HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-04-14 Special Called Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission minutesPlanning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of September 4, 2014
Commissioners Present: Richard Warren, Helen LaCour, Mark Follis, Wyatt Smith, Nick Barrera,
and Trey Kendrick
Commissioners Absent: Lou Ann Martin, Les Bird, and Hal Lawler
City Staff Present: City Planner Eric Ensey, Assistant City Attorney Clark Askins, and
Planning Coordinator Peggy Lee
1. Call to order.
With Chairman Hal Lawler absent and the Commission having not yet elected a Vice -
Chairperson, the meeting was called to order by Commissioner Richard Warren at 6:02 p.m.
Motion by Commissioner LaCour to nominate Commissioner Warren as Acting Chairman for
the meeting.
Second by Commissioner Smith. Motion carried. Acting Chairman Warren presided over the
meeting.
Ayes: Commissioners LaCour, Smith, Barrera, and Kendrick
Nays:
2. Roll Call of Members.
Commissioners Kendrick, LaCour, Barrera, Smith, and Warren were present for roll call.
Commissioner Follis arrived at 6:07 p.m.
3. Presentation of the Chapter 106 (Zoning) Subcommittee's Proposed Modifications to Chapter 106
(Zoning).
City Planner Eric Ensey presented the staff report. Mr. Ensey reported that during the August
21, 2014, meeting, the Commission directed staff and the subcommittee to work together to
come to a resolution on three outstanding items that were to be part of the proposed
modifications to Chapter 106: nonconforming lots of record, freestanding signs in the Main
Street district, and design guidelines for the Main Street and Main Street Overlay District
relating to single family development. Mr. Ensey reported that since the August 21't meeting,
staff and the subcommittee have arrived at a consensus on the three items outlined in the staff
report.
Motion by Commissioner Barrera to accept the subcommittee's recommendation on the
proposed changes for the remaining three items, as follows:
Sec. 106-268. Nonconforming lots of record.
Paragraph (a)
Continuance of nonconforming lots of record. Subject to all limitations herein set forth,
any nonconforming lot may continue without change in boundaries and may be utilized or
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of September 4, 2014
Page 2 of 3
developed provided that the uses and development are otherwise authorized as provided
herein. No new structure shall be placed thereon except in conformity with the applicable
controls of the district in which the lot is located. No new use or GhaRge in GGGupaRGY may
be undertaken on nonconforming lots of record, unless said change in use or oc-oupanGy
as well as "tenant diGF enn..nant" is first submitted to the planning director for review.
The planning director shall review said proposed change in use or essUpaRy, for
purposes of insuring maximum compliance with this division chapter, taking into account
the particular restraints imposed by the degree of nonconformity of said nonconforming
lot of record. The director's review shall inGlu 'e, but not and be limited to required
parking, loading, vehicular access, landscaping, setbacks, utility availability, parking lot
surfacing for required parking, dumpster enclosures, and other requirements as imposed
by this division Chapter.
Decisions of the planning director made pursuant to provisions contained in this section are subject to
appeal to the board of adjustment as provided in section 106-89 (Appeals to board of adjustment) of
this chapter.
Section 106-874, paragraph a 4, On -premises signs (freestanding signs in the Main Street
District):
Sec. 106-874.On-premises signs.
Paragraph (a.4)
Any new on -premises freestanding signs, which shall only be permitted on those
properties where_ a building is already existing and is setback from the front property line,
shall be a menument oF ground sign that �'�o«xGesd eight feet an width and height
FFGFn the gFGund to the tep of the sign is a minimum height of 10 feet from the bottom of
the sign and a maximum height of 14 feet to the top of the sign and cannot exceed 24
square feet in area. (Note: In accordance with section 106-878(b)(2), sign not exceeding
eight feet in height do not have to be engineered.)
Article IX, Design guidelines:
Sec. 106-XXX. Review procedures.
(a) The provisions of this section shall be reviewed as part of the requirements of
Section 106-236 (Certified site plan required).
(b) Any waivers to the provisions of this section require approval by the Planning and
Zoning Commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission may approve a waiver request
subject to the following findings:
(1) The project as designed is consistent with the general spirit and intent of
the City of La Porte's Comprehensive Plan.
(2) The proposed building will result in an attractive contribution to the
community.
Second by Commissioner Kendrick. Motion carried.
Ayes: Commissioners LaCour, Follis, Smith, Barrera, and Kendrick
Nays:
Planning and Zoning Commission
Minutes of September 4, 2014
Page 3 of 3
4. Administrative reports.
There were no administrative reports.
5. Commission Comments on matters appearing on the agenda or inquiry of staff regarding specific
factual information or existing policy.
Commissioner Follis suggested the City reach out to the owners of the PUD tracts along Bay Area
Blvd. between Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway about the possibility of placing a deed
restriction on the property if sold, which would limit the use to residential.
6. Adjourn
Motion by Commissioner Kendrick to adjourn.
Second by Commissioner Barrera. Motion carried.
Ayes: Commissioners LaCour, Follis, Smith, Barrera, Kendrick, and Warren
Nays:
Acting Chairman Warren adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
VM4 q
Peg Le tl
Secretary, Planning and Zoning Commission
Passed and Approved on 2014.
Hal Lawler
Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission