follow:
• Presentation by POHA at the Planning and Zoning Commission
Meeting on April 17, 2003.
• Special Conditional Use Permit (SCU 03-001) request submitted April
23, 2003.
• Planning and Zoning Commission held a Public Hearing on May 15,
2003, and recommended approval of a General Plan and Special
Conditional Use Permit 4SCU03-001.
• Presentation by POHA at workshop meeting of City Council on May
19, 2003.
• City Council considered the Ordinance 1501-ZZ for approving SCUP
and General Plan at the August 11, 2003, meeting.
• Major Development Site Plan was approved on January 15, 2004, with
the condition that a subdivision plat for the entire 20.7-acre tract shall
be submitted for approval by the City before filing with the Harris
County.
Port of Houston Authoritv
11/17/11— P & Z Meeting
Page 2 of 4
Port of Houston Authority worked diligently with the City to address the
community concerns, e.g. noise & sound pollution, lighting/illumination,
and potential devaluation (appraised/market value) of adjacent residences.
The site development plan was developed in two phases. A 20' high sound
wall was constructed along the south property line to avoid adverse impact
on the adjacent residential properties. Phase 11 included all the site work,
parking lot, drives, utilities, and landscape improvement.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the Major Development
Site Plan for Entry Pre -Check Facility at their January 15, 2004, meeting.
The Commission approved the plan with the following consideration:
• Provisions of the approved SCUP and General Plan must be applied to
the entire project.
• A subdivision plat for the entire 20.7-acre tract shall be submitted for
approval by the City before filing with the Harris County.
The facility has been open since November 05, 2007 under the temporary
certificate of occupancy that the contractor obtained from the City of La
Porte. A pennanent certificate of occupancy can be issued when
landscaping/irrigation and platting issues are resolved.
The Port has requested to delete conditions 410 & 11 of the existing
Special Conditional Use Permit, pertaining to noise and hours of
operation. While the Port has indicated a desire to amend the existing
SCUP, they also indicated that the need to do so is more based upon
projected future activity. As a separate action, the Port will be requesting a
certificate of occupancy and approval of a subdivision plat by the City.
Analysis: Section 106-659 of the Code of Ordinances establishes the following criteria
for review of development projects within a PUD zoning district:
Land Use — The City's Comprehensive Plan shows this area developing
with industrial uses. The existing land uses of nearby properties are primarily
industrial (the Port Authority's main facility); however, there are single-
family residences south of the undeveloped "E" Street right-of-way.
Transportation — Being located along Barbour's Cut Boulevard, a primary
arterial road and major truck route, provides adequate accessibility for
circulation of truck traffic. Limited impact on traffic flow is expected within
the vicinity even after full implementation of the project.
The two private drives and truck parking areas are designed and constructed
in conformance with City Standards. In addition, the pre -check facility will
lessen the amount of time trucks spend idling on Barbour's Cut Blvd. This
results in fewer NOx being released in the air.
Port of Houston Authority
11/17/11— P & Z Meeting
Page 3 of 4
Utilities and Drainage — Public facilities and services are sufficient to
handle the supply of potable water and fire protection in the area. In
addition, a water line extension is made to serve this development. Storm
water drainage requires on -site detention to mitigate any adverse impacts
associated with this proposed development. Owner/developer shall be
responsible for the maintenance of the detention.
Landscaping / Screening - Barbour's Cut Boulevard is the main truck route
to and from the Barbour's Cut Terminal facility. As a result, numerous
trucking services related businesses are located along this corridor. There is a
small residential zoned undeveloped area to the southeast of the property
across North "E" Street. An unimproved ROW adjacent to this property
serves as a buffer between trucking activities along Barbour's Cut Boulevard
and residential area. In addition, the development is screened from the
neighboring residential with a sound wall constructed at the southern
property line.
Overnight Parking — Planning and Zoning Commission required that effort
to reduce the potential noise impact on the surrounding properties and
prohibited overnight parking of trucks at the facility between 6 P.M. and 6
A.M. However, pre -check facility does not operate at night. Staff requested
Police Department to have sound measured check to see if any noise
problem occurs during daytime operations. Data sample was taken at three
different locations on multiple days using the noise meter. The readings
range from 42.1db to 51.1db. In addition, screening (sound wall) is already
in place. The Port has requested to delete this condition.
Hours of Operations — This condition is also related with noise concern.
Existing SCUP stipulates hours of operation no earlier than 7 A.M. and no
later than 6 P.M. The Port has asked to delete this condition.
Certificate of Occupancy — Once all outstanding items are resolved, a
permanent Certificate of Occupancy will be issued to the Port.
Subdivision Plat — All portions of streets and alleys within the subdivision
have been closed and abandoned. The City will ensure all necessary
easements (waterline, storm sewer, and fire hydrants) have been retained.
Once approved by the Commission, the plat will be recorded at the Harris
County.
Conclusion: Based on the above analysis, staff believes that the current request to delete
conditions 10 and 11 of the Special Conditional Use Permit is not warranted
at this time. In addition, the Port has not demonstrated the need for the
desired changes to the Special Conditional Use Permit.
The Port has indicated a desire to amend the existing SCUP based upon
projected future activity but provides no evidence which may validate the
requested changes to the SCUP.
Port of Houston Authoritv
11/17/11— P & Z Meeting
Page 4 of 4
Options available to the Commission are:
Recommend to Council approval/modification of Special Conditional
Use Permit #SCU 03-001.
• Recommend to Council denial of this SCUP.
City of La Porte
Special Conditional Use Permit #SCU03-001
This permit is issued to: Port of Houston Authorii
Owner or Agent
P.O. Box 2562 Houston, TX 77252
Address
For Development of: Port of Houston Authority's Truck Pre -Check Faci
Development Name
600 East Barbour's Cut Blvd, La Porte, TX
Address
Legal Description: 20.7 acres of land being lots 17-32 of block 438, lots 1-32 block 439 and
adjoining alley, lots 1-16 block 974, lots 1-32 of blocks 975 through 979 and
adjoining alleys within these blocks and portions of 101, 111 , and 12— Aves.1
Brownell, Nugent, Holmes and Carroll Streets, out of the Johnson Hunter
League, A-35 City of La Porte, Harris County, Texas.
Zoning: Planned Unit Development (PUD)
Use: Truck Pre -Check Facility
Permit Conditions:
1. Adhere to the terms of the Property Owners Value Assurance Program (as described in Exhibit F-1).
2. Sign an interlocal agreement with the City of La Porte regarding the Property Owners Value Assurance
Program.
3. Comply with the General Plan approved by the City as shown in the attached Exhibit F-2.
4. Ensure that at least 30 percent of the property consists of landscaping and/or screening.
5. Provide detailed landscape and screening plans during site plan submittal. Allow existing trees and
shrubs to remain as natural buffer. Provide "in fill" plantings of trees and shrubs.
6. Provide an irrigation system to ensure that all landscaping and screening is properly maintained by the
owner/developer.
7. Erect a sound wall constructed with a "rough" texture to decrease the likelihood of graffiti and to
increase the likelihood that vines/greenery will attach to the wall.
8. Adhere to the provisions and details shown in facilities lighting plan. Ensuring that all illumination occurs
on site and does not affect nearby residences.
9. Enhance the building facade so that it is architecturally and aesthetically pleasing. The Planning and
Zoning Commission must approve the design.
10. Prohibit the overnight parking of trucks at the facility between 6 pm and 6 am.
11. Hours of operation shall be no earlier than 7 am and no later than 6 pm.
12. Pay the public hearing costs.
13. Comply with all other applicable laws and ordinances of the City of La Porte and the State of Texas.
Failure to begin construction within 12 months after issuance or as scheduled under the terms of a special
conditional use permit shall void the permit as approved, except upon an extension of time granted after
application to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
If construction is terminated after completion of any stage and there is ample evidence that further development
is not contemplated, the ordinance establishing such special conditional use permit may be rescinded by the
City Council, upon its own motion or upon the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission of the
City of La Porte, and the previous zoning of the entire tract shall be in full effect on the portion which is
undeveloped.
Validation Date:
Director of Planning
City Secretary
STATE OF TEXAS
2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to 1997 U-S. Standard COMNITY OF HA RI
Industry Classifica iorl (SIC)
03 ACRES OF LAID BEING LOT 17-32. OF BLOCK 438, LOTS 1-32 BLOCK 439 AND
1097 1 JB7 ADJOINING ALLEY, LOTS 1-1 BLOCK 9'74, LOTS 1-- 2' OF BLOCS 97 THROUGH 979 AND
2-002- AI r19 9 Description ADJOINING ALLEYS WITHIN THESE 'BLOCI S A1�1 PORTIONS OF 10TH, 11TH AND Ti '1`H
EVES., BRO {I ELL, NUOE T, H1 LI ES AND CARROLL STREETS, OUT OF THE JOHNSO
BA.RBM1RS CUT TERMINAL _ 14U' TER LEAGUE, A-35 Cfry OF LAPORT'E, HA►T RIS COUNTY, TEXAS.
