HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-12 Special Called Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission
City of La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda
Special CalledMeeting
Notice is hereby given of a of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission
May24, 20126:00
to be held on , at 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.Roll Call of Members
3.Consider approval of April 25, 2012, meeting minutes.
4.La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update
A.Review and discuss draft planChapters2and 6.
B.Review of revised Future Land Use Plan.
C.Identification of changes or revisions.
5.Administrative Reports
6.Commission Commentson matters appearing on agendaor inquiry of staff regardingspecific
factual information orexisting policy
7.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 May24, 2012, agenda of items to be considered by the Planning and Zoning
Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board on the ____ day of __________,2012.
Title: ______________________________
____________________________________________________
Out of consideration for all attendees of the meeting, please turn off all cell phones and
pagers, or place on inaudible signal. Thank you for your consideration.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of April 25,2012
Members Present:
Hal Lawler,Danny Earp, Doretta Finch,Lou Ann Martin,Richard Warren, Mark
Follis,and Phillip Hoot.
Members Absent:
Les Bird and Helen LaCour.
City Staff Present:
Assistant City Manager, Traci Leach; Planning Director, Tim Tietjens; City
Planner, Masood Malik; City Attorney, ClarkAskins;Planning Assistant,Shannon
Green.
1.Call to order
Meeting called to order by ChairmanHal Lawlerat 6:04p.m.
2.Roll Call of Members
Chairman Hal Lawlerasked for a roll call of members.
Les Bird & Helen LaCour were not present.
3.La Porte Comprehensive Plan Update
A.Review and consider approval of Chapters 1, 3, 4, and 5.
Staff along with consultants from Kendig Keast reviewed the changesandedits toChapters
1, 3,4& 5 from the sub-committee meetings.
Chapter 1 sub-committee members were;Mark Follis, Doretta Finch, and Les Bird.
Chapter 3 sub-committee members were;Mark Follis, Doretta Finch, and Richard Warren.
Chapter 4 sub-committeemembers were;Danny Earp, Phillip Hoot, and Lou Ann Martin.
Chapter 5sub-committee members were; Phillip Hoot,Lou Ann Martin, and Hal Lawler.
Staff presented a summary report of the changes made to Chapters 1, 3, 4, and 5.
Consultants of Kendig Keast received clarification and directionfrom the Commission to
incorporate all required information to the draft chapters for their final approval.
Commission Members directed staff to research the City’s heritage asa bird sanctuary.
Chapters2 & 6 will be presented toCommission members at the May 22, 2012, Planning
& Zoning Commission Meeting.
B.Determination of next steps in reviewing and commenting on Draft Plan.
Draft Chapters 2 & 6 were delivered to staff at the meeting. Staff will distribute to the
Commissioners for their review and comments. Land Use Study is complete. Future Land
Use Plan and comparison maps with existing zoning and existing land use will be delivered to
staff next week.
C.Discussion of Project Schedule
At the next review workshop, the Commission will review/discuss draft plan Chapters 2 & 6
along with the revised Future Land Use Plan.
4.Administrative Reports
There were none.
5.Commission Comments on matters appearing on agenda or inquiry of staff regarding
specific factual information of existing policy.
Commission members were pleased with the results from the sub-committee meetings and the
progression of the Comprehensive Plan Update. Commission members wantto continue to receive
community involvement in every aspect of city planning and growth.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes ofApril 25, 2012
Page2of 2
6.Adjourn
Motion to adjourn byRichard Warren. Second byPhillip Hoot.The motion carried.The meeting
adjourned at7:59p.m.
Ayes:Hal Lawler, Danny Earp, Doretta Finch,Lou Ann Martin, Richard Warren, Mark
Follis, and Phillip Hoot.
Nays:None
Abstain:None
Submitted by,
Shannon Green
Planning Assistant
Approved on this day of , 2012.
Hal Lawler
ChairmanPlanning and Zoning Commission
LU
ANDSE
AND
D
EVELOPMENT
C
HAPTER 2
As expressed in Chapter 1, Plan Context, La Porte will continue to be affected
and shaped by significant internal and external influences, changing
conditions, and changing priorities. This chapter and subsequent chapters are
intended to emphasize how the City can proactively respond to the influences
and conditions through policy and recommended programs, ordinances, and
investment to ensure the community in 20 years embodies the future the
citizens envision – a quality, sustainable, and highly livable community. This
chapter also introduces the concept of emphasizes the idea of "community
character," which considers more than the use of land, including the elements
of site and building design, the influence of adjacent sites, and use and
integration of open space, and the impacts and relationships between sites and
the built and natural environments. It emphasizes that the City could
consider the transition of community character at some appropriate time in
the future. It is these elements that collectively determine the character,
quality appearance, and livability of the community.
2001 vs. 2011 Plan Comparison
ʹǤͳ
2001 2011 Update
The purpose of this chapter is to establish the necessary policy
Ch. 4, Land Use
guidance to enable the City to plan effectively for its future infill
Ch. 7, Parks and
development, redevelopment and revitalization, and character
Recreation
Ch. 2, Land Use and
enhancement while respecting the existing land use pattern. Ch. 9, Residential Community
Development CharacterDevelopment
Sound planning is essential to ensure the community is
Ch. 10, Beautification
prepared for anticipated (and needed) infill development, can
Ch. 12, Redevelopment
serve it adequately with public services, and can manage its
impacts to maintain compatibility of land uses and preserve
2.1
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
and enhance community character. Along with the background, goals, and
strategies in this chapter, the Future Land Use Plan visually depicts the City’s
policies, particularly its priorities for well-planned infill development,
protection of neighborhood integrity, and enhancement of La Porte’s
appearance. To ensure the outcomes expressed by this plan, it is important
to follow the guiding principles, visions, policies, and action
recommendations set forth; all of which will aid the Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council in their decision-making.
2.2 ǡ
Throughout the planning process, a number of issues and concerns were
expressed relating to land use compatibility, infill on the few remaining
developable tracts, redevelopment of vacant buildings or underutilized
properties, Downtown and Sylvan Beach, neighborhood protection and
revitalization, and corridor design and appearance. 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 1 – Transitioning to a Built-Out Community;
Focus Area 2 – Quality Neighborhoods and Housing;
Focus Area 3 – Enhanced Community Character; and
Focus Area 4 – Adequate Parks, Recreation, and Open Space.
ͳ–-
Over the 20-year planning horizon of this plan, much of the remaining
developable land in La Porte will be built out. As this occurs, the City’s focus
will shift from new development on the City’s western periphery to smaller-
scale infill development, as well as redevelopment and revitalization of the
City’s existing older sites and structures. As identified during the public
participation process (including feedback from the City Council and Planning
and Zoning Commission), there are already areas that are in need of
redevelopment or revitalization. These areas are displayed in the Map 2.1,
Redevelopment/Rehabilitation TargetRevitalization Areas, and include such
areas as the vacant car dealerships along State Highway 146 South Frontage
RoadS. 10th Street and certain residential areas like those located in the area
around Downtown and the Spenwick Subdivision, among others. To reverse
the disinvestment in these areas, it will require the City to establish and
administer a pro-active and ongoing program for redevelopment and
revitalization.
Generally, redevelopment and rehabilitationrevitalization programs can
comprise “one or more public actions that are undertaken to stimulate
2.2
Chapter 2
activity when the private market is not providing sufficient capital and
economic activity to achieve the desired level of improvement. This public
action usually involves one or more measures such as direct public
investment, capital improvements, enhanced public services,
technical assistance, promotion, tax benefits, and other stimuli
1
including planning initiatives” such as rezoning.”
So, what is the difference between redevelopment and
rehabilitation? Typically, redevelopment is transformative in
nature and may be undertaken by the private sector without any
active public involvement beyond the government’s traditional
regulatory role. For example, a developer could make application
to demolish and redevelop the vacant car dealership properties
th
along State Highway 146 South Frontage RoadS. 10 Street to
develop a mixed-use neighborhood development or business park.
In certain instances however, public sector incentives, (e.g.,
decreased regulatory barriers, streamlined permitting, reduced
fees, etc.), may also be warranted to facilitate the likelihood of
private sector reinvestment.
RehabilitationRevitalization, in contrast, is more related to an
infusion of public funds intended to facilitate the return of a
building and/or property to a useful state by repair, alteration, and
modification with the purpose of preventing further blight from
A rehabilitation program could
occurring. Generally, it can be accomplished through acquisition of
provide public investments to
real property; demolition; or removal of certain buildings and
improve aesthetic and architectural
improvements; installation, construction, or reconstruction of
appeal of vacant or underutilized
commercial properties, e.g., this is a
streets, utilities, and other public improvements; and rehabilitation
‘before and after’ example of a
of certain suitably located but structurally substandard buildings.
rehabiliation project in Carrollton,
On the commercial side, it may include establishing programs to
Texas.
rehabilitate aging and underutilized retail facilities by providing
financial incentives to existing retail shopping centers for
Source: Photos courtesy of the City of
enhancements. The program would could be retention-focused
Carrollton website.
with a primary goal of rehabilitating retail facilities, i.e., improving
their aesthetic, architectural, and functional appeal. The intent of this type of
program is to attract new retail business that would generate additional
sales tax revenue and enhance the vitality of the area. On the residential
side, a revitalizationrehabilitation program could include providing grants
and/or low-interest, deferred, and/or forgivable loans for building code
violations, health and safety issues, essential repairs and upgrades of major
component systems (e.g., electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating), and other
general improvements (e.g., exterior finishes). It could also include public
1
American Planning Association (APA) Policy Guide on Public Redevelopment.
http://www.planning.org/policy/guides/adopted/redevelopment.htm. April 25,
2004.
2.3
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.3 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
investment in an overall neighborhood by improving
streets, sidewalks and crosswalks, pedestrian
lighting, parks, drainage, etc. The intent of this type
of program is to ensure residents are living in
decent, safe and sanitary homes; and that both
individual homes and the neighborhood,
collectively, are able to maintain or increase the
area’s property values.
Infill development will also play a primary role
during the 20-year planning horizon since the City is
bound by industrial districts and the limits of other
municipalities. Therefore, new development and
redevelopment will likely occur in the few remaining
vacant or under-utilized parcels adjacent to or
within already developed areas. While these
remaining areas could be developed using the same
policies and regulations that shaped the last 20
years of City growth; it is an opportune time to re-
examine how the City facilitates and regulates
development, particularly because of an articulated
interest to increase residential rooftops and
The photo on top depicts an example in La Porte
commercial retail opportunities. A successful infill
that may warrant redevelopment, while the photo
development program must go beyond the
on the bottom depicts an area that may warrant
revitalization piecemeal development of individual parcels; to
.
focus on how the remaining areas may be
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
assembled and developed into the existing
community fabric, i.e., creating a healthy mix of uses
(that add both vitality and convenience for
residents) that are designed and built in a way to
improve compatibility while offering additional
choices in living and new business opportunities.
Benefits of mixed-use infill development include a
more compact form of development, which is less
consumptive on land and resources and offers
increased convenience and mobility for those who
cannot or prefer not to drive (e.g., the elderly,
youth, or low income residents who lack a car). Infill
development also has a positive impact on the City’s
budget as vacant properties are added to the tax
rolls, less infrastructure is required, and existing
Sugar Land Town Center is an example of a mixed
facility operation and maintenance costs are able to
use infill development project.
be spread across more residents and commercial
businesses (which is a benefit for individual
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
taxpayers, too). In addition, as discussed later in this
2.4
Chapter 2
chapter, infill development provides the City an opportunity to increase the
supply of housing types available within the City. This remaining housing
supply will have to be developed in a way that meets both the
Principles of Smart Growth
needs and purchasing power of the City’s existing and future
Create a range of housing
2
residents.
opportunities and choices
Create walkable neighborhoods
As discussed later in this chapter and throughout this
Encourage community and
comprehensive plan, two ways to facilitate successful infill
stakeholder collaboration
development are to adhere to the principles of Smart Growth and
Foster distinctive, attractive
to consider adopt a character-based approach to zoning and land
communities with a strong sense of
development.
place
Make development decisions
Key Planning Considerations
predictable, fair, and cost effective
Key planning considerations for transitioning to a built-out
Mix land uses
community in the coming years include:
Preserve open space, natural
1)Careful planning for the build-out of remaining developable
beauty, and critical environmental
areas following Smart Growth principles. (see inset)
areas
2)Responding to the expressed desires for ‘centers’ and focal
Provide a variety of transportation
points, whether in the form of Main Street improvements or
choices
through development of mixed-use nodes and neighborhood
Take advantage of compact
centers.
building design
3)Taking steps to make redevelopment/revitalization efforts
Source: Smart Growth Online.
attractive in older areas of the community, including incentives
and potential relief from regulatory provisions geared toward
new development.
4)Emphasizing neighborhood integrity and protection as both residential
structures and streets and other local infrastructure continue to age.
5)Stepping up efforts to revive and/or promote re-use of vacant and
obsolete retail properties.
6)Ensuring adequate standards and oversight of infill development on
scattered parcels.
7)Building upon strategic public investments, such as the recent
development of Five Points Town Plaza, revitalization of the Sylvan
Beach, and the community–wide hike and bike trail system.
8)Working to reduce the leakage of retail spending just outside the
community by encouraging and providing incentives for more sit-down
restaurants and other retail-oriented opportunities that residents wish
to patronize locally.
