HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/18/2023 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionMay 18, 2023 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 9
Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting May 18, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Dennis Christiansen, Commissioners Jason
Cornelius, Bobby Mirza, David White, Marcus Chaloupka, and Aron Collins
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Melissa McIlhaney COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Bob Yancy and Dennis Maloney
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Director of Planning & Development Services Michael Ostrowski, City Engineer Carol Cotter, Transportation Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Senior Planners Jeff Howell and Matthew Ellis, Staff Planners Robin Macias and Carl Ahrens, Engineer Lucas Harper, Graduate Engineer II Katherine Beaman-Jamael, Graduate Engineer I Gillian Sitler,
Deputy City Attorney Leslie Tipton-Whitten, Assistant City Attorney II Aaron Longoria,
Administrative Support Specialist Kristen Hejny, and Lead Technology Services Specialist Thomas Bauman 1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Consider Absence Request.
Chairperson Christiansen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Hear Visitors
No visitors spoke. 3. Consent Agenda
3.1 Consideration, discussion, and possible action to approve meeting minutes.
• May 4, 2023
3.2 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat for Southern Pointe Section 111 on approximately 50.24 acres of land, generally located along Southern Pointe
Parkway. Case #FP2022-000009
Commissioner Cornelius motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Collins seconded the motion, the motion passed 6-0. 4. Consideration, discussion, and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action. No items were removed from the Consent Agenda for discussion.
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5. Regular Agenda
5.1 Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding waiver requests to the Unified
Development Ordinance Section 8.4.C.8.a, ‘Geometric Standards, Street Design Criteria’ and presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Preliminary Plan for College Station West Subdivision on approximately 41.8 acres of land, generally located northeast of the intersection of Jones Road and Raymond Stotzer Parkway. Case #PP2022-000015
Senior Planner Howell presented the waiver requests and preliminary plan to the Commission recommending approval. Chairperson Christiansen asked for staff’s recommendation on this subdivision if it were
inside the City of College Station city limits.
Senior Planner Howell stated that staff would recommend approval as this would be more closely aligned with the BCS Unified Design Guideline Standards as it relates to urban requirements, however, block length requirements would be narrower within the city
limits.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if staff is recommending approval on the waivers to align with Brazos County’s recommendation, or would the recommendation be the same for a subdivision within the city limits.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that because this subdivision is in the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) it does require meeting the 70-foot of right-of-way width compared to to the City of College Station’s requirement of 50 feet.
Commissioner Mirza asked if staff has received any comments or feedback from the
neighbors. Senior Planner Howell clarified that notification for this preliminary plan was not required as the subdivision is in the ETJ and is not zoned for residential. Adjacent property owners
were not notified.
Commissioner Cornelius asked if this preliminary plan is bringing the subdivision more in line as if it were within the City of College Station city limits.
Senior Planner Howell confirmed that the plan is aligning the cross sections on those streets
adjacent to the multi-family lots. Commissioner Chaloupka asked if this subdivision falls in line with the adjacent areas.
Senior Planner Howell stated that the adjacent properties to the south have been
subdivided and have already provided right-of way, however, the properties to the north
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would be required to provide right-of way width similar to this subdivision when they develop.
Lexie England, Applicant, Kimley-Horn, was available to present to the Commission clarifying that these street sections will be privately maintained. Aaron Levy, Developer, was available to answer questions from the Commission stating
that outreach to the neighbors will occur throughout the development process.
Commissioner Mirza asked for the square footage of the micro homes. Aaron Levy clarified that the homes are comparative in scale to a multi-family apartment
dwelling, ranging at about 500-950 square feet as one, two, and three bedroom detached
units. Commissioner Cornelius motioned to approve the waiver requests and Preliminary Plan, Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, the motion passed 6-0.
5.2 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amending Appendix A, “Unified Development Ordinance,” Article 4, “Zoning Districts,” Section 4.2 “Official Zoning Map,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas by changing the zoning district boundary from GS General Suburban to MH
Middle Housing for approximately 0.4 acres of land at 1100 Dexter Drive South. Case
#REZ2023-000007 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the June 12, 2023 City Council Meeting – Subject to change). Senior Planner Howell presented the rezoning to the Commission recommending
approval.