483 i 1 483111 4-412 Deep snn fireight trunsporta ion to or from foreign part
NOTES:
1. SITE DRAINAGE WILL CONFECT TO HARRIS COUNTI(
EXISTINr, 9' x 5' BU CULVERT LOCATED IN MEDIAN OF aR V1tATFU� 1tiIETER (ter lJ
E. SARBOURS CUT SLVD. AND DISCHARGE TO 1-IGFO0 UN_'T _ _
NO. F21-o—no---OO. HARI IS COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL PORT OF HOU TO AUTHORITY - .�_ �__... � _��_� =_- =-
DISTRICT DOES &OT REQUIRE DETENT;ON FOR DISCHARGE 25' rt Pf�P 1�' YrA 1VIN .. � �5'
INTO 9'X6' CULVERT ALONG E. BARBOURS CUT BLVD. � � BARBOURS CUT TER iAL FROPEfUY LkNE
2. EXISTING LI.E. TO .a raaorlr r FINAL PLAT AT F ENTRY PRE- I ILI' ` 1 - IRR;GwATEr E)
A LATER DATE. vf�
00 E -BARBO R CUT BLVD - (IRI ]�riE�N}
. r n. I.:�i PORTE, TE A T 1 ` s ! IES.. r Elk ura>= 140 I��
. FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT WILL BE SUBMITTED AT A LATER -
IDATE. � 1{]' ( CONCRETE PVMT �Q+�W- -:_--
DU MPSTF- SHALL BE SCREENED WITH 10' x 8' BRICK rtI I�1 °" )
4. I IDS ET 8� C
WALL ENOLO URE WITH PAINTED, METAL GATE, 1� sl�Atr� S.E: NT,S_5. PARKING LOT SHALL BE CONCRETE PALVEMENT. • �
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SHALL BE HOODED AND SHALL INCT BE VISIBLE FROM PARKING COUNT. �' I�aaIC� :) WHEEL STOPS
THE NEIrGH&ORING RESIDENCE IN COMPLIANCE 11',�ITI-I 2s REGULAR SPAT-`>=S
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D-EVELPOER OWNER IS IS RESPONSIFILE FOR THEIR
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1T3 iP1'L AAUTHORITYTIFICAT'IONFLOOD SITE PLAIT Ac L}RA URT�ICATE sul�v�r AdONu�aly23 NO. ere
This is to certify that the City Planning ommission of the City
#' La 1�ort Taxers lxalw approved 1i1�i� hr+fajar 7�eveio}7rnent i�� Thisteact is in arxc 'X and not within Ilia 'i 00 Year Flood 1, F[leh'niro Castillo, a1� registered undcr the laws of the State of [Ircxas �
o pP Plain aocordi>ng to the FFI A snap #�48201 09451, revised to practice the profession of engineering and hereby certify that above
Plan in conformance with the law-S Of the State of Texas and November G, 199�plat or site platy is true and correct; and that all bearings, distances,
the ordinances of the City of La Porte and authorized Ove. angles, ourvo radiuses, and central angles are accumb--ly s1nn n on the
the recordfing of this Major Dcvelogment Site Plan this day site plan.
VIE D1ELPE
of 2004. kr ti Tj
OF#�# i PORT 1104�TOC1 AUTHORITY
t
P.D. BOX 2562
By: `. _ . ;' Wcimiro Castillo, P.E. H O T f J, T }C 77252
�� EQ�I_k1i "CAS LLD � Texas Regisii�sii�ta l�i�. $975� i i. THOtAA I' ORNE AYN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
........................
4�1
�ireei or, Platlnirtg Department f 7 .•'"
� �.e' .�'��*c; CONSULTING i= i [i EE
ATTEST:R
�4� �ti
h�l O FEA,TT S� I� I i� I-1 O L ENGINEERS
1 { 01 1 RI HMOND VENUE_, SUITE 2CO
La Porte amity Esigy leer CITY OF LAPORTE - PARKING REQUIF E IENTS HOLD TC)N, TX- 7704
WALT E R _ SONNE, P. E.
Required Parking=4(rrlin)� 3 10iD0Sf office spcice +1.5 non -office ernPIO}ees
By- Required Pflri<ing '-I- 43 1 000sf (1 000$f)---1 .'(S)
IIhR=an aPore lann�kng 'required Par ing--4 spaces+18 spa ces+7.5 spacesCONSULTINGENGINEER
And Zoning Commission Required Parking= 0 spaces
OMEGA ENGINEERS, INC.
Fur ing Provided = 28 Regular Spaces 16-750 PARK TECH PLACE, SUITE 120
By-- (Affix Commission Sear) 2Accessible SPcIccu FIO Li T N, TIC. 77084-
ECre IL _ Trial Palrkwr► �E��IIIR� �YT1Li-, P.E.
Planning and Zoning
cornmission
C
i
10C�' 5 ' O 1Oa'
SCALE: 1 ""=1 O0'
TOTAL. AREA = 20.769 ACRE
LOB"COVERAGE =
'10.07 ACRES 48. %
SITE PLAN
PORT OF HdUSTON AUTHORITY
ENTRY PRE -CHECK FACILITY
BARBOURS CUT TERMINAL
00 E. BARBOURS UR UT BLVD.
LA P]TE, TEXAS
ZONING: II : PLA NE U[ IT DEVELOPMENT
RI
4aa�' N }
Staff Report
GROUP CARE FACILITIES
Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Background
November 17, 2011
Group care facilities (aka group homes, community homes, residential personal care homes,
living centers and assisted living centers) are a vital part of today's society and the industry is
growing rapidly.
As discussed at the October 20th P&Z workshop, current zoning Sect. 106-331, Table A
identifies group care facilities [SIC Code 48361 — Residential Care] as "conditional" in a high -
density residential (R-3) zone and prohibits the facilities in both low -density (R-1) and mid -
density (R-2) zones. However, this prohibition can conflict with Federal Fair Housing laws if
otherwise legally permissible facilities are operated in residential areas, in many situations.
Staff reviewed the listed establishments under SIC Code 48361 and have identified them as
"protected", "excepted" or "typical for residential use". The SIC listing has been amended for
the Commission's review and language to "except" specific uses is now incorporated into the
proposed S. 106-331, Table A, residential uses.
Existing Requirements
Sect. 106-1. Definitions.
Group care facilities means residential facilities designed to provide a transition from traditional
treatment facilities to normal daily living for special populations such as the mentally retarded,
physically handicapped, or substance users. These facilities include but are not limited to half-
way houses and group homes.
Group Care Facilities
Zoiring Ordinance Amendment
Page 2 of 8
Sec. 106-331. Table A, residential uses.
AAccessory uses (subject to requirements of section 106-741)
CConditional uses (subject to requirements of sections 106-216 through 106-218 and
designated criteria established in section 106-334 as determined by the planning and zoning
commission).
* not allowed.
Uses (SIC Code #)
Zones
R-1
R-2
R-3
MH
LL
Group care facilities no
C
closer than 1,000 feet to a
similar use 836)
Freestanding on -premises
See article VII of this chapter
identification sign;
townhouses, multi -family
developments, group care
facilities, subdivisions,
education and religious
facilities
Home occupations
A
A
A
A
A
A
Sec. 106-332. - Interpretation and enforcement.
Property uses, except as provided for by section 106-331, Table A, are prohibited and constitute
a violation of this chapter.
Sec. 106-333. - Table B, residential area requirements.
(a) Table B, residential area requirements.
Uses
Min.
Minimum
Minimum Yard
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
Maximum Lot
8
Lot
Lot
Setbacks L.F. F.R.S.
Height
Site
Dev. Open
Coverage/Min.
Area
Width
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11,
Area/Unit
Space/Unit
Landscaping
/D.0
L.F.
12,13,14,15
S.F. 5
S.F.
Required 9,19
S.F.
Group care
25-20-10
25 Ft.
N/A
N/A
N/A/6%
facilities (less
than 6) and day
care homes
Freestanding
See article VII of this chapter
on -premises
signs
Group Care Facilities
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Page 3 of 8
Sec. 106-874. - On -premises signs.
(a) Freestanding on premises signs.
(2) R-1, R-2, R-3, and MH districts.
a. One freestanding identification sign is permitted for townhouses, multifamily
developments, group care facilities, subdivisions, education and religious facilities.
b. For a bed and breakfast facility one sign not exceeding three square feet in area
and nonilluminated shall be allowed. This sign may be either mounted on the building
or located in a landscaped portion of the yard.
C. For a home occupation facility one sign not exceeding two square feet in area and
nonilluminated shall be allowed. This sign shall be mounted flat against the wall of the
principal building.
d. The size of the sign may not exceed 150 square feet.
e. There are no minimum yard setbacks.
f The maximum height is 45 feet.
(b) Attached on -premises signs.
(2) R-1, R-2, and MH districts.
a. The size of the sign may not exceed three square feet.
b. No portion of the sign may have a luminous greater than 200 footcandles and
may not move, flash, rotate or change illumination.
(3) R-3, CR, NC, GC, BI, LI, and HI districts.
a. The cumulative size of the signs may not exceed 15 percent of the wall area.
b. If located closer than 50 feet to an R-1, R-2, or MH district, the sign may not
flash and must be designed so that it does not shine or reflect light into adjacent
residences.
C. One attached canopy sign may be displayed. Such sign shall not exceed 30
percent of the canopy area. Such sign must be contained within the physical limits of
the canopy and shall not extend above or below the canopy.
Group Care Facilities
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Page 4 of 8
Analysis
• Table A needs amendment to reflect group care facilities as "protected", "excepted" or
"typical for residential use".
• An evaluation of the listed establishments in Standard Industrial Classification (SIC)
Industry Group # 836 (residential care), Industry 48361 is required.
• To ensure visual compatibility with residential neighborhoods, current sign regulations
should be amended to coordinate with all residential zones in Table A.
• Utilize the current 1,000 feet distance regulation in Table A, but amend the table to
include all residential zones.
Recommended Requirements
• Amend the group care facilities definition.
• Amend group care facility requirements in Table A (Uses) & Table B (Area
Requirements) with accompanying criteria
• Amend sign regulations to address use of group care facility signage within all residential
neighborhoods
• Consider "draft' application for issuance of a Group Care Facility Registration
Certificate (See Attached)
Sect. 106-1. Definitions.
Group care facilities means residential facilities providing food and shelter to persons who are
unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment, designed to provide a transition from traditional
treatment facilities to normal daily living for special populations such as the elderly, mentally
retarded, physically handicapped, or substance users. These facilities include but are not limited
to half -way houses and group homes.
Group Care Facilities
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Page 5 of 8
Sec. 106-331. Table A, residential uses.
P (A4E a - k)—Permitted uses (subject to designated criteria established in S. 106-334).
Uses (SIC Code #)
Zones
R-1
R-2
R-3
MH
LL
Group care facilities
(similar to SIC Industry
Group #836 - Except
halfway homes for
delinquents and
offenders, juvenile
correctional homes,-
orphanages,- homes for
destitute men & women, -
self -help group homes for
persons with social or
personal problems, and
training schools for
delinquents) :
(3) or less persons
P 0)
P Q)
P Q)
P 0)
P 0)
(4) or more persons
P (k)
P (k)
P (k)
P (k)
P (k)
Freestanding on -premises
see article vll of this chapter
identification sign;
townhouses, multi -family
developments, group care
facilities (except when
located within a
residential neighborhood),
subdivisions, education
and religious facilities
Group Care Facilities
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Page 6 of 8
Sec. 106-334. Special use performance standards; residential.
