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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesMEW MINUTES Regular Meeting Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday, July 1, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. College Station - Council Chambers, College Station City Hall Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future 1101 Texas Avenue Colleae Station, Texas COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Shafer, Hall, White, and Reynolds. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Davis. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: None. CITY STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Brown, Economic Development Director Foutz, Development Manager Ruiz, City Planner Kee, Staff Planners Prochazka and Boyer, Senior Planner Fletcher, Graduate Civil Engineers Cotter and Thompson, Assistant City Attorney Nemcik, Action Center Representative Kelley, Planning Intern Perez, and Staff Assistant Hazlett. The Commission convened to Executive Session @ 7:07 p.m. Chairman Shafer reconvened the Regular meeting @ 7:20 p.m. Regular Agenda AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on an ordinance Rezoning 6.99 acres south of Harvey Mitchell Parkway from R -1 Single Family Residential to C -1 General Commercial. (04 -143) Staff Planner Prochazka presented the Staff Report. She stated that the applicant is requesting the rezoning in order to develop the property with a retail market and a 20,000 square foot drive -thru restaurant /banquet hall, adding that Staff recommends the Commission table the request to allow staff to update the OV Overlay zone to include regulations that more clearly address the aesthetics of this gateway to the City Center. However, Ms. Prochazka said that if the Commission wishes to approve the zoning, Staff recommends that they do so with the addition of the existing OV Overlay zone on the property. Because of its proximity to the proposed City Center project, Staff is recommending the addition of the OV Overlay for additional restrictions on color, signage, and setbacks. The current OV zone does not regulate building materials, architectural articulation, or the location of the building and parking in relation to the site. Ms. Prochazka pointed out that the C -1 zoning district allows a restaurant of the proposed size with a drive -thru. Additionally, the articulation requirements have been met by the applicant. Ms. Prochazka explained that the Land Use Plan designates the property as Planned Development, which emphasizes the need to consolidate properties and masterplan the area to ensure appropriate placement of different uses. The creation of the intersection of the Dartmouth extension and Harvey Mitchell Parkway makes commercial zoning on this property a valid concept from a planning perspective. As additional properties are zoned for general commercial development in this area, there may be more pressure to rezone the remaining tracts in the area to a general commercial classification. In closing, Ms. P &Z Agenda July 1, 2004 Page 1 of 2 Prochazka reported on the responses received regarding concerns about traffic, lighting and noise. Chairman Shafer opened the public hearing. Veronica Morgan, Mitchell and Morgan, 511 University Drive, made a presentation in favor of the request. She displayed a concept plan, pointed out the alignment and explained that the applicant is willing to finance and construct a portion of Dartmouth and requests oversize participation. She also pointed out the access points on the proposed site. Ms. Morgan stated that the applicant has met the intent of the corridor regarding aesthetics through his submitted proposal. She added that this is an appropriate use for the property and that development policies also support the proposal. The flag and pennant restrictions in the C -1 zoning district along with the concerns regarding a drive isle were the only concerns Ms. Morgan expressed. Kenny Cotten, the applicant, spoke in favor of the rezoning. He briefly explained the nature of the family owned business. His son, Kenny Cotten, Jr., pointed out the water features and other possible specialty shops and amenities planned for the site. George Ball, 3800 State Highway 6 South, representing the property owner, spoke in favor of the project, asking the Commission to consider granting the C -1 zoning change to development the property owner, the developer, and also the City of College Station. Chairman Shafer closed the public hearing. Commissioner Hall motioned to rezone the property to C -1 with the recommendation by Staff for the overlay zone. Commissioner White seconded the motion. Commissioner Hall stated that the character of the applicant and his attitude in working with the staff is commendable. He added that the business can be very favorable for other businesses to come to College Station. He said that concern with this property has always been in regards to drainage. However, the recent weather has shown that it can handle this type of development. Commissioner White stated that he too was impressed with the good job of applicant and was looking forward to the possibility of having a quality establishment at this important gateway of the city. Commissioner Reynolds concurred. Commissione Hall also remarked that a family owned business is more respectful of their neighbors. Chairman Shafer agreed with all the comments. He stated that he appreciates the applicants differences from other applicants and his desire to connect with Texas A &M University. He added that his good -faith efforts are commendable and that the plans for a farm patch and other establishments of sorts are complimentary businesses and will represent an area that in the future will be a destination. He supports the motion. Chairman Shafer called the question. The motion to approve the rezoning with the addition of the existing OV Overlay zone on the property. The motion carried 4 -0. FOR: Reynolds, White, Hall, and Shafer. AGAINST: None. ABSENT: Davis. P &Z Agenda July 1, 2004 Page 2 of 2 Overlay Districts In the event that an area is rezoned to apply overlay district provisions, this