Based on these planning considerations, the following goals, actions, and
initiatives are intended to address the specific issues and needs identified
2
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington. Report No. 38 – Infill
Development Strategies for Shaping Livable Neighborhoods. June 1997.
http://www.mrsc.org/Publications/textfill.aspx. Retrieved on August 31, 2011.
2.5
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.5 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
during the public participation process (and outlined in Chapter 1, Plan
Context).
GOAL 1: Provide additional attention and resources to promote new
infill development and redevelopment/revitalization of established
areas.
Redevelopment/rehabilitation revitalization efforts require cooperative
action to encourage new and sustained private investment and to provide
supporting rehabilitation of public infrastructure. A key part of the process is
determining the strategic actions and initiatives the community should take
to achieve its redevelopment goals and objectives. Successful redevelopment
will often require cooperation and coordination between agencies at
different levels of government, as well as non-profit community
organizations. This should include coordination of physical improvements
with social service programs that aim to enhance the health and economic
capacity of residents in targeted neighborhoods. There are several sizeable
undeveloped and underdeveloped parcels within the City that provide
opportunities for infill development where streets and utilities already exist
or may be readily extended. There are also many individual lots that may be
developed. In addition, there are several areas that warrant consideration of
redevelopment or revitalization during the 20-year horizon of this plan.
Action and Initiatives
1)Conduct individual redevelopment or rehabilitation revitalization plans
for those areas identified on Map 2.1, Redevelopment/Rehabilitation
TargetRevitalization Areas. These plans should be created in partnership
with the City, land and business owners, adjacent property owners, and
other stakeholders to determine the most appropriate courses of action
to improve these areas.
2)Solicit interest among the land and/or business owners to partner in
establishing a redevelopment authority for the purpose of developing a
redevelopment or rehabilitation plan(s) and the means of financing and
implementation.
3)Identify the intended future character of the redevelopment areas.
Subsequently, establish the zoning provisions necessary to achieve the
intended development outcomes.
4)2)Determine the appropriate zoning of infill development tracts and
initiate rezoning as appropriate. Zoning actions should be in accordance
with the Future Land Use Plan, and care must be taken to ensure that
the neighborhood character is preserved and compatibility with existing
uses is observed.
5)3)Review and amend the City’s development ordinances to identify and
resolve regulatory impediments to infill development, redevelopment,
and revitalization. Incorporate standards that are unique and applicable
to these sites.
2.6
Chapter 2
GOAL 2: Continue investment in the Main Street, Sylvan
“The Greater Downtown of La Porte
Beach, and the original town area around Downtown.
offers a unique opportunity to link
As identified throughout the public process, through previous
multiple destinations that serve a
planning efforts, e.g., the City of La Porte’s Economic Development
broad market. The prospects to grow
Strategic Plan, and as expressed by the City’s Main Street Program,
synergistically two different kinds of
the Greater Downtown area of La Porte has and will continue to
retail markets (destination and local
play a significant role in the City’s long-term future. Enhancing this
service), a tourism base, and
and the surrounding areas will encourage economic growth and
downtown living, can establish La
improve the quality of life for City residents.
Porte as one of the best place in
Houston Region to live and visit.
Action and Initiatives
1)Prepare a master plan for the Greater Downtown area. The
Source: City of La Porte Economic
Development Strategic Plan. Chapter 3. May
purpose of the plan is to establish a clear and collectively
2009.
supported vision and then an implementation framework to
guide reinvestment and new investment in the Greater
Downtown area of La Porte, including the areas of Main Street and
Sylvan Beach. This plan should build off the City’s revitalization initiatives
in Downtown (e.g., Five Points Town Plaza, the San Jacinto off-street
trail/sidewalk, and the City/County improvements at Sylvan Beach),
identifying opportunities to bolster Downtown as an attractive and
lightly functional center of activity based on its unique assets. The plan
should identify the appropriate land uses and the arrangement and form
of development/redevelopment, along with well-planned and designed
improvements to streets and parking areas, vehicular and pedestrian
access and circulation, streetscape the amenities, signage, lighting, and
infrastructure upgrades. In addition, this master plan should:
a)Assess the constraints to redevelopment and the effective use of
Downtown properties and buildings. Such factors as land and
buildings ownership, traffic and pedestrian circulation, parking,
building sizes, building code issues (such as ADA accessibility), lease
rates, and other contributing factors should be addressed in the
plan.
b)Address the fringe and/or transitional areas immediately adjacent to
identify measures to secure their integrity.
c)Include details on the use of design elements and unifying
treatments (could include wayfinding signage), in addition to the
gateway monuments, to demarcate the boundaries of this area so
that it is distinguished from other areas of the community.
2)Consider revisingRevise regulatory provisions in the Main Street District
to ensure new development creates an urban characterform. This could
include:
a)Modifying the Main Street purpose statement to include an intent of
creating a human-scaled urban character environmentform
comprised of mixed uses.
2.7
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.7 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
b)Specifying front yard setback provisions as build-to lines,
rather than an “average of the existing structures on that side of
the street on the same side of the street or the setback of the
closest structure on an adjacent lot.” The existing provisions will
not ensure an urban character form over the long-term.
c)Specifying minimum height requirements as an urban form
character environment requires a visual sense of enclosure.
The current provisions only specify that a maximum height is
to be determined.
d)Adding some level of building standards relating to scale and
massing, materials, exterior treatments, site lighting, and
signs and awnings.
3)Continue to monitor investor interest in Downtown
residential projects, including attached single-family, multi-family,
and residential-over-retail opportunities. Work with private
interests to pinpoint and remove or reduce barriers to new
development and redevelopment in and around Downtown.
Additional ownership housing options are needed, but such
housing alternatives need to be planned and permitted by-right.
4)Continue to work with the Economic Development
Corporation (EDC) to offer Main Street Enhancement Grants to
provide matching funds to enhance existing buildings in the Main
Street District, including façade rehabilitation or enhancement;
new awnings, canopies, porches, and signage; and other
beautification projects.
5)Continue partnering with the county and other
stakeholders in the redevelopment of the Sylvan Beach area (e.g.,
the rehabilitation of the Sylvan Beach Pavilion and other such
improvements) so that the park grows as a local attraction (and
local amenity) similar in quality to the one envisioned in the 2004
Sylvan Beach Park Master Plan.
6)Continue to pursue an array of waterfront public/private
development projects (e.g., restaurants and other retail
opportunities, conference facilities, among others) to compliment
Expressed through the sentiments of
the beach park and fishing activities and to generate additional
many who participated in the public
revenues.
participation process, there is a
strong desire for the future of Main
Street to become a community
ʹ–
attraction. The above illustrations
depict a pedestrian-friendly
Housing
streetscape environment as examples
La Porte’s long-term future is inextricably tied to its housing
of the types of improvements that
availability and conditions. Housing is central to almost any
could happen in Downtown La Porte.
discussion about City affairs, no matter whether the discussion is
on economic development, desire for additional local commercial
Source: Chapter 10 of the 2001 La Porte
retail opportunities, or the ability to walk from one neighborhood
Master Comprehensive Plan.
to another. While one challenge is to sustain the integrity of
2.8
Chapter 2
existing housing, another is to address future housing needs. Having a
diverse stock of housing – new and old, big and small – is instrumental in
offering choice and providing for the individual needs of all households,
regardless of economic stature. Besides price and location, another
consideration is the design of neighborhoods. The areas that were developed
in the late 1960s (with the Spenwick Subdivision) departed from the
established town settlement patterns near the core of the City. New housing
development and redevelopment needs to reflect a growing demand for
neighborhood-style patterns that are once again, integrated into the existing
fabric of the community.
Key Planning Considerations
Percentage of Housing Constructed by Year
Key planning considerations for ensuring
quality neighborhoods and housing
include:
1)Addressing “life cycle” housing needs
Built 200
by offering a wider range of housing
types and price ranges so that
Built 199
residents can make lifestyle
Built 198
transitions as they age (e.g., from
Built 197
“starter” housing into a larger
Built 196
dwelling to accommodate a family,
then into an “empty nester” situation,
Although La Porte had the lowest percentage of housing stock
and finally into a down-sized space
constructed before the 1970s for all the comparison cities, the
and/or “assisted living” or full-time
county, and the state (see the Demographic Snapshot located
care facility as health conditions
in Chapter 1), this chart illustrates that at least 50 percent of
dictate.
the City’s housing stock is 30 years or older, which
2)Encouraging mixed-use, compact, and
corresponds to the time period when housing starts to shows
pedestrian-oriented developments
signs of blight and could benefit from increased maintenance
that can serve the “node” function
or rehabilitation.
desired by residents and include
Source: US Census Bureau 2005-2009 ACS.
types of amenities currently absent in
La Porte (e.g., walkable
residential/commercial mixed use areas).
3)Emphasizing neighborhood integrity and protection as both housing
structures and streets and other local infrastructure continue to age.
4)Using character-based planning and zoning methods, which emphasize
quality, compatible development.
Based on these planning considerations, the following goals, actions, and
initiatives address the specific issues and needs identified during the public
participation process (and outlined in Chapter 1, Plan Context).
GOAL 3: Protect the integrity of existing neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods are one of La Porte’s greatest assets as they form a
foundation for a sound quality of life. Strengthening neighborhoods through
2.9
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.9 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
organization, communication, coordination, and education is a key for
maintaining and improving livable neighborhood environments. Established,
stable neighborhoods must be preserved and protected from encroaching
incompatible development while new neighborhoods should be developed in
accordance with Smart Growth and community character principles detailed
throughout this plan. In essence, neighborhoods that are safe, well-
maintained, and are of a quality, enduring character, will maintain property
values and thus, a sound neighborhood environment and stable residential
tax base.
The City can greatly enhance the quality of life for its citizens by enacting
ordinances and incentives to protect and enhance the integrity of its
neighborhoods. Mechanisms to improve the quality of neighborhoods may
include ordinances focused on neighborhood conservation; provision of
improved or updated public facilities and services such as streets, sidewalks,
trails, neighborhood parks, street lighting, drainage systems, pedestrian
amenities, traffic control, neighborhood policing and fire protection;
enforcement of codes and ordinances; providing support for the creation or
the organization of qualified neighborhood organizations by providing
technical assistance with private restrictions and/or conducting special
neighborhood studies (including redevelopment and/or rehabilitation
revitalization plans); providing funds for neighborhood improvements, and,
generally investing or reinvesting in the community’s neighborhoods.
Actions and Initiatives
One of the most effective ways to protect neighborhood integrity is through
the implementation of neighborhood conservation districts. As detailed later
in this chapter, the existing neighborhoods that are envisioned as remaining
stable over the 20-year planning horizon are reflected on the Future Land
Use Plan as Neighborhood Conservation (NC). Within an amended zoning
ordinance should then be corresponding descriptions as to prevailing lot
sizes, setbacks, floor area, and other criteria with by-right provisions allowing
certain house or property improvements to enable (and encourage)
reinvestment. The purpose of these NC districts is to preserve neighborhood
character and establish standards consistent with those at the time of
development so that nonconforming situations are not created.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Identify established neighborhoods with cohesive character and
community identity and create neighborhood conservation districts to
protect and promote the existing neighborhood feel. In addition, allow
for reasonable improvements in these existing neighborhoods without
cumbersome variance procedures. Include by-right standards for making
improvements to buildings to ensure that they remain in character with
the neighborhood and do not adversely impact the use and enjoyment of
neighboring properties.
2.10
Chapter 2
2)1)Consider an annual registration of neighborhood, home-owner, and
tenant associations so that updated contact information can be
maintained and used to disseminate important community-wide
information (including such things as nearby development applications
or rezonings, capital improvement projects, and applicable ordinance
changes).
3)2)Consider formalizing a neighborhood-oriented planning program to:
a)Assist developers in their preparation of covenants and restrictions
for new development.
b)Ensure private common areas and amenities are adequately
maintained in perpetuity.
c)Implement neighborhood watch programs; this may be done in
coordination with the La Porte Police Department’s Police Area
Representative (PAR) program.
d)Help older communities develop neighborhood plans, which may
include elements that would normally be required for a housing
grant submittal and could, thus, be very effective as a grant
administration tool. Such a plan would highlight potential
development/redevelopment sites, infrastructure improvements,
increased buffering (to mitigate such things as noise from increased
truck traffic), links to important off-site amenities, etc.
e)Establish and facilitate an annual city-wide neighborhood, home-
owner, and tenant association meeting to gather input on how to
better coordinate efforts and develop
partnerships while seeking mutual benefit.
4)3)Expand and promote increased awareness of the
City’s program on traffic calming. This could include
notifying the neighborhood, homeowner, and tenant
associations about the program, increasing available
funding, and expanding the types of calming
measures available, e.g., speed humps, bulb-outs,
raised cross-walks, chicanes, etc.
5)4)Provide technical planning support for established
neighborhoods. Such support could address issues
An example of an existing street calming
related to open space preservation, street and
project in La Porte.
sidewalk improvements, traffic control, crime
prevention through environmental design (CPTED),
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
code enforcement or navigating the available housing
programs.
GOAL 4: Promote opportunities for neighborhood improvement and
housing stock rehabilitation of the housing stock.