0) Group care facilities that provide food and shelter to 3 or fewer persons (aka community
homes, residential personal care homes, living centers, assisted living centers and similar uses as
identified in SIC Industry Group #836 (Residential Care), Industry #8361.
1. Location: Facilities shall be permitted as a use -by -right in R-1 Low Density
Residential, R-2 Mid Density Residential, R-3 High Density Residential, MH
Manufactured Housing and LL Large Lot Districts.
2. Distance Requirement: Group care facilities shall not be closer than 1,000 feet to
a similar use (SIC Industry Group #836). Measurement shall be from the nearest
boundary of the sites on which they are located.
3. Signa e_: Group care facilities located within a residential neighborhood shall be
allowed to have one (1) sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, non -illuminated
and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
4. Visual Compatibility: There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the
building or premises. No structural alterations shall be permitted that will cause the
group care facility to be substantially distinguishable from other surrounding residential
properties.
5. Registration Requirement: Facilities providing food and shelter to three (3) or
fewer persons, who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment, shall comply with
all city regulations and register their facility with the City annually by obtaining a Group
Care Facility Certificate. The certificate cost shall be at the rate established in Appendix
A, fees, of this Code, shall expire on December 31st of each year. Such fee shall be
payable to the City on or before December 15th for the next succeeding calendar year.
The fee provided for in this article shall not be subject to proration or reduction for
payment for a period of less than twelve (12) calendar months. Operation of a facility
without first having obtained the required certificate shall be deemed a violation this
article.
6. Payment of Taxes: All ad valorem taxes on any and all property, personal or real,
necessary to the operation of the facility must be paid prior to the issuance or renewal of
the certificate.
7. Display of Registration Certificate. Every facility so registered shall display an
active registration certificate in a conspicuous place, within the facility common area, so
as to be easily seen by the public.
8. Access to the Facility: City personnel shall have right -of -entry to ensure safe
habitability and public safety. City personnel shall advise on -site facility personnel of the
purpose of their visit.
9. Annual Inspection: The Fire Marshal's Office shall perform a minimum of one
(1) annual inspection for each group care facility. Facilities shall comply with all
applicable city codes, ordinances, policies and regulations.
Group Care Facilities
Zoiring Ordinance Amendment
Page 7 of 8
(k). Facilities shall be in compliance with State regulations pertaining to group care facilities.
To ensure compliance with state regulations, a copy of the facility's active State license shall be
provided to the City, when requested by city staff.
Sec. 106-333. - Table B, residential area requirements.
(a) Table B, residential area requirements.
Uses
Min.
Minimu
Minimum Yard
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
Maximum Lot
8
Lot
m Lot
Setbacks L.F. F.R.S.
Height
Site
Dev. Open
Coverage/Min.
Area
Width
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11,
Area/Unit
Space/Unit
Landscaping
/D.U.
L.F.
12,13,14,15
S.F. 5
S.F.
Required 9,19,
S.F.
20
GFG61P Gape
faGilitieS (loco
2F�0
2a-Ft
14A
N/A
nv�4
day Gape
hAmps
State Licensed
& Registered
Child-care
homes
(Max. (12) in
9100
private home;
6000
50
25-15-5
35 Ft.
4.8
N/A
40% / N/A
per Tx. Dept.
DU/A
of Family &
Protective
Services,
Chap. 747)
Group care
facilities -
9100
(3) or less
6000
50
25-15-5
35 Ft.
4.8
N/A
40% / N/A
persons
DU/A
Group Care Facilities
Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Page 8 of 8
Sec. 106-874. - On -premises signs.
(a) Freestanding on premises signs.
(2) R-1, R-2, R-3, MH and LL districts.
a. One freestanding identification sign is permitted for townhouses, multifamily
developments, group care facilities (except when located within a residential neighborhood),
subdivisions, education and religious facilities.
(b) Attached on -premises signs.
(2) R-1, R-2, R-3, MH and LL districts.
a. The size of the sign may not exceed three square feet.
b. No portion of the sign may have a luminous greater than 200 footcandles and
may not move, flash, rotate or change illumination.
c. Signa e_: Group care facilities located within a residential neighborhood shall be
allowed to have one (1) sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area, non -illuminated
and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
(3) R7-37 (R, NC, GC, BI, LI, and HI districts.
a. The cumulative size of the signs may not exceed 15 percent of the wall area.
b. If located closer than 50 feet to an R-1, R-2, or MH district, the sign may not
flash and must be designed so that it does not shine or reflect light into adjacent
residences.
C.
One attached canopy sign may be displayed. Such sign shall not exceed 30
percent of the canopy area. Such sign must be contained within the physical limits of
the canopy and shall not extend above or below the canopy.
Action by the Commission
1. Discuss the issues
2. Review attached "draft' application for a Group Care Facility Registration Certificate
3. The Commission may elect to:
➢ Continue the review and public hearing to another meeting date
➢ Complete the review and close the public hearing
➢ Forward their recommendations to City Council
sic
8361 RESIDENTIAL CARE
Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of residential
social and personal care for children, the aged, and special
categories of persons with some limits on ability for self -care, but
where medical care is not a major element. Included are
establishments providing 24-hour year-round care for children.
Boarding schools providing elementary and secondary education
are classified in Industry 8211. Establishments primarily engaged
in providing nursing and health -related personal care are classified
in Industry Group 805.
Alcoholism rehabilitation centers,
Homes for children, with health care
residential: with health care incidental
incidental
Boys' towns
` a " Homes for destitute men & women
Children's boarding homes
Homes for aged, with health care
Children's homes
incidental
Children's villages
Homes for the deaf or blind,
Drug rehabilitation centers, residential:
with health care incidental
with health care incidental
Homes for the emotionally disturbed,
Group foster homes
with health care incidental
Halfway group homes for person with
Homes for mentally handicapped,
social or personal problems
with health care incidental
a " Halfway homes for delinquents and
Homes for physically handicapped,
offenders
with health care incidental
a " Correctional homes
Rest homes, with health care incidental
Old soldiers' homes
11V Self-help group homes for persons
a " Orphanages
with social or personal problems
Rehabilitation centers, residential: with
` a " Training schools for delinquents
health care incidental
LEGEND:
Highlighted = Protected "Y' = Excepted 0= Typical for Residential Use
APPLICATION FOR
GROUP CARE FACILITY
REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE
Regulations are applicable to group care facilities housing three (3) or fewer persons who
are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment. [Standard Industrial Classification
(SIC) Industry Group # 836; Industry 48361 (Residential Care)]
NEW:
ANNUAL FEE
EXPIRATION DATE
RENEWAL: AMENDMENT:
$100.00 (FEE SHALL NOT BE PRO -RATED)
DECEMBER 31ST OF EACH YEAR.
(SUBJECT TO RENEWAL BY 12/15TH OF EA. YEAR)
ORDINANCE #: ???????? Effective ??????
---PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY ---
ADDRESS OF FACILITY:
FACILITY NAME:
OWNER'S NAME
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY /STATE/ZIP:
CONTACT NUMBER(s):
MAXIMUM 4 OF PERSONS HOUSED:
GROUP CARE FACILITY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE APPLICATION Page 2 of 3
I, , hereby acknowledge that I am the
owner of the facility and that the information provided in this application is factual. I
understand that failure to comply with applicable city regulations (see below) constitutes
a violation of the City's zoning regulations.
Sec. 106-334. Special use performance standards; residential.
0) Group care facilities that provide food and shelter to 3 or fewer persons (aka
community homes, residential personal care homes, living centers, assisted living centers
and similar uses as identified in SIC Industry Group 4836 (Residential Care), Industry
48361.
1. Location: Facilities shall be permitted as a use -by -right in R-1 Low
Density Residential, R-2 Mid Density Residential, R-3 High Density Residential,
MH Manufactured Housing and LL Large Lot Districts.
2. Distance Requirement: Group care facilities shall not be closer than 1,000
feet to a similar use (SIC Industry Group 4836). Measurement shall be from the
nearest boundary of the sites on which they are located.
3. Signa _e: Group care facilities located within a residential neighborhood
shall be allowed to have one (1) sign not exceeding two (2) square feet in area,
non -illuminated and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building.
4. Visual Compatibility: There shall be no change in the outside appearance
of the building or premises. No structural alterations shall be permitted that will
cause the group care facility to be substantially distinguishable from other
surrounding residential properties.
5. Registration Requirement: Facilities providing food & shelter to three (3)
or fewer persons, who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment, shall
comply with all city regulations and register their facility with the City annually
by obtaining a Group Care Facility Certificate. The certificate cost shall be at the
rate established in Appendix A, fees, of this Code, shall expire on December 31"
of each year. Such fee shall be payable to the City on or before December 15th for
the next succeeding calendar year. The fee provided for in this article shall not be
subject to proration or reduction for payment for a period of less than twelve (12)
calendar months. Operation of a facility without first having obtained the
required certificate shall be deemed a violation this article.
6. Payment of Taxes: All ad valorem taxes on any and all property, personal
or real, necessary to the operation of the facility must be paid prior to the issuance
or renewal of the certificate.
7. Display of Registration Certificate. Every facility so registered shall
display an active registration certificate in a conspicuous place, within the facility
common area, so as to be easily seen by the public.
8. Access to the Facility: City personnel shall have right -of -entry to ensure
safe habitability and public safety. City personnel shall advise on -site facility
personnel of the purpose of their visit.
GROUP CARE FACILITY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE APPLICATION Page 3 of 3
9. Annual Inspection: The Fire Marshal's Office shall perform a minimum of one
(1) annual inspection for each group care facility. Facilities shall comply with all
applicable city codes, ordinances, policies and regulations.
Date
Zoning District: R-1
Sector #:
Taxes:
Tax Dept. Approval:
Inspection Approval:
X
Signature
--- City Use Only ---
R-2 R-3
HCAD #
MH or LL
NOTE: Not site specific, check company & individual
names and site)
X
Date
X
Name
Date Name
DO NOT COLLECT FEES/ISSUE CERTIFICATE UNTIL ITEMS ARE SATISFIED.
