HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff ReportSTAFF REPORT
Item: Public hearing and consideration of a Rezoning, consisting of approx.
6.202 acres, in Steeplechase Phase 3 located at the intersection of Wellborn
and Navarro Roads from C-1, General Commercial, C-N, Neighborhood
Business, R-2, Duplex Residential and A-O, Agriculteral Open to C-1 and R-3,
Townhouse. (00-130)
Applicant: John Duncum
Item Summary: The applicant is proposing to incorporate approximately 3
additional acres into the existing development plan. The existing plan shows
approx. 3 acres of commercial property along Navarro. The step-down approach
was used here, with C-N zoning on the 2 acres closest to the residential duplex
development and 1 acre of C-1 zoning on the corner. The applicant is proposing
to expand the step-down approach. The 6 acres in the new request provide 3.5
acres of R-3, Townhome Residential adjacent to the existing duplex
development. This new rezoning proposal would actually reduce the overall
amount of commercial property at this intersection from 3 acres to 2.5 acres.
The Land Use Plan does show this area as High Density Residential, with some
Mixed Use further north on Wellborn, closer to 2818. The property is currently
bordered to the west by Wellborn Road and the Railroad tracks, to the north by
property zoned A-O, which has some existing residential use, to the east by R-2,
duplex, which is part of the Steeplechase Master Plan, to the south by R-1 and
A-O. The R-1 is also part of the Steeplechase Development.
Discussions did occur with the applicant about the possibility of using a PDD
zoning. At this time the developer does not wish to limit the uses and restrict the
site layout to the degree required by a PDD application. However, the applicant
has expressed a willingness to provide buffer areas to mitigate any possible
negative impacts to the adjacent residential development.
Item Background:
It appears that this property was annexed by the City in 1995. The developer
master planned and rezoned this property in 1998. Before the developer plats
this area the parent tract for the additional 3 acres will need to be shown on a
preliminary plat or master plan, depending on the configuration of the parent
tract.
Staff Recommendations: Staff recommends approval of the rezoning with the
condition that buffers, to the standards described in the R&D zoning district, be
J:\PZTEXT\PZ03440.DOC Page 1 of 3
applied to the north of the C-1 tract and between the C-1 and R-3 tract. Staff
would leave it to the developer to determine whether to incorporate the buffer on
the C-1 or R-3 tract before the Rezoning Ordinance is approved by Council.
Commission Action Options: The Commission acts as a recommending body
on the question of rezoning, which will be ultimately decided by City Council.
The Commission options are:
1. Recommend approval of rezoning as submitted;
2. Recommend approval with physical conditions that will mitigate negative
impacts;
3. Recommend a less intense zoning classification, such as C-N,
Neighborhood Business or C-B, Business Commercial;
4. Recommend denial;
5. Table indefinitely; or,
6. Defer action to a specified date.
Supporting Materials:
1. Location Map
2. Application
3. Infrastructure and Facilities
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INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES
Water: Adequate water service is available.
Sewer: Adequate sewer service is available.
Streets: Wellborn Rd. is shown on the T-fare plan as a major arterial.
Navarro Road is not on the T-fare plan but is built to minor collector
standards.
Drainage: Will be addressed at time of platting and/or site planning.
NOTIFICATION:
Legal Notice Publication(s): The Eagle; 7-19-00 and 8-9-00
Advertised Commission Hearing Dates(s): 8-3-00
Advertised Council Hearing Dates: 8-24-00
Number of Notices Mailed to Property Owners Within 200': 19
Response Received: None as of date of staff report
J:\PZTEXT\PZ03440.DOC Page 3 of 3
Chairman Mooney asked if there was any other access to the subject property other than Eag.
Mr. Rhodes said there was not and that this was one large lot with Stylecraft Builders on .
portion of the tract and vacant land to the right of the property. He stated that the normal practi,
develop the parking lot prior to the building to allow contractors and the builders access to the pro,
without causing any parking problems in the area.
Commissioner Warren asked Mr. Rhodes if a sprinkling system would be installed. Mr. Rhodes
explained that because it was a requirement it is being installed and the vegetation would be cared for.
