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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-26-1989 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting® • MINUTES OF ~~ PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING JANUARY 26. 1989 Members Present: Chairperson Janet Graves, Commissioners Inge Browder, Lola Phillips, Bobby Blackwell, Eugene Edmonds, Jack Gresham. Members Absent: Commissioner Charles Boyle (Acting actively as the'. Broker representing the interest of the Jenny Reid -- Estate-could not be unbias) City Staff: Director of Community Development Joel H. Albrecht, Building Official Ervin J. Griffith, Inspector Mark Lewis, Community Development/Engineering Secretary Nina Browning. Others Present: Judy Berry, Air. Berry, Jack Phillips, Joe King and hir . Browder . Chairperson Janet Graves called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 PM. 2) A motion was made by Jack Gresham and seconded by Inge Browder to approve the minutes of the January 19, 1989 meeting as submitted. Vote was unanimous. ~) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER REZONING REQUEST N0. 89-002 Part of tracts 22 & 23, Enoch Brinson Survey Abstract 4~5 from Business Industrial (B.I.) to Light Industrial (L.I.) ' Joel Albrecht stated for the record. that our Assistant City Attorney John Armstrong and Commissioner Charles Boyle were not present due to conflict of interest. Joel Albrecht stated that the property in question is located at the southeastern corner of Hwy. 225, Sens Road intersection. The tract is cornprised of 18.7766 acres. Presently vacant, the property was formerly occupied by an automotive salvage yard. The present B.I. zoning designation was assigned to the property when the City's current zoning ordinance and map were adopted on January 26, 1987. The zoning classification under Ordinance Ivo. 780 was commercial. Joel Albrecht further stated as originally proposed by the Comprehensive Plan, the section of B.I. zoning in question would have served to buffer the adjacent R-2 and R-3 zones primarily from the Southern Pacific tracks and railyard. Planning & Minutes of Page 2 of 3 Zoning hieeting 1-26-8g CC The elimination of the R-2 and R-3 zones coupled with no residential development in the area has rendered this buffering function unnecessary. A rezoning of this tract would serve to join it to the existing L,I. zones located to the east and to the west, extending along Hwy. 225. Mr. Albrecht informed the Commission that 14 notices had been sent to property owners within the required 200' boundary area and received ~{ repli.es back, 2 in favor and 2 in opposition (See copies attached). Bobby Blackwell asked that the names be read out loud and officially put into the minutes. The four responses were from (1) Mrs. Judy Berry, (in favor), (2) Glenn W. Parmer, (in favor), (3) Jack Phillips, (against), (4) Ronald Barton, (against). Mr. Albrecht concluded that the B.I. zoning designation for this tract is no longer necessary for the protection of residential development. The change to the Comprehensive Plan by this rezoning required is relatively minor in nature and is reasonable in light of the emerging development patterns in the area. Staff ® recommends granting the rezoning request Ito. 89-002. Next to speak was Judy Berry, who is asking for' tY,e rezoning of the area. Mrs. Berry is the Independent Executrix of the Jennie Reid Estate, (RE: tracts 22 & 23). Mrs. Berry wished to convey to the Commission the urgency of getting these tracts prepared to rent, which means changing the assigned zoning from B.I, to L.I. hirs. Berry said they had lost four or five good offers to rent the property, but the zoning had made this impossible. ?4r. Jack Phillips (against) stated that his 7.50 acres across the street (Sens Road) was also zoned B.I. against their wishes. The reason given was that La Porte h.ad too much L,I. zoning. If the subject land goes L.I., then he felt his should also go L.I. 4) Public Hearing closed 7:29 PM. 5) CONSIDER APPROVAL OF REZONING REQUEST 89-002. After discussion by the Commission a motion was made by Inge Browder that the Commission recommend to City Council that they approve the rezoning request of the Jennie Reid Estate, seconded by Bobby Blackwell. Vote was unanimous, motion passed. Planning & Zoning Meeting Minutes of 1-26-89 Page 3 of 3 • 6) A motion was made by Bobby Blackwell and seconded by Jack Gresham to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM. Next meeting scheduled for February 2, 1989 (Workshop). Respectfully submitted, Nina Browning, Secretar~ __.__ Community Development/Engineering Y 1~cc~2~ Minutes approved on the ~~ day of ~_~ , 1889. • Jan Graves, Chairperson r Pla ing & Zoning Commission /neb 1-27-89 :~ _, • Planning & Zoning~Commission Public Hearing Tracts 22 & 23, Enoch Brinson Survey TYPE OF MEETING ~-,_ RECEIVED. January 26, 1989 JAN ~ 4 X989 MEETING SCHEDULED FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT_ I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED PUBLIC HEARING AND I AM N FAVOR OF Off?" ~ -3-~d-- GRANTING THIS REQUEST FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. ~ ~ • ~ ~ i .,~ IG.NATURE /~~ ~~~ 77s 7~ HOME .ADDRESS ® e • Planning & Zoning~Commission Public Hearing Tracts 22 & 23, Enoch Brinson Survey TYPE OF MEETING January 26, 1989 MEETING SCHEDULED FOR • ~ ~~ =,y~-3 t~ HOME ADDRESS RECE11/E®. .IAN ~ 3 199 ® CODt ENFORCEMEN]i~ I .HAV,F., RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED PUBLIC HEARING ~- AND I AM ~/" IN FAVOR F OR I AD4 ~ IN OPPOSITION OF GRANTING THIS REQUEST FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. 7~ -- ~. _ ® • • Planning-& Zoning~Commission Public Hearing Tracts 22 & 23, Enoch Brinson Survey TYPE OF MEETING January 26, 1989 RECEI.VE.D. MEETING SCHEDULED FOR .1gIV ~ 5 1989 CODE ENFORCEMEN_T_ u I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED PUBLIC HEARING AND I AM IN FAVOR OF OR I AM' 1~ IN OPPOSITION OF GRANTING THIS REQUEST FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. BuR 7 /y_ ~ ~ L ~-~ o Zone 8.I ~~~.~~~~ DAR ~.s~~s . T~ ~~~-song ~iy~/Y ~ s T~~-7- L,~~R~.~ h',~9,D ~Do l~yc~ /HEN Dv~. s S'~D~/L A ,Q lcro G© L .,Z; SIGNATURE HOME ADDRESS • -~ b • H -1 a --1 ~ 'U • -C ~. a ~7 m O ~ -~ O '*t a mx ~v ~ r rn ~~ ~ ~~ m x -+ d z .i u+ ~n -n v -~ C yr rn :i) N n ...s m 3 ti~ a G m '~ A ~ _. m z • Planning & Zoning~Commission Public Hearing Tracts 22 & 23, Enoch Brinson Survey TYPE OF MEETING January 26, 1989 MEETING SCHEDULED FOR I HAVE RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED PUBLIC HEARING AND I AM ~ IN FAVOR OF OR I AD4 IN OPPOSITION OF GRANTING THIS REQUEST FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS. TITAN ELECTRIC OPPQSES REZONING TRACT 22 & 23 UNLESS YOU REZONE FROM AVE P STREET ALL THE WAY TO HWY 225 TO LIGHT INDUSTRIAL. SIGNATURE RONALD W. BARYON, PRESIDENT TITAN ELECTRIC MACfIINERY,.INC. 1110 SENS ROAD LA PORTE, TEXAS 77572 HOME ADDRESS ~~CEI M' ~RSM JAN ~ 3 ~~~9 • CODE ENFORCEMENT • / I G"L I "L S ® PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING SPEAKERS SIGN-IN SHEET All speakers wi11 be limited to five minutes. Consider ~e~ n ie 1\ec~ L s ~~7~~ request to rezone I ~• ? 7 GG a~r~s from f3 S to L•~' . 2. 3. ~. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. . • • ~ l~ PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING SPEAKERS SIGN-IN SHEET All speakers will be limited to five minutes. Consider ~e~ n ie f2e~d ~ s ~aT~ request to rezone I ~~ 77 ~~ a.~rLs from ~ to L,Z' . 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. ~ I. 14. f. 15. ~ f ~ :~ SIGN REGULATION REPORT • U • • INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM January 25, 1989 T0: Janet Graves, Chairman, Planning & Zoning Commission FROM: Joel Albrecht, Director of Community Development SUBJECT: Proposed Amendments to City Sign Regulations Staff has implemented the additions to the proposed sign regulations requested by the Commission and Assistant City Attorney at the January 19, 1988 regular Planning .& Zoning meeting. Staff has also proposed two additional definitions and two additional portable sign regulations. These items are included in the attached proposal along with the items previously • discussed by the Commission. An outline of the items added subsequent to the January 19 meeting follo~,rs. Discussions of these items follow the outline. I. Definitions A. Freestanding signs, new definition B. Political signs, new definition C. Portable signs, new definition II. Section 10-1001 Portable Signs A. Intent section B. 10-1001(2): Anchoring of portable signs C. 10-1001(3): Electrical Illumination of portable signs D. 10-1001(~I): Political signs III. Section 10-1003 Size Restrictions. Allowable sign • areas have been inserted into items 1-4. Page 2 • Definitions• Freestanding Signs: The proposed ordinance amendments are expressly targeted at the regulation of freestanding signs. Staff feels a definition of freestanding signs is necessary and appropriate. The definition staff used was adapted from the 1985 edition of the Standard Building Code. Portable signs are classified as freestanding signs by this definition. Political Signs: The Commission has requested that political signs be exempted from off premise sign regulations. Staff has addressed this issue in Section 10-1001. This change necessitated the creation of a political sign definition. The definition staff wrote is closely modeled on the one used in the City of San Antonio sign ordinance. • Portable Signs: As requested incorporated the City of San signs into these regulations. Sect_fo~0-1001 by the Commission, staff has Antonio definition of portable Intent & Purpose Clagse: As suggested by the Assistant City Attorney, staff incorporated the .portable sign commentary from San Antonio's ordinance into La Porte's proposed regulations. The regulation of signs under San Antonio's ordinance is broader and farther reaching. For example, San Antonio requires permitted portable signs to be inspected and relicensed as an annual basis. La Porte's regulations will not.These differences made some rewording of the commentary necessary. The bulk of the San Antonio language was used verbatim. None of the changes has altered the intent of the section. Item_.