district shall apply to all multi - family, commercial and industrial property, and where applicable, to single - family, duplex or townhouse development. The underlying district establishes the permitted uses and shall remain in full force, and the requirements of the overlay district are to be applied in addition to the underlying use and site restrictions. A. Corridor Overlay (OV) District This district is established to enhance the image of gateways and key entry points, major corridors, and other areas of concern, as determined by the City Council, by maintaining a sense of openness and continuity. The following supplemental standards shall apply to this district: 1. Setbacks All buildings will be set back 40 feet from the right -of -way. Where parking is located in the front of the building, there shall be a front setback of 20 feet from the right -of -way to the parking area. 2. Signs a. Signs shall include no more than three colors and two lettering (font) styles. At least one of the colors must match the predominant colors of the building. For the purposes of this section, black or white shall not be considered as colors. b. Freestanding signs shall be limited to the restrictions of Section 7.4, Signs, but shall not exceed the height of the building. c. No pennants, banners, or other wind - driven devices will be permitted except for a 30 -day period during the opening of an establishment. 3. Building Colors Building colors shall be neutral and harmonious with the existing man -made or natural environment, and only compatible accent colors shall be used. All colors shall be approved by the Administrator. The applicant must provide elevation drawings and color samples. 4. Special Restrictions for Retail Fuel Sales In cases where the underlying zoning district permits gasoline service stations and a station is proposed, the following restrictions shall apply: a. Activities Restricted (1) No major emergency auto repair; and (2) No body, fender, or paint work. b. Signs (1) Sign height shall be restricted by the provisions of Section 7.4,-Signs, but shall not exceed the height of the building. (2) One detached sign and two attached signs will be permitted. (3) No freestanding fuel price signage shall be permitted. (4) Signs for air, water, and other similar services or products must meet the criteria for exempt signs as provided in Section 7.4, Signs. MINUTES Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS July 20, 2004 3. Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on an ordinance for a City initiated Rezoning to apply the Overlay District to 6.99 acres located south of Harvey Mitchell Parkway, at the future Dartmouth intersection. The current under) !� district is R -1, Single Family Resident! 4- 164) Staff Planner Prochazka presented the Staff Report. Ms. Prochazka reiterated the Commission's recommendation for C -1 zoning on this property at their last meeting. The Commission also recommended that the City Council consider the overlay zone because of its proximity to the City Center Project. Since that meeting, Staff has initiated rezoning of this property to apply the overlay zone. By recommending approval of this rezoning, you will also be making the determination that this property is located along a gateway or major corridor of the City. Staff believes that the overlay zone includes regulations that may more clearly address the aesthetics of this gateway to the City Center. The overlay has restrictions on color, signage, setbacks, but does not regulate any building materials, articulation, or the location of the building and parking in relation to the site. Ms. Prochazka added that the Land Use Plan designates this property for planned development. Commissioner Nichols asked for clarification of the OV overlay district. Chairman Shafer opened the public hearing. Veronica Morgan, Mitchell and Morgan Engineers, 511 University Drive, spoke in favor of the item. During her presentation, she displayed a picture of the overall layout of the proposed barbeque restaurant. She pointed out the associated parking and drive -thru. The applicant has a contract on the property to the south of the subject property that in the C -1 zoning district will accommodate the restaurant and another user on the other side of Dartmouth, possibly, The Farm Patch. She T reported that the site plan was redrawn to accommodate the overlay district aesthestic requirements. The C -1 district is again requested with the overlay district applied to the property. The detention pond, hotel, or townhome area is not included or under consideration at this time. Kenny Cotten, the applicant, spoke in favor of the rezoning. He described the nature of his family owned business. He stated that he is willing to finance and construct a portion of Dartmouth and requests oversize participation. Mr. Cotton also said that other amenities for the site are planned, such as specialty shops, another small restaurant, antique shop, bakery, bed and breakfast, townhomes, and a water feature. In his closing remarks, Mr. Cotton stated that they hope to make College Station their headquarters. The business could possibly be open for business in October 04. Commissioner. Nichols asked if the overlay district or requirements of such would cause any difficulties with his design. Mr. Cotton welcomes the overlay. Chairman Shafer pointed out that the design and all the plans of the project has been in keeping with the requirements of the overlay district. Chairman Shafer closed the public hearing. Commissioner White motioned to approve, which was seconded by Commissioner Nichols. Landscape requirements and the use of flags were clarified. Boundaries for the OV Overlay District should be defined as soon as possible. Chairman Shafer and Commissioner White concurred. Chairman Shafer called the question. The motion carried 5 -0. FOR: Shafer, AGAINST: None. ABSENT: Davis and Fedora. Commissioner Nichols motioned to designate the area as a corridor gateway for purposes of applying the overlay zoning district. Commissioner White seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 -0. FOR: Shafer, AGAINST: None. ABSENT: Davis and Fedora.