TAX APPROVAL RCVD: INSP APPROVAL RCVD:
Certificate # Copy of Rcpt Attached:
Certificate Expiration: December 31,
Date :
Original Appl./Cert. to Insp. File: Copy of Appl./Cert. to FMO:
S:ACity Planning Share\04-INSPECTIONS DIVISIONUnspections\Group Care Facility Certificate Apphcation.doc
As
8MW9;1
INFRASTRUCTURE AND
GROWTH CAPACITY
As detailed in Chapter 1, Demographic Snapshot, the City experienced
significant grozoth rates over a 20 ycr period from 1970 to 1990. More
recerutly, over the past tzoo decades, the rates of grozoth hove deceased and the
reunainin', developable areas hove becoinc finite. While there zoill still be
grozoth in population, the City must transition its focus from grccnfield to
infill development. Similarly, the City must transition its focus from adding
riczo irufrastructure, facilities, and services to orie focused oil the exparlsiorl
and uruaintenance of the systeurus that already exist. The decisions unade today
zoill have lasting effects oil the City's continued abilities to generate economic
grozoth and provide adequate, efficient, and fiscally responsible municipal
services to its citizens.
®1 Introduction
This chapter is closely related to other elements of this plan r,...r
addressing land use and community character, mobility, and
economic development as they relate to development, 2001 2011 Update
redevelopment, and the community's capacity to meet its
Ch. 6, Utility
demands for providing and improving public facilities and infrastructure Systems
services. The analysis and findings presented in this chapter are ch. 3, Infrastructure
Ch. 8, Community
based primarily on known factors regarding existing utility Facilities and Growth Capacity
infrastructure systems, programmed and anticipated utility Ch.11, Public Safety
improvements, existing staffing and service capabilities of the
police, fire, and EMS departments, and projected population
growth of the City. A general conclusion is that the community is in relatively
good shape to serve its existing development and also to accommodate new
infill development and population within its established jurisdictional
boundaries.
COMMUNITY VISION FOR LA PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
La Porte, like many communities, is increasingly challenged by limited fiscal
resources. While the City has benefitted economically over the years
because of its growth, now the City must focus more on maintenance,
rehabilitation, and replacement of aging infrastructure and to fix problem
areas, e.g., poor drainage, inefficient and redundant infrastructure, etc. In
addition, as detailed in Chapter 2, Land Use and Character, the City must
now provide additional attention and resources to promote new public and
private sector development and redevelopment/revitalization in already
existing areas. One of the ways to accomplish this is through public
investment in infrastructure and services.
2.2 Focus Areas, Goals, Actions and Initiatives
Throughout the planning process a number of issues were identified
regarding storm drainage, flood control, and other public infrastructure, and
there was a general consensus about maintaining high quality public safety
services. These discussions formed the basis of the following focus areas,
along with an analysis of existing conditions and review of current programs,
plans, and ordinances. Each focus area contains contextual information, key
planning considerations, goals, (and their rationales), and advisable
implementation actions and initiatives. The areas of focus are as follows:
• Focus Area I — Improved Flood Control and Drainage;
�It1ag@ CfjectlQrl � �'%%• Focus Area 2 — Adequate, Efficient, and Resilient Public Utilities;
• and Improving Public Safety Services; a**.
• Focus- • for Increased Sustainability.
Focus Area 1— Improved Flood Control and Drainage
Storm Drainage Summary
The City lies within three major watersheds; Armand Bayou, Clear Creek,
and Lower San Jacinto/Galveston Bay. The City's topography is generally
flat with an average elevation of 24 feet above sea level, and there is
approximately three miles of coastline along Galveston Bay.
Drainage collection in the built environment is through a combination of
methods. In the older areas, e.g., Old Town La Porte, collection is primarily
through open, roadside ditches. In the more recently developed areas,
e.g., Spencer Landing, collection is primarily through underground storm
sewers. (see inset) While there are identified drainage problems across
the City, the older areas have greater drainage and flooding problems.
As displayed in Map 3.1, Storm Drainage System, the City conveys its
storm drainage through approximately 35 miles of Harris County Flood
Control District (HCFCD) drainage channels, which constitute the City's
primary mechanism for surface drainage.' These primary drainage
1 La Porte Citywide Drainage Study by Klotz Associates, Inc., January 2009.
A COMMUNITY VISION LOB: LA PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE.
channels consist of natural bayous, man-made, but natural -looking
channels, and concrete channels. (see inset)
In 2007, the City participated in the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) sponsored Tropical Storm Allison Recovery Program
(TSARP), which resulted in revised 100-year flood maps (also known
as FIRMS, i.e., flood insurance rate maps) that became effective on
June 18, 2007.2 In 2009, the City undertook a City-wide drainage
study to identify, develop, and recommend improvements to
address drainage problems and lessen flooding and its impacts
across the City. In addition to natural causes common to coastal
areas (e.g., storm surge), the plan identified six reasons causing the
City's existing drainage and flooding problems.' They were:
1) Insufficient flow capacity in ditches and channels;
2) Ponding of waters in streets and adjacent properties;
3) Undersized storm sewers;
4) Temporary blockage of storm water inlets by debris;
5) Backup of storm waters in sewers; and
6) Lack of overland or sheet flow paths.
As part of that study, the City requested that past repetitive loss data
be studied to determine the level of severity of drainage and
flooding problems so that the City could identify priority projects on
a subdivision -level scale. The report identified 27 subdivisions that
had significant drainage or flooding problems, with Brookglen,
Creekmont Section 1, Glen Meadows, Fairmont Park East, Pinegrove
Valley, and Spencer Highway Estates being the highest ranked
problem areas .4
As solutions to these identified problems, the plan identified
remedies to correct current flooding and drainage problems, as well Im
as mitigation techniques to prevent future drainage problems that could
arise from new development. To address current drainage and flooding
problems, the plan recommended the following four types of projects:
1) Channel improvements;
2) Detention ponds for flood flow diversion;
3) Storm sewer upgrades; and
4) Development of relief swales.
o I
A COMMUNIT— VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
To address future drainage problems, the plan discussed two
common approaches: on -site detention and regional detention.
While there are benefits and costs for each, consideration must be
given to the fact that the City has a finite area remaining for both
physical and economic development purposes. When regional
detention is used, it creates multiple opportunities. First, it lessens
the amount of land needed to be set aside on each individual site
and maximizes the amount of land that is available for taxable
purposes, e.g., residences and businesses. When there is plenty of
land left to develop, this may not seem as important. However, when
there is limited land left to develop, i.e., the limited infill areas
remaining in La Porte, it becomes increasingly important. Indeed,
many of the remaining infill lands may be undeveloped because they
are constrained in one form or another, e.g., limited size, presence of
floodplain, incompatibility with adjacent property, etc. So there may
be mutual benefit to multiple property owners to pursue regional
detention options. Second, regional detention provides opportunity
for the joint purpose of detention and active and passive recreation.
Coincidentally, the Citywide Drainage Study identifies regional detention
locations (i.e., #'s 34, 36, 42, 43, and 44) that coincide with or abut
areas of park need as identified in Map 2.5, Park System Plan.
Coordinating regional detention efforts with park expansion efforts
would be a good way to improve flood control and maximize the
City's limited land and finite budgetary resources at the same time.
Finally, although the Citywide Drainage Study did not specifically
identify buy-outs of flood prone homes, it did recognize that some
buy-out may be necessary in the future. Currently, HCFCD has been
working in collaboration with willing home -owners to buy-out some
of the most flood prone homes in the Brookglen Subdivision.
However the City chooses to mitigate increased drainage stemming
from future development, i.e., on -site, regional, or a combination of
both, it is recommended that it be designed and constructed to
combine functionality with the cross purpose of creating an
attractive and sustainable public amenity that provides citizens with
accessible opportunities for active and passive recreation,
particularly trails.
Key Planning Considerations
Key planning considerations regarding the planning needs to improve
flood control and drainage, include:
1) Implementing the recommendations of the Citywide
Drainage Study so that it leads to actionable results.
2) Continuing to budget for capital projects that reduce the
chance of flood damage.
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS -2 10 L.PDATL
3) Reviewing existing ordinances that guide local development to ensure
that existing policies and implementation tools are in accordance with
best management practices.
4) Pursuing intergovernmental coordination with HCFCD and neighboring
cities in addressing drainage across the broader region.
5) Encouraging the joint use of detention areas for drainage and parks and
recreation amenities.
Based on these considerations, the following goals, actions, and initiatives
address specific issues and needs identified during the public participation
process (and outlined in Chapter 1, Plan Context).
GOAL 1: Improve the City's drainage system to reduce future flood evenra,
from causing impacts to life and property. I
Actions and Initiatives
1) In conformance with the specifications set forth in the Citywide Drainage
Study, construct the recommended relief swale and pipe upgrade
projects, including:
a. Pinegrove Valley: Relief Swale;
b. Brookglen: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
c. Fairmont Park West: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
d. Glen Meadow: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
e. Meadow Park: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
f. Fairmont Park: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
g. Creekmont Section 1: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
h. Fairmont Park East: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade;
i. Spencer Highway: Relief Swale;
j. Villa Del Rancho: Relief Swale;
k. Battleground Estates: Relief Swale; and
I. Old La Porte: Relief Swale and Outfall Pipe Upgrade.
2) In conformance with the specifications set forth in the Citywide Drainage
Study, construct the recommended channel improvement and pond
projects, including:
a. Fairmont Park, Fairmont Park East: Channel Widening;
b. Brookglen: Channel Lining;
c. Meadow Park, Villa Del Rancho: Channel Widening;
d. Lennox Gardens; L Street: Pond for Diversion;
e. Battleground Estates, Pinegrove Valley, P Street: Channel Lining;
f. Shady River: Channel Widening;
g. Woods on the Bay, Pine Bluff, Shady River: Channel Widening; and
h. Meadow Crest, Creekmont, Glen Meadows, Fairmont Park, Fairmont
Park West: Pond for Diversion.