~: This anchored in place strong winds. reasonable .and in of the standard structures. CJ Discussion item requires portable signs to be to prevent their being blown about by Staff feels this requirement is keeping with the existing requirements building code for other types of Item This item will, by referencing the National Electric Code and the City's Electrical Ordinance, set standards for the electrical wiring and connection of portable signs that are in keeping with the stated purpose of the intent and purpose clause of this section. ® • Page 3 State law (Article III, Section 36 [C] V. C. S. Article 670 ld. Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways) prohibits flashing lights on any sign located within one thousand feet of any public intersection. Staff has attempted to enforce thisprovision over the years. Having this restriction stated in local ordinance will be a very useful enforcement tool. item 4: The Commission has requested that political signs be exempted from the requirements of this section. Item 4, in conjunction with the political sign definition accomplishes this objective. Paragraphs A and B of this item are exceptions to this exemption. Paragraph A prohibits encroachment into sight triangles. Paragraph B requires signs to be the City's regulations will not type of signs used for political therfore not specified a means of of anchoring must be appropriate used. Section 10-100: anchored. As proposed, regulate the size or purposes. Staff has anchoring. The method to the type of sign The Commission directed staff to do further research on sign size and requested that sign companies be contacted regarding size requirements. Staff contacted Ms. Donna'Lewis with Neon Electric Corp. Neon Electric is a large, well established sign company which wgrks in a multi-state area. They are the company which did the McDonald's sign work in La Porte. Kenny Shoes is also among the national chains Neon Electric does work for. The have worked in states including Texas, Louisiana, California, Oklahoma, Arizona and New Mexico. Staff feels this company's experience and expertise lends a great deal of credence to the information which they provided the City. • According to Ms. Lewis, the national industry standards for on premise sign size are as follows: Three hundred square feet except in designated scenic areas; seventy-five square feet within scenic areas. Ms. .Lewis stated that companies seldom request signs in the three hundred square foot size range except for locations along major highways.' She further indicated that one hundred fifty square foot signs are well within the range of average requests. Ms. Lewis also stated that there are certainly cities which either allow larger signs or require smaller signs. Based on Ms. Lewis' information, staff recommends the following sign sizes. ® • UFFINITTONS • DEFINITIONS • Freestanding,Si~n:- An outdoor sign supported by uprights or braces placed in or upon. the ground, or mounted on a vehicle, trailer, or mobile structure principally used for the purpose of advertising or display of information. For the purpose of this ordinance, a portable sign shall be considered to be a freestanding sign. Political Sign: A temporary sign announcing, supporting or opposing political candidates, dates or issues in connection with any national, state or local election. Portable Sign: A sign designed or constructed to be easily moved from one location to another, including signs mounted upon or or designed to be mounted on a trailer, wheeled carrier, or other non motorized mobile structure. A portable sign which has its wheels removed shall still be considered a portable sign. Public Service Sian: For the purposes of this ordinance, the following types of signs and no others shall be considered to be public service signs. 1. Signs identifying and naming the location of churches, schools and other non-profit organizations; 2. Signs identifying and naming the location of public facilities; and 3. Community information signs which provide information regarding community functions and ~- ~ ' activities. Signs which display commercial advertising in conjunction with public service information shall not be considered to be public service signs except that a person, firm, or organization who donates or otherwise provides a public service sign may be identified on such sign in a means which is clearly incidental to the primary message. • o C Definitions cont'd Reader Panel: Any and all portions graphics or pictures are displayed. reader panels, only one side shall calculation of sign size. of any sign on which text, In the case of double faced be considered in the PRGPOS~V SIGN RFGULATIGNS • • s • S e c t i o n_._.]_0.