Chairman Mooney closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Floyd motioned for approval. Commissioner Happ seconded the motioned.
Commissioner Floyd stated that the commission shared the concerns expressed by the homeowners. He
said that it was difficult to think of conditions that could be imposed that could also be enforced. He
expressed his admiration for the very active, well informed, and well organized Homeowners
Association. He concluded with remarks about the overflow parking of some of the local churches and
stated that he believes that this issue is one that needs to be resolved at some point.
Commissioner Warren addressed the concern made my Mr. Fawcett regarding the building of storage
sheds. She explained that the City Ordinance requires landscaping around a storage building.
Chairman Mooney called for the vote. The motion passed 7-0, unanimously.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Public hearing and consideration of a rezoning of approximately 6.2
acres located southeast of Navarro Drive, northeast of Steeplechase Phase Siz, northwest of
Southwood Valley Section 23, and southwest of West Ridge Subdivision from C-1 General
Commercial, C-N Neighborhood Business, R-2 Duplex Residential, and A-O Agricultural Open
to C-1 General Commercial and R-3 Townhouse. (00-130)
Staff Planner Jimmerson presented the staff report. The developer master planned and rezoned this
property in 1998. She explained that the existing plan shows approximately 3 acres of commercial
property along Navarro. The step-down approach was used here, with C-N zoning on the two acres
closest to the residential duplex development and 1 acre of C-1 zoning on the corner adjacent to the A-
O. There is a small piece of R-2 that is being proposed to change with this rezoning request also. The
existing C-N is adjacent to R-2 Duplex Residential zoning. There is not a buffering requirement
between the C-N and the R-2 existing zoning, although one of the properties of a C-N district is that the
sites and use have to come before the commission. The proposed request involves an additional 3 acres
that is currently zoned as A-O that the developer would like to incorporate into the plan. The applicant
is proposing approximately 3.5 acres zoned R-3 Townhome Residential and C-1 zoning directly on the
corner which consists of a little more than 2.5 acres. The existing commercial zoning between the C-N
and C-1 is approximately 3 acres which would reduce the overall amount of commercial property at this
intersection from 3 acres to 2.5 acres. The land use plan shows this area as High Density residential
with some Mixed Use further north on Wellborn, closer to 2818. Staff does not feel that some
commercial use in this area would be out of character with the existing sporadic usage. Discussions
with the applicant occurred regarding the possible use of PDD zoning. At this time the developer does
not wish to limit the uses and restrict the site layout to the degree required by a PDD application.
P&Z ~-linutes August 3, 2000 Page 12 of 17
However, the applicant has expressed a willingness to provide buffer areas to mitigate any possible
negative impacts to the adjacent residential development. Staff recommends approval of the rezoning
with the condition that buffers, to the standards described in the R&D zoning district, be applied to the
north of the C-1 tract and between the C-1 and R-3 tract. She pointed out to the commission that a less
intense zoning classification, such as C-N or C-B was another option for them to consider. Staff would
leave it to the developer to determine whether to incorporate the buffer on the C-1 or R-3 tract before
the Rezoning Ordinance is approved by Council.
Commissioner Warren asked why the issue of buffers was not addressed where the R-3 will interface to
the south with R-1B property across the street.
Staff Planner Jimmerson stated that buffers are not generally required for property across the street.
She also stated that the R-1B property mentioned was also included in this development.
Commissioner Floyd asked for clarification on the C-B zoning classification.
Ms. Jimmerson explained that a C-1 zoning district includes such businesses as automobile sales and
rental, banks, bookstores, restaurants, drive-in sales, service stations, hardware stores, mobile home
sales and storage, and motels, whereas the C-B district allows less permitted uses. For example, the C-
Bdistrict would not allow automobile sales and rental, mobile home sales and storage and other more
intense uses. However, it does allow banks, bookstores, restaurants, and the like.
Commissioner Harris asked for clarification of the C-N district and the 2 acres versus 2.5 acres. Ms.
Jimmerson explained that the C-N district requires 2 acres and explained that this particular
development involves 2.5 acres.