3) Pursue inter -local agreements with the Harris County Flood Control
District (HCFCD) regarding maintenance of drainageways. This would be
for those drainageways where agreements may not already exist and for
A COMMUNIT— VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
which are of critical importance to the City. These agreements would
establish minimal acceptable levels of maintenance, where the City has
permission, under appropriate limitations and constraints, to perform
such maintenance for an agreed upon compensation or other
considerations.
4) Coordinate with HCFCD to jointly fund and develop mutually beneficial
flood control projects within the City.
5) Eliminate or minimize exceptions that allow development to occur within
the floodplain. Development exceptions should meet the specifications
identified in the Citywide Drainage Study.
6) Consider enclosing certain segments of the drainage ditches for use as a
recreational amenity, such as trail space, greenways, and landscaping.
7) Evaluate the requirements and standards for on -site detention including
a minimum site threshold, exemptions for sustainable practices, and the
placement, design, and function of basins and other improvements.
8) Consider modifying the Public Improvement Criteria Manual (PICM) for
stormwater design to incentivize or require, rather than "give
consideration," that design should be for multipurpose use, e.g.,
playgrounds, ballfields, miniparks, required green spaces, etc.
9) Facilitate the joint use of regional detention whereby there can be a
cost -share arrangement and agreement among multiple properties and
owners.
10) Pursue loan or grant funding from the Texas Water Development Board,
Governor's Division of Emergency Management, to implement flood
control improvement projects within the City.
11) Revise the standards and specifications for drainage features to
correspond with development character expressed by this plan. For
instance, "suburban" development requires a high percentage of open
space (either by way of larger lots or larger common areas), which allows
for on -site collection, infiltration, and positive surface (natural) drainage.
This contrasts with a more densely developed "urban" character that
requires an underground stormwater drainage system.
12) Require riparian buffers along stream and drainage ways to increase
filtration and improve water runoff quality.
13) Encourage adequate design of new developments to maintain
pre -development runoff conditions using development types with open
space preservation —such as cluster developments. This provides
necessary density for developers in exchange for conserving site
resources and preserving sufficient land for stormwater collection and
detention/retention.
14) Periodically update the Citywide Drainage Study to reflect changing
conditions.
Focus Area 2 — Adequate, Efficient, and Resilient Public Utilities
The City's pattern of development over the course of its history has naturally
grown outward from its original settlement around what is now Downtown.
A COMMUNITY VISION FOR LA PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE.
The City's earlier development was generally compact as a result of the grid
street system, traditionally smaller lots and home sizes, and less reliance on
the automobile. More recently, the development reflects a contemporary
design with curvilinear street systems, the use of cul-de-sacs, and larger
more irregularly shaped lots. Similar to many communities across the United
States, the increased reliance on the automobile has caused more spread out
patterns of development. To serve this development has required a greater
degree of public infrastructure that must now be maintained.
Water Summary
The supply of water is a significant long-term issue for any community, which
must be planned well in advance of future needs. The primary source of
water for the City is from the City of Houston via the La Porte Area Water
Authority, which supplies treated surface water to the cities of La Porte,
Morgan's Point, and Shoreacres. Treated surface water is delivered
to six City water plants and deposited in groundwater tanks. As
displayed in Map 3.2, Water Supply and Distribution System, the six
water plants are located at:
• Fairmont Park (Hillridge) Water Plant;
• Plant 3 (Fairmont/41" Street) Water Plant;
• Plant 4 (Broadway) Water Plant;
• Plant 5 (S. 251" Street) Water Plant;
• Plant 7 (Bandridge) Water Plant; and
• Plant 9 (Humprheville) Water Plant.'
Although each of these water plants distribute surface water, they
are also capable of distributing groundwater supplied from seven
wells located throughout the City.' This capability exists because the
City previously and exclusively utilized groundwater for its water
source up until the 1980s when the City transitioned to the surface water
used today.
After leaving the water plants and the groundwater tanks, the treated water
is then re -pumped into the City's four elevated water tanks and into the City -
operated water distribution system. The four elevated storage tanks (EST)
are:
• Main EST;
• Fairmont EST;
• Lomax EST; and
• Bayshore EST.
5 City of La Porte Water Master Plan by HDR and Claunch & Miller. October 2009.
' La Porte's surface water is sourced by the Trinity River and is treated by the City of
Houston's Southeast Water Purification Plant. La Porte's groundwater is sourced
from seven groundwater wells tapping into the Gulf Coast Water Aquifer. City of La
Porte Water Quality Report for 2010.
A COM UI IT-1' VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
The water supply system is constantly providing potable water to residential,
commercial, and industrial customers while at the same time providing
adequate pressure for needed fire flows. Overall, the City's water
distribution system serves 14,187 water service connections (i.e., individual
water meters) through 231 miles of water mains,' resulting in an average
daily consumption of 3.963 million gallons per day.8
In 2009, the City worked with consultants to produce a Water Master Plan,
which evaluated (using Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
requirements) the existing system under current conditions, with immediate
known development (i.e., development within the next five years) and under
ultimate build -out conditions. To determine the future build -out conditions,
the remaining undeveloped land within the City was estimated to reach a
population of approximately 52,540 persons, which would translate to an
equivalent of 21,746 water service connections.9 Coincidentally, the
population projections correspond to the Year 2060 estimates provided by
the Texas Water Development Board.10 Based on these projections, it was
determined that the City already has an adequate water supply to meet the
needs of its build -out population.11 However, recommended improvements
were identified to ensure the overall system is capable of serving the build -
out population.
To implement the necessary improvements, the plan indicated that the City
would have to spend approximately $400,000 to $600,000 annually over the
course of 10 years. Its recommendations were based on three priorities: 1)
improving the water service in the Lomax Area, 2) removing bottlenecks in
the system and improve system performance, and 3) make improvements to
accommodate future growth within the City.
Wastewater Summary
' City of La Porte Website. Retrieved on 10/12/11.
8 City of La Porte Water Master Plan 2009, Table 2 on Water Usage 2003 through
2008.
9 The future built -out population projection of 52,540 persons was calculated based
on applying a fire flow calculation to the remaining undeveloped areas within City
limits. City of La Porte Water Master Plan 2009.
10 Population projections by the Texas Water Development Board and Region H
Water Planning Group indicated a 2060 City of La Porte population reaching 52,539
persons. Texas Water Development Board, 2011 Regional Water Plan, City
Population Projections for 2000-2060.
11 City of La Porte Water Master Plan 2009.
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS —? 1st L.PDATE
As displayed in Map 3.3, Wastewater System, the City maintains an
extensive system of 36 lift-, stations Lincluding the lift station serving the
Sylvan Beach Pavilion that is currently inactive} and 187 miles of force mains
and gravity sewers.12 The City also operates the Little Cedar Bayou
Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located on South 4t" Street at
Cedar Bayou, which has a permitted capacity of 7.56 million gallons
per day (mgd) by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
(TC EQ) .
The existing wastewater treatment plant was designed in 1980 and
put in service in 1982. The plant was expanded in 1986 and again in
2010. These expansions allow the City to treat approximately 21.8
mgd for a peak two hour period (usually during large storm events).
At present, the City treats an average . 332 mgd (calculated as an
average daily flow f9F - G9RseeHti,.,_e +"r^^ w ^*" ^ ^'2006-2010),
which puts the plant at about 42 percent of its permitted
sm
capacity (see inset on TCEQs "75/90" rule). With the latest round of
improvements, the plant will accommodate the City's build -out population13
In addition, the City also still contracts with the Gulf Coast
Waste Disposal Authority (GCWDA) f9F n-.-' mgdl ^f r - o+„at a
n_e,gotiated fee, currently $0.20 per 1,000 gallons, for up to 0.5 mgd.
Post treatment, the majority of the water is released into the Little
Cedar Bayou. However, during certain times of the year, particularly
summer, the City utilizes a maximum of 600,000 gallons per day (gpd)
to irrigate the Bay Forest Golf Course and the soccer fields at Little
Cedar Bayou Park.
The City has been proactively monitoring and replacing aging
infrastructure. Currently, the City has budgeted approximately •
$350,000 per year to reduce inflow and infiltration (1/1) problems in •
the wastewater collection system. Over time, pipes, valves, and •
manholes start to deteriorate consequently, allowing the inflow and
infiltration of stormwater/groundwater into the wastewater collection
system. This increases the volume of wastewater that must be treated ' a
by the WWTP. The additional volume also increases the wear and tear
on plant infrastructure and can prematurely cause the City to
unnecessarily expend funds on plant capacity increases. The City has
also been proactive in replacing, consolidating, or eliminating its lift
stations. As late as 2008, the City had 40 lift stations; today 36. In
2003, the City commissioned a lift station evaluation study to
determine the highest priority projects. By 2008, four out of five of
those projects were complete. The City then commissioned a second lift
12 City of La Porte Website. Retrieved on 10/12/11.
13 Interview with the City of La Porte Public Works Director.
A COM UNIT-1' VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
station evaluation study to determine the next five highest priority projects.
That evaluation study identified the following priority projects as well as a
need for $2,082,000 in funding 14:
• Lift Station 10_Jcompleted as of 2011J,
• Lift Station 13;
• Lift Station 14;
• Lift Station 19; and
• Lift Station 37 (scheduled for completion Jan. 2012).
Key Planning Considerations
1) Addressing long-term expansion and rehabilitation needs within the
existing systems through targeted capital improvements (e.g., to address
deteriorated older pipes, increasing line sizes, removing dead -ends, and
adding additional water storage).
2) Supporting effective, ongoing planning and system monitoring — in
parallel with land use and development tracking — to ensure that needed
infrastructure is available in the remaining areas of future growth and
the City's capital investment phasing and timing is on target with new
and continuing service demands.
., Improved data collection and analysis of public utilitV
needsinfrastructure systems to help prioritize the short- and long-term
maintenance for existing infrastructure.
Actions and Initiatives
1) Complete the geographic information system (GIS) mapping
database, i.e., Utility Mapping Program, by providing additional
resources to capture and input the necessary data for a complete asset
management program. (see inset) This system should be utilized to
maintain records on inflow and infiltration (1/1) problems and main
breaks, types and sizes of piping, dates of improvements and repairs,
and other information relevant to an asset management system. Data
should be used as a prioritization tool in the preparation of annual
budgets and capital improvement programs.
