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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/2002 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionMINUTES Planning and Zoning Commission CITY OF COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS September 19, 2002 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Commissioners Floyd, Hall, White, McMath, Shafer, and Williams. COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Trapani. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Council Member Happ. STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Brown, Director of Development Services Templin, City Planner Kee, Development Manager Ruiz, Assistant Development Manager George, Senior Planner Battle, Staff Planners Reeves, Flanery, and Fletcher, Planning Intern Butler, Transportation Planner Fogle, Graduate Civil Engineers Thompson and Cotter, Assistant City Attorney Nemcik, Action Center Representative Steptoe, and Staff Assistant Hazlett. AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Hear Visitors. None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Public Comment for the Record. None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Consent Agenda. 3.1 Approved the Final Plat for the Schuessler Subdivision consisting of 9 lots on 55.27 acres on Kemp Road. (02 -173) 3.2 Moved to the Regular Agenda the Final Plat for the Callaway House Parking Subdivision, 1.376 acres located along Marion Pugh Drive. (02 -185) 3.3 Approved the Fagade Changes, including an Attached Sign for Aggieland Nails located at 1933 Texas Avenue in the Wolf Pen Creek zoning district. (02 -182) P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page I of 7 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Consider request(s) for absence from meetings. Commissioner Williams motioned to approve Commissioner McMath's absence request from the September 5, 2002 meeting. Commissioner White seconded the motion. The motion carried 5 -0 -1. FOR: Commissioners Floyd, White, Williams, Hall, and Shafer. AGAINST: None. ABSTAINED: Commissioner McMath AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Consideration and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action. 3.2 Discussion and possible action on a Final Plat for the Callaway House Parking Subdivision, 1.376 acres located along Marion Pugh Drive. (02 -185) Development Manager Ruiz explained that according to the current ordinance, the subject property is exempt from platting prior to beginning construction because it has been in the same configuration since 1970. However, the property owner is platting this property to provide for financing and the future marketing of the remaining piece. She added that an approved site plan and all the necessary permits were obtained in order to begin construction. Additionally, Staff will follow -up with the development of the crosswalk and the posted signs. Commissioner McMath motioned to approve. Commissioner Williams seconded the motion, which carried 6 -0. FOR: Floyd, White, Williams, Hall, McMath, and Shafer. AGAINST: None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6` Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Rezoning for 3950 Harvey Road, located just adjacent to Koppe Bridge Bar & Grill Restaurant to the east. (02 -174) Staff Planner Reeves presented the Staff Report. Ms. Reeves stated that Staff recommends approval of the rezoning. She pointed out the location of the subject property and explained that it consists of 5.36 acres, which is currently zoned A -O, Agricultural Open. Ms. Reeves explained that the applicant is requesting that 3.86 acres, which is undeveloped at this time and fronts Highway 30, be rezoned to A -P, Administrative Professional, while the remaining 1.5 acre tract be zoned R -1, Single Family Residential. She added that the site is located in Sub -area 7B in the 30/60 Area Planning Study that was adopted in April 2001. The appropriate uses for the area, according to the 30/60 Study are commercial, office /service, and higher density single family. Specific land use conflicts and impacts were being addressed through the PDD review and approval process. However, the PDD ordinance has changed since its adoption and should not be used to guarantee specific site or building characteristics. In closing, Ms. Reeves stated that Staff feels that the proposed zoning is in compliance with the 30/60 Study. She also reminded the Commission on an earlier policy decision that was made which allows this type of use in this area. According to the City's legal counsel, the policy issue did not require the approval of the City Council. Therefore, the Commission could apply this policy as seen fit. Approval of the A -P rezoning is P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 2 of 7 recommended since this rezoning complies with the 30/60 Study and standards, such as buffering, driveway access, sign limits, landscaping, lighting, and parking requirements that should not create any negative impacts on the area. Transportation Planner Fogle explained that Pamela Lane, is a local street, with about 50 feet of right -of -way and a pavement width of approximately 16 feet. It is shown on the Thoroughfare Plan crossing Highway 30 and aligning with FM158. He added that an approximate time of completion for this alignment or the infrastructure is not known since the planning for completing this has not begun yet. Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing. Mark Dudley, 8 Lori Lane, made a presentation to the Commission requesting the rezoning. He stated that previous attempts to build other developments have been thwarted because of the current zoning on the property. He added that the current developed areas and also those being developed would facilitate properties like his having a nice office building located on it. Mr. Dudley also believes that building a residence for his parents on the back portion of the property would protect the integrity of the neighborhood. Commissioner White asked if the traffic leaving the parking lot of the professional building would empty out onto Pamela Lane. Mr. Dudley said he would take access on either a Highway 30 or a Pamela Lane, whatever the City prefers. Chairman Floyd asked for clarification of the property lines on the subject property and the property to the right. The following spoke against the rezoning: John Vilas, 15 Ranchero Drive Walter Hoke, 37 Pamela Lane Delph Ross, 1002 Oakhaven Circle Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. Commissioner Williams motioned to deny and was seconded by Commissioner Shafer. Development Services Director Templin stated that the PDD should not be applied on a lot by lot, case by case basis. Mr. Templin explained that the 30/60 Study says that A/P zoning is the most appropriate zoning designation for this area, due to the neighboring residential area. City Planner Kee stated that over time the PDD was not used as it was intended. She explained that once the original PDD expired at the end of three years, a new ordinance was created that removed some of the details and the way in which the ordinance had been used. She pointed out that the emphasis was that the PDD should be used when you have a mixed -use development. This prompted the policy discussions earlier this year by the Commission in regards to the 30/60 Study and site specific cases. An A -P zoning request for this area is supported by Staff because the 30/60 Study states that office uses are appropriate for the area, whereas a more intense commercial zoning request would not be. She added that consolidation of properties isn't possible for this property because P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 3 of 7 there is a right -of -way on one side of the property and an existing restaurant on the other. Ms. Kee stated that there are standards in place that can address adjacencies and discouraged the Commission from regulating more than the standards currently do. She advised that if the Commission wishes to use a PDD, to be very clear about what their expectations would be. Some discussion regarding the requirements of a PDD ensued. Chairman Floyd stated that because the subject area was experiencing in -fill development and was prior to the 30/60 Study, the Commission's only recourse at the time was the PDD. However, the PDD is site specific and very involved. Therefore, the Commission instructed Staff to conduct a study of the area in order to create a plan. Commissioner Hall stated that he believes A -P is an appropriate land use for the property. He added that Pamela Lane should be protected and therefore access should be on Highway 30. Transportation Planner Fogle explained that TxDOT defers to the City when developers request driveways on state roads because our requirements are more stringent that theirs. He pointed out that the spacing between the Koppe Bridge driveway and Pamela Lane is about 350 feet and that the Driveway Ordinance requires driveway spacings on a major arterial to be 350 feet desirable, and 275 feet minimum. If an additional driveway were built between Koppe Bridge and Pamela Lane, the driveway spacing would drop to 175 feet, well below the minimum requirements. For that reason, the City would need to consider shared access with Koppe Bridge or access to be taken off of Pamela Lane. For access to be shared with Koppe Bridge, an agreement would have to be reached between the property owners, so that is not a guarantee. There was further discussion regarding drainage, lighting, buffering, and height requirements. Chairman Floyd called the question. The motion to deny was approved 4 -2. FOR: Shafer, Williams, McMath, and White AGAINST: Floyd and Hall AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on a Conditional Use Permit for Parkway Baptist church located at 1501 Southwest Parkway. (02 -176) Staff Planner Flanery presented the Staff Report. She recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit. Ms. Flanery reported that the applicant wants to expand the existing facilities by adding a new worship hall and three temporary portable buildings for classrooms. The portable buildings will be used until the completion of the new worship hall. The existing worship building will be used for administrative purposes and an additional portable building will be added in the rear of the main buildings for storage. Ms. Flanery stated that the request is in compliance with the Land Use Plan and that currently, a natural buffer is around most of the site. Since this property is zoned R -6, signs will also need to be approved through this Conditional Use Permit. The proposed sign meets the City's requirements for a commercial freestanding sign. P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 4 of 7 Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. Commissioner White motioned to approve with the condition that the temporary portable buildings be removed within I year after the completion of the new worship hall. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion. The motion carried 6 -0. FOR: White, McMath, Floyd, Shafer, Hall, and Williams AGAINST: None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Consideration and possible action on a Preliminary Plat for the Edelweiss Gartens Subdivision consisting of 360 lots located south of Graham Road and east of Wellborn Road. The plat proposal includes a request for a variance to the Subdivision Regulations regarding maximum block length. (01- 104) Graduate Civil Engineer Thompson presented the Staff Report. Mr. Thompson explained that approval on a previous preliminary plat has been given. However, the newest plat that is being considered includes street access to the park area. An issue regarding block length remains to be resolved. He reported that the block length for this plat exceeds the Subdivision Regulations. Mr. Thompson, referring to block 9, pointed out that Staff has precluded the developer from taking access to the future Highway 40 and Wellborn Road. The approximate length of block 9 is access precluded. Block 8 includes preclusion from taking access to Phase 2 and Phase 5. Additionally, Staff is requiring a pedestrian access to the park for residences of Phase 4 per ordinance. Also, street parking is allowed. Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing. Steve Arden, the developer, discussed buffering and access for the area. Mr. Arden volunteered to widen the street from 27' to 33', which would accommodate for the walkway and for the street parking. Sidewalks will be constructed on one side of the street. Mike McClure, the engineer, stated that Brandenburg Street would have 6' wide sidewalks on both sides. A single sidewalk would be on Oldenburg. Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. The Commission made the following findings regarding the granting of the variance request: 5 -A.1 Concurred - That there are special circumstances or conditions affecting the land involved such that strict application of the provisions of this chapter will deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of his land. 5 -A.2 Concurred - That the variance is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial property right of the applicant. 5 -A.3 Concurred with a Condition- That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or injurious to other property in the area, or to the City in administering this chapter. P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 5 of 7 Commissioner Shafer stated that at least one pedestrian access point should be provided. Concurred: Floyd, White, McMath, Williams, Hall, and Shafer Non - concurred: None. 5 -A:4 Concurred - That the granting of the variance will not have the effect of preventing the orderly subdivision of other land in the area in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Commissioner Williams motioned to approve the variance with the condition as found in 5 -A.3, regarding the provision of at lease one access point. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion. The motion carried 6 -0. FOR: Williams, White, Floyd, Shafer, McMath, and Hall AGAINST: None. Commissioner McMath motioned to widen Oldenburg from 2T to 33' as suggested by the developer, Mr. Arden. Commissioner White seconded the motion, which carried 6 -0. FOR: White, Williams, McMath, Hall, Shafer, and Floyd AGAINST: None. Commissioner Williams motioned to approve the Preliminary Plat with the conditions stated in the Staff Report. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion, which carried 6- 0. FOR: White, Williams, McMath, Hall, Shafer, and Floyd AGAINST: None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Discussion and possible action for a Conditional Use Permit for the Southland Telecommunications Tower located at 112 Holleman. This item was tabled at the P &Z meeting on September 5, 2002. (02 -118) The Commission elected not to remove this item from the table. Commissioner White requested that Staff republish this item for a public hearing in order to receive further comments from First United Methodist Church regarding this item. All members concurred with this direction. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Public hearing, discussion, and possible action on an amendment to the City's Thoroughfare Plan pertaining to the classification of Cornell Drive. (02 -195) Transportation Planner Fogle presented the Staff Report. Mr. Fogle began his report, stating that Cornell Drive/Lassie Lane thoroughfare is a major collector east of Texas Avenue between Southwest Parkway and Holleman Drive. Cornell Drive is currently, a two -lane roadway, running from Southwest Parkway and terminates at a parcel of land with another segment before Manuel. Lassie Lane is also a two -lane road running between Sterling and Holleman. The parcel of land is being considered for a residential development. Mr. Fogle explained the differences between a major collector and minor collector. He stated that his concern is in making certain that when reclassifying a thoroughfare, that upon build -out, the street is able to carry the projected vehicles. The projections submitted in the traffic study by Jeff Milburn Engineering, justifies reclassifying Cornell as a minor collector on the Thoroughfare Plan. Another issue is P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 6 of 7 cut-through traffic. He stated that cut-through traffic is likely to exist, but the additional traffic is expected to be minimal. This connection would provide a significant benefit to the residents of the area that either work or attend school at Texas A &M, because currently these residents must travel along Texas Avenue in order to get to Texas A &M. In addition to this, the connection would also provide an important pedestrian and bicycle link to the Wolf Pen Creek recreational retail areas. Chairman Floyd opened the public hearing Chairman Floyd closed the public hearing. Commissioner Williams motioned to approve the amendment to the Thoroughfare Plan, reclassifying Cornell Drive. Commissioner Shafer seconded the motion. Commissioner Hall asked Mr. Jeff Milburn, Engineer, to explain how the traffic count was conducted. He has been involved in traffic studies and counts for 20 years in the Bryan /College Station area. Mr. Milburn stated that the land use map was used on a use by use basis and assign a trip generation value to each land use type, using Institute of Transportation Engineers Standard Values. Days of the week and peak hours are also used in this count, as well as vacant properties built -out projections. He demonstrated other ways to create a connection for the area. In doing so, the inconveniences and logic of doing so were pointed out. Chairman Floyd called the question. The motioned carried 6 -0. FOR: Floyd, Hall, McMath, Williams, White, and Shafer. AGAINST: None. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Discussion of future agenda items. No discussion. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Adjourn. Commissioner White motioned to adjourn. Commissioner McMath seconded the motion, which carried 6 -0. FOR: Floyd, Shafer, Hall, Williams, McMath, and White AGAINST: None. APPROVED: Chairman, Rick Floyd ATTEST: Staff Assistant, Susan Hazlett P &ZMinutes September 19, 2002 Page 7 of 7