The community must remain cognizant of its older housing stock as
rehabilitation and reinvestment will become increasingly important to the
integrity and vitality of neighborhoods, particularly in the older areas around
Downtown, as well as in some areas throughout the community. Comments
2.11
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.11 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
by residents during public participationat the public workshops indicated
concerns about some of these areas being “not well kept.” Code
enforcement, if done proactively, can do a lot to prevent these areas from
further deterioration.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Encourage redevelopment in target areas through programs that target
lots that are abandoned or have recently demolished structures so that
those lots are put back onto the market and tax rolls.
2)Consider forming a target-area community investment program focused
on all infrastructure improvements (e.g., sidewalk installation in addition
to repair, driveway culvert cleaning and replacement, alley
improvements, tree trimming, parking restrictions, shielded street
lighting or other improved pedestrian lighting, added greenspace,
improved public streetscape/ landscape areas, new signage, etc.) within
at-risk neighborhoods. This would be an expansion of the current
program that provides dedicated funding for sidewalk repair and
maintenance. The purpose of this program is to provide a dedicated
source of annual funding for use in making infrastructure improvements
and leveraging private reinvestment through rehabilitation, building
additions, and/or infill development.
3)Consider the use of tax abatement, reduced building permit
or utility tap fees, and other financial programs or incentives to
elicit private sector reinvestment.
4)Continue and potentially step up the “sweep concept” in
code enforcement by targeting a certain area for a concentration of
violations such as weeds, debris, and junk vehicles; however, pursue
alternative code enforcement methods in an endeavor to be more
proactive and ensure positive outcomes. Consider the use of an
advocacy program to aid in code compliance (e.g., violations such as
weeds, debris, and junk vehicles) rather than citing noncompliant
property owners. A key element may be the cross-training of
enforcement advocacy officers in conflict management/resolution
or the creation of useful information packets listing sources of help
for homeowners who are in violation of City codes.
5)Strictly enforce repeat offenders so that chronic violations
Pursue both code enforcement
are adequately addressed so as to protect neighboring values and
compliance through citations and
advocacy programs to reduce
confidence.
negative signs of blight, e.g., trash,
6)5)Promote neighborhood pride by stimulating resident
junk vehicles, etc.
involvement in improvement activities, including:
a)Seasonal “clean up, fix up” events;
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
b)“Neighborhood Pride” days focusing on beautification; and
c)Annual “amnesty pickup” days of large refuse items with the
assistance of City crews and volunteers.
7)6)Seek the participation of churches, civic organizations, schools, and
businesses in neighborhood improvement and revitalization efforts.
2.12
Chapter 2
8)7)Continue the program of identifying and demolishing substandard
structures; coordinate demolition with a proactive and effective program
to provide incentives for home building on empty lots. This may include
marketing these properties on the City’s website, streamlining the
permit approval process, and reduced permitting fees.
9)8)Strengthen the ability for local organizations, e.g., Sheltering Arms Senior
Services, Inc., to support weatherization and energy efficiency
improvements in existing neighborhoods. The Weatherization Assistance
Program (WAP) is sponsored by the Texas Department of Housing and
Community Affairs and helps low-income persons, particularly the
elderly and persons with special needs, control their home energy costs.
Local organizations need additional support so that more weatherization
improvement options are made available. The City may also actively
support these local organizations by partnering with them on grant
applications or hosting weatherization open houses or organizing
energy-efficiency audits.
10)9)Continue to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CBDG)
funds, HOME Grant funds, or other grant or loan programs to create or
rehabilitate affordable housing for low-income households.
11)10)Continue to coordinate with and help to promote housing assistance
programs of the Southeast Texas Housing Finance Corporation and the
Harris County Community Development Agency.
GOAL 5: Ensure affordable and sufficient housing options in the
future.
The availability and affordability of different housing options leads to a
higher quality of life. In general, as more types and affordable housing
options are supplied, a greater number of residents will be able to live and
work in La Porte. Therefore, anticipating and meeting future housing
demand is essential for the City’s economic development success, and
planning will enable the community to respond effectively to the needs of a
variety of market segments, from young singles and newly married couples
to large families, empty nesters, seniors, and retirees looking to downsize.
The City currently has a narrow range of owner-occupied neighborhoods and
housing types, with the current mix being predominantly single-family
detached residential dwellings. Indeed, as displayed in the Demographic
Snapshot in Chapter 1, La Porte has the highest percentage of one-unit
structures (84 percent), which is higher than all the comparison cities, the
county, and the state. This leaves little room for choice among housing
types. In the future, aging residents may desire to have more housing
options available, including maintenance free condominiums and additional
assisted living and continuing care facilities. In addition, units marketable to
households that are “downsizing” should be permitted and encouraged in
appropriate locations. Examples of these varied units are depicted in the
inset, which may include duplexes, patio homes, townhomes, and
multiplexes. This does not mean that there is not a market for single-family
2.13
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.13 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
homes; rather, it means that future development should
incorporate more housing diversity so that existing and future
residents will have sufficient options, from large lot single-family
dwellings (e.g., in the Lomax area), to residential above retail
lofts, live/work units, and attached living.
Lack of affordability is a concern. When there is a lack of
affordable housing options available, it increases individual
and/or family distress and is considered to have negative effects
on a community’s overall health. The City recognizes the need to
Duplex
ensure that all of La Porte’s residents enjoy access to quality and
affordable housing within livable and attractive environments.
Maintaining livability as the City transitions to an infill and
redevelopment focus will require creativity and a willingness to
coordinate efforts. The qualities that make La Porte an attractive
place to live are also making La Porte an expensive place to live.
Increasing housing prices creates obstacles for low-income
households and threatens to push residents to unsatisfactory
housing options. The inability to find housing locally poses a
Patio Home
hardship for households seeking an affordable home, as well as
employers seeking employees.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Encourage life-cycle housing options in new
developments that will offer alternatives to existing and future
residents. New development and redevelopment should include
more than one housing type, with ordinance provisions for
increased open space as separation and buffering and other
standards to ensure compatibility. A combination of housing
Townhouse
options and lot sizes will result in a diversity of housing choices –
choices that will be useful in attracting and keeping singles,
younger families, and older residents.
2)Consider incorporating accessory dwelling units in the
zoning ordinance, along with appropriate provisions governing
their use and compatibility. They are common and increasing in
popularity in many communities to accommodate elderly parents
or relatives (i.e., “granny flats”), young adult family members
wanting to live independently but close by, or students in need
Mutliplex
of basic, low-cost housing.
3)Consider aAdopting design standards for high-density
Future development/redevelopment
efforts should place greater focus on residential development, which may include provisions for
diversifying the housing stock within the
building form and scale, articulated building walls, building
City, by including some of the above
orientation, architectural detailing, roof types and materials,
alternate housing types.
façade enhancements, and acceptable building materials, as well
as site design standards regarding landscape surface, parking
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
location and arrangement, bufferyards, and site amenities.
2.14
Chapter 2
4)Consider eEstablishing an average, rather than
minimum, lot size in the residential districts
whereby lot sizes are required to vary in width,
with a certain percentage being narrower and the
remaining being wider than the average. For
example, the average lot size may allow a
Average lot size provisions allow for design
variability of 10 percent (see inset on next page).
flexibility for up to a quarter of the lots to be 25
5)In appropriate locations where increased open
percent smaller than the average while being
space is desired or needed to preserve resource
balanced by 25 percent of the lots that are
features (e.g., wetlands, tree stands, drainage
larger. This approach allows a variety of housing
channels) or to protect compatibility between
styles and also works well with constrained
adjacent developments, consider allowing flexible
sites.
site design and low impact development options
Graphic to be removed
that permit alternative treatment of utilities and
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
infrastructure. There can be significant cost savings
to development from flexible site design and cluster
Single Family (no OSR) Single Family (no OSR) Cluster (30% OSR) Cluster (30% OSR)
development techniques, which translate into reduced lot and
house prices (e.g., reduced linear feet of street, pipe,
sidewalk; fewer street lights, fire hydrants; reduced
stormwater management needs; etc.).
))
Conservation Cluster (50% OSR)Conservation Cluster (50% OSR)Preservation Cluster (80% OSRPreservation Cluster (80% OSR
T
The above graphic illustrates the different
6)Maintain an Large Lot Estate residential district (i.e., the
development forms that may be accommodated
while maintaining the same gross density and
Lomax Area) so that those seeking larger-lot living
character of development. While the form of
arrangements with a more open feel, be accommodated
development changes, the off-site impacts
within City limits.
remain the same while the on-site impacts are
improved relative to the preservation of open
7)Considering pProvidinge a density bonus to offset smaller
space and proteciton of resources.
units or attached housing in order to avoid
significantly affecting the feasibility of the
residential development. Density bonuses are a
type of housing production program where
projects are granted additional residential
density over and above the maximum limit
allowed by existing zoning, with the condition
that the additional housing is restricted to
occupancy by a certain target group and that
the units remain affordable over time.
8)Continue sponsoring the Bay Area Habitat for
Humanity program as one method of increasing
housing affordability within the City.
Continue sponsoring Bay Area Habitat for
Humanity (BAHFH) houses to ensure an adequate
͵–
availability of affordable housing within the City. By
2011, BAHFH has completed 22 houses in La Porte
Character
including the one pictured above.
The appearance of La Porte is the single most
Photo source: Bay Area Habitat for Humanity website.
evident glimpse of its economic vitality, government
proactiveness, and civic pride. The initial impression
2.15
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.15 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
is formed by the quality of development, property upkeep, condition of
public facilities, amount and quality of public spaces, and the design of
roadways and other public buildings and infrastructure. Visual appeal
reinforces the quality of life for those who reside in La Porte, as well as those
making investment decisions.
The City has a window of opportunity to enact policies and standards that
influence the quality of its natural and built environments. Without a plan
and development standards to accentuate the design of corridors, districts
(like Downtown), neighborhoods, and open spaces, there may be a sense of
“sameness” in the community with little to distinguish it from the
surrounding cities. The City’s character and appearance (i.e., the City’s
image) was among the concerns expressed throughout the public process.
Indeed, the character of new development and redevelopment will
contribute to the community’s image and may affect the City’s ability to
attract and maintain new investment.
Finally, aesthetic enhancements such as the design of buildings, landscaping
and screening, sign control, and site amenities also contribute to enhanced
community character.
Key Planning Considerations
Key planning considerations for enhancing community character include:
1)Pursuing opportunities to create unique, signature areas in the
community (particular destinations, corridors, public facilities, parks and
open space areas).
2)Enhancing first impression and “front door” appearance by focusing on
the aesthetic treatments at community entries.
3)Coordinating gateway improvements so that a consistent, high-quality
appearance exists at all entry points to the City.
4)Enhancing wayfinding, not only to help residents and visitors navigate
the community and find its key destinations, but also as a unifying design
element across the City.
5)Improving the appearance of the City’s primary corridors so that an
enhanced image of the City is created.
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 6: Enhance the overall appearance of the built environment in
the City.
To be fully effective in achieving the community’s vision for the future,
proactive efforts shouldmust be undertaken to improve the appearance of
the built environment within the City. Unfortunately, the needs often
2.16
Chapter 2
outweigh the financial or administrative resources available to achieve the
desired outcomes. Therefore, it is recognized that there are areas of La Porte
that are more visible and, thus, may serve as a “starting point” to initiate
these enhancement efforts.
There are a large variety of components that contribute to the visual
appearance and “feel” of a community. Some components are more
apparent than others, although they all contribute to the overall character of
the community. Since the last plan update, the City has been proactive in
improving the appearance of the City, including the installation of gateway
signage, and investments in public amenities such as the revitalized Five
Points Town Plaza and the emerging Ccity-wide trail system. However,
according to the sentiments expressed during the public participation
process, the citizens feel that continued improvement is a priority.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Expand the efforts started with Ordinance 1501-II (which was intended,
partly, as a means to mitigate the visual impacts of container yards) to
require existing non-conformities’ in designated enhancement corridors
to be brought into compliance over a reasonable period of time. Similar
provisions have been adopted elsewhere in Texas where nonconforming
site conditions (e.g., parking lot landscaping and screening outdoor
storage and display, fencing, buffering, signage, etc.) must be registered
with the City and steadily brought into compliance over a period of
years.
2)Outside of City limits, partner with the entities in which the City has
interlocal agreements to determine strategies to increase the level of
screening of container yards that exist along the City’s entry corridors
and periphery.
3)Consider the development of corridor enhancement plans for the
primary and secondary enhancement corridors depicted in Map 2.2,
Beautification Plan. (Additional guidance can be found in Chapter 4,
Community Mobility.
4)Enhance the appearance of properties adjacent to street corridors by
evaluating and improving codes and standards for better building
placement (build-to, maximum vs. minimum setbacks), design (building
shape, wall articulation, entry identification, transparency, 300 360
degree architecture), and materials; improved parking lot, streetscape
and foundation landscaping; higher quality screening of outdoor storage;
management of outdoor display; improved lighting and sign controls;
and improved buffering of adjacent properties.
2.17
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.17 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
5)Expand on previous efforts to consider embellished
gateway treatments with more significant “signature”
monuments, landscaping, and lighting at the locations of
greatest visibility. Ensure high quality maintenance of these
areas, as depicted on Map 2.2, Beautification Plan.
1)Consider mModifying existing codes to adopt
appropriate design standards in conformance with the San
Jacinto Corridor Design Standards.
