city council july 19, 2011 planning presentation

City CouncilJuly 19, 2011

Discussion – Accessory Building Size• Section 402 allows greater of 50% or 600 sq ft;

• R&E district distinctions:

• Agricultural feel, intent to create rural/suburban setting;

• Narrower street network;

Timeline• Discussed by Planning Commission on April 18th and

May 16th;

• Discussed by Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 6th;

• Both groups unanimously recommended approval of the modifications as proposed by staff;

• Both groups unanimously recommended approval of the modifications to process as proposed;

Other Information• Out of all variance requests, the most routine by far is

a request from this requirement;

• Generally, these are for individuals wanting barns or other types of accessory buildings in rural, low-density areas;

• Exception already exists for bona fide farm and agricultural buildings;

Process Change Proposed• City staff recommends change to allow Planning

Manager 10% for administrative approvals;

• This would require anything requested over the minimum 10% to be heard by the board;

• Standards to be met & decision be made by a group rather than an individual;

• Staff has worked up a draft ordinance based on this preference with help of legal staff.

VII. Vision Plan Amendment

• Sign variance at March meeting at NE corner of N Bell & Houston Harte sparked discussion about current nearby RS-1 zoning on north side of freeway;

• Property owner at the NE corner of N Montague & Houston Harte has requested confirmation on whether or not the Commission would consider a change to the Vision Map along the south side of freeway;

• April 25th meeting – Commission had a consensus of interest in modifying the map;

Vision Plan Amendment• Planning Commission became interested in this area

as result of variance request in the vicinity and noted large amounts of residential zoning along Loop 306;

• Commission discussed this area at meetings on April 25th & May 16th;

• Based on their comments, staff drafted proposed modification;

• Modification was approved at May 16th meeting;

Key Ideas in Commission Discussion• Limitation of commercial and interest in transitional – to

allow higher density residential & appropriate commercial types;

• Zoning in this area is varied: CH, CG, CG/CH, OW, ML, MHS, and RS-1;

• The growth of the nearby PaulAnn area, pulling residential growth towards the northeastern part of the city;

Key Ideas in Commission Discussion• The advantage and exposure of Houston Harte

Expressway;

• The access to the Expressway being indirect, rather than direct, thus suitable for types of commercial not dependent on visibility;

• The importance of keeping the Vision Plan map in line with the changes in the city, in order to help promote growth and development;

Key Ideas in Commission Discussion• Respecting and offering protection to residential

enclaves, some of which predate the Expressway;

• Recognition that all types of commercial are not equal and not all would be appropriate;

• Recognition that zoning changes or alterations should wait until the map itself can be finalized to guide these changes;

City CouncilJuly 19, 2011