Chairperson Christiansen asked for the number of bedrooms that could be developed on this property.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that the development could have nine units dependent upon
subdivision and permitted uses. Commissioner Collins stated that this area falls outside of the areas identified for City- initiated rezoning to MH Middle Housing and is not designated as middle housing on the
future land use plan, asking why staff is recommending approval.
Senior Planner Howell stated that based on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use & Character Map, this area is designated as Mixed Residential and that MH Middle Housing is an appropriate zoning district.
Commissioner Cornelius stated that a MH Middle Housing zoning district will not match any current surrounding zoning.
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Senior Planner Howell confirmed that MH Middle Housing will not match any current adjacent zoning districts of GS General Suburban or PDD Planned Development District.
Commissioner Cornelius stated that the zoning change to MH Middle Housing will not match adjacent properties, and asked why staff is recommending approval. Senior Planner Howell clarified that looking at the future land use, the designation is
Mixed Residential, so MH Middle Housing is identified as an appropriate use. Mr. Howell
further stated that there are similar uses permitted in the area. Director Ostrowski confirmed that this property was not included in city-initiated rezonings, stating that there is the ability for applicants to request individual properties to
be reviewed accordingly. Mr. Ostrowski also stated that given this property’s location on
the corner, location to additional residential types, location on a highly traveled corridor, Holleman Drive, and commercial development on the adjacent corner, it provided a good transition into the other locations. Given this, MH Middle Housing was appropriate from a zoning perspective.
Commissioner White asked for the use on the property to the south. Senior Planner Howell clarified that the property to the south are the Campus Park Phase I townhomes.
Commissioner White asked if the City has seen many one-off zoning situations. Senior Planner Howell stated that with the new MH Middle Housing zoning district, there have been requests for individual lots to be rezoned in lieu of larger swaths.
Commissioner White asked if staff is taking into consideration the concerns of the neighborhood. Senior Planner Howell stated that staff received many contacts in opposition of the
rezoning after the staff report was generated.
Commissioner Cornelius asked for clarification that the previous MH Middle Housing zonings presented to the Commission were already in proposed city-initiated areas.
Senior Planner Howell stated that previous requests were excluded from city-initiated areas
because developers had already pursued rezoning. Commissioner Chaloupka asked for the timeline on the city-initiated rezonings.
Director Ostrowski stated that city-initiated rezonings will be presented to the Commission
and the City Council in phases, with the engagement phase in June, and the approval process in late summer or early fall of 2023.
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Chairperson Christiansen asked for clarification that the previous MH Middle Housing zonings presented to the Commission, were already in a proposed city-initiated area.
Director Ostrowski clarified that the previously presented MH Middle Housing rezoning cases were in areas that would have been identified as city-initiated, in the middle of a single-family development.
Commissioner Collins asked if every other house surrounding this lot could choose to be
rezoned to MH Middle Housing. Senior Planner Howell stated that each request would be reviewed to determine if each application met the standards.
Director Ostrowski stated that the rezoning approvals would be up to the Commission and the City Council. Mr. Ostrowski further stated that staff supports this rezoning to MH Middle Housing because of its location on a corner adjacent to a highly traveled thoroughfare.
Commissioner Cornelius asked if staff would recommend approval for each of the other three adjacent corners. Director Ostrowski stated regarding the other three corners that the land use is different on
the properties across Holleman Drive and that the property across Dexter Drive is
predominantly surrounded by single-family homes. Staff would likely not be supportive of a rezoning change to MH Middle Housing on the adjacent lots. Commissioner White asked for clarification that the city-initiated review committee
did not recommend this area for a city-initiated rezoning.
Senior Planner Howell confirmed that this area was excluded from the city-initiated rezonings.
Commissioner Collins asked about the intention of the future land use designation of
Neighborhood Conservation on the adjacent property across Holleman Drive. Senior Planner Howell stated that Neighborhood Conservation is intended to preserve the neighborhood character of the established neighborhood.