2)Continue to work with the Economic Alliance Houston
Port Region and consider code modifications and other program
support to implement the San Jacinto Historic District design
standards, including the Project Stars Initiative, which uses
industrial infrastructure and landscaping to highlight and
3
celebrate the area’s history and historical significance.
3)Consider implementing a program to publicly recognize
residential and business property owners for their role toward
enhancing the visual appearance of the City. This could include
Expand upon existing gateway
monthly recognition on the City’s website or other public
improvements to create a consitent
theme and ensure a high quality of
communication media.
appearance of the monument, lighting,
4)Partner with the Texas Department of Transportation
and surrounding landscaping.
(TxDOT) to enhance the visual appearance of the City’s existing
and future overpasses, as depicted on Map 2.2, Beautification
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
Plan.(see inset next page)
5)4)Continue seeking public/public and/or public/private
partnerships to master plan and implement site specific
enhancements throughout the City. By way of example, continue
working with the La Porte Independent School District (ISD) and
adjacent retail center owners to implement the enhancements
depicted in the Texas Avenue Beautification Project Master Plan,
among others.
6)5)Partner with TxDOT to enhance the visual appearance of
the Miller Cut Off Road, Sens Road, and SR 146 interchange
areas. These enhancements could be similar in type and quality
Consider code modifications and other
to the improvements already completed at the State Highway
program support to implement
225/Independence Parkway interchange located just outside City
beautification projects in accordance
limits, as depicted on Map 2.2, Beautification Plan.
with the San Jacinto Design Standards,
e.g., conceptual plan to beautify the N.
th
9 Street / State Loop 410 intersection.
Source: Aerial Image (City of La Porte GIS);
Conceptual Plan (San Jacinto Design Standards,
pg. 29)
3
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region. San Jacinto Texas, Historic District Corridor
Standards at http://www.ci.la-
porte.tx.us/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8725. May 2010.
2.18
Chapter 2
7)6)Create a comprehensive wayfinding program to project a
consistent image for the entire City and to provide
directional guidance to the area’s greatest assets, i.e., Main
Street and Sylvan Beach. Partner with TxDOT to develop and
obtain approval for a Wayfinding Sign Guide System Plan.
8)7)Evaluate program criteria and make necessary improvements
to achieve certification through the Scenic City Certification
Program. Sponsored by Scenic Texas, this certification
recognizes Texas municipalities that implement high-quality
scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces, with
the long-term goal of improving the image of all cities.
9)8)Evaluate program criteria and make necessary improvements
to gain recognition in the Tree City USA Program. Sponsored
by the Arbor Day Foundation, this program helps
communities become better stewards of their tree resources.
Ͷ–ǡ ǡ
Partner with TxDOT to improve the
Parks and recreation facilities are an essential part of a healthy,
visual appearance of the City’s
quality, and vibrant community environment. They provide the
overpasses. The top photo depicts an
necessary components for events outside the home and after
th
overpass in La Porte along S. 9 Street
work and after school activities. Whether for passive or active
and Spencer Highway. The photo on
use, parks and recreation facilities are an important factor of
the bottom is an enhanced bridge and
everyday living, active living – serving health benefits for
landscape treatment in Sugar Land,
children, seniors, and people of all ages. The park system also
Texas.
enhances the community’s “quality of life” factor, boosting
economic development efforts to recruit and retain a skilled
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
workforce; build a strong tax base to finance system expansion,
facility enhancements, and maintenance; and attract retirees.
It is clear that La Porte places high value on its park and
recreation system. Subsequent to the last comprehensive
planning process, in 1998, the City prepared and adopted a
separate Parks and Open Space Master Plan (2002; amended
2008) and Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Implementation Plan
(2003); both of which the City has been actively implementing in
the over the past several years. This section of the
Comprehensive Plan is not intended to supplant those separate
specific master plans; rather it is intended to review those plans
Develop a comprehensive wayfinding
in terms of how they currently fit within the overall framework of
program for Main Street and Sylvan
a 20-year planning horizon—meaning, will the full
Beach areas.
implementation of those plans achieve the goals of creating a
Photo Source: City of La Porte Economic
park, recreation, and open space system that is high quality (safe
Development Strategic Plan. Chapter 3. May
and well maintained), convenient and accessible (to its users),
2009.
diversified (in its activities), and interconnected (to the
community), while trying to preserve and protect La Porte’s natural assets.
2.19
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.19 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Note that while trails are an integral part of a park and
recreation system, they are an equally important part of the
Table 2.1, Existing Parks
City’s non-vehicular mobility system, and as such, will be
Neighborhood Parks
discussed in Chapter 4, Community Mobility.
Parks Acres
th
14 Street Park 2.40 The City Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the
operation and maintenance of all parks and recreational
Bay Oaks Park 1.20
facilities. Their ultimate goal is to “to provide and manage
Brookglen Park 2.0
superior parks and recreational facilities, innovative programs,
Central Park 4.60
and services that will provide our customers with pleasure and
Creekmont Park 3.50
enrichment.”
Glen Meadows 8.13
Ohio Street 0.93
Existing Park Inventory
The foundation for establishing an adequate park and recreation
Pete Gilliam 1.20
system is the availability and condition of the existing parks and
Pfeiffer 1.20
recreation areas. To assess the projected future need for
Pine Bluff 0.11
additional land, facilities, and improvements, it is essential to
Seabreeze 3.13
first determine the level of service provided by the existing parks
Spencer Landing 3.99
and recreation system. Subsequently, the level of sufficiency or
deficiency of the existing system can be determined to assess
Spenwick 0.50
the current need prior to projecting the future parks and
Tom Brown 0.57
recreation system needs.
Woodfalls 8.30
Neighborhood Park
37.7741.76
Currently, the Department is responsible for 210 neighborhood
Subtotal
and community parks (comprising over 150 acresalmost 200
Community Parks
acres), two special use parks (i.e., Five Points Town Plaza and the
Bayforest Golf Course), and eleven miles of trails (see Table 2.1,
Parks Acres
Existing Parks and Map 2.3, Park Inventory). Overall, the City
Fairmont Park 17.70
has a total of 22 23 parks and recreation facilities comprised of
Little Cedar Bayou 34.70
playgrounds and playscapes; picnic amenities; baseball, softball,
Lomax 10.00
soccer, football fields; basketball and other sports courts;
Northside Park 2.70
bicycle/pedestrian/exercise/nature trails; a senior center; a
Northwest 25.00
Special Populations Center; two bayside parks; two fishing piers;
a rodeo/open riding arena; three neighborhood pools and one
Pecan Park 33.00
sprayground/playground; and other amenities. Over the past 21
Community Park
123.10
years, the City has spent close to $18 million on its parks and
Subtotal
recreation system.
Total 160.87164.86
Source: City of La Porte.
In addition to the parks and recreation areas owned and
managed by the City, there are five school playgrounds located
at the elementary schools that provide additional recreation and open space
that is available to residents and visitors of the La Porte area. The school
playgrounds are displayed in Table 2.2, School Playgrounds, and tThe City
and the La Porte Independent School District (LPISD) have a cooperative
agreement that allows joint use of City and School recreations facilities. As
displayed in Table 2.23, Private Parks, there are also five park facilities and
2.20
Chapter 2
one neighborhood pool that are owned and maintained by the
Table 2.23, Private Parks
homeowners’ associations.
Private Parks
Parks and Recreation Standards
Parks Acres
Standards provide a measure for determining the amount of
Bayside Terrace Park 0.49
parks, recreation and open space needed to meet the current
Fairmont East 2.00
and projected future demands of the City’s citizens and visitors.
Fairmont West 1.18
Parks and recreation standards are typically expressed in terms
of acres of land dedicated for parks, recreation and open space
Shady Lane 2.59
per unit of population, such as 0.5 acres per 1,000 persons.
Shady River 2.35
While general standards are useful, it is important to establish
standards that are based upon unique local considerations, such
Source: City of La Porte.
as participation trends and projections, user characteristics,
Table 2.2, School Playgrounds
demographics, climate, natural environment, and other
considerations. Values related to leisure and recreation are
School Playgrounds
unique to each municipality; therefore, the standards should
Parks Acres
represent the interests and desires of local parks users.
Lomax Elementary 2.25
The suggested standards from the National Recreation and
Jennie Reid Elementary 0.35
Parks Association (NRPA), as modified for La Porte’s unique
Rizzuto Elementary 1.06
conditions, are illustrated in Table, 2.34, NRPA Development
La Porte Elementary 7.06
Standards. (on next page)
Bayshore Elementary 2.62
Source: Google Earth
2.21
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.21 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Table 2.34, NRPA Development Standards
Use: Serves a concentrated population within an immediate proximity. Examples are a tot lot in an apartment
complex or a vacant lot developed as a passive park.
Pocket Park
Service Area: Immediate development
Desirable Size: 0.25 to 1 acre
Density: 0.25 acre per 1,000 persons
Site Characteristics: Close proximity to high-density developments.
Use: Serves neighborhood residents within walking distance. Facilities are for active use (e.g. sports activities,
playgrounds) and passive use (e.g. walking, picnicking).
Service Area: Primarily serves neighborhood residents within a one-half mile radius.
Neighborhood/
Linear Park
Desirable Size: Minimum 3 to 8 acres
Density: 1.0 acres per 1,000 persons
Site Characteristics: Evenly distributed across the City with convenient and safe access for nearby residents. Joint
school/park facilities are highly desirable.
Use: Serves the broader community. Includes facilities for active and passive recreation and leisure, including
athletic fields, swimming pools, picnic areas, walking/jogging paths, open play areas, exercise stations, and
restrooms, among other improvements
Community
Park
Service Area: Primarily for neighborhood residents within a one-mile radius, but available throughout the City.
Desirable Size: Minimum 10 to 30 acres
Density: 3.0 acres per 1,000 persons
Site Characteristics: Located to provide full access to the city.
Use: Serves the broader community or region by providing key linkages between residential areas and important
community facilities (e.g., parks, libraries, schools, etc.) while providing adequate areas for hiking, biking, jogging,
horseback riding and similar off-street activities.
Linear
Service Area: Available to all persons.
Desirable Size: No minimum standard.
Density: No minimum standard.
Site Characteristics: Located to provide full access to the city.
Use: Serves the broader community or region for specialized, multi-purpose recreation activities (e.g. performance
center).
Service Area: Available to all persons.
Special
Use Facility
Desirable Size: No minimum standard.
Density: No minimum standard.
Site Characteristics: Intended for City-wide or regional use.
Source: National Recreation and Park Association; Modified for La Porte, TX.
Needs Assessment
To assess the adequacy of the existing parks and recreation supply, it is
necessary to look at existing population, the supply of parks provided by
2.22
Chapter 2
existing facilities including planned improvements or expansions, and relate
them to planning standards for desirable levels of service. In addition, it is
necessary to consider forecasts in future population to determine future
needs and to identify deficiencies to address the needs of the system. As
such, the park and recreation system would have to be expanded to
4
accommodate a 2030 projected population of 49,927 persons. Based upon
these parameters and displayed in Table 2.45, Parks and Recreation Needs,
the City would have to add approximately 12.16 acres of new neighborhood
parks and 26.68 acres of new community parks to meet the needs of the
projected future population.
Table 2.45, Parks and Recreation Needs
4
2010 (Population 33,800) 2030 (Population 49,927)
% of % of
Park Classification
Needed Needed
Recommended Actual Need Recommended Actual Need
Acres Acres
Met Met
Neighborhood Parks
(1.0 ac./ 1,000 33.80 37.77 -3.97 105% 49.93 37.77 12.16 75.6%
persons)
Community Parks
(3.0 ac./1,000 101.40 123.10 -21.7 121% 149.78 123.10 26.68 82.1%
persons)
Total 135.20 160.87 -25.67 -- 399.42 160.87 38.84 --
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
TEMPORARY NOTE:
Both the original 2001 Comprehensive Plan and the 2003 Parks and Open Space Master Plan both utilized the mid-point of the NRPA
recommended acreage range (i.e., 1 .5 acres/1,000 person for neighborhood parks and 6.5 acres/1,000 persons for community parks) to
determine the existing acreage deficiencies and future acreage needs to satisfy future population growth. We are recommending that
the acreage per population standards be reduced to 1.0 acre /1,000 persons for neighborhood parks and 3.0 acres/1,000 persons for
community parks for the following reasons:
1)The City is not planning on expanding its City limits and thus the remaining acreage to accommodate future population growth
is also finite.
2)We don’t believe the remaining available acreage, combined with the City’s traditional density patterns, is sufficient in size to
accommodate H-GAC’s predicted 2030 population of 49,927 persons.
3)The City’s existing park and recreation system is already fairly well distributed.
As we proceed through this Comprehensive Plan process and decisions are made as to the predicted locations of each Future Land Use
area, we will be better able to forecast what the true 2030 population might look like and at that time, the above recommended
4
Population projections are based off of the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-
GAC) 2035 Forecast Data. See Demographic Snapshot in Chapter 1, Plan Context for
more information.
2.23
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.23 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Service Areas
Evaluating service areas is an effective means of identifying geographic areas
that have sufficient park areas available, but more importantly to identify
those in need of additional parks and recreation areas and facilities.
