HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/20/2020 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionFebruary 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 8
MINUTES - Amended
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting February 20, 2020 6:00 p.m.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
College Station, Texas
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Dennis Christiansen, Jeremy Osborne, Bill Mather, Elizabeth Cunha, Joe Guerra, Paul Gunnels, Bobby Mirza CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Dennis Maloney CITY STAFF PRESENT: Bryan Woods, Jennifer Prochazka, Carol Cotter, Erika Bridges, Anthony Armstrong, Jason Schubert, Elizabeth Pedersen, Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Laura Gray, Rachel Lazo, Jesse
DiMeolo, Treston Rodriguez, Colin Killian, Carla Robinson, Leslie Whitten, Joshua Packard, and Kristen Hejny
1. Call Meeting to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Christiansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Hear Citizens
No citizens spoke. 3. Consent Agenda
3.1 Consideration, discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes. *February 6, 2020 3.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat for Midtown Reserve Phase 200 on approximately 11.35 acres generally located at the southwest corner of Town Lake Drive and Rock Prairie Road. Case #FP2019-000016 Commissioner Guerra removed Agenda Item #3.2 from the Consent Agenda for further discussion under agenda item #4.
Commissioner Osborne motioned to approve Consent Agenda Item #3.1. Commissioner Guerra seconded the motion, motion passed (7-0). Regular Agenda
4. Consideration, discussion and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action.
Agenda Item #3.2 was pulled from the Consent Agenda for further discussion.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 8
Commissioner Guerra asked about the 30 foot wide pavement on Amistad Loop.
Transportation Planning Coordinator Schubert stated that the Midtown project is zoned PDD Planned Development District with a modification, to allow 30 foot wide streets and no required
parking removal. Commissioner Guerra motioned to approve Consent Agenda Item #3.2. Commissioner Osborne seconded the motion, motion passed (7-0).
5. Informational
5.1 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City.
New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
5.2 Discussion of Minor and Amending Plats approved by Staff.
*Final Plat ~ Minor Plat ~ Carter Lake Subdivision; Block 5, Lots 5-R & 8-R ~ Case #FP2019-000029
*Final Plat ~ Minor Plat ~ Pebble Creek Phase 7-D; Block 39, Lots 72R-2 & 73R ~ Case #FP2020-000002
There was no discussion.
5.3 Presentation and discussion regarding the 2019 P&Z Plan of Work.
Long Range Planning Administrator Halle-Schramm presented updates on the Plan of Work including 10-year Comprehensive Plan Update, the next Comprehensive Plan Evaluation
Committee meeting on April 1st, a public workshop for scenario plans, and City Council dates for the NCO and Impact Fee items to be heard.
Commissioner Cunha asked when the Commission will discuss the 2020 Plan of Work.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that the 2020 Plan of Work will be discussed at a Commission special workshop on March 19th.
5.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the 2019 Citizen Survey.
Public Communications Manager Killian presented the results of the 2019 Citizen Survey to the Commission.
Chairman Christiansen asked how long the City has been performing these surveys.
Mr. Killian responded that these surveys have been regular since 2012, but have also been done in the past.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 8
Commissioner Mather asked for the breakdown of how many people responded to the survey, and
how many respondents were students.
Mr. Killian responded that the survey had a total of 1,236 responses, 22% of which were students.
Commissioner Mather asked for the percentage of error within the survey.
Mr. Killian responded that the error percentage is 2.4%.
5.5 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
*Thursday, February 27, 2020 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Workshop 4:00 P.M.
& Regular 6:00 P.M. (Liaison – Cunha) *Friday, February 28, 2020 ~ Joint City Council / P&Z Workshop ~ Larry J. Ringer Library ~ 9:00 A.M.
*Thursday, March 5, 2020 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 P.M.
*Thursday, March 19, 2020 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Workshop 4:00 P.M. & Regular 6:00 P.M.
5.6 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board, BioCorridor Board, Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee.