~10 0~., PROPOSED SIGfJ REGULATION AA1ENDMENTS Portable Signs Regulation of future placen?ent of poi••tab].e .].L;r!s 1~. uE:~:~r~c.c: attract the attent~.on of motorists. Such placenlent creates visual obstruction of oncoming pedestrian and vehicular traffic for motorists ingressing and egressing from a place of business. Portable signs also have a tendency to be blown about in strong winds. Portable signs with electrical connections and components, if improperly maintained, pose a :er•ious public safety hazard. Therefore, portable signs shall conform to the on premise sign regulations set forth in section 10-1000 of this ordinance. because they are not consistant with aesthetic values of tY.•E: .•~ community and because they present unique safety problems. LightweigY,t design and easy mobility of portable signs together v~ith frequent use of electrical components create a potential for extraordinary safety hazards. Portable signs are often ac.~ 'n close proximity to public rights-of-way in order to o ti~h'al Permitting of portable signs is therefore deemed a necessary measure to prevent especially hazardous conditions and promote to the extent possible their proper operation and maintenance and to preserve the health, safety and wTelfare of the citizen. of and visitors to the City of La Porte. 1. Portable signs as defined herein, found to be nonconforming shall within one calendar year of the date of passage of this Ordinance, be brought into conformance with ordinance requirements or be removed. 2. Portable signs shall be securely anchored in a manner which rJill prevent their being blown about by strong /^ winds . ~ ~ -~~~ r.s cs~ ~..~ Cam. ~ --t ~ T~1: GLP ~ u.. D ~ ~ C®O,E,, ' lP'r 3. Portable signs may be electrically illuminated, provided: A. They are wired ar,d connected to electrical power in a manner that complies with the current adopted • edition of the National Electric Code and the City of La Porte Electrical Ordinance. B. Illumination is steady. No flashing or moving lights shall be placed on any portable sign placed within the City of La Porte. _ 4. -~e~e~~'i•p~ -~r~ar~+- political signs placed for° the duration of an ' election campaign shall not be subject to the requirements of this ordinance except that: A. No political sign shall be placed within a sight ' triangle or in a manner which will otherwise create a traffic`hazard. i ~1'~zT~r+~_ ~ B. All.~political signs shall be anchored in a manner which will prevent their being blown about by a strong wind. Section_ZO=1002 Number of Signs The number of signs which may be permitted for a given location shall be regulated as follows: 1. These regulations shall apply to freestanding signs only. • 2. Multiple reader panels mounted on a single base shall be considered to be a single sign. 3. A maximum of one advertising freestanding sign shall be permitted for each side of a commercial or industri.a]. establishment which fronts on a developed right of way. ~1. For the purposes of this section, a multi-tenant building shall be considered to be a single establishment and shall be limited to one freestanding '. advertising sign for each side of the building which fronts on a developed right of way. 5. Separate buildings located on a single piece cf property may be considered to be separate business establishments ~~ ~- with each building being eligible for freestanding advertising signage in accordance with these regulations. 6. The number of on premise freestanding non-advertising signs intended to direct traffic and not exceeding six (6) square feet in size shall not be limited by this section. Proposed Sign Crdinar,ce Pale 2 ~ ~ Section 10-100 Size Restrictions Calculation of sign size shall be based on the area of. the reader panel(s). Maximum sign size steal]. be limited as follows. 1. Freestanding on premise signs with a maximum allowable height of forty-five (45) feet: one hunciresl_fifty,__~150). square.feet. 2. Freestanding on premise signs located within a controlled access highway corridor: three hundre~C300) square feet. 3. Freestanding on premise signs for multi-tennan~ a`,u~c ,,,~ buildings: three hundred _fifty ~Q~,_square feet. `~,l-~~-~,~'~~~ ~gy7Qyr. ~. Off premise Public Service Signs: seventy~five_~..(7.5.~ sc~ua~~e feet. Section_.].o_100~ Survey & Site Plan Requirements Any person desiring to erect or place a freestanding sign on any property, shall submit to the Code Enforcement Office a • survey of said property which indicates the proposed sign location. . In the case of signs which due to size or height do not require an engineered design, a survey shall not be required. Any person desiring to erect or~ place a freestanding sign of this type on any property, sha].1 submit to the Code Enforcement Office a site plan of said property on which the proposed sign location is~ indicated. • .~ • • ~. ADDITIONAL ~~FINITIUNS • ~~ ~ o ADDITIONAL DEFINITIONS Roof Sian: An outdoor advertising display sign erected, constructed, or maintained above the roof of any building. Wall Sign: An outdoor advertising display sign affixed to the wall of any building, projecting not more than 12 inches from the building. Projection Sign: An outdoor advertising display sign affixed to any building wall or structure and extending beyond the building caa.ll, structure, or building line more than 12 inches. ~~~~. ~6 •