Neighborhood parks have a service area of one-quarter (¼) mile, while
community parks have a service area of one mile; which means that the
majority of the persons who utilize these facilities live within those
respective distances. The service areas for the City’s parks are displayed in
Map 2.4, Park Service Areas. Since school playgrounds and private parks also
provide neighborhood-scale park and recreation benefits to City residents,
their service areas have been included in this analysis. While school parks
have not been included in this analysis, they too could be included if the City
and La Porte ISD formalize joint use agreements and these playground and
other amenities are open to the public outside of school operating hours.
Park System Plan
The La Porte Park System Plan is designed to meet the requirements of the
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in order to become eligible for
grant reimbursement of up to 50 percent (with a maximum of $500,000 per
application cycle) for qualified projects. With the City being proactive in
adopting separate Parks and Open Space and Trails master plan, these
requirements have been met as long as an update is performed every five
years. Map 2.5, Park System Plan, is intended to be an intermediary analysis
that will facilitate future discussion when those separate master plans are
updated.
As the City moves forward in expanding park acreage to meet the needs of
the future projected population, the Park System Plan delineates the areas
of deficiencies within the City and should be one of the primary
considerations used to identify where future neighborhood and community
parks are located.
Key Planning Considerations
Key planning considerations for ensuring adequate parks, recreation, and
open space include:
1)All people should have equal access to recreational areas, activities,
services, and facilities regardless of personal interest, age, gender,
income, cultural background, housing environment, or handicap.
2)Public recreation should be highly coordinated among public institutions
and private entities to avoid duplication and encourage cooperation.
3)Public recreation should incorporate public services such as education,
health and fitness, transportation, and leisure.
4)Facilities should be well-planned and coordinated to ensure adequate
adaptability to future needs and requirements.
2.24
Chapter 2
5)The availability of financial resources should be considered in all phases
of planning, acquisition, development, operation, and maintenance of
spaces and facilities.
6)Public participation is critical to the eventual success of the parks and
recreation system and should, therefore, be included in all stages of the
process.
7)There should be established procedures for acquiring land for future
parks and recreation areas and facilities prior to development.
8)The design of spaces and facilities should encourage the most efficient
utilization of land, accommodate other compatible City services (e.g.,
libraries, museums, etc.), be constructed in the most sustainable, highest
quality possible, and consider the needs and desires of the intended
users.
Based on these planning considerations, the following goals, actions, and
initiatives address the specific issues and needs identified during the public
participation process and the above analysis.
GOAL 87: Ensure all existing and future parks and recreational
facilities are maintained to an equivalent standard of quality and
excellence.
One of the topics that were discussed during the public
participation process was related to inequalities in the quality
and condition of existing parks within the City. New parks (e.g.,
Pecan Park) and improvements (e.g., the new
sprayground/playground at Brookglen Park) created a higher
standard than now exists at some other existing parks.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Establish a formalized parks-to-standards program to ensure
all parks are brought up to, and maintained in, an equivalent
quality standard. This program should include a general
maintenance and repair schedule. The priority maintenance
tasks include:
a)Resurfacing, restriping, or re-grading unpaved surfaces or
parking areas.
b)Improving drainage.
c)Increasing park accessibility.
The two photos above highlight
d)Increasing the amount of signage and/or repair of
differences in the level of quality
existing signage.
between parks in the City. Newer parks
2)Conduct regular risk management inspections to identify and
such as Pecan Park (top photo) has an
schedule repairs, address safety issues, and conduct routine
overall higher level of quality than
maintenance and cleaning, and other necessary
other parks, such as Pete Gilliam Park
improvements to playground and park equipment that is
(bottom photo).
funded by an adequate operating and maintenance budget.
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
3)Use the National Program and Playground Safety guidelines
2.25
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.25 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
and/or the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission
standards in the design and replacement of playground equipment, all
surface areas, and other recreational facilities and improvements.
4)Enhance landscape plantings and lawn maintenance in all parks.
a)Develop a program to improve the turf quality in all parks through
turf restoration and over seeding, re-grading (to address erosion and
drainage issues), and improved irrigation.
b)Continue to partner with Trees for Houston to add shade trees and
shrubs in each park to improve aesthetics, create much needed
shade, and improve the overall future beauty of the park system.
5)Conduct an annual condition assessment of park conditions. The
assessment should be considered during the budget preparation process
for the following fiscal year.
GOAL 98: Continue to increase the quality and diversity of amenities
in the existing and future parks to attract and accommodate people
of all ages (and non-traditional park users) for both active and
passive activities.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Focus on park and recreation improvements as a means for
elevating neighborhood viability. Highlight the importance of clean,
safe, well-maintained, and vibrant neighborhood parks as an anchor
for strong, established neighborhoods where residents and kids use
public spaces and interact on evenings and weekends.
2)Establish a policy of master planning new/revitalized parks to
develop a unique design theme for each park to broaden the types of
facilities and activities that are available across the community and to
better tie their identity to adjacent neighborhoods.
a)Conduct neighborhood design charrettes to gather resident
input to determine unique features, types of amenities, and overall
theme. Ideas may include parks for special events, arts and culture,
heritage, eco-tourism, sustainability, etc.
3)Prepare revitalization plans for each of the existing, well
established parks. Plans should include equipment replacement and
repair, building/structure rehabilitation, new features/activities, and
Each amenity in the park (e.g.,
other refurbishments.
playscapes, parking lots, bathrooms,
4)Evaluate opportunities to add new types of amenities that
pavilions, etc.) should be connected
appeal to intergenerational and non-traditional users in existing and
by a handicap accessible walking
future parks, including community gardens, dog parks, climbing walls,
path/trail that is designed to
bike trails, Frisbee golf, spraygrounds, running/walking trails,
accommodate persons with
checkerboard tables, art walks, sandboxes, among others.
disabilities, the elderly, parents with
5)Continue to add shade structures to all existing and future
strollers, etc.
parks. Shading should consist of a combination of playscape shade
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
2.26
Chapter 2
structures, individual picnic shelters, and larger pavilions (which provide
more shade and more opportunities for socialization, among other
things).
6)Improve on-site and off-site accessibility to each park by developing a
sidewalk improvement program to repair, replace, or install new
sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb cuts, in high pedestrian use
neighborhoods immediately surrounding the parks, schools, and other
community facilities.
7)Incorporate on-site handicap accessible walking trails that create a loop
around the edge of each park and connect the important amenities
within the park, so that users can utilize these trails for walking, running,
biking, roller blading, pushing strollers, among other things.
8)Continue to provide adequate funding in the annual capital and
operating budgets to enhance, improve, and maintain the existing public
parks, recreation, trails, and open space.
GOAL 109: Continue to add new park, recreation, and open space
areas to adequately accommodate the future needs of La Porte’s
residents and visitors.
Action and Initiatives
1)Consider establishing an excise tax applied to nonresidential uses on a
square foot basis, which will serve to generate additional revenue for the
purpose of expanding and improving the City’s parks and trails systems.
2)1)Concurrent with population growth, acquire an additional 12.16 acres of
Formatted:Highlight
neighborhood parkland and an additional 26.68 acres of community
Formatted:Highlight
parkland in the areas of deficiency by the year 2030. Additional acreage
could be used to:
a)Establishing a recreation fitness center on the west side of the City.
b)Constructing a natatorium built and financed through a joint City La
Porte and/or Clear Creek ISD partnership (or other interested
stakeholders).
c)Facilitating greater linear linkages between the existing trail system
and all parks, schools, neighborhoods, open spaces, and other
important community amenities.
3)2)Continue to provide adequate funding in the annual capital budget to
acquire and develop new park, recreation, trail, and open space areas
and improvements.
GOAL 1110: Continue to offer and expand recreational and/or
cultural programs that meet the interests and needs of persons of all
ages and abilities by providing programs independently and in
cooperation with partners.
2.27
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.27 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Action and Initiatives
1)Provide opportunities for individuals and groups (including low-income,
minority, disabled, elderly, and the youth at risk populations) to
participate in cultural, recreational, and educational activities that foster
better health and wellness and strengthen both body and mind.
2)Formalize through reciprocal agreements the coordination of
programming and joint use of facilities by and between the City and the
La Porte Independent School District (LPISD), homeowner associations,
among others.
3)Continue to offer and/or enhance the Fun Times Parks and Recreation
Magazine.
4)Consider providing on-line registration for any camps, lessons,
workshops, or classes available through the City or its program partners.
5)Join with the program partners to make application for outside funding
to support and expand the City’s educational and recreational
programming. Seek special funding for underprivileged residents
(particularly children) who may not have access to pools for programs
that would address need for swimming lessons in the bay.
6)Continue to expand sponsorships and investigate opportunities to
affiliate with other agencies (i.e., public/public or public/private
partnerships), special interest groups, service clubs, and the private
sector in organizing and operating special events, programs, and leagues.
7)Continue to work with youth sport associations to further develop
facilities for recreational activities including baseball, softball, basketball,
soccer, football, rugby, swimming, among others.
8)Continue to work with public and private sector groups (i.e., civic
associations, etc.) to promote the annual community activities such as
sports tournaments, festivals, outdoor concerts, fairs, and other special
events.
9)Conduct an annual meeting with the City’s program partners and other
community organizations to discuss opportunities for the improved
coordination and provision of services.
The essence of comprehensive planning is a recognition that La Porte does
not have to wait to react to development proposals. Rather, it can determine
where development and redevelopment will occur and what character type
of land use the the new built environment will reflect. Through active
community support, this plan will ensure that development meets certain
standards and, thus, contributes to achieving the desired community
charactervision. As a guide for land development and public improvements,
2.28
Chapter 2
Map 2.72.6, Future Land Use Plan, represents how and where the City will
focus new development and redevelopment over the next two decades –
and beyond. The Future Land Use Plan is an integral part of this
Comprehensive Plan and represents the most desirable land use based upon
the goals and objectives stated in the Comprehensive Plan in consideration
of existing uses and development and physical characteristics of the
community. The land use designations form the basis for zoning, and
thereby, the location of housing, commercial, and industrial areas. The
Future Land Use Plan and Thoroughfare Plan (in Chapter 4, Mobility) are the
two most important planning tools available to the City.
In the determination of whether a specific zoning classification conforms to
the land use designation on the map, flexibility should be used to interpret
land use designations boundaries which are applied on a broad scale. Street
rights-a-way, lot lines, topography, and other features should be utilized in
the location of appropriate zoning district boundary lines. Generally, zoning
district boundaries should follow rear lot lines or alleys to preserve the
cohesiveness of the streetscape and compatibility of adjacent uses.
Zoning, when applied, breaks these areas into more specific classifications
with legally binding land use regulations that according to state law must be
5
“in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan.” The following discusses the
land use designations found in the Future Land Use Plan.
During the comprehensive planning process, an existing land use study was
undertaken to determine if there were any major nonconformities existing in
the City’s commercial and industrial zoned areas that may (or may not) need
to be reflected in the updated Future Land Use Plan. This abbreviated study
was conducted in April 2012 and focused primarily on commercial and
industrial zoning nonconformities.
The Future Land Use Plan for the City of La Porte is a general physical plan
for future development based on land use. It shows the generalized pattern
of planned future land use, taking into account the City’s land use goals and
objectives identified throughout the Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of
the land use plan is to minimize conflicts between adjacent uses, maximize
efficiency of the transportation network, achieve fiscally sound decisions
pertaining to private development and public infrastructure investments,
and generally to aspire to create a livable environment for the citizens of the
community.
The future land use classifications used on the plan to depict the type and
density of development are as follows:
5
Texas Local Government Code, Sec. 211.004, Conformance with the
Comprehensive Plan.
2.29
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.29 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Large Lot Residential – This classification includes the areas to remain
large lot residential in the Lomax area.
Low-Density Residential – This classification includes single family
residential use with minimum lot area ranging from 4,500 to 43,560
square feet. Other permitted uses are those in conformance with the
Low Density Residential District (R-1).
Moderate to High Density Residential – The Moderate to High Density
Residential classification includes single family attached or detached
dwellings, multiple family dwellings, patio homes, garden apartments,
condominiums, and townhouses. The minimum lot area for these uses
ranges from 2,000 to 20,000 square feet with maximum lot coverage
ranging from 50 to 60 percent. Moderate and High Density Residential
uses generally include those specified in the Mid-Density Residential
District (R-2) and High-Density Residential District (R-3).
Commercial – The Commercial classification includes uses that are in
conformance with the uses permitted in the Commercial Recreation
District (CR), Neighborhood Commercial District (NC), and General
Commercial (GC) District.
Commercial Industrial – The Commercial Industrial Classification
provides for the establishment of industrial development that is
compatible with surrounding or abutting residential districts. Uses are
limited to administrative, wholesaling, manufacturing, and related
compatible uses as defined by the Business Industrial Park (BI) Districts.
Industrial – The Industrial Classification provides for the establishment of
light and heavy industrial development. Uses are in conformance with
the Light Industrial District (LI) and Heavy Industrial District (HI).
Public and Institutional – The Public and Institutional classification
includes such uses as schools, library, utilities, and government buildings.
Parks and Open Space - The Parks and Open Space classification includes
existing public parks and recreation areas, open space, natural habitat
areas and areas within the floodplain.
