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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/21/1994 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionMINUTES Planning & Zoning Commission CITY OI' COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS July 21, 1994 7:00 P.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Hawthorne and Commissioners Smith, Garner, Lightfoot, Hall, Lane and Gribou. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Kee, Assistant City Engineer Morgan, Planning Technician Thomas, Staff Planner Dunn and Development Coordinator Volk. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Approval of minutes from the meeting of July 7, 1994. Commissioner Smith moved to approve the minutes from the meeting of July 7, 1994 as written. Commissioner Gribou seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). AGENDA ITEMS 2 & 3: Consideration of existing and proposed signage for the shopping center lxated at • 1919 Texas Avenue South in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district AND Consideration of existing signage and exterior building colors of the Innovations Contemporary Furniture store located at 1907 C Terms Avenue South in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district (9412 & 9414) City Planner Kee informed the Commission that the Zoning Ordinance provides for any proposed changes to existing buildings as well as new signage for properties located in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district to be reviewed by the Design Review Board and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Recently, the City Staff has become aware of changes that had occurred without such review -signage on the building at 1919 Texas Avenue (Petal Patch), 1921 Texas Avenue (Some-Things Fishy), and at 1907 C Texas Avenue (Innovations Furniture). Some-Things Fishy and the Petal Patch have placed attached signage on the building and Innovations has painted the building. Two of the signs -the lighted sign at Some-Things Fishy and the neon sign at Innovations Furniture, have received permits due to an oversight on the part of staff. Up for consideration, therefore, are the paint change on the Innovations building and the yellow Petal Patch and Some-Things Fishy signs. In both cases, the sites are old enough that they do not meet current rcquirement_ti relating to parking lot design, materials and landscaping. The buildings have been in existence long before the Wolf Pen Creek district was adopted. The Design Review Board reviewed these items on July 13, 1994 and recommended approval of all three signs for the three business. On the Innovations building, the Board recommended approval of the exterior changes with the condition that at the time the current tenant vacates the building or within three (3) years, whichever occurs first, the building must be repainted to the previous solid white color. Any additional changes in color or to the exterior at any time, must be reviewed and approved. Chris Rhett the owner of the Innovations business informed the Commission that he was not aware of the requirements when he painted the existing building. Mr. Rhett stated that he currently has a contract on a piece of property on Harvey Road that he plans to utilize for a new building for the furniture store. Since it is planned for the business to relocate within a few years, that is part of the reasoning for the three year time limit on the color of the building. He also agreed to paint the building back to its original white color at the time the business is relocated or at the end of three years. Mr. Rhett also expressed concern that in the ordinance there is no reference to remodeling or renovating an existing building. The requirements in the ordinance specifically reference new development. Chairman Hawthorne suggested that staff consider sending notices to the developed properties in the corridor • to remind them of the ordinance requirements. He expressed concern with setting a precedence in this case and just extending the problem for three more years. Commissioner Lightfoot stated that if the property owners were not notified of the ordinance requirements, then some flexibility should be allowed. However, it should not be the City's responsibility to constantly remind the current properly owners and new owners. Commissioner Hall stated that it should be the property owner's responsibility to notify the tenant every time they lease an existing building in the Corridor. Commissioner Gribou moved to approve the existing and proposed signage for the shopping center located at 1919 Texas Avenue South in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district including the Petal Patch and Some-Things Fishy attached signage. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). Commissioner Lane moved to approve the existing signage and exterior building colors of the Innovations Contemporary Furniture store located at 1907 C Texas Avenue South in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district with the Design Review Board recommendations outlined in the report pertaining to the three year time limit. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion which passed (5 - 2); Commissioners Gribou and Lightfoot voting in opposition to the motion. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consideration of a final plat of l2andall's University Park Subdivision. (94-224) Assistant City Engineer Morgan informed the Commission that the sole purpose of the subject plat is to establish public easements required for service to the existing improvements. Staff recommended approval of the final plat as submitted. • Commissioner Lightfoot moved to recommend approval of the final plat of the Randall's University Park Subdivision as submitted. Commissioner Lane seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Consideration of a final plat of the Pershing Park Subdivision. (94-229) Assistant City Engineer Morgan presented the staff report and informed the Commission that because this plat revised the original concept of Hawthorn connecting into Holleman Drive, the applicant was advised at the preliminary plat stage that access would have to be provided or financially guaranteed to lot nine of the adjacent plat to the south, with the final plat of this property. At this time the applicant is intending to construct a drive to public alley standards from Holleman to the lot in question. There is a note on the plat which states that all "utilities" will be private utilities. This is an error and should read that the proposed "street" will be private and maintained by the Homeowner's Association. The developer is requesting a private street so that controlled access into the subdivision may be allowed. Staff recommended approval of the final plat with the following conditions: (1) Clarify the general note pertaining to the private street and future maintenance; and, (2) The access to lot nine must be constructed or guaranteed prior to this plat being filed for record. Commissioner Hall suggested that staff consider requiring a standard general note for final plats so that they are consistent. The general notes contain important information about the development and should be very clear instead of having the appearance of a foot note. • Commissioner Gribou moved to recommend approval of the final plat of the Pershing Park Subdivision with staff recommendations. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). P ~~ Z Minutes Jule '1, 1994 Page 2 of 4 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Consideration of a final plat of Springbrook Hidden Hollow Subdivision. (94-230) Assistant City Engineer Morgan presented the staff report and recommended approval with the condition that a 10' public utility easement along the street frontage of lots 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 is required for electrical service and parkland dedication in the amount of X2,025 will be required prior to filing the plat for record. The proposed final plat matches the preliminary plat that was previously approved by the City Council. Commissioner Gribou moved to recommend approval of the final plat for the Springbrook Hidden Hollow Subdivision with the staff recommendations. Commissioner Smith seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Consideration of a final replat of Pebble Creek Phase 2A Subdivision. (94-230) Assistant City Engineer Morgan presented the staff report and stated that the purpose of the subject plat is to adjust the lot lines of lots 31, 32 and the common area between them. Lots 31 and 32 have been expanded to provide additional side clearance for the construction of homes, and the common area has been reduced accordingly. Staff recommended approval of the final amending plat as submitted. Commissioner Lightfoot moved to recommend approval of the final amending plat of Pebble Creek Phase 2A, lots 31 and 32 as submitted. Commissioner Lane seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Public hearing to consider a Zoning Ordinance amendment to Section 12.3-B and Table II pertaining to subdivision sign regulations. (94-803) Staff Planner Dunn presented the Zoning Ordinance Amendment and stated that the Myrad Development Group requested the review and revision of subdivision and area identification sign regulations to provide more flexibility for their location. The current ordinance allows such signs to be placed only on private property with a 10' setback distance from the city right-of-way. Staff has no problem with this request and has drafted an amendment to allow subdivision and area identification signs in the right-of-way with City Engineer • approval. In addition, Table TT has been altered to remove the 10' setback requirement. Commissioner Lightfoot expressed concern with placing signs in the right-of-way and creating sight distance problems in the future. Commissioner Gribou expressed concern with the maintenance of the signage and landscaping if placed in the right-of-way. The sign could be placed up to the right-of-way so that it is still on private property. Chairman Hawthorne opened the public hearing. Seeing no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment, he closed the public hearing. Commissioner Hall moved to table the item until the next available Commission meeting. Commissioner Garner seconded the motion which passed (5 - 2); Chairman Hawthorne and Commissioner Lane voted in opposition to the motion. Commission Gribou requested that staff research the reasoning behind the original 10' setback requirement and why those reasons are not valid today. He expressed concern that the Commission may be overlooking good reasons as to why the original requirement was put in place. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Discussion of a possible consent agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission. City Planner I~ee suggested that the Commission utilize a consent agenda which consists of non-controversial or "housekeeping" items required by law. Items may be removed from the consent agenda by any citizen, City staff member of Commission member by making such a request prior to a motion and vote on the consent agenda. This consent agenda would save time and prevent staff from reiterating what is outlined in the staff • report on routine cases. The Commission agreed that a consent agenda would be effective in future meetings especially with regard to preliminary and final plats. P ~l Z Minutes Jule 21, 1994 Page 3 of 4 AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Other business. • Commissioner Hall informed the Commission that with regard to the Sebesta Road rezoning request, he felt that certain issues were not explored thoroughly and the Commission did not look at the overall picture. He stated that he is not sure if he can justify his vote based on the issues. Traffic was a major issue that would cause a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhoods that was overlooked at the Commission level. Commissioner Hall stated that the Ciry Council must consider the current traffic situation and take that into consideration before allowing more intense zoning districts where there is not adequate infrastructure to handle the increased traffic. The proposed car dealership may be a good use for the land; however, there are other important issues that should be considered when allowing a more intense zoning district. Chairman Hawthorne stated that when the Commission considered the rezoning request, there was no one present in opposition of the request. The City Council had more information to consider with the input of the surrounding property owners. Chairman Hawthorne suggested that staff explore the possibility of extending the required notification distance of 200' so that more property owners are notified. City Planner Kee informed the Commission that staff researched the traffic situation in depth and came up with various alternatives that could be utilized to mitigate the increased traffic such as eliminating access to Sebesta Road. The traffic concerns can he addressed through other means and not by denying a rezoning request that meets all of the current City policies. Commissioner Lightfoot stated that he drove the area before voting on the item and was aware of the access, traffic issues, etc. He stated that he respects the concerns of the surrounding residents; however, there is a considerable amount of property between the proposed development and the existing single family development. Commissioner Lightfoot informed the Commission that he stands by his vote to approve the rezoning request and disagrees with the City Council's decision to deny the rezoning request. • Commissioner Gribou stated that he felt the Commission addressed all of the issues and voted accordingly. The Commission was looking at the "big picture" and the City Council did not. Commissioner Gribou expressed concern with the presence of only four City Councilmen present at the meeting and inaccurate information from Ttte Eagle. Commissioner Gribou also requested staff to look into the concern stated by Mr. Rhett concerning the Wolf Pen Creek zoning ordinance and how it relates to redevelopment. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Adjourn. Commissioner Hall moved to adjourn the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner Lane seconded the motion which passed unopposed (7 - 0). APP ED Chairperson, Kyle Hawt o ATT Plann ng ech 'tan, Natalie Thomas ., P a Z Minutes July Z1, 1994 Page ~ of 4 ~Cannin~ ~' Zoning Commission Guest ~,eeister Date ~~ ~~ r1 ress 1. ~~''~ ,_ z. '~,~ ' ~, %~~,,~~ , 3. i ~. v~ ,~.~ .~ ~ 6. 7'. 8. 9. 10. • 11. 12. 13. 14. 1S. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. • 24. 25. ~"~ O O ,- ,, "1 ~ C~ C ~_ C~~-~~ ~ ~ r l ~~ti~~ J~ ~~~ ~- x~