HomeMy WebLinkAboutSTAFF REPORT DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
NORTHGATE
STAFF REPORT
Project Manager: Jennifer Prochazka Date: December 4, 2003
E -mail: jprochazka @cstx.gov
For
SPRUCE STREET FOURPLEX (SDSP) (03 - 225)
Zoning District: NG -3 Residential Northgate
Location: 300 Spruce Street, located on the southeast corner of the intersection of
Spruce Street and Boyette.
Applicant: Ling Yu He, Property Owner
Item Summary: 300 Spruce Street is 0.2 acres and is currently undeveloped. The
applicant is proposing an apartment building with four 2- bedroom units and 8 parking
spaces for the project. This is a parking ratio of two parking spaces per unit.
A 6' stamped dyed concrete sidewalk is proposed with this project. This meets the
minimum width outlined in the Northgate Design Guidelines; however, the Guidelines
strongly encourage 8' sidewalks.
The Northgate Redevelopment Plan and the Northgate Design Guidelines recommend
that all parking and sanitation be located in the rear of the building. The proposed site
plan does not meet these guidelines. The UDO also specifies that all dumpsters shall be
kept in the rear of the building.
Additional Information: At the time of the first submittal for this project on September 9,
2003, the Dimensional Standards for Northgate were under review. Changes to the
standards went before the Planning and Zoning Commission on August 21, 2003 and
were approved by the City Council on September 9, 2003. The changes are an attempt
to create an urban atmosphere by increasing density in the area, pulling buildings closer
to the street and encouraging the location of parking behind structures. This plan does
not meet the following new Northgate Dimensional standards:
• A minimum Floor to Area Ratio (FAR) of 1
• Maximum setback from the right -of -way of 10 feet
This project has been reviewed using the previous Dimensional Standards because the
submission was made prior to City Council approval of the current Dimensional
Standards.
Design Review Board Discretion: The Design Review Board has the discretion to
require changes to the proposal that further the purpose of the UDO, the Comprehensive
Plan, and the Northgate Redevelopment Plan.
In addition to general site plan review criteria, the Board must also review the specific
standards listed in 5.6.B, Northgate Districts of the UDO (attached) and should reference
the Northgate Design Guidelines to insure that the Northgate Redevelopment Plan is
implemented.
Staff Recommendation:
• The site should be designed to locate parking and sanitation in the rear of the
structure.
• An 8 -foot sidewalk should be installed along Spruce Street and Boyette.
Issues /Items for Review:
1. Site design
• Location of buildings
• Location of dumpster
• Location of parking
• Location of bicycle rack
2. Number of parking spaces provided
3. Landscaping proposal
4. Building design
• Materials
• Colors
• Elevations
5. Miscellaneous Street Hardware
• Bicycle racks
• Fence around the property
• Mailbox design