The land use plan is intended to generally guide future land use decisions,
which are typically made simultaneous to other decisions regarding the
provision of adequate public facilities and services and infrastructure
improvements. Consideration should be given to the following issues prior
to making land use decisions:
Character of the surrounding and adjacent neighborhoods;
Existing use of nearby properties, and the extent to which a land use
classification would be in harmony with such existing uses or the
anticipated use of the properties;
2.30
Chapter 2
Suitability of the property for the uses to which would be permissible,
considering density, access and circulation, adequacy of public facilities
and services, and other considerations;
Extent to which the designated use of the property would harm the
value of adjacent land uses;
Extent to which the proposed use designation would adversely affect the
capacity or safety of that portion of the road network influenced by the
use;
Extent to which the proposed use designation would permit excessive
air, water or noise pollution, or other environmental harm on adjacent
land use designations; and,
The gain, if any, to the public health, safety, and welfare due to the
existence of the land use designation.
Individual land development proposals should be considered for approval at
the scale of neighborhood, sub-area, and development project planning,
which are to be considered in subsequent zoning and rezoning actions by the
City. These decisions should be based upon consideration of the established
policies and conformance with the Future Land Use Plan.
The Future Land Use Plan is not a zoning map, nor should it be used as such.
The detailed pattern and location of land uses on a parcel-specific basis
cannot be accurately predicted for 20 years into the future. Small area land
use decisions should appropriately be made at the scale of neighborhood,
sub-area, and development project planning, which are to be considered in
subsequent zoning and rezoning actions by the City. These decisions should
be based upon consideration of the Future Land Use Plan and should be
consistent with the generalized land uses shown in the plan.
FutCharacter-
One of the ways to improve community appearance is to adopt a “character-
based” approach to zoning and land development, which offers many
benefits (see inset on next page) when compared to a conventional
approach like that of the City’s existing ordinance. As such, this
Comprehensive Plan update recommends the City consider in the future to
transition to a character-based approach to planning. The remainder of this
chapter provides guidance for if and when that transition might be
undertaken.
Community character goes beyond typical categorization of the functional
use of land – such as residential, commercial, and industrial – to account, as
well, for the physical traits one can see in an area that contribute to its “look
and feel.”
2.31
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.31 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
A character-based approach focuses on the
Why should is Community Character be Important development intensity, which encompasses
the density and layout of residential
toConsidered in La Porte?
development; the scale and form of non-
residential development; and the amount of
The community character approach offers many benefits
building and pavement coverage (i.e.,
including:
impervious coverage) relative to the extent
the ability to determine and realize the intended
of open space and natural vegetation or
character of future development;
landscaping. This applies both on individual
an increased assurance as to quality development
outcomes; development sites and across entire areas. It
improved compatibility within and between districts; is this combination of basic land use and the
characteristics of such use that more
attraction of highly-skilled workers and high-tech
businesses;
accurately determines the real compatibility
potential premium to the value of housing;
and quality of development, as opposed to
increased design flexibility to protect natural resources
land use alone. For instance, both Main
and valued open space;
Street and Fairmont Parkway have
fewer zoning map amendments and thus, streamlined
restaurants (i.e., the same use); however,
approval;
when patronizing a restaurant along Main
increased certainty in the development process;
Street, one encounters a more pedestrian-
ability to better plan for infrastructure needs;
friendly environment with sidewalks,
mixed use projects on a by-right basis; and
gridded streets, buildings brought mostly to
buffering that is commensurate with the level of impact
the street, and on-street parking. In
on adjacent and abutting properties.
contrast, when patronizing a restaurant
along Fairmont Parkway, one encounters a
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
more auto-oriented environment where
there are no sidewalks (or they are sporadic)
and buildings are set back behind off-street parking (see inset on next page
for an example of the same residential use exhibiting three different
characters).
Key Planning Considerations
1)Amending the zoning ordinance to repurpose and recalibrate its districts
and standards to reflect their intended community character outcomes.
GOAL 711: Implementing a character-based approach to planning by
rRefocusing the zoning ordinance to emphasize the character and
form of development in appropriate zoning districts.
The City’s zoning ordinance was originally adopted in the 1980s and is based
on a conventional (Euclidean) approach to zoning – one that focuses on land
use and minimum area standards. As part of the implementation of this
comprehensive plan update, it is advisable recommended that the City
consider at some time in the future to for the zoning ordinance to be
repurposed and recalibrated the zoning and development ordinances to
place emphasis on the character of development (without placing as much
emphasis on land use). While use should remain a secondary consideration,
2.32
Chapter 2
the density/intensity and
Same Use; Different Character
design of development is
of much greater
importance if the City is to
enhance its character.
Actions and Initiatives
1)Consider revising
Revise the district
purpose statements to
define the intended
character of the
district, rather than
general use types. For
instance, the purpose
of the R-1, Low Density
Residential District is
“for low-density,
While the use is the same, the character of these individual developmetns is
single-family detached
much different by way of lot sizes, setback, street configurations, and the
dwellings…” Instead,
density and spacing of development. The character may again change
the purpose may
should the center property develop. The value of a character-based zoning
indicate the district is
system is a preservation of character and hence property values. This
suburban in nature,
segment along N. P Street features three adjacent areas developed for
characterized by a
single-family residential use, but each exhibiting a much different
balance between the
character—Auto-Urban on the left, Rural in the middle, and Suburban on
landscape and
the right. These character types are elaborated later in this chapter.
buildings, which may
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
be large lots or smaller
lots clustered around
public open space. Open space and low impervious surface ratios
characterize the built environment.
2)Consider recalibrating Recalibrate the density and open space ratios of
each zoning district and revise the dimensional standards to reflect the
intended character. For instance, the setbacks and lot widths and
coverage should vary by character, with small setbacks and higher
coverage for neighborhoods of an urban character and larger setbacks
and lower coverage for suburban and rural neighborhoods.
3)Consider identifying Identify established neighborhoods with cohesive
character and community identity and create neighborhood
conservation districts to protect and promote the existing neighborhood
feel. In addition, allow for reasonable improvements in these existing
neighborhoods without cumbersome variance procedures. Include by-
right standards for making improvements to buildings to ensure that
they remain in character with the neighborhood and do not adversely
impact the use and enjoyment of neighboring properties.
2.33
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.33 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
4)Consider transitioning Transition the existing Planned Unit Development
(PUD) regulations to a Planned Development (PD) option available in
certain districts in order to mix different housing types. This by-right
option allows the density and open space standards to be clearly defined
to reflect the intended character. A housing palette should be utilized to
clearly specify the minimum lot areas and dimensions, setbacks, building
heights, and maximum building coverage for each dwelling unit type.
These new PD provisions would include explicit density and open space
standards together with provisions for permitted and limited uses,
housing diversity, dimensional criteria, residential and nonresidential
development standards, open space and recreation design, subdivision
layout and design, street configurations, and bufferyards and transitions
thereby allowing them as a by-right option rather than through a
discretionary approval process.
5)Consider reviewing and revising Review and revise the lists of permitted
and conditional uses in each district. The current districts are cumulative
meaning that single family dwellings are permitted in both low and high
density districts. The permitted uses in the commercial district are based
on their use function rather than their scale or design character. By way
of example, the neighborhood commercial district allows drugstores,
eating places, and grocery stores with limitations of scale or other design
parameters to ensure a character that is compatible with
the adjacent neighborhood.
6)Consider adopting Adopt a housing palette that
includes dimensional standards for each of several housing
types. The purpose of the palette is to ensure the character
(size, spacing, scale) of each housing type in a
neighborhood or mixed housing development, such as a
mixed use center or traditional neighborhood development
(THD).
7)For the purposes of procedural streamlining and to
better focus the appropriate locations of uses, consider
restricting the types and numbers of allowable conditional
Flexible bufferyards ensure that the scale of
uses. For those uses with performance standards, make
the bufferyard is commensurate with the
them a limited use whereby they are administratively
intensity and/or proximity (i.e., the character)
permitted subject to written standards.
of adjacent uses. In addition, a flexible
8)Consider amending Amend the ordinance to
bufferyard approach would provide multiple
include bufferyard provisions for ensuring improved
options (i.e., landscaping only, landscaping
compatibility between adjacent areas of different
and berm, or landscaping and fence
character. The bufferyards must vary according to the
structure) to achieve the same level of
intensity of abutting development, with a range of options
compliance, while providing the developer
(including combinations of buffer width, plant density,
with flexiblity to implement the one that is
earthen berms, and fencing) to meet a specified standard
most appropriate for their site and project.
of opacity. This would provide adequate buggering of
adjacent uses as well as street corridors. The existing
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
provisions only specify a 25 foot buffer between multi-
2.34
Chapter 2
family and single family residential developments without any
specification as to the type of density of landscaping.
9)Consider establishing Establish a minimum open space ratio (OSR) within
residential development and landscape surface ration (LSR) within
nonresidential development. The ratios will vary according to the
character of the district. These areas will provide visual buffering and
shade, accommodate recreational amenities, and provide needed space
for stormwater detention.
The Rationale of Character-Based Land Use Districts
A character-based system differs from the City’s current use-based system in that each of the above
developments may be permitted in the same land use (or zoning) district. A use-based land use and zoning
system would require each of these to be in separate districts even though their relative densities and thus,
impacts (e.g. traffic, utility demands, etc.) are the same. In this way, while the form of development or type of
house may be different the character remains the same. This is so as a character-based system uses density and
open space measures to control – and ensure – the intended character. The density and open space controls
may hold the density constant (density neutral) or may allow a bonus as means to provide incentive to preserve
open space and resources or to achieve other community objectives.
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
Below details potential future character districts that could be implemented
if the City transitions to a character-based approach to planning.
2.35
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.35 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Rural
Rural. This designation is for areas with large acreages (scattered
homesteads and pasture land) and very large lot developments. It may also
include clustered residential development that is offset by a high
percentage of open space on the overall tract. Rural character is usually
found in areas on the fringe of the City where infrastructure (i.e., curb and
gutter, sewer, etc.) may be less intensive than other areas of the City. Rural
character typically exhibits:
Wide open landscapes, with no sense of enclosure, and the views to the
horizon are unbroken by buildings.
Structures are in the background – or invisible entirely as they blend into
the landscape.
Very high open space ratios and very low building coverage.
Greater building separation providing privacy and detachment from
neighboring dwellings.
Much greater reliance on natural drainage systems.
A more pleasant environment for walking and biking, especially for off-
street trail systems.
Suburban Residential
Suburban Residential. This designation is for areas that include detached
residential dwellings; planned developments (to provide other housing
types, e.g., attached residential, with increased open space), etc. Suburban
Residential character typically exhibits:
A high degree of open space maintained on the site.
Larger lot sizes to allow for larger front yards and building setbacks.
Greater side separation between homes.
Less noticeable accommodation of the automobile (especially where
driveways are on the side of homes rather than occupying a portion of
the front yard space, and where garages are situated to the side or rear
of the main dwelling).
In some case, Suburban Residential can accommodate smaller lot sizes in
exchange for greater open space, with the additional open space
devoted to maintaining the Suburban character and buffering adjacent
properties.
Auto Urban Residential. This designation also includes detached residential
dwellings; attached housing types (subject to compatibility and open space
standards, e.g., duplexes, townhomes, patio homes); planned developments
(with a potential mix of housing types and varying densities, subject to
compatibility and open space standards), etc. Auto Urban Character typically
exhibits:
Less openness and separation between dwellings compared to Suburban
areas.
Auto-oriented character (e.g., driveways and front-loading garages
dominate the front yard and facades of homes).
2.36
Chapter 2
Uniform front setbacks where
Traditional Residential
Auto Urban Residential
minimal variation in individual house
design can create a monotonous
street environment.
Lack of variation (sometimes) or
excessive monotony which can be
offset by “antimonotony”
architectural standards, landscaping,
and limitations on subdivision
layouts that are overly
characterized by straight streets and
uniform lot sizes and arrangement.
Traditional Residential. This designation
covers many of the core single-family
residential neighborhoods within East La
Porte. The prevailing lot size allows for
less openness and separation between
homes than in Suburban and Rural residential areas. Traditional Residential
character areas typically exhibit:
Mature tree canopies; which help to differentiate these areas from Auto-
Urban Residential areas.
Highly gridded streets, oftentimes with alleys.
Incremental increases in housing density and lot coverage; enough to
differentiate from corresponding Suburban Residential areas.
Suburban Village. This designation includes mixed use (on single sites and
Suburban Village
within individual structures), attached residential dwellings (possibly
live/work units), commercial retail, office, etc. Rather than linear strips,
these village centers will have much smaller building footprints and
typically cater towards neighborhood conveniences such as drug stores,
professional services, and retail users. Given the expected increases in
population constrained by the limited areas remaining for development, it
is recommended that La Porte consider facilitating the development of
some of the remaining areas as more self-contained, mixed use villages.
Suburban Village character areas typically exhibit:
High degree of landscape surface than found in Auto-Urban character
areas.
Pedestrian-oriented setting and more walkable environments.
Higher site coverage, where a minimum two-story structures are
encouraged.
Reliance on on-street parking, centralized public parking, and where
Photos not from La Porte
feasible, structured parking.
2.37
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.37 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Auto Urban Commercial. Development types include a wide range of
Auto Urban Commercial
commercial retail and service uses (at varying scales and intensities
depending on the site); office (both large and/or multi-story buildings and
small-scale office uses depending on the site); and public/institutional
areas. Auto-Urban character areas typically exhibit:
A largely horizontal development pattern.