There was general discussion.
6. Regular Agenda
6.1 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending Chapter 12, “Unified Development Ordinance,” Section 12.4.2, “Official Zoning Map,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district
boundaries from PDD Planned Development District to PDD Planned Development District for approximately 15 acres generally located at the southwest corner of Victoria Avenue and Creek Meadows Boulevard North. Case #REZ2019-000019 (Note: Final action on this item is scheduled
for the March 9, 2020 City Council meeting – subject to change)
Senior Planner Grey presented the Rezoning to the Commission, recommending approval.
Commissioner Guerra expressed his concerns with 40 foot width, and separation between houses.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that the vested development started in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction, and is not required to meet some specific requirements.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that as related to setback requirements related to fire services, the 5-foot side setback is the minimum setback allowed by the Fire Department and Building Department without firewalls or limited openings.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 8
Commissioner Mather expressed concerns with 40 foot lot width, and reduction in rear setback
along Victoria Avenue. Mr. Mather asked for clarification on the Right-of-Way and greenspace area proposed.
Senior Planner Grey stated that a plat has not been submitted for the development, so the ROW
and greenspace areas are not known at this time, but that greenspace is not required by the UDO.
Commissioner Mather asked about the location of the utilities.
Senior Planner Grey stated that the utilities are located in the front yard and down the side yards.
Assistant City Engineer Bridges stated that water and sanitary sewer are provided by College Station Utilities and are located in the front lot, and that BTU also services this area with front lot utility locations.
Applicant, Rabon Metcalf, RME Engineers, College Station, was available to answer questions from the Commission. Mr. Metcalf stated that the right-of-way is 50 feet which is standard city width, side and front yard setbacks are in line with the requirements and current standards in the neighborhood. Mr. Metcalf also explained that the 20 foot setback allows for creation of four parking spaces per residential dwelling unit.
Commissioner Guerra requested that the applicant be open to prohibiting parking on one side of the street.
Mr. Metcalf responded that he could discuss parking removal with the applicant, but this change would take place at final plat, following the construction of the road.
Commissioner Mirza asked if the utility easement is located on the front or front and rear of the
property.
Mr. Metcalf stated that where necessary, utilities would be in the rear of the property and in easements along the front.
Commissioner Gunnels asked for the current street width.
Mr. Metcalf stated that the current road width is 27 feet.
Commissioner Gunnels expressed concern for the 27 foot road width.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that if parking, traffic and public safety become an issue, the City has the opportunity to remove parking in the future.
Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing.
Mike Scott, 15303 Lowry Meadows, College Station, spoke in opposition of the rezoning citing concerns with the affordable homes and asked how the City verifies affordability.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that affordability is not a permitting requirement and is not regulated by the City.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 8
Vonda Morris, 4148 Shallow Creek Loop, College Station, spoke in opposition of the rezoning citing concerns for street width, parking and public safety.
Lahr Lewis, 4106 Shady Brook Pass, College Station, spoke in opposition of the rezoning citing
concerns for parking, public safety, and school traffic patterns. Ms. Lewis asked for the total unit count in the development.
Mr. Metcalf clarified that this hearing is for use only, but stated that the development could contain
roughly 105 units.
Trisha Vongonten, 15321 Lowry Meadow Lane, College Station, spoke in opposition of the rezoning citing concerns for public safety and restricted street parking.
Lorraine Owens, 15307 Lowry Meadow Lane, College Station, spoke in opposition of the rezoning citing concerns with shortening streets and asked questions related to tree removal.
Mr. Metcalf was unable to speak to the trees on the adjacent property at this time.
Chairman Christiansen closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Cunha asked for the street width comparison between townhome and single- family zoning districts.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that this is a local street and will be 27 feet in width. Ms. Prochazka further clarified that street width is not based upon zoning, but
upon street classification.
There was general discussion amongst the Commission.
Commissioner Mather asked if common parking areas are required for either use.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that parking requirements are the same for both townhouse and single-family zoning districts.
