HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Review Staff Review Comments — (DRB) 2
1. To apply for a waiver to the landscape and sidewalk bench requirements, alternatives
must be provided. ahSpGlet h6(i 40-0
Staff Review Comments No. 1
209 UNIVERSITY DR (DRB) - 08-00500162
1. This property is not currently violating the Unified Development Ordinance Article 5,
Section 6.9 A.1. and an Appeals and Waivers application is not necessary until such a
time when a site plan for modifications has been submitted that does not meet the
requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance
ITEM SUMMARY:
UDO Section 5.6.B.8.b.1 requires a minimum 12-foot sidewalk along University Drive.
The portion of sidewalk within the subject property ranges from 8 to10-foot wide. The
existing sidewalk is constrained between the building's front facade wall and the TxDOT
right-of-way which contains metered parallel parking spaces. The applicant is
requesting a waiver to the required widening of the sidewalk based on these
constraints.
UDO Section 5.6.B.9.a.1 requires a 4-inch caliper street tree every 25 feet along
University Drive. As part of this requirement, street trees are to be placed within the 5-
foot square tree grate found in the City's Site Design Standards. Along with the street
tree, a street bench is required every 50 feet of frontage per UDO Section 5.6.B.9.c.
The applicant is requesting a waiver to both standards based on the existing width of
the sidewalk. Street trees and benches are required on all streets in Northgate,
including other streets where sidewalks are only required to be 8 to 10-feet wide. Staff
has identified maintaining and enhancing the existing planter box at the front as a
possible alternative to the street tree. Another alternative would be to place a large
portable planter along the front facade.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The Aquarium Bar is a new business that is proposed to be located in the old floral shop
between Schorti's and Zapatos fronting University Drive near Wellborn Road. The
interior and roof of the building were demolished in 2008 leaving the perimeter walls and
foundation. A full site plan is required for this development which is being vertically
extended to add a second floor for a roof top bar.
The Texas Department of Transportation is currently discussing plans for the future
widening of University Drive through the Northgate District. These discussions have
also involved the streetscaping and sidewalk improvements along this right-of-way.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the sidewalk width waiver request based on the existing
constraints of the site. Staff also recommends approval of an alternative to the required
street tree due to the future TxDOT widening project along University Drive. Staff
recommends denial of the street bench waiver request as these are required and
installed in 8 to10-foot sidewalks as in other areas of Northgate and they can be
relocated without damaging the bench.
ISSUES FOR REVIEW:
1. Section 5.6.B.4.o — Relief from the sidewalk width standard when bringing an
existing sidewalk up to current standard where existing physical conditions
prohibit the sidewalk expansion.
2. Section 5.6.B.4.p —Alternatives to the Landscape and Streetscape Standards
for projects utilizing an existing structure if it can be proven by the applicant that
inherent site characteristics constrain the proposed project from meeting the
requirements herein.
SUPPORTING MATERIALS:
1. Application
2. Partial Site Plan (provided in packet)
3. Photo (provided in packet)