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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/20/1997 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionMINUTES • Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS November 20, 1997 4:00 P.M. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Massey, Commissioners Garner, Parker, Lightfoot, and Gribou. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Rife and Silvia. STAFF PRESENT: City Planner Kee, Senior Planner McCully, Staff Planner Battle, Staff Planner Roman, Assistant City Engineer Morgan, Graduate Engineer Kaspar, Development Coordinator Volk, Staff Assistant Charanza, and Assistant City Attorney Reynolds. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Approval of minutes from the meeting of November 6, 1997. • Commissioner Garner moved to approve the minutes from the meeting of November 6, 1997 as written, Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (5-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Consideration of a request from Fozfire Homeowners Association and direction to Staff regarding City-initiated rezoning of the 177.84 acre subdivision from R-1 Single Family Residential to A-OR Rural Residential Subdivision. (97-114) City Planner Kee presented the staff report and explained that in 1995 the City adopted some new ordinances which would help with concerns of the newly annexed residents. One of the ordinances created a new residential district that allows rural type single family development within the City limits. This district, along with changes made to the subdivision regulations allows areas to be rezoned to A- OR Rural Residential with minimum lot sizes being one acre. This ordinance deals also included more rural type street standards and ways to deal with sewage. At the time of the adoption of these ordinances, the Foxfire residents were interested in changing their zone to the A-OR classification to protect their one acre lot size minimum. Over the past year, the Foxfire Homeowners Association has been working on getting petitions from the lot owners. Seventy percent of the lot owners have expressed their agreement and support of this zoning change. Four property owners were opposed to this change; no response was received from approximately 38 owners. The Homeowners Association would like to request the City to initiate the rezoning process. Either the Commission or the Council can do this by ordinance. Granting this would not mean that it is approved, it will just start the rezoning • process. Staff would conduct research and return at a later meeting with the report and recommendation. All property owners in the subdivision would be notified as well as residents within the 200 foot notification range. P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 1 of 11 Commissioner Lightfoot asked if anyone voiced their reason for opposition. Staff Planner Kee • explained that some concern was enforcing the weed restrictions. One of the owners that was in opposition has moved from the area, meaning actually three property owners are in opposition. Commissioner Crribou moved to initiate the rezoning procedures. Commissioner Garner seconded the motion which passed unopposed (5-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consideration of a proposed final plat for Woodcreek Section Eight encompassing 3767 acres zoned PUD-2, Planned Unit Development located on the east side of Stonebrook Drive and Wilshire Court intersection. (97-244) Graduate Engineer Kaspar presented the staff report and stated that the final plat is proposed as a Planned Unit Development similar to Woodcreek Phase 7 which is located across Stonebrook Drive. This development would create 13 PUD lots around the east extension of Wilshire Court. Mr. Kaspar explained that the water service is being extended within this subdivision to provide service and fire protection. The applicant is proposing to continue Wilshire Court across Stonebrook Drive. Approximately 0.5 acres of public right-of--way is being dedicated with this plat. A stormwater detention facility would be provided by the applicant which would be owned and maintained by the Homeowners Associations. Staff recommended approval of this proposed final plat. Commissioner Lightfoot moved to approve the proposed final plat. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (5-0). • AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consideration of a final plat for Dartmouth Crossing, 8.289 acre subdivision on the south side of Southwest Parkway at the proposed extension of Dartmouth Drive. (97-246) Staff explained that this item was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. S: Establish parking requirements for the Sylvan Learning Center. Senior Planner McCully presented this item and stated that the applicant is proposing to build a free standing tutoring center on a vacant tract that has been subdivided recently on Southwest Parkway near Central Park Lane. The proposal will be the first tutoring center to locate on an individual site in this City. In two instances in the past, the tutoring services were classified as "schools" rather than tutoring services due to the large amount of students that would be taught at peak times within a relatively small lease space. Those businesses were required to go through the Conditional Use Permit process due to the school classification. This request has been classified as a "freestanding tutoring service" by staff. The proposed building will be approximately 6000 square ft (included in the conceptual plan). According to the applicant during the highest peak times there would be around 25 people in the center. Many children are dropped off. The applicant is requesting the same parking requirements as an office building of the same size. The ratio for an office building of the same size would be 1 to 250, and would require 24 parking spaces. Staff recommended approval with the condition that any future significant changes in use or employees be reevaluated. • Commissioner Gribou expressed his concern with dead-end public parking lots. Ms. McCully said Staff would relay this concern to the applicant. P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 2 ojll Commissioner Lightfoot moved to approve the parking requirement of 24 parking spaces (one space per 250 sq. ft. with the staff comments. Commissioner Gribou seconded the motion which passed • unopposed (5-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Break for Dinner. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing and consideration of a request to rezone approximately 5.8 acres located along the south side of Southwest Parkway being Lots 2,3,5,6 and 7, Block C and Lot 6, Block D Ashford Square Subdivision from A-P Administrative Professional to R 2 Duplezes. (97-115 and 97-116) Senior Planner McCully presented the staff report and stated that the subject site is located on the rear portion of the Ashford Square Center. The lots to the north are zoned A-P Administrative Professional and are developed as a day care center and an office building. Lots to the immediate west are zoned C- 1 General Commercial and are developed as a bank and fast food restaurant across the frontage. Behind the frontage area there is a 15,000 square foot commercial building (formerly the Schulman Theater) that has recently been approved for a nightclub use. That approval is the third nightclub that has been approved for that property since 1993. The R-7 zoned property to the south is developed as a mobile home park. The abutting vacant property to the east was zoned R-5 Apartment Medium Density three years ago and is currently in the platting process. The request is currently not in compliance with the Land Use Plan nor with Development Policies relating to screening and buffering between residential and commercial uses. An immediate juxtaposition of the proposed R-2 adjacent to a high intensity commercial development would not be . compatible without mitigation. In order to approve a zoning that is in direct conflict with the Land Use Plan, an applicant must show that there is a change of conditions within the area that could justify the proposed zoning as opposed to the planned land use for the property. In this case, the applicant has studied the market conditions and concluded that the subject property has remained vacant because the rear lots are not marketable as zoned. The applicant understands the Staff's concerns regarding the adjacent commercial lots and has communicated verbally that he intends to separate the commercial traffic from the residential traffic and to screen the proposed duplex area from the existing commercial sites. In response to Staffs concerns for not only the layout but also the condition of the existing drives, he has agreed to rebuild and reconfigure these drives. At the time the property comes in for replatting, the Staff will ensure that the conditions of zoning are met. The Planning and Zoning Commission will have ultimate approval authority over the replat. Seven property owners within the 200 foot notification area were notified. Staff received one inquiry as of the date of the staff report. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the zoning is not effective until a replat has been approved, and that the replat provide the following: 1. New access drives that meet current City paving standards. 2. That the access drives meet standards for adequate fire lanes and City vehicle turnarounds/radii. 3. That the access drives have no connection with the commercial access drives that currently exist • to the west. 4. That the duplex lots be oriented away from the commercial lots. 5. That there be an impenetrable screen installed along the western boundary of the duplex lots and that the screen is not easily mountable. P&Z Minutes November 20, 1997 Page 3 of I1 Chairman Massey opened the public hearing and seeing no one present to speak in reference to this project, the public hearing was closed. • Commissioner Garner moved to recommend approval of the request to rezone this property with the conditions recommended by Staff. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Public hearing and consideration of a parking lot plan in a C-N Neighborhood Commercial zoning district for Equity Realty's office building located at 201 We116orn Road. (97-431) Senior Planner McCully presented the staff report and stated that the subject site is zoned C-N Neighborhood Commercial, which requires Planning and Zoning Commission approval. In order to approve the use and site plan of a C-N proposal, the Commission must find that the purpose of the district is met. The Zoning Ordinance states the purpose of this district as follows: This district provides small commercial sites for residential convenience goods and service businesses. No use shall be allowed which would adversely affect the health, safety, welfare, or residential character of the neighborhood The use shall be a low traffic generator and shall not create any noise, light, or odors abnormal to the neighborhood No outside storage or display of goods or materials shall be allowed. The applicant is proposing to construct a 3,770 square foot one story metal office building. The site will be oriented to Wellborn Road and take sole access from the front. The subject property abuts a • developed apartment site to the north and a developed single family area to the east. A screening fence along these property lines has been discussed with the applicant. A fence along the northern property line may interfere with some of the trees that the applicant wishes to retain. The screening fence to the east would be adjacent