A very open environment (but to accommodate extensive surface
parking versus the more prominent green spaces found in Suburban
areas)
Significant area devoted to vehicular access drives, circulation routes,
surface parking, and loading/delivery areas (making pavement the most
prominent visual feature versus green or open areas). Auto-oriented
character may be enhanced with better building and site design.
Urban Downtown. This character area is different from an Auto-Urban
commercial area in that the buildings are brought to the street and there
is no or very limited on-site parking. Buildings within this district occupy a
large percentage of the site, and front and side yard setbacks must be
built to the property line in order to maintain the characteristics of a
Urban Downtown
traditional downtown. Downtown character areas typically exhibit:
Most intensive development character in City.
Streets framed by buildings with zero/minimal front setbacks.
Greatest site coverage.
Minimum two-story structures encouraged.
Reliance on on-street parking, centralized public parking, and where
feasible, structured parking.
Public/institutional uses designed of an Urban character.
Business Park. This designation is typically Suburban in character and
primarily is for office, medical, and technology/research uses, but can also
include light industrial (including warehousing/distribution) when well
screened and in buildings with enhanced architectural design. Business
Parks are a good way to attract new companies to the area and could be
an attractive alternative the existing facilities available today. Business
Park character areas are typically grouped in campus style settings and
typically exhibit:
Business Park
Reduced site coverage and larger areas of common open space.
A minimum open space ratio of 20%-30%, which still allows for a sizable
cumulative building footprint since most such developments involve
large sites.
Extensive landscaping of business park perimeter, and special
streetscaping and design treatments at entries, key intersections, and
internal focal points.
Development outcomes that exceed City ordinances and development
Photo not from La Porte
standards (because they are often controlled by private covenants and
restrictions)
2.38
Chapter 2
Site operations that are conducted indoors with no outdoor storage or
display.
Auto-Urban Industrial. La Porte’s has been traditionally known as an
Auto-Urban Industrial
industrial City, and as such, there are many industrial areas located in and
around the City which exhibit an Auto-Urban character. Although, these
areas can be enhanced through landscaping and buffering standards,
master-planning via “industrial parks,” and optimal site selection. The City’s
existing industrial buildings are a mix of older and new brick and metal
buildings scattered throughout the City. Auto-Urban Industrial character
areas typically exhibit:
Predominantly characterized by large parking and storage areas and
minimal greenspace; although some industrial park developments may
feature more open space and landscaping, regulated signage, screening,
etc.
Outdoor activity and storage, which should be screened where visible
from public ways and buffered from residential areas. It could also
include certain publicly owned uses (e.g., public works facilities, fleet
maintenance, treatment plants, etc.)
Parks and Open Space. This designation is for the City’s park, recreation,
Parks and Open Space
and open space areas and the trail system. Parks are formally developed
recreation areas comprised of public parks, trails, and other improved
recreational (active and passive) or cultural amenities. Open spaces are less
developed natural areas typically characterized by sensitive or unique
environmental features that may or may not be developed. Typically, public
parkland will remain in the public realm in perpetuity with future parkland
acquired to fill the gaps and support new development. Park design,
intensity of development, and planned uses/activities should match the
area character (e.g., Five Points Town Plaza should look different than Pete
Gilliam Park). Parks and Open Space character areas typically exhibit:
Manicured lawns, parking lots and sidewalks, playgrounds, sports courts
and sports fields, etc.
Unimproved natural areas or improved to provide limited amenities,
e.g., parking, trails, bird blinds, etc.
Public/Institutional. This designation includes the City-owned buildings and
facilities (including City Hall and the police and fire stations), as well as other
publicly or privately-owned schools and hospitals, churches and accessory
buildings, public parking lots and structures, and other non-governmental
civic functions (e.g., Chamber of Commerce). Since these facilities occur
throughout the City, they should be designed to be compatible with the
character of the surrounding area. Irrespective of which character area these
facilities are placed, they should still exhibit:
2.39
LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT
2.39 Adopted July 20, 2009
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
High quality, highly durable materials.
Sufficient landscaping and full screening of outdoor storage.
Public / Institutional
Special streetscaping and design treatments may be warranted in certain
areas.
2.40
Chapter 2
I
MPLEMENTATION
C6
HAPTER
This plan sets forth a vision as to how La Porte should develop
2001 vs. 2011 Plan Comparison
over the next 20 years – and beyond. With the vision in place, the
community must now direct its resources of time and money to
2001 2011 Update
plan implementation. Each of the goals, actions, and initiatives
Ch. 13, Implementation Ch. 6, Implementation
identified throughout this plan must be turned into specific
programs, initiatives, and/or new standards. This chapter
establishes priorities and sets forth a process to ensure the plan is
implemented and kept current over time.
6.1 Introduction
Implementation is a team effort, requiring the commitment and leadership
of elected and appointed officials, staff, residents, business and land owners,
and other individual and collective influences that will serve as champions of
this plan. This includes close coordination and joint commitment from local,
regional, and state partners that significantly impact the future and growth
of La Porte, including:
Harris County;
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT);
Port of Houston Authority, and the Barbours Cut and Bayport Terminals;
Battleground, Bayport, and South La Porte Industrial Districts;
La Porte Independent School District (La Porte ISD);
La Porte Economic Development Corporation;
La Porte Redevelopment Authority;
Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau;
La Porte-Bayshore Chamber of Commerce;
San Jacinto College;
Main Street Business Alliance; and,
Other organizations, agencies, and groups.
6.1
IMPLEMENTATION
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Each chapter of this plan outlines specific issues to be addressed to achieve
what is envisioned by community residents. In response are a large number
of recommended actions that relate to regulatory changes, programmatic
initiatives, and capital projects. While these recommendations are
comprehensive and intended to be accomplished over the 20-year horizon of
this plan, near-term strategies must be put in place to take the first step
toward implementation. These strategies must then be prioritized, with
decisions as to the sequencing of activities, the capacity to fulfill each
initiative, and the ability to obligate the necessary funding. Those deemed as
top priorities and viewed as feasible in the short term are placed in a five-
year action plan. In addition to implementing these targeted strategies, the
broader policies set forth by the plan text and maps may be used in making
decisions related to the physical and economic development of the
community.
The purpose of this chapter is to integrate the elements of the plan to
provide a clear path for sound decision making. This chapter outlines the
organizational structure necessary to implement the plan, strategic
directions and priorities for implementation, and a process for regular
evaluation and appraisal of the plan to ensure it is kept relevant and viable.
6.2 Methods and Responsibility for Implementation
To be successful, the City shouldmust utilize this plan on a daily basis, and it
shouldmustbe integrated into ongoing governmental practices and
programs. The recommendations shouldmust be referenced often and
widely used to make decisions pertaining to the timing and availability of
infrastructure improvements; proposed development/redevelopment
applications; zone change requests; expansion of public facilities, services,
and programs; and annual capital budgeting, among other considerations.
Each Councilman, staff person, and member of boards, commissions, and/or
committees has an obligation to use this plan in guiding their decisions. The
plan is designed to guide the growth and economic development of the
community. It is intended to guide staff – of all departments – in managing
their individual activities, annual work programs, and capital projects.
The primary means of implementation include:
Amendment of current and preparation of new land development
regulations to ensure a quality and character of development that
reflects the community’s vision. The zoning and development
must be re-written to improve use
ordinances, in particular, should
compatibility, conserve natural resources and open space, preserve the
character and integrity of neighborhoods and valued areas, improve the
efficiency of facility and service provisions, and contribute to a fiscally
responsible pattern of urban growth.
6.2
CHAPTER 6
Formation of policies, directly and indirectly, through recommendations
by City staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, other boards, and the
decisions of the City Council. As new development/redevelopment is
proposed, staff and the City’s advisory boards, together with the City
Council, must abide by the policies and recommendations of this plan.
The text of this plan, coupled with the future land use, beautification,
and thoroughfare plans, provides the requisite guidance for achieving
what has been envisioned by the residents and stakeholders of this
community.
Regular updating of a capital improvement program (CIP); a five-year
plan identifying capital projects for street infrastructure; water,
wastewater, and drainage improvements; park, trail, and recreation
facility provisions; and other public buildings and municipal services.
These capital improvements must be coordinated with the objectives of
this plan and implemented consistent with the future land use,
beautification, and thoroughfare plans, and other relevant plans.
Identification and implementation of special projects, programs, and
initiatives to achieve organizational, programmatic, and/or
developmental objectives. These may include further studies, detailed
area plans (individual neighborhoods or special districts), or initiating or
expanding upon key City programs. These tend to be more managerial in
function, which may support or influence physical improvements or
enhancements, but themselves focus on community betterment.
6.3 Plan Administration
A host of community leaders must take “ownership” in this plan and
maintain a commitment for its ongoing, successful implementation. The
City’s management and staff, together with its boards and commissions,
committees, and organizations, will have essential roles in implementing the
plan and, thus, ensuring its success.
Education and Training
Due to the comprehensive nature of this plan update, it is necessary to
conduct individual training workshops with the Planning and Zoning
Commission, City Council, and City department managers, as well as each of
the other boards and committees who have a role in plan implementation.
These are the groups who, individually and collectively, will be responsible
for implementation. The importance of their collaboration, coordination, and
communication cannot be overstated. The training initiative should include:
Discussion of the roles and responsibilities of each individual
commission, board, or committee and their function in the organization.
A thorough overview of the entire plan, with particular emphasis on the
segments that most directly relate to their charge.
Implementation tasking and priority setting, allowing each group to
establish their own one-, two-, and five-year agendas in coordination
with the strategic agenda of the Mayor and City Council.
6.3
2.3 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Facilitation of a mock meeting to exhibit effective use of the plan and its
policies and recommendations.
A concluding question-and-answer session.
Role Definition
The City Council will assume the lead role in implementing this plan. Their
chief responsibility is to decide and establish the priorities and timeframes
by which each action will be initiated and completed. In conjunction with the
City Manager, they must manage the coordination among the various groups
responsible for carrying out the plan’s recommendations. Lastly, they are
also responsible for the funding commitments required, whether it involves
capital outlay, budget for expanded services, additional staffing, further
studies, or programmatic or procedural changes.
The hierarchy and roles of implementation are as follows:
City Council
Establishes overall action priorities and timeframes by which each action
of the plan will be initiated and completed.
Considers and sets the requisite funding commitments.
Offers final approval of projects/activities and associated costs during
the budget process.
Provides direction to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City
management and staff.
Planning and Zoning Commission
Recommends to City Council an annual program of actions to be
implemented, including guidance as to the timeframes and priorities.
Prepares an Annual Progress Report for submittal and presentation to
the Mayor and City Council.
Ensures decisions and recommendations presented to the City Council
are consistent with the plan’s policies, objectives, and recommendations.
This relates particularly to decisions for subdivision approval, site plan
review, zone change requests, ordinance amendments, and annexation.
Ensures that the plan influences the decisions and actions of other
boards and committees.
City Departments and Plan Administrator
All departments are responsible for administering this plan, specifically as it
relates to their function within the organization. Many departments were
involved in the plan development process and are, therefore, familiar with its
content and outcomes. They must now be enrolled as implementers to
ensure their budgets and annual work programs are in line with the plan. The
Planning Director will serve as the Plan Administrator and will play a lead
role in coordinating among the various departments.
6.4
CHAPTER 6
Intergovernmental Coordination
Increasingly, jurisdictions are acknowledging that issues are regional, rather
than local, in nature. Watersheds and other ecosystems, economic
conditions, land use, transportation patterns, housing, and the effects of
growth and change are issues that cross the boundaries of the community
and impact not only La Porte, but also Harris County and each of the other
adjacent communities. As a result, the economic health of La Porte is partly
reliant upon the county and neighboring communities, meaning that the
success of one is largely dependent on and, thus, responsible for the success
of the other.
Perhaps of greatest importance to the effective implementation of this plan
is recognition that all levels of government and the private sector must
participate. For example, the idea of improving the overall appearance of
corridors in the City, for instance, will not be effective without the
coordination of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Harris
County, and in large part, the private sector as new development or
redevelopment occurs along these corridors.
Strong intergovernmental cooperation will also be instrumental in effective
implementation of this plan. Each of the governmental agencies shares
common interests and goals, including enhancing economic development
and providing for quality housing, services, and infrastructure needs. These
goals can be more effectively achieved through mutual cooperation and
coordination.
Recommended Strategies for Intergovernmental Cooperation
Create an intergovernmental planning advisory council, which should
include representatives from different entities and agencies including
the City, Harris County, Economic Development Corporation, La Porte,
ISD, San Jacinto College, Port of Houston Authority, the industrial
districts, and others. The council should meet quarterly to consider and
act on projects and initiatives that are of mutual interest and benefit.
Develop agreements with La Porte ISD to address potential joint
acquisition of park land, improvement and maintenance of land and
facilities, and use and management of areas and buildings. This could
also include a joint agreement to construct and operate a natatorium.
6.4 Implementation Strategies
Shown in Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan, are the key strategies for
implementation, with more detail found within the individual plan chapters.
These strategies highlight the steps to be taken by the City, often in
coordination with other jurisdictions, organizations, or agencies. It is
designed to be kept up-to-date and used on an annual basis as part of the
regular review process. Projects should be further prioritized into a five-year
action plan. Each year, the projects that are substantially complete should
6.5
2.5 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
be removed, with the corresponding years advanced one year and a fifth
year of programmed actions added. In this way, this table may be used on an
ongoing basis and provided to the City Council to keep them apprised of the
progress of implementation.
Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan
Priority Primary Action Items
Chapter Reference
Revitalization Program. Develop a comprehensive revitalization program
for those areas identified on Map 2.1, Rehabilitation Target Areas. This
program should include:
a detailed public participation process;
the development of revitalization plans; and,
updates to the City’s development ordinance and processes to
remove regulary impediments to infill development, redevelopment,
and revitalization.
Downtown Master Plan. Prepare a master plan for the Downtown area,
including Main Street and Sylvan Beach, the connections between, and
the transition to adjacent areas. This includes:
setting a clear and collectively supported vision;
determination of implementation framework to guide new/
reinvestment; and,
coordinating with previous work completed on marketing and
branding study.
Unified Development Code / Modification of Regulatory Provisions.
Prepare a Unified Development Code (UDC) to ensure an effective
transition from comprehensive plan to the implementing regulations.
Modified provisions should include,but not be limited to:
building placement, design, and materials;
parking lot, streetscape, and foundation landscaping;
screening, lighting, and buffering;
lot design and open space;
street and pedestrian connectivity and access management; and,
sidewalk design, placement, and amenities.
Scenic Texas Certification. Continue to Evaluate program criteria and
make necessary improvements to achieve certification through the Scenic
City Certification Program sponsored by Scenic Texas.
Continued on next page.
6.6
CHAPTER 6
Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan – Continued.
Priority Primary Action Items
Chapter Reference
Community Enhancement. Partner with the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) and the county to enhance the appearance of
existing corridors, gateways, interchanges, and bridges, as depicted on Map
2.2, Beautification Plan. This could include:
strengthening ordinance 1501-II;
developing corridor enhancement plans for the primary and secondary
corridors identified on Map 2.2, Beautification Plan;
partnering with area partners to determine other strategies for visual
improvement of the corridors; and,
implementing a comprehensive wayfinding program.
Neighborhood Improvement Program. Develop a formalized neighborhood
improvement program that ensures the quality of existing neighborhoods
are maintained or improved over time. This would include:
additional planning (e.g., facilitating the development of neighborhood
plans) and technical support;
development of a target-area community investment fund;
streamlined regulations and processes (focsed to faciliate and
incentivize reinvestment); and,
development of an advocacy-based code enforcement program.
Park and Trail System Improvements. Improve the existing quality of
existing parks and recreation areas through:
adopting and implementing a parks-to-standard program;
master planning for all new/revitalized park development;
increasing the diversity of amenities;
improving accessibility and connectivity;
establishing an on-line registration system for programs;
adding neighborhood and community parkland in areas of need and
concurrent with population growth;
completing the trail system per the City’s Trail Master Plan;
constructing a natatorium in association with area partners; and,
establishing a recreation center on the west side of the City.
Drainage Improvements. Continue to implement the recommendations
identified in the Citywide Drainage Study. In addition, consider:
designing and constructing all future/redeveloped flood control and on-
site drainage projects as community enhancements and/or recreational
amenities; and,
encouraging vegetative buffers along stream and other drainageways.
Continued on next page.
6.7
2.7 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan – Continued.
Priority Primary Action Items
Chapter Reference
Infrastructure Improvements. Continue to implement the
recommendations in the City’s Water Master Plan, Water Conservation
Plan, and Drought Contingency Plan. In addition, consider the following:
completing the geographic information systems (GIS) utility mapping
database;
conducting a system-wide condition analysis of all utility infrastructure
to determine an appropriate short- and long-term plan of action to
repair, rehabilitate, or replace existing utility infrastructure;
identifying and eliminating any dead-end water mains; and,
studying to identify expanded opportunities for reuse of wastewater.
Public Safety Improvements.Continue to support an excellent system of
public safety services. In addition, consder:
expanding police, fire, and EMS personnel concurrent with population
growth;
constructing a new animal shelter;
establishing a formalized replacement and procurement program for
vehicles and major equipment; and,
providing adequate funding for training and community education
programs.
Increasing Sustainability. Determine a plan of action to improve the City’s
sustainability, including:
reaching the identified per capita water reduction targets;
reducing the City’s energy usage;
pursuing third-party certification (e.g., LEED-NC®) for design and
construction of all new municipal projects;
offering tax abatement incentives for private-sector development
registered with LEED or other similar sustainable design and
construction programs;
utilizing drought resistent landscaping for public improvement
projects and providing incentives for private sector projects; and,
establishing community drop-off recycling locations in each park in
the short-term and curbside recycling in the long-term.
Existing Street Connectivity Improvements. Work with public and private
stakeholders to determine a plan of action and funding source to develop
the additional connections on existing streets as identified on Map 4.1,
Thoroughfare Plan.
Continued on next page.
6.8
CHAPTER 6
Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan – Continued.
Priority Primary Action Items
Chapter Reference
Signal Warrant Studies. Conduct signal warrant studies to determine if
signals are warranted at the terminus of roads traversing and bounding
the Lomax Area and along Fairmont Parkway and Spencer Highway.
Access Management Studies. Conduct access management studies along
corridors of concern to identify and evaluate Transportation System
Management (TSM) measures to enhance the capacity of the existing
street system.
Strategic Corridors Program. Develop a strategic corridors program to
direct aesthetic and infrastructure improvements for those corridors
identified on Map 2.2, Beautification Plan.
Complete Streets Policy. Adopt a Complete Streets policy and commit to
implemeting it during all new development/redevelopment projects.
Safe Sidewalks Program. Prepare a safe sidewalks program to identify
and correct unsafe and poorly maintained sidewalk segments at key
locations throughout the community.
Expand Mass Transit Availability. Coordinate with area partners to
determine the feasibility of additional bus stops and routes to faciliate
increased ridership over time.
Improved Mass Transit Quality. Improve the quality of each dedicated bus
stop located within the City (e.g., installation of all-weather shelters,
benches, ADA accessibility, online transit arrival information, etc.).
Summer Youth Pass Program. Coordinate with the Harris County Office of
Transit Services (and other partners) to implement a Summer Youth Pass
Program for high school-aged children to have unlimited access during the
summer.
Airport Master Plan. Update the Airport Master Plan which should include
an:
an operations plan;
updated facilities and development plan;
economic development strategy; and,
overall site and landscape improvement plan.
Continued on next page.
6.9
2.9 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
Table 6.1, Summary Action Plan – Continued.
Priority Primary Action Items
Chapter Reference
Business Incubator.Establish a small business incubator site within the
City in coordination with San Jacinto College Small Business Development
Center (SJC SBDC). Priority consideration should be given to locating the
site in Downtown or near San Jacinto College.
Land Banking. Develop (or support) a land banking program to acquire and
hold tax delinquent, condemned, and other City-owned property to
facilitate reassembly and redevelopment. Priority areas are identified on
Map 2.1, Rehabilitation Target Areas.
Business Retention and Expansion Program. Improve efforts to maintain
relationships with existing businesses in order to determine public/private
strategies to overcome challenges or facilitate plans of expansion.
Streamlined Permitting Process. Study existing development processes
and regulations to determine a plan of action to resolve issues without
compromising the integrity of the process or enforcement of established
regulations. This also could include such things as fast-track permitting,
assistance with demolition of structures, etc..
Facilitate Industry Clusters. Assess local conditions to determine favorable
conditions for identified industry clusters. This includes:
identifying appropriate clusters; and,
conducting surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.
Business Parks. Proactively zone and market areas for higher quality
business parks for those areas identified on the Map 2.6, Future Land Use
Plan.
Logistics Park. Facilitate discussion with the Union Pacific Railroad (and
others) to develop a special logistics park in the vacant area bounded by
State Highway (S.H.) 225 and S.H. 146 and adjacent to the existing rail line.
This could include the creation of a general-purpose Foreign Trade Zone
and development of special rail sidings into the proposed park.
Market Retail Analysis. Undertake a market retail analysis separately or in
coordination with an update to the Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Coordinated Tourism Strategy. Develop a coordinated tourism strategy to
focus on capturing visitor’s dollars by local businesses.
Source: Kendig Keast Collaborative.
6.10
CHAPTER 6
6.5 Plan Amendment
This plan must remain flexible and allow for adjustment to change
Plan Amendments
over time. Shifts in political, economic, physical, and social conditions
and other unforeseen circumstances will influence the priorities of
Minor Amendment
the community. As growth continues, new issues will emerge, while
Similar to what occurred in 2005,
others may no longer be relevant. Some action statements may
City Staff should under take another
become less practical, while other plausible solutions will arise. To
minor update revision sometime
ensure that it continues to reflect the vision and remains relevant and
around 2015-2016.
viable over time, the plan must be revisited on a routine basis, with
regular amendments and warranted updates.
Major Amendment
By 2020-2021, the City should
Revisions to the plan are two-fold: minor plan amendments should
undertake a complete rewrite of this
occur bi-annually and more significant updates handled every five
plan.
years. Minor amendments may include revisions to the future land
use, beautification, or thoroughfare plan as the
development/redevelopment pattern unfolds and enhancement projects get
implemented. Major updates will involve reviewing the base conditions and
growth trends; re-evaluating the goals, policies, and recommendations; and
formulating new ones in response to changing needs and priorities.
Annual Progress Report
A progress report should be prepared annually by the Planning and Zoning
Commission, with the assistance of the Plan Administrator, and presented to
the Mayor and City Council. This ensures that the plan is regularly reviewed
and modifications are identified for the minor plan amendment process.
Ongoing monitoring of plan consistency with the City’s ordinances must be
an essential part of this effort.
The Annual Progress Report should include:
1)Significant actions and accomplishments during the past year, including
the status of implementation for each programmed task.
2)Implementation constraints, including those encountered in
administering the plan and its policies.
3)Proposed amendments that have come forward during the course of the
year, which may include revisions to the plan maps, or other
recommendations, policies, or text changes.
4)Recommendations for needed actions, programs, and procedures to be
developed and implemented in the forthcoming year, including a
recommendation of projects to be included in the CIP, programs and
initiatives to be funded, and priority coordination needs with public and
private implementation partners.
Bi-annual Amendment Process
Plan amendments should occur on a bi-annual basis, allowing proposed
changes to be considered concurrently so that the cumulative effect may be
understood. The proposed amendment must be consistent with the goals
6.11
2.11 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation
REVISED DRAFT APRIL 9, 2012
and policies set forth in the plan. Careful consideration should also be given
to guard against site-specific plan changes that could negatively impact
adjacent areas and uses or detract from the overall vision and character of
the area. Factors that should be considered include:
1)Consistency with the goals and policies of the plan.
2)Adherence with the future land use, beautification, thoroughfare,
economic development, and parks and trails plans.
3)Compatibility with the surrounding area.
4)Impacts on infrastructure provision.
5)Impact on the ability to provide, fund, and maintain adequate services.
6)Impact on environmentally sensitive and natural areas.
7)Contribution to the vision of the plan and character of the community.
Five-Year Update/Evaluation and Appraisal Report
Similar to the process that was undertaken in 2005, City Staff should
undertake a more comprehensive evaluation in about five years. A report
should be prepared by the Plan Administrator, with input from various City
departments, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other boards and
committees. The report involves evaluating the existing plan and assessing
how successful it has been in implementing the vision and goals. The
purpose is to identify the successes and shortcomings of the plan, look at
what has changed, and make recommendations on how the plan should be
modified. The report should review baseline conditions and assumptions
about trends and growth indicators, and it should evaluate implementation
potential and/or obstacles related to any unmet goals, policies, and
recommendations. The result of the evaluation report will be a revised
Comprehensive Plan.
More specifically, the report should identify and evaluate the following:
1)Summary of plan amendments and major actions undertaken over the
last five years.
2)Major issues in the community and how these issues have changed over
time.
3)Changes in the assumptions, trends, and base studies including the
following:
a.The rate at which growth is occurring relative to the projections put
forward in the plan.
b.Shifts in demographics and other growth trends.
c.The area of land that is still remaining vacant and its capacity to
meet projected demands.
d.Citywide attitudes and whether changes necessitate amendments to
the vision and goals.
e.Other changes in the political, social, economic, or environmental
conditions that dictate a need for plan amendment.
4)Ability of the plan to continue to successfully implement the vision.
6.12
CHAPTER 6
a.Individual statements or sections of the plan must be reviewed and
rewritten to ensure that the plan provides sufficient information and
direction to achieve the intended outcome.
b.Conflicts between goals and policies that have been discovered in
the implementation and administration of the plan must be
resolved.
c.The action agenda should be reviewed and major actions
accomplished should be highlighted. Those not accomplished should
be re-evaluated to ensure their relevancy and/or to revise them
appropriately.
d.The timeframes for implementing the individual actions should be
re-evaluated. Some actions may emerge as a higher priority given
new or changed circumstances, while others may become less
important.
e.Based upon organizational, programmatic, and procedural factors, as
well as the status of previously assigned tasks, the implementation
task assignments must be reviewed and altered to ensure timely
accomplishment.
f.Changes in laws, procedures, and missions may impact the ability to
achieve the goals. The plan review must assess these changes and
their impacts on the success of implementation, leading to any
suggested revisions in strategies or priorities.
6.13
2.13 Adopted July 20, 2009 Implementation