2) Conduct a system -wide condition analysis of all utility
infrastructure, i.e., storm sewer, water, and wastewater, to determine
an appropriate short- and long-term plan of action to repair,
rehabilitate, or replace existing utility infrastructure. Information
should be entered into the Utility Mapping Program to identify
targeted geographic areas with the greatest needs.
3) Allocate the necessary funding on an annual basis to
implement the corrections identified in the conditions analysis so that
the City's limited funds can be expended in a cost-effective, efficient,
and timely manner to correct the greatest areas of need.
14 HDR/Claunch & Miller Lift Station Evaluation Study. 2008
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS - 2010 L.PDATL
4) Continue inter -departmental coordination between the Planning,
Engineering, and Parks and Recreation Departments to offer inspection
services and plans for enhancement/redevelopment of public facilities
servicing the community. Utilize these annual inspections to set priorities
for funding in the Capital Improvement Program.
d distribution
Actions and Initiatives
1) Plan accordingly to budget approximately $400,000 to $600,000 per year
to expand and/or upgrade the City's water system
infrastructure, plus additional funding as necessary to replace aging
infrastructure in -kind.
2) In conformance with the schedule and specifications set forth in the
Water Master Plan, construct the necessary water system improvements
as identified below:
a. 2011: 12-inch water line on N. L. Avenue (Phase 1);
b. 2012: 12-inch water line on N. L. Avenue (Phase 2);
c. 2013: 12-inch water line on N. L. Avenue (Phase 3);
d. 2014: 12-inch water line on Bandbridge Road, Somerton Drive,
Spencer Highway; and Venture Lane;
e. 2015: 8-inch water line on Airport Boulevard and on N. 3rd Street.;
f. 2016: 12-inch water line on N. 81" Street and W. Barbours Cut; and
g. 2017: 12-inch water line on Lomax School Road.
3) In response to development proposals, coordinate with the private
sector to ensure the construction of the following water system
infrastructure improvements as identified in the Water Master Plan:
a. 12-inch water line on N. Avenue P;
b. 12-inch water line on Bay Area Boulevard (completed as of 2011};
and
c. 12-inch water line on State Highway 225.
4) In conformance with the specifications set forth in the Water Master
Plan, improve booster pump capacity at the following locations:
a. Phase II: West 251" Street Water Plant prior to 14,885 water service
connections, estimated to occur around 2015 (completed as of
2011 ;
b. Phase III: Hillridge Water Plant prior to 15,584 water service
connections, estimated to occur around 2020;
c. Phase IV: Fairmont/4t" Street Water Plant, prior to 16,958 water
service connections, estimated to occur around 2040;
d. Phase V: Broadway Water Plant, prior to 18,182 water service
connections, estimated to occur around 2040; and
e. Beyond 2040 through build -out: S. 25t" Street Water Plant
completed as of 2011} and Bandridge Water Plant.
5) In conformance with the specifications set forth in the Water Master
Plan, construct a new 700,000 gallon elevated storage tank prior to
A COMMUNIT— VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
18,500 water service connections that are estimated to occur by the Year
2041.
6) Identify and eliminate any remaining dead-end water mains.
7) Periodically review the existing Surface Water Supply Contract to ensure
that it will provide the necessary amount of water to supply the City's
build -out development. At minimum, a review should be conducted if
water use per capita increases to 400 gallons per day.
8) Continue to fund and implement an aggressive maintenance program
and annual water line replacement program. This has become
particularly important due to deficiencies identified during the recent
drought, e.g., some of the existing concrete asbestos piping in the City
has shown not to be as durable as other types of piping, and thus should
be prioritized for replacement.
9) Periodically update the Water Master Plan, Water Conservation Plan,
and Drought Contingency Plan to reflect changing conditions.
capacityGOAL 4: Sufficient and efficient wastewater systems and
accommodate the build -out population and compliance with state/fecle rl
Actions and Initiatives
1) Conduct a feasibility study to determine if the wastewater treatment
plant (WWTP) can be improved to increase the total available quantity of
reuse water and to determine where additional public or private reuse
opportunities in the City might be located.
2) Continue to allocate approximately $350,000 annually to combat
infiltration and inflow (1/1) problems and thus, minimize the amount of
water reaching the WWTP that does not need to be treated.
3) Continue to allocate funding, as needed, to conduct lift station
evaluation studies as means for identifying the highest priority lift
stations to be replaced, consolidated, or eliminated. Currently, funding
should be allocated to upgrade the following projects as identified in the
most recent Lift Station Evaluation Study:
a. Lift Station 10_jcompleted as of 2011 ,
b. Lift Station 19;
c. Lift Station 37_Jscheduled for completion Jan. 2012 ,-
d. Lift Station 14; and
e. Lift Station 13.
4) Continue to allocate funding to replace, consolidate, or eliminate at least
one lift annually per the recommendations identified in the lift station
evaluation studies.
5) Continue to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CBDG)
funds to increase the resiliency of infrastructure systems. This should
include, among other things, purchasing additional backup generators at
the WWTP to ensure sufficient operational capacity during power
outages.
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS -2 10 L.PDATL
Focus Area 3 - Maintaining and Improving Public Safety
Services
An increase in population, combined with new development and
redevelopment, will create an increased demand for public safety
services. To keep pace, the City must commit to a gradual expansion
of its Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Departments and invest in new facilities, equipment, and staffing to
ensure adequate service capabilities, responsiveness, and
geographic coverage in the coming years.
Police Services
The Police Department operates out of its headquarters at 3001 N.
23rd Street; a new 56,000 square foot police RgHRiGiPaI r^° 4
facility constructed in 2007. The building is the Police
Department's primary facility serving both its administrative and
general purpose needs.
The Police Department currently has 108 employees, two
reserve officers, and 96 dedicated volunteers;15 this includes 75
commissioned, full-time officers (including the Chief). The
department is divided into Patrol Operations and Support Services.
The Patrol Division is divided into three patrol shifts. It also operates
a traffic/commercial vehicle enforcement section, motorcycle patrol,
K9 units, bicycle patrol, SWAT team, as well as an Explosive
Ordinance Disposal (a.k.a. bomb disposal) unit. The Police Department's
service area is the City -limits, but they FespBREI off site to bethare
occasionally called upon to respond to neighboring jurisdictions such as
Shoreacres,.Morgan's Point, and areas in the ETJ where the County
Sheriff has jurisdiction.
The Support Services Division is divided into Criminal Investigations and
Support Services (e.g., community services, training, IT, building
maintenance, communications (i.e., E-911) and records, animal control, and
school resources officers). The City's joint E-911 dispatch center is located
within and staffed by the Police Department, which handles dispatch for all
emergencies for the Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Departments, as well as the Morgan's Point Police Department. During 2010,
emergency dispatchers dispatched 37,190 police calls, 1,582 fire calls, and
2,976 EMS calls for a total of 41,748 calls for service.
As the community continues to grow, the Police Department sees a need for
additional jailers and a full-time crime analyst, in addition to
adding patrol officers to keep pace with the new population. The Police
Department also foresees a need to expand portions of the current facility,
is La Porte Police Department 2010 Annual Report.
A COM UNIT-Y VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
rr rrr
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• •
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on a 2010 population of 33,800
persons, the La Porte Police
Irlil�pVlhJld°I�IrriVVVVPitrllry�IYr}4�lii,p,i'V�I,�'`rirbl�'�Vi,iPi4ru IIr�,�Y��h�i�Ipi�,Iltiylt����V�V�I,
Department is currently meeting
this standard. To maintain this standard to meet increasing future service
demands, the City will need to provide the necessary budgetary resources to
hire additional full-time officers concurrent with population growth. As
displayed in Table 3.1, Police Department Staffing Needs, the City will need
an additional 35 officers to support a 2030 population of 49,927 persons. In
addition to full-time law enforcement officers, the City will need to ensure
there is adon.
Fire Services
Fire protection is provided by the La Porte Fire Department, which covers the
City -limits, as well as contract fire protection services for the cities of
Morgan's Point and Shoreacres. The Fire Department does not have any
formal mutual aid agreements in effect except being a member of Channel
Industries Mutual Aid (CIMA), which is a non-profit organization combining
the fire -fighting, rescue, hazardous material handling, and emergency
medical capabilities of the refining and petrochemical industry in the
Houston Ship Channel area. Overall, the Fire Department's service area
exceeds 45 square miles.
The Fire Department is currently staffed via a combination of 14 full-time
firefighters and 52 volunteers. The volunteers are trained in-house during an
annual academy and are responsible for making 25 percent of the fires and
50 percent of the weekly drills. Full-time firefighters are certified as Texas
16Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crime in the United States, Uniform Crime Reports
2010, Table 71. RetFieved ^n an/an/a a
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS -? Ise L.PDATL
Firefighter I and must have two years' experience. The Fire
Department operates a total of four, 24/7 manned stations.
Their headquarters facility is located on 124 South 2nd Street and
is due for replacement in 2011. In addition, the Fire Department
operates three other stations that are manned 24 hours per day
by a full-time firefighter. The station locations are:
• Station 1— 124 South 2nd Street;
• Station 2 — 9710 Spencer Highway;
• Station 3 — 2400 Sens Road; and
• Station 4 — 2900 South Broadway.
The Fire Department also has a fire training facility, located at
12201 N. C. Street, which is used to provide hands-on training to
firefighters so that they become more confident and competent
in dealing with fire control and extinguish ments. The training
facility includes a concrete multi -story burn facility with a roof
simulator, drafting pit, railroad car simulator, and an 80 person
classroom.
For fire suppression response, the City utilizes two ladder trucks,
eight engines, two rescues, two command vehicles, two
grass/brush rigs, a foam trailer, and a fire rescue boat. In
addition to fire suppression capabilities, the Department is
capable of responding to emergencies dealing with heavy rescue
extrication; hazardous materials incidents; as well as high and
low angle rope, water, and confined space rescue. The Fire
Department budget is supplemented by a % of 1 percent
sales tax, which generates approximately $700,000 to $750,000
annually. Subsequent to the adoption of the last comprehensive
plan, the City has been working to reduce its Insurance Services
Office (ISO) rating.17 As part of this effort, the City has added
equipment and updated water systems, which has reduced the
ISO rating both within and outside the City from a "S /7" IQ ,a,;*"',
the Gity @Rd 7 eHtsidn'`°tV44'* 'W to a "2" for both inside and
outside City limits. In 2010, the Department was dispatched
1,582 times.