to a dedicated alley that is not longer used. The applicant may choose to request abandonment of the alley, at which time a screening fence will be required adjacent to the residential lot. Approximately nine property owners within 200' were notified and no responses were received as of the date on the staff report. Staff recommends approval with all staff comments as listed as well as the condition that a screening fence be installed either adjacent to the alley or adjacent to the single family. Chairman Massey opened the public hearing. Steve Musser, MM Design, explained that the property between Varsity Apartments and the Equity Realty site contains large live oak trees on the property line, and the applicant would like to use these live oaks as screens instead of putting a wood fence along the trees. Shirley O'Brien, representative for Varsity Apartments, would like the trees to stay instead of having a fence put up. Chairman Massey closed the public hearing. • P&Z Minutes November 20, 1997 Page 4 of 11 Commissioner Garner moved to approve the parking lot plan for Equity Realty at 201 Wellborn Road without a fence btween the Varsity Apartments and this project. Commissioner Lightfoot seconded the • motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Public hearing and consideration of a request to rezone approximately 37 acres in the proposed Westfield Addition located along the south side of Graham Road near the future extension of Victoria Avenue from A-O Agricultural Open to R-1 single Family Residential and consideration of a Master Plan and Preliminary Plat of the entire Westfield Addition, 52 acres divided into 171 single family lots, 1 C-N reserve tract and 3 reserve tracts (97-117 and 97-320) City Planner Kee presented the staff report and stated that the subject property was annexed into the City in 1993, at which time it was reflected as A-O Agricultural Open on the Zoning Map. This area as well as most of the property within the southern parts of the City remains undeveloped, however, many of these areas have seen recent development interest due to the City's planned utility expansions into them. Originally this property was divided into 3, approximately, 15 acre tracts. Recently the most southerly portion of these 3 tracts, (where Southern Plantation will extend) and the westerly portion where Victoria will extend was subdivided from the 3 original tracts. This was done without platting the property. The thoroughfare plan calls for the extension of Victoria and Southern Plantation to extend through these properties. Ms. Kee explained that for the past year and a half, the applicant has been involved in numerous • discussions with City Staff regarding the development of the subject property. The applicant submitted several conceptual plans for initial response from the Staff. Staff discussed the following with the applicant: the possibility of combining the parkland dedication requirements with the existing creek to gain compliance with the Comprehensive Plan goals relating to park linkages and combining schools and park sites (there is an adjacent future school site), orienting the subdivision to take advantage of the creek as an amenity, the thoroughfare plan and how it relates to the site, the internal street layout and access, and how to sewer and drain the property. Staff discussed these concerns with the developer for the past year and still does not feel they have been adequately addressed. The developer asked to bring this master and preliminary plat and associated zoning request forward to the Commission and Council knowing that there would be a negative staff recommendation at this time. Ms. Kee stated that Staff has the following specific concerns: Zoning: Staff has difficulty recommending approval of any zoning changes at this time. The developer requested rezoning the first two phases to R-1 Single Family (currently zoned A-O Agricultural Open). Ms. Kee explained that although the R-1 zoning is in compliance with the land use plan, Staff feels that there are too many unanswered questions on the master plan. Phasing: The developer's intention is to build single family residences with some possible neighborhood commercial at the Victoria and Graham Road intersection. The master plan shows Phases One and Two, or more than half of the proposed residential development, before the extension of Victoria and Southern Plantation is even addressed. The concern stems from the ability for the remainder of the • development to support such large pieces of infrastructure. There are also additional concerns about the internal street layout. Ms. Kee explained that the plan shows no secondary access to Graham or PBcZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page S ojll Victoria until Phase Three, which would mean there would approximately 107 lots built with only a single access. • Drainage: The preliminary plat refers to a regional detention area located on the adjacent CSISD property. According to CSISD staff and consultants, their project does not necessitate participation in a regional detention facility. Ms. Kee stated that staff cannot verify CSISD detention plans at this time. Floodplain/Floodwav: Ms. Kee explained that the developer has not confirmed that there is not any floodplain on the property. CSISD on the adjacent tract is performing a hydraulic analysis to define the floodplain/floodway on their property and there appears to be floodplain on their tract. The location of the floodplain may have an impact on the lots that back up to the reserve creek area. At this point, with the location unknown, the suitability for development of these lots is also unknown. Sanitary Sewer: Ms. Kee stated that the developer has discussed the ability for this property to sewer toward the south rather than participating in the Graham Road Impact