city council july 19, 2011 planning presentation
TRANSCRIPT
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