ISO Fire Rating Factors
As the community grows, the Department sees its biggest challenge is
keeping the volunteers active and generally doing more with less due to the
economy. As volunteer firefighter numbers and availability continue to
decline, primarily during the daytime hours, it may be necessary to add
additional paid personnel during those times to provide adequate staffing for
response. Another potential concern that may have to be addressed in the
future is the fuel source of the fire training facility. While the facility is
17 Insurance Services Office (ISO), Items Considered in the Fire Suppression Rating
Schedule (FSRS). Retrieved 10-10-11.
A COM UNITY VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT oczoBER 17, 2011
transition from__Lurning_hay to create fire condi
alternatejuel,j. hich will reduce or eliminate excess sm
They also foresee the need fora third dispatcher to
split Fire/ EMS so that 911 calls can be taken by call -taker and
dispatched by another.
Emergency Medical Services (EK0S)
Basic and advanced emergency life support services are provided by
the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, which covers
an approximate area of 75 square miles of incorporated,
unincorporated, and contracted areas (consisting of Bayport,
Battleground, Port of Houston — Barbours Cut Terminal, and
Mor0an's Point, \.The EMS Department consists of
2-9-26ifu||'tinne staff and three part-time staff consisting of a Chief,
Assistant Chief, two Captains,
paramedics (|, ||, and |||'s), EMS interns, and a billing specialist. The
EMS Department utilizes #s*p—fkeL_Mobi|e Intensive Care Unit
(M|CU) ambulances in its fleet and has two M|CU ambulances on -duty at all
times, along with t+*e�Advanced Life Support (ALS) first responder vehicles.
EMS Head is located at 104283pencer Highway and
was built in2007.|tconsists of4,000square feet ofliving and
administrative pace and 4^008 square feet of apparatus bays. B\�S
,Head_q,uarters cu,rrently houses all th[L2_22:��ambulances until the
LgZpletion of fires station 1_,_scheduled to be complete,d in late 2012,_as
which time one of the three on -duty ambujanc s will be housed at fire
station _1'_Currently, the EMS Department has mutual aid agreements with
the cities of Baytown, Deer Park, and Clear Lake, which, in 2010, were
utilized by the City approximately 74times and other agencies 104tirnes.
The City also staffs a part-time Bike Medic Team during special events and
for public safety education,m (see inset)
,_LQd_has s2ecially trained tactical
medics that a,re assigne to the Police Departmen 's SWAT team. |n2010,
the EMS Department responded to 3,120 emergency calls. Outside of
emergency response, the EMS Department offers a number ofprograms to
increase public awareness and health and safety of the community, including
blood pressure tracking, childhood immunizations, child safety seat
inspections, DWI awareness programs, and others.
As the community grows, the EMS Department sees its biggest challenge
being able to attract and retain qualified paramedics. Similar to the Fire
18The Bike Medic Team was implemented in February 2003 due to EMS providers
becoming more aware of the benefits of an extremely mobile team of responders,
particularly during crowded special events. Information retrieved from the La Porte
EMS Department VVebsite.
ACOMMUN8TYVISION FOR LAPORTE,TEXAS -281@UPDATE.
Department, they also foresee the need for a third dispatcher to
split Fire / EMS so that 911 calls can be taken by a call -taker and
dispatched by another.
Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and La Porte, Morgan's
Point, and Shoreacres Local Emergency Planning Committee
(LEPC)
The City of La Porte Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works
with local industry and surrounding agencies to mitigate natural
and man-made disasters by providing education on how best to
prepare and train for all types of emergencies. The OEM also
coordinates emergency response and recovery efforts when an
emergency occurs, including activation of the Emergency Operation
Center (EOC) during any major disaster. The OEM (and the EOC) is
located in the La Porte Police Department and is staffed with two
persons who work in coordination with other City departments and
the LEPC.
The La Porte, Morgan's Point, and Shoreacres Local Emergency
Planning Committee (LEPC) works with the City to develop
emergency plans and increase citizen awareness of the appropriate
actions to take during a chemical emergency. This is particularly important
given La Porte's coastal location and proximity to major industrial areas, such
as the Battleground, Bayport, and South La Porte Industrial Districts, where
there is, on any given day, potential for a plant fire or explosion, an
accidental chemical release, or a transportation -related incident.
The LEPC works closely with the cities, schools, and communities to
encourage emergency preparedness and provide shelter in place education
to those who live and work in and around the City.
As part of an overall emergency notification system, the LEPC utilize several
means of public notification, including:
• Emergency Sirens. The Outdoor Warning System is used to notify citizens
in the event of a chemical emergency. Currently, the system is comprised
of 12 sirens located throughout the area that are tested every Saturday
at noon.
• CAER Line. The Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER)
telephone system provides information about plant activities for
emergency and non -emergency messages.
• Connect-CTY. Connect-CTY is the City's latest system that allows the City
to contact citizens with important information by phone, email, and text
message.
• Radio Station AM 830. This a local emergency radio station maintained
by the LEPC, which broadcasts instructions during emergencies and
weather information/public service announcements otherwise.
A COMMUNIT—Y VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
• Alert Beacons. The beacons are stationed at all local schools to provide
shelter -in -place instruction directly to teachers and students.
Key Planning Considerations
Key planning considerations to maintain and improve public safety services
include:
1) Providing adequate staffing levels to meet basic response and operating
2)
3)
4)
5)
La Porte
`T`T ? f
standards, ensure personnel safety, and provide relief to personnel
routinely required to work extended hours.
Investing in sufficient facilities, in terms of location, design, and
functionality, to provide reliable response and service area coverage.
Budgeting adequately for the periodic acquisition — and maintenance —
of the numbers and types of vehicles necessary to support core
departmental responsibilities.
Targeting adequate resources to areas that pose particular challenges in
a growing community, including traffic- and school -related policing and
emergency response.
Continuing to pursue inter -governmental approaches to coordinate basic
functions and gain cost savings, while remaining sensitive to
administrative and operational challenges that may be involved.
6) Preparing for future population growth
while working to meet today's service demands
more efficiently and effectively.
Based on these planning considerations, the
following goals, actions, and initiatives address
specific issues and needs identified during the
public participation process (and outlined in
Chapter 1, Plan Context).
GOAL Provide for ongoing -dof
Police
of the population.
Actions and Initiatives
1) Periodically review the Police Department's
personnel needs and hire additional staff to
accommodate increased calls for service concurrent
with population growth. Utilize the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI) Crime in the United States
(latest edition) staff survey as a measurable
comparison for full-time law enforcement
professionals and civilian staffing needs. This could
include:
a. Full-time law enforcement officers
concurrent with population growth;
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LA PORTE, TEXAS -2 10 UPDATE.
b. One additional crime analyst;
C. One additional jailer per shift; and
d. One additional dispatcher per shift so
that Fire/EMS Departments have a
dedicated person taking and
dispatching their calls.
2) Construct a new joint 6,000 square foot
animal shelter that is sufficient to achieve
certification requirements.
3) Seek out partnerships, e.g., the La Porte
Independent School District and local
industries, to fund and construct the new La
Porte Safety Town facility to provide a safe
place for student hands-on learning/training
on such subjects as fire prevention, bicycle
safety, 911 training, stranger danger,
Internet safety, home hazards, severe
weather, and shelter in place, among others.
4) Upgrade the firing range so that it has
adequate lighting and a moveable target
system to increase officer preparedness in
emergency situations using force.
5) Establish a formalized replacement and procurement program for
vehicles and equipment to keep pace with state-of-the-art law
enforcement technology and capabilities. This could include:
a. Rotating cars every three years;
b. Replacing laptops and software in patrol cars in a timely manner.
6) Provide adequate funding to expand the amount and quality of more
cost-effective in-house training for patrol officers and other staff.
7) Continue to contract with Cry Wolf false alarm management solutions so
that the numbers of false alarms continue to decrease,19 thereby
reducing the potential of injury to public safety staff and citizens (due to
unnecessary dispatch and response) and increasing the amount of time
available for training and response to actual emergency situations.
8) Continue to pursue grant opportunities, e.g., the Texas Department of
Transportation's Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.), among
others, so that additional public safety programs can be provided at
minimal cost to taxpayers.
9) Continue to work in partnership with the La Porte Independent School
District to provide on -site School Resource Officers (SROs) to maintain a
19 According to the La Porte Police Department Annual Report 2010, there was a 34%
reduction (i.e., 2009:1,327; 2010: 871) in the number of false alarms in the City
attributed to active participation in the Cry Wolf program.
A COM UNIT— VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
visible presence on campuses for the safety of school children and
educators.
10) Continue to operate the Police Area Representative (P.A.R.) program,
which provides a specific liaison (based on zones) between the Police
Department and the community so that citizens have a resource to gain
assistance with non -emergent, but important problems, such as
abandoned vehicles, traffic problems, graffiti, and gang or drug -related
concerns.
11) Continue to provide the Citizen's Police Academy, a community
awareness program that provides hands-on demonstration and
interactive instruction during a 13 week course.
12) Continue to provide the Youth Explorer Program, which educates teens
interested in law enforcement as a career in such topics as crime scene
investigation, traffic enforcement, SWAT and patrol operations, and
criminal investigations.
13) Continue to prepare and publicly disseminate the La Porte Police
Department Annual Report.
14) Continue to maintain and keep up-to-date the Police Department's
pages on the overall City's Website.
Actions and Initiatives
1) Continue to pursue improvement in the City's Insurance Services Office
(ISO) ratings within and outside of the City. While the City's current
rating is very good, lowering it would result in reduced insurance rates in
addition to the benefits of improved response and, thus, the protection
of life and property. Consideration should be given to capital projects
that help improve the rating, including increased fire flows, looped water
systems, new hydrants, and a generally improved water supply.