Area Phase 3 sanitary sewer line and they have discussed a request to amend the existing impact fee area 92-01 to remove the Phase 3 line. Ms. Kee explained that if Phase 3 is deleted, the developer would then like to pursue an alternate sewer alignment along the north fork of Lick Creek. A portion of this line has already been constructed, and is existing in the Springbrook Subdivision and would continue west to and through this development. Ms. Kee explained that the developer would be requesting oversize participation in this new sewer line. Ultimately, City Council would have to approve the change to the impact fee area. Oversize Participation: Staff requires that impact studies be presented when oversize participation is being requested. The developer has not presented the studies to Staff. • Proposed C-N Tract: Ms. Kee explained that this property will come before the Commission and Council as a rezoning request in the future. Approval of this master plan does not guarantee approval of any future rezonings. Ms. Kee stated that Staff does not see a problem with some neighborhood commercial zoning in the master plan. Parkland Dedication and Open Space Along the Creek Ms. Kee explained that this master plan also includes a portion of the north fork of Lick Creek. She said that this master plan should address how this creek area will work with the planned development. Currently, the creek is shown as a "Reserve Tract" and does not incorporate the residential development. Ms. Kee stated that Section 8-A of the Subdivision Regulations states "In all subdivisions, due regard shall be shown for all natural features such as trees, water courses, historical spots, and similar community assets, when preserved, will add attractiveness and value to the property. " Ms. Kee said that the Parks Director has had conversations with the developer and indicated the Parks Department's desire to have pedestrian and maintenance vehicle access from all streets in this development to the creek open space. The applicant has offered one access from the cul-de-sac in Phase One. She explained that the Comprehensive Plan recommends moving toward a linkage system of greenbelts and open space connecting neighborhoods and parks. The parkland cash dedication from this development would be in the amount of $38,475.00. However, the applicant has recently acquired all the tract on the other side of this creek which runs completely to • Barron Road. Ms. Kee indicated that this would be an ideal opportunity to provide a neighborhood park location with access to the creek as open space, tying in nicely with the adjacent CSISD property where there will be an elementary school and intermediate school in the future. P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 6 of 11 Ms. Kee stated that although staff supports single family residential land uses with some associated neighborhood commercial in this location, staff cannot recommend approval of the zoning, overall • master plan or preliminary plat at this time until the following are addressed: Thought given to how the creek area could ultimately be incorporated as part of the development . . Alternative phasing to address access and infrastructure guarantees. A determination as to how the property will be sewered. A determination and ultimate recommendation from the Parks Board as to the best way to provide parkland. Submission of impact analysis for the oversize requests. Ms. Kee explained that the Commission could approve the request, deny, or deny without prejudice which would waive the 180 day waiting period. Chairman Massey opened the public hearing. John Szabuniewicz, Applicant, explained that he is trying to address all staff concerns. He stated that the staff report relates to a much earlier submittal. Mr. Szabuniewicz handed out Xerox copies of two maps. He stated that Lick Creek Development, Inc. only owns the Westfield Addition which stops just short of the creek. A different owner owns the creek. There is a 50 foot access point to Graham Road on the tract in the back. He showed on the map the extension of Victoria, to comply with the Comprehensive Plan as recommended by Staff He said that the Victoria extension also needs property from other property owners. He stated that he has talked to the other owners and they do not want to donate the land needed to continue Victoria. He also said that his company does not have a problem • with developing Victoria and they will have to address this item at a future date. The following are Mr. Szabuniewicz's responses to Staff concerns: Zoning: He believes the master plan is being met considering his is just asking for R-1 zone for the two tracts. He feels that even though staff has a problem with the platting he thinks the zoning change should still be allowed. He believes the platting problems should be addressed with the plat not with the zoning request. Phasing: The second map he handed out reflected the phasing. He stated that the phasing is intended to change to address the staff concerns. Phase two will then include building an additional access to Graham Road to improve traffic circulation. These changes in phasing will give them time to figure out a way to handle the extension of Victoria scheduled for Phase 3. They will talk to the other owners during this time and try to resolve some the right-of--way questions. C-N Zoning: Mr. Szabuniewicz stated that the C-N zoning has not been requested yet. They are waiting to see what they want to do with that property. The property located adjacent to the proposed subdivision is zoned M-2 Heavy Industrial, and the property "catty cornered" is zoned C-2 Commercial Industrial, which puts "higher" zoning all around the subject property. Taking this into consideration, Mr. Szabuniewicz stated that he was not sure what the appropriate zoning should be for