Commissioner Horlen asked Ms. Jimmerson to explain an R&D buffer.
Ms. Jimmerson explained that an R&D buffer has three options. First, a 25' buffer with a specific
amount of plantings required and 6' masonry wall. Second, a 30' buffer with a slightly denser planting
requirement, and third, a 40' buffer with a less intense planting requirement.
Commissioner Floyd asked Ms. Jimmerson to explain the difference between a C-N Neighborhood
Business and a C-B Business Commercial and the steps required in complying with those zoning
districts.
Ms. Jimmerson explained that a C-B has specific permitted uses whereas a C-N is set up so that all of
the uses in that district are required to come back to the commission, similar to a Conditional Use
Permitting process.
Chairman Mooney opened the public hearing.
The developer, Mr. John Duncum, stated that the set-back of approximately 25' on the R-1B property
across the street is a buffer and will be landscaped. He explained that this tract is the completion of the
Steeplechase development. He stated that plans included landscaping and fencing with columns of
masonry or the like on all sides requiring a buffer.
P&Z Minutes August 3, 2000 Page 13 of 17
Commissioner Horlen asked Mr. Duncum if the fence would be installed along the north property line of
the C-1 property also. Mr. Duncum said yes.
Commissioner Warren asked Mr. Duncum if there was room for 20' buffer rather than 15' and asked
him to share some of the ideas of what types of business were being planned for the subject property.
Mr. Duncum said that there was not enough room for more than a 15' buffer. He explained that
institutions such as a bank or financial institution and a petroleum distributor were possibilities for the
site.
Commissioner Floyd asked Mr. Duncum why C-1 zoning was selected rather than C-B. Mr. Duncum
explained that the C-1 would allow the convenience store that he would like to develop on the property.
Benito Flores-Meath, 901 Val Verde, reminded the commission of the opposition from the Courts
Streets Association regarding the rezoning of the subject property. He said that he believes that a C-N
or C-B would be more reasonable which would allow a few more restrictions for the area. He
suggested the R-2 not be changed to R-3.
Chairman Mooney closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Horlen motioned for approval of the C-1 and R-3 rezoning as presented by Staff with a
buffer along the east and north property line of the C-1 property consisting of a 6' wooden fence with
masonry columns and 15' of fairly intense landscaping on either side of the fence. Commissioner Floyd
seconded the motion.
Commissioner Warren stated that the intensity of placing an R-3 zoning next to an R-1B is not
acceptable. She pointed out that the existing buffer currently in place there is not required and could
possibly be removed at some point which would have a negative impact on an area that is attempting to
be a neighborhood area. She also said that C-N zoning is preferable over a C-1, which means the
commission would need to recommend rezoning the C-1 area to C-N as well. She cited safety issues as
well for the area that will have numerous access points.
Chairman Mooney suggested allowing the R-3 zoning while requiring a buffer between the R-3 and the
existing R-2, and rather than C-1 zoning other than on the corner which is currently zoned as such, to
recommend C-B zoning, while requiring the buffer around the C-1 area.
Commissioner Horlen stated that the C-1 zoning along the roadway of that size and dimension is
appropriate. He does not support requiring a buffer between the R-3 and R-2 areas since it is not a
requirement of City Ordinance to do so and does not believe it to be appropriate in this case. He stated
that the motion stands as made.
Chairman Mooney called the question. The motion passed 6-0. (Commissioner Warren voted in
opposition.)
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Consideration of a Master Development Plan for 60.55 acres, Sun
Meadows, located on Graham Road at Schaffer Road, an R-1 Single Family Residential and R-2
Duplez Residential District. (00-89)
P&Z Minutes August 3, 2000 Page 14 of 17
Council Regular 8/24/2004 Page 7
Boyce Sorell, 7704 Sherman Ct.
Amy Tremblay, 2715 Wilderness
Mayor McIlhaney closed the public hearing.
Councilman Silvia made a motion to table this item until the council has reviewed the East
Bypass Neighborhood Plan. Motion seconded by Councilman Maloney, which carried 5-1.
Council members expressed comments about access to the development and matters related to
drainage.