2) Periodically review the Fire Department's personnel needs and hire
additional staff to accommodate increased calls for service concurrent
with population growth. Utilize the National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) or other suitable standard as a measurable comparison to
determine adequate staffing of paid and volunteer firefighters. This
could include conducting a manpower study specifically to determine
whether or not a second full-time firefighter is warranted at each fire
station.
3) Work in coordination with the Police and EMS Departments to add a
third dispatcher to the E-911 call center.
4) Establish a formalized replacement and procurement program for
vehicles and equipment to keep pace with state-of-the-art fire rescue
technology and capabilities. At a minimum, this should include a
replacement schedule as follows:
a. Engines: 20 years;
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS -2 10 L.PDATL
b. Ladder trucks: 25 years; and
c. Command vehicles: 10 years.
5) Continue Fire Department participation in the City's plan review process
so that water supply and other emergency response considerations are
incorporated into plans and plats for new development/redevelopment.
6) Continue Fire Marshal participation in the City's Building Plan Review
process and on -site inspections so that fire and life safety codes are
incorporated into construction plans and verified compliant during post -
construction inspections.
7) Adequately fund training opportunities for fire personnel to improve
personal skills and departmental capabilities. Utilize the new Fire
Training Officer to expand cost-effective in-house training capabilities.
8) Adequately support the Fire Department's efforts to convey the message
of fire prevention through programs such as CPR, first aid training, and
fire safety related school events.
9) Continue to monitor fire and building codes to determine if a newer
addition would achieve better life safety protection for the City.
10) Continue to conduct fire safety inspections of all businesses and public
facilities to ensure compliance with fire and life safety code
requirements.
11) Continue to prepare and publicly disseminate the La Porte Fire Code
Construction and Development Guide.
12) Continue to maintain and keep up-to-date the Fire Department and Fire
Marshal's pages on the overall City's Website.
GOAL 7: Provide for the ongoing needs of the City's Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) Department to ensure adequate protection of the
population.
Actions and Initiatives
1) Periodically review the EMS Department's personnel needs and hire
additional staff to accommodate increased calls for service concurrent
with population growth. This could include adding an additional Captain
to relieve the Assistant EMS Chief from being a shift commander. This
would allow the Assistant EMS Chief to dedicate more time developing
overall strategies to improve the operation of the EMS Department.
2) Work in coordination with the Police and Fire Departments to add a third
dispatcher to the E-911 call center.
3) Add a third 24/7 Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulance to each
shift to ensure adequate emergency life support service protection for
the citizens and visitors of La Porte.
4) Adequately support the EMS Department's efforts to improve the health
and safety of the community through such programs as the Childhood
Immunization Program, Child Safety Seat Inspection Program, Shattered
Dreams (i.e., bi-annual DWI awareness program for high school juniors),
"Vial of Life" Program (documentation and storage of medical
information in homes), as well as cyclist training (in coordination with
A COMMUNIT—Y VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
the International Police Mountain Biking Association) and CPR training
(American Heart Saver) at the bystander and healthcare professional
level, among others.
5) Continue the Bike Medic Program on a part-time basis during special and
public safety education events to bridge the gap between an on -foot
response and an ambulance response in crowded conditions. This is
particularly important due to the City's recent efforts to expand and
interconnect the trail system. Consider adding a periodic presence on
the City's overall trail system during non-event, peak summer days.
6) Continue to pursue joint partnerships with the La Porte Independent
School District, Galveston County Immunization Coalition, and Texas
Department of State Health Services to provide cost effective
educational and training programs to the community.
GOAL 8: Maximize public safety and protection of citizens during and affim
natural or man-made disasters.
Actions and Initiatives
1) Routinely update the Basic Emergency and Annex Q Plans to ensure that
they reflect changed conditions (the last update was posted 6/19/09)
and adequate resources in place for effective emergency response under
various scenarios.
2) Continue to coordinate with Harris County and other local jurisdictions
to promote better regional evacuation planning.
3) Ensure adequate City representation on the Local Emergency Planning
Committee (LEPC) so that the City's priorities are addressed and that
overall progress and effectiveness is routinely evaluated.
4) Continue to encourage and participate in regular and challenging
simulated emergency drills in coordination with the LEPC and other
appropriate entities to ensure a high level of readiness and to evaluate
the adequacy of emergency response plans.
5) Continue to coordinate closely with the LEPC to maintain an up-to-date
list of hazardous waste handlers and other facilities that could
experience toxic material releases or other dangerous situations during
severe weather.
6) In coordination with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and
LEPC, continue to maintain or expand emergency notification capabilities
to ensure citizen safety during and after natural and man-made
emergencies. This includes supporting the emergency siren system,
Community Awareness Emergency Response (CAER Line) telephone
system, Connect-CTY, Radio Station AM 830, and the system alert
beacons, among others.
7) Continue City support for OEM and LEPC school and community
outreach programs, e.g., Hurricane Awareness Week, Storm Surge
Markers, Shelter -in -Place signs in parks, neighborhoods, and along roads;
and the emergency preparedness guides, as well as special events, such
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS —? 1st L.PDATL
as the Health and Safety Fair, Sylvan Beach Parade, the Neighborhood
Centers Inc. Community Health Fair, and Christmas on Main Street,
among others.
Focus Area 4 — Need for Increased Susainaility
In recent years, there has been a renewed awareness and emphasis on
sustainable development practices. There are many approaches to seek
improved sustainability, one of which is the design and construction of new
(or redeveloped) building sites. Infusing Best Management Practices (BMPs)
and providing incentives for good design will move the City toward more
responsible development / redevelopment outcomes. Many of these
techniques also have the added benefit of enhancing community character.
Key Planning Considerations
Key planning considerations to maintain and improve public safety services
include:
1) Increasing water conservation through the use of Best Management
Practices (BMPs), Low Impact Development (LID), water conservation
programs, and additional landscaping to reduce demand for treated,
potable water.
2) Protecting important and finite natural resources such as air and water
quality, wildlife habitat, and open space lands.
3) Reducing solid waste to landfills through continued improvements in
recycling, composting, and diversion of solid waste from landfills.
4) Reducing the long-term operational costs of public infrastructure,
thereby maximizing the use of taxpayer dollars.
5) Increasing the amount of outreach to encourage both the private sector
and citizens of La Porte to adopt sustainable practices.
Based on these planning considerations, the following goals, actions, and
initiatives address specific issues and needs identified during the public
participation process (and outlined in Chapter 1, Plan Context).
Actions and Initiatives
1) Determine a plan of action to reduce per capita per day water usage by
five percent within five years of the most recent adoption of the City's
2009 Water Conservation Plan. In the same timeframe, maintain a level
of unaccounted water loss at 12 percent or less. Within 10 years, the City
should achieve a 10 percent reduction in per capita per day water usage
and maintain a level of unaccounted water loss at 10 percent or less.20
2) Adopt a long-term energy strategy to include an energy plan that
enumerates reduction goals based on the current energy usage. A
20 For the purposes of calculations, the 2009 Water Conservation Plan specified that
per capita water use is equated to the use per connection. The five- and 10-year
targets are based on a five- and 10-year rolling annual average.
A COM UNIT-Y VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE
DRAFT OCTOBER 17, 2011
modest reduction of 10 percent in building energy usage is
achievable under such plan.
3) Consider publicizing the City's progress in achieving the
above stated goals on the City's Website and through other forms of
public communication.
4) Analyze the current water rate structure to determine its
effectiveness in achieving reduced water consumption, particularly
from outdoor watering.
5) Consider sub -metering for all installed irrigation systems so
that individual watering of landscapes can be tracked and managed
over time.
6) Incentivize clustered development, e.g.; through density
bonuses, so that larger areas of natural resources are protected;
more natural areas are available for flood and drainage control, and
less infrastructure is required to serve the development; which
means that there will be less infrastructure for the City to maintain
over the long-term.
7) Consider methods that either encourage, by education and
information, or require/incentivize by regulation, water
conserving landscaping by residential customers and
commercial establishments. Municipal projects, e.g., gateways
and bridge treatments, public rights -of -way and other
landscaping, etc., should also be designed to survive in
prolonged drought conditions. This has become increasingly
more evident during the recent drought.
8) Periodically update the City's Best Management Practices
(BMPs) to ensure the City remains up -to -speed on the latest
available technologies.
9) Incorporate provisions in the zoning and subdivision
regulations for low impact development (LID) practices. This
approach uses site design techniques to store, infiltrate,
evaporate, and detain runoff, which address runoff volumes,
frequency, and water quality. Examples of site design elements
include on -lot micro -storage, functional landscaping, open
drainage swales, reduced imperviousness, minimal grades, and
depression storage. (see inset)
10) Require the use of bio-swales in parking lots and along
roadways to collect and hold stormwater, enhance recharge
rates, and improve water quality.
11) Use bio-retention areas or rain gardens to collect rainwater
after storms and divert it from the stormwater system. For
instance, runoff from parking areas can channel water into
constructed wetlands or native planting areas.
12) Consider phasing in incentives for private sector development
that meets an established third -party green standard, e.g.;
LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) or LEED for
A COMMUNITY VISI N FOR LAPORTE, TEXAS -2 10 L.PDATL
New Construction (LEED-NC), through reduced plan review
fees or review times, reduced tax rates, etc.
13) Consider pursuing third -party certification, e.g., LEED-NC, for
the design and construction of all new municipal projects.
Similar to the energy efficient and environmentally sound
Municipal Court Building, these sustainable projects can be
used as educational features (to inform residents about the
science and conservation efforts behind the pilot project), as
well as resulting in financial savings over the long-term,
Beyond standard building features, consider using municipal
projects as demonstration sites for such things as innovative
rainwater capture and treatment, xeriscaping, energy
production, etc.
14) Establish community drop-off recycling locations in each park.
As a long-term strategy, coordinate with Waste Management
to establish curbside recycling.
15) Continue participating in the Harris -Galveston Coastal Subsidence
District's program for educating elementary students about water
conservation.
16) Adopt a more proactive approach to educating the development
community and the general public including the use public property as
demonstration sites or including specific pages on the City's Website that
details the established public education program on water saving
measures, including how and where to
F®,F . , ®, ® , , , ®- find additional information.
A COMMUNIT— VISION FOR 1A PORTE, TEXAS - 2010 UPDATE