Commissioner Cunha inquired on the possibility of parkland dedication.
Senior Planner Grey stated that parkland dedication is vested to the master plan, therefore no parkland is required.
Commissioner Osborne motioned to recommend approval of the Rezoning. Commissioner Mather seconded the motion. There was general discussion amongst the Commission concerning density, affordable housing and parking. Commissioner Guerra advised the applicant to attempt to solve parking problems using UDO options for single-family developments.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 8
The motion passed (7-0).
6.2 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending Appendix A, “Unified Development Ordinance,” Section 5.2, “Residential Dimensional Standards,” Section 5.6, “Retired Dimensional Standards,” Section 6.5, “Accessory Uses,” and
section 11.2, “Defined Terms,” relating to impervious cover. Case #ORDA2019-000013. (Note: Final action on this item will be considered at the March 9, 2020 City Council meeting – subject to change.)
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong presented the Ordinance Amendment to the Commission, recommending approval.
Commissioner Mather asked how many homebuilders were present at the February 6th Building/Development meeting.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that the meeting included about 40 visitors.
Commissioner Guerra asked for the process if someone wanted to mitigate additional impervious cover.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that once a building permit is submitted, any mitigation would be reviewed by and approved by staff.
Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing.
Trey Guseman, Park Lane, Bryan, spoke in opposition of the Ordinance Amendment, inquiring about engineering reports for Eastgate and Southside subdivisions, and any empirical data to support the need for the ordinance amendment.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that those particular areas do not have modern features and therefore do not have drainage studies.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that a lot of the information stems
from resident complaints.
City Manager Woods explained that as a larger look, this is a cumulative effect of streets flooding and an attempt at keeping unmitigated increases from going farther. Mr. Woods further clarified that this has a cumulative effect on all lots, on drainage.
Chairman Christiansen opened the public hearing.
Scott Hancock, White’s Creek Lane, College Station, spoke in opposition of the Ordinance Amendment citing disagreement between developers/builders at the February 6th meeting, no evidence of a problem, no studies and no reports.
Chelsie Breaux, 17912 Ranch House Rd, College Station, spoke in opposition of the Ordinance Amendment stating that the amendment needs to be discussed with all stakeholders involved. Ms. Breaux requested a delay be proposed.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 8
Kirk Fisher, 9301 Weslayan Court, College Station, spoke in opposition of the Ordinance
Amendment citing concerns with creating traffic congestion, and effects on affordable housing.
Chairman Christiansen closed the public hearing.
Chairman Christiansen asked for the outreach process to notify citizens of the Ordinance
Amendment.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that the amendment was presented at the December builder/developer breakfast, presented to the Commission in
January, presented at the builder/developer breakfast on February 6th, the City’s Public Communication Department used all technological platforms and outreaches including a blog post and two newsletters, as well as being advertised in the Eagle and on TV.
Commissioner Guerra asked about grandfathering for residential lots that currently exceed limits.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that if current lots redevelop they would keep their value.
Commissioner Gunnels asked if staff considers this amendment a good way to handle heavy rain and flash floods.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong responded yes.
Commissioner Cunha asked how projects such as decks would impact an owner.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong explained that this
amendment would create a lot coverage permit which would be evaluated by the building department for compliance.
Commissioner Guerra motioned to recommend approval of the Ordinance Amendment. Commissioner Christiansen seconded the motion. Commissioner Gunnels asked for the amount of time staff has been discussing this amendment.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that staff has been working on this amendment since September 2019. There was general discussion amongst the Commission. The motion passed (4-3) with Commissioners Mather, Osborne and Gunnels voting in opposition.
7. Discussion and possible action on future agenda items – A Planning & Zoning Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to
place the subject on an agenda for a subsequent meeting. There was no discussion.
February 20, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
8. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
______________________________ ________________________________
Dennis Christiansen, Chairman Kristen Hejny, Admin Support Specialist Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services