FOR: McIlhaney, Maloney, Massey, Silvia, Hazen
AGAINST: Mariott
ABSENT: Garner
Regular Agenda Item No. 13.2 -- Public hearing, discussion and possible action on an
ordinance rezoning aanroximately 6.202 acres in Steeplechase Phase 3 located at the
intersection of Wellborn and Navarro Roads from C-1 General Commercial;
C-N Neinhborhood Business, R-2 Duplex Residential; and A-O Agricultural Onen to C-1
eneral Commercial and R-
Staff Planner Jessica Jimmerson presented the staff report. Staff recommended approval of the
rezoning with buffers as recommended by P&Z. P&Z recommended a 15 foot buffer area
between the R-3 and C-1 and between the adjacent C-O and C-1 with a 6 foot wooden fence
having masonry columns and substantial landscaping in the buffer area. Staff suggested
applying the 25 foot R&D buffer area requirements to satisfy the landscape guidelines.
Mayor McIlhaney opened the public hearing.
John Duncum, 16055 FM 2154 addressed the Council. He concurred with staff
recommendations.
Mike McClure, 9262 Brookwater Circle, explained the traffic flow to the property.
The following audience members spoke in opposition to the rezoning.
Carl Vargo, 2902 Cortez Ct.
Benito Flores-Meath, 901 Val Verde
Mayor McIlhaney closed the public hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Mariott made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2464 with staff
recommendations and Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations to rezone two tracts
of land totaling 6.202 acres, being situated in the Crawford Burnett Survey, Abstract 7, College
Station, Brazos County, Texas from C-1 General Commercial, C-N Neighborhood Business, R-2
Duplex Residential and A-O Agricultural Open to C-1 General Commercial and R-3 Townhouse.
Motion seconded by Councilman Massey and carried unanimously, 6-0.
FOR: McIlhaney, Mariott, Massey, Silvia, Maloney, Hazen
ABSENT: Garner
..I
Council Regular 8/24/2000
Council recessed for five minutes.
Page 8
Regular Agenda Item No. 13.3 -- Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a
proposed ordinance that would grant TXU Gas Distribution a 4.43% increase in gas rates.
Council returned to the meeting.
CIS Manager Charlie Shear explained that on January 14, 2000, TXU Gas filed a statement of
intent with the cities of College Station and Bryan to increase residential and commercial rates
by 14.47%. On January 27, 2000 the College Station City Council suspended the rate increase
to allow for further review. The Cities of College Station and Bryan hired consultants to review
the rates and a compromise was reached. The proposed ordinance provides for the compromise,
which reflected an equal percentage increase to all customer classes of 4.51% before
consideration of a decrease in service charges that led to an agreed system average increase of
4.43%.
Mayor McIlhancy opened the public hearing.
TXU Representative Don Fazzino came forward to express his support of the proposed
ordinance.
Mayor Pro Tem Mariott expressed dissatisfaction with the level of customer service outside the
local office. He explained the difficulty for customers to access the local office. It was
suggested a letter from the City expressing these concerns may be helpful for Mr. Fazzino to
convey to the corporate office.
Mayor McIlhancy closed the public hearing.
Councilman Silvia made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2465 finding after reasonable
notice and hearing that TXU gas distribution rates and charges within the City should be
changed; determining just and reasonable rates; rejecting plan investment and cost of service
automatic adjustment clauses; approving adjustment factors for weather normalization, franchise
fees, taxes and other governmental impositions; providing for recovery of rate case expenses;
preserving regulatory rights of the city; ordering that this ordinance be served on TXU Gas
Distribution; providing for repeal of conflicting ordinances. Motion seconded by Mayor Pro
Tem Mariott, which carried unanimously, 6-0.
FOR: McIlhancy, Mariott, Massey, Silvia, Hazen, Maloney
ABSENT: Garner
Regular Agenda Item No. 13.4 --Public hearing, discussion and possible action on the City
of Collelie Station 2000-2001 Proposed Budget.
Mayor McIll~aney opened the public hearing. No one spoke. She closed the public hearing.
No action was required on this item.