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AGENDA ITEM N0.8: Public hearing to consider an amendment to Zoning
Ordinance #1638'to .include. essential requirements in implementing the recently adopted
Streetscape. Plan. (94-807)
Staff Planner Kuenzel presented the ordinance amendment that provides guidelines for both public
and private development within thoroughfare corridors. The success of the Streetscape Plan will
largely be determined` by the type of implementation. As an interim Zoning amendment, the staff
was .given authority to applycertan streetscape standards to new sites on a case-by-case basis.
Due to the lack of specific ordinance :.direction, site .requirements have. been applied in a
conservative fashion. In the interest of equitable application of these standards to all sites, formal
adoption of the consultants' recommendations through amendment of the Zoning Ordinance must
be made. Such an action will give staff much needed leverage to require .desired `streetscape
elements. The proposed ordinance amendment contains the following provisions:
Theme trees: Current _landscaping requirements state that a certain number of points
mush be met on site, depending on the site size. Nothing is specifically required in the
frontage areas of sites. The. ordinance amendment provides that theme trees must be
planted according to the map that was prepared as a part of the adopted Plan.
Landscape _reseri~es: The: amendment will require additional points based on site
frontage. Currently, sites are: required to set parking .back at least 8' from the right-of-
way:. This area must be grassed and might contain some trees or shrubs. The
amendment will require a 24' setback area but allow some parking within. it. All existing
trees found in this area of sites must be preserved. This area will contain the theme trees
that will be required according to the'" streetscape map. Parking lot screening must also
be provided in this area if parking is to be located along a frontage road.
Screening: Currently, the Zoning Ordinance requires. "offensive" .areas to be screened in
a manner determined at the discretion of the Project review Committee. The ordinance
also requires a fence between' commercial and residential property. The Committee has
been exercising its discretion in the screening of dumpsters: The amendment will further
require dumpster .screening and screening<:of all.: parking areas adjacent to the right-of-
way for all developments .other. than single family.
Landscaping points: The points awarded will be changed to encourage large existing
trees to be saved, to discourage small tree plantings, and to no longer award points for
ground .cover.
Commissioner Hall expressed concern` especially with the .additional .landscape point requirement
and the cost associated with the increase: In ,the initial Streetscape presentation, rt was statedthat
a cost increase of 25 - 30%_could be expected. We should make sure that we can reach a point of
reasonability between what we would like and what is practical from a business standpoint. If the
businesses cannot afford the development and maintenance costs, the vacant buildings will
become a maintenance problem for everyone.
Staff Planner Kuenzel stated that when he overlay district-was created for the University Drive
corridor, the costs associated with additional landscape requirements were minimal in relation to
the value of the. property. In the original Streetscape Plan study, economic constraints were
considered.
P c~ Z Mnz,tes ~ Octobe~~ ?0, 199=1 Page b of 7
DRAFT
Commissioner Hall .expressed concern with Exhibit A in that there is a focus to change the
appearance of what is currently developed and little_consideration given to the more rural sections
such as F.M.. 2818. This is a perfect opportunity to determine what we would like the
thoroughfares to look like in primarily undeveloped areas.. The focus around campus is good;
however,. this plan must be :comprehensive and long range. Commissioner Hall also expressed
concern with the emphasis on Luther in comparison to George Bush. George Bush Drive should
be a higher priority and more specific than Luther.
Chairman Hawthorne agreed and .stated that George -Bush Drive will be a focal point once the
George Bush Library is :constructed. He opened the public hearing. Seeing no one .present to
speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposed ordinance amendment, he closed the public
hearing.
Commissioner Garner .moved to recommend approval of the .proposed Streetscape Zoning
Ordinance amendment with the staff recommendations. .Commissioner Lightfoot seconded the
motion which passed unopposed. (5 - 0)`.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Other business.
.There was no other business.
AGENDA ITEMNO.10: Adjourn.
Commissioner Hall moved to adjourn .the. meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Commissioner Lightfoot seconded the motion which passed unopposed (5 - D).
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
Chairman, Kyle Hawthorne
Planning. Technician, Natalie Thomas:
P & Z Mrrrutes
October 20, 1994
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