the C-N proposed section. This will be decided on at a later date. ,~,r. ;~ ~. Floodplain/Floodway Another drawing Mr. Szabuniewicz handed out was from the FEMA map. Mr. • Szabuniewicz stated that the entire property is in the Zone X which puts the property outside the 500 year floodplain. He said that none of their property is in the Floodplain. He commented that flooding is not an issue at all. Mr. Szabuniewicz stated that the homes already developed in the Springbrook area P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 7 of I1 have a slab elevation of 283 - 284 feet, and the bottom of the creek on the property is 284 feet, which means the creek is higher than the slabs on the homes. . Drainage: Mr. Szabuniewicz said that there is off-site drainage. He said they have talked to CSISD and have come to an agreement that the school has a portion of their tract in the corner that they would be willing to sell the Lick Creek Development for building the detention facility. He stated that at the time of the agreement he was not sure if they would have a joint detention area or an easement. As of the meeting, CSISD agreed to sell Lick Creek Development the corner property since it would not be usable by CSISD. Sanitary Sewer: Mr. Szabuniewicz stated that a letter was submitted to Kent Laza, City Engineer on August 19, 1997 which included an impact study for sewer demands for the area. He stated that he recommended looking at a 12" sewer line (oversize), but it has been determined by Lick Creek Development and CSISD that they would need an 8" sewer line coming up from Springbrook along the creek. A request for oversized participation was submitted to the City and he said they were willing to oversize it to a 12", 15" or even an 18", depending what the City wants. Mr, Szabuniewicz said that the development is ready to proceed on this issue. Parkland Dedication: Mr. Szabuniewicz said that they would prefer at this time to pay the fee rather than make any park dedication. He believes CSISD would like to have a park located on their site. He stated that at some future date Lick Creek Development would work with the staff to provide better access for the reserve tracts. The preliminary plat for Phase One shows a 50' access at the end of the cul-de-sac for access to the back tract and the creek area, He said they plan to have all cul-de-sacs provide access to the creek. • Mr. Szabuniewicz stated that he feels between now and the Council review they can resolve any other questions and concerns from Staff and the Commission. Chairman Massey closed the public hearing. Commissioner Garner felt there were too many unanswered questions to approve the requests as presented. Chairman Massey agreed with Commissioner Garner that there are too many "loose ends" needing to be taken care of before approval. Commissioner Lightfoot agrees and felt that there is a need for more residential housing and there were some staff questions and concerns that were addressed tonight, but there are still many things that are not meeting staffs concerns. He believed it would be necessary for the developer to meet with staff to take care of all concerns and uncertainties. Commissioner Garner moved to deny the rezoning request, master plan and preliminary plat for the Westfield Addition without prejudice (waive the 180 day waiting period). Commissioner Lightfoot seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Public hearing and consideration of a Conditional Use Permit for the use and associated site plan to allow the expansion of Oakwood Intermediate School at 106 Holik. (97-718) StaffPlanner Battle presented the staff report and stated that the proposed development is an expansion • to the existing school facilities. The additions will include 8,749 square feet of new classrooms, a 12,126 square foot locker room and gymnasium, 20 new parking spaces and covered walkways. Section 14 of the Zoning Ordinance authorizes the existence of conditional use_ s. The Commission may P&Z Minutes November 20, 1997 Page 8 ojll permit a conditional use subject to appropriate conditions and safeguards, when after public notice and hearing the Commission finds that: (Staff comments are in italics) • 1. "The proposed use meets all the minimum standards established in the ordinance for the type of use proposed." The Project Review Committee reviewed the site plan on November S and found compliance with most of the required development standards. A couple of minor revisions were required 2. "That the proposed use meets the purpose and intent of the ordinance and is in harmony with the development policies and goals and objectives as embodied in the Comprehensive Plan for Development of the City." The use is compatible with the existing school uses on the site and surrounding residential uses. • • 3. "That the proposed use will not be detrimental to the health, welfare, and safety of the surrounding neighborhood or its occupants, nor be substantially or permanently injurious to neighboring property." The public hearing is an opportunity for the Commission to measure the potential impact on surrounding land uses. 4. "The Commission may impose additional reasonable restrictions or conditions to carry out the spirit and intent of the ordinance and to mitigate adverse effects of the proposed use. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, increased open space, loading and parking requirements, additional landscaping, and additional improvements such as curbing, sidewalks, and screening." Unless the public hearing brings to light any new information indicating potential negative impacts, Staff recommends approval. Approximately 28 property owners within 200 feet were notified, and no response was received. Chairman Massey opened the public hearing. Seeing no one to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Garner moved to approve the conditional use request. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Public hearing and consideration of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment regulating telecommunications towers within the city limits. (97-814) Before the dinner break, Staff Planner Battle presented the draft ordinance and proposed amendment regulating telecommunications towers within the city limits. He explained that the current ordinance was adopted in 1994, and in 1996 the Telecommunications Tower Act was passed which set forth new standards in regulating towers. He stated that input for the new ordinance came from many groups including local service providers, City of Bryan staff and Telecommunications Committee, City of College Station staff, the Community Appearance Committee, a College Station telecommunications focus group, many local residents, and the Planning and Zoning Commission. In addition, lengthy research into the Telecommunications Act and the ordinances of many other cities ensures that this ordinance is in compliance with the FCC and contains elements similar to those already adopted by municipalities nationwide. Coordination with the City of Bryan has helped both cities develop ordinances that are very similar and will aid service providers entering this area. Bryan's ordinance is also currently being considered for adoption. P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 9 of 11 The draft ordinance addresses public health and safety issues by maintaining minimum distances from residential structures and zoning districts and requiring FCC certification. The notification area was • increased to 500 feet from the property line of the host site to allow more public comment. The issues concerning visual impact have been addressed by setting height limits, requiring tower separations, establishing setbacks from major thoroughfares, establishing aesthetic controls in special districts and encouraging collocation on existing towers and structures. The use of stealth technology to "camouflage" new WTF's is also encouraged. The ordinance also requires applicants to submit necessary information, including a visual impact analysis, that will aid the Commission in making decisions. All WTF's would require successful completion of the Conditional Use Permit process. Chairman Massey opened the public hearing after the dinner break. Seeing no one to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Garner moved to recommend approval of the ordinance amendment with the exception of the following suggestions for changes: - Page 1 (ordinance) part 3, correct the dollar amount of the fine - General Regulations (Section C) -omit the WPC, NG, PDD (except PDD-H), and C-B zoning districts under the Major WTF's that are listed elsewhere in the section. - Separation Between Towers -Include staff recommendations in this section. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Zoning Ordinance amendments modifying the composition of the Zoning Board of Adjustments to include an engineer for drainage variance hearings and removal • of the certified mail requirement from notification sections of the Ordinance. (97-820) Staff Planner Roman presented the ordinance changes before the dinner break. He stated that at the joint Planning and Zoning and Council meeting of October 2, 1997, modifications to the drainage ordinance were discussed. One of the amendments, requiring notice of approval or disapproval of a development permit sixty (60) working days after receipt of the developer's proposal was heard by Council on November 13, 1997. Mr. Roman stated that also at the October 23, 1997 City Council meeting, staff was directed to modify the existing ordinance to require the presence of at least one licensed engineer on the Zoning Board of Adjustments which would achieve the goal of having one member with an engineering background on the board to hear drainage variance requests without the necessity of creating and managing a Drainage Variance Board. Mr. Roman stated that the first ordinance amendment would require that at least one member of the Zoning Board of Adjustments have an engineering background whenever appeals or variances to the drainage ordinance are presented to the Board and to having two of the four alternate members of the Board be licensed engineers in the State of Texas. Mr. Roman explained that the remaining ordinance amendments are related to changing the current requirement of "notification by certified mail" to "notification by depositing the notification in the municipality, properly addressed with postage paid, in the United States Mail". This change is recommended to reduce the cost related to the notification process, as well as giving City Staff the • option of notifying by certified, registered, or regular mail the property owners within 200' of the property for which notification is required. Mr. Roman stated that this amendment would bring the City of College Station Zoning Ordinance in line with the Texas Local Government Code requirements for notification. P&ZMinutes November 20, 1997 Page 10 ojll Chairman Massey opened the public hearing after the dinner break. Seeing no one to speak in favor of • or in opposition to the request, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Garner moved to recommend approval of these ordinance amendments. Commissioner Lightfoot seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: Other Business. Commissioner Lightfoot stated that he likes the way this meeting was handled and would like to start all long meetings a little earlier. ' AGENDA ITEM NO. 14 Adjourn. Commissioner Lightfoot moved to adjourn the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioner Parker seconded the motion which passed unopposed (4-0). 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