Commissioner Collins asked if MH Middle Housing was proposed to abut Neighborhood Conservation areas. Senior Planner Howell was unsure if this was a topic of discussion within the working
group.
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Commissioner Collins asked what the MH Middle Housing zoning district was intended to abut.
Senior Planner Howell stated that the MH Middle Housing zoning district was intended to be a transition of residential development. Commissioner Collins asked if MH Middle Housing was designated with the intention that
it could abut a Neighborhood Conservation area.
Senior Planner Howell stated that the rezoning would require certain provisions. Director Ostrowski stated that a Mixed Residential land use could abut Neighborhood
Conservation as it allows for transition between two different zones.
Daniel Beamon, Applicant, Beamon Engineering, presented to the Commission and was available for questions.
Chairperson Christiansen stated that the property owner bought the property before the MH
Middle Housing zoning district was created and asked for the developer’s thoughts on developing when purchased. Daniel Beamon stated that the property owner initially planned to plat for two single-
family homes and then rent.
Commissioner Collins asked for the bedroom count of the two single-family homes, stating that the property owner was intending on creating two high-density single-family homes.
Daniel Beamon stated that two high-density single-family homes was not the intent of the
property owner. Commissioner Collins asked if it would be profitable to build two single-family rental homes on the property.
Daniel Beamon stated that it would not be profitable. Commissioner Cornelius requested clarification on the number of units to be built on the property.
Daniel Beamon stated that a unit count will be determined at platting. Chairperson Christiansen opened the public hearing.
Leslie Hicks, South Knoll, College Station, spoke in opposition to the rezoning citing
concerns for the preservation of the existing larger lots, safety, increased traffic, flooding,
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reduced greenspace, and that the rezoning will be in direct opposition to the South Knoll Neighborhood Plan.
Lloyd Davis, Pebble Creek, College Station, spoke in opposition to the rezoning citing concerns for spot zoning, lack of planning, and long-term implications. Tina Evans, The Knoll, College Station, spoke in opposition to the rezoning citing concerns
for one-off zonings, flooding, safety, and the property being highly inappropriate for
middle housing. Fred Dupriest, College Park, College Station, spoke in opposition to the rezoning citing concerns for rapid displacement of affordable housing.
Laurie Smith, College Park, College Station, spoke in opposition to the rezoning citing concerns for the neighborhood conservation of a family friendly neighborhood. Chairperson Christiansen closed the public hearing.
Director Ostrowski stated that there was some discussion relating to what is intended to be built on the property, clarifying that any use allowed in a MH Middle Housing zoning district could be allowed on the lot if it was rezoned.
Commissioner Collins expressed concerns with property being acquired with an intended
use that was not consistent with the appropriate use of the property. Commissioner Chaloupka expressed concerns that a MH Middle Housing zoning is not appropriate for this property and will not support the rezoning.
Commissioner Cornelius expressed concerns with a MH Middle Housing zoning not conforming to the existing area. Commissioner White asked if the South Knoll Neighborhood plan is still in effect.
Leslie Hicks explained the adoption process and intent of the South Knoll Neighborhood Plan. Senior Planner Howell clarified that the South Knoll Neighborhood plan was retired in
October 2022.
Commissioner White expressed concerns for the rezoning creating a domino effect. Commissioner Mirza expressed concerns for the rezoning citing concerns with the property
being surrounded by single-family homes.
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Chairperson Christiansen expressed support for the MH Middle Housing zoning district concept but expressed concerns for the property being surrounded by single-family
housing. Mr. Christiansen also asked that staff bring the city-initiated rezonings before the
Commission and the City Council as soon as possible. Commissioner Chaloupka motioned to recommend denial of the rezoning, Commissioner McIlhaney seconded the motion, the motion passed 6-0.
6. Informational Agenda
6.1 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City.
New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
6.2 Discussion of Minor / Amending Plats approved by Staff:
• Aggieland Business Park Phase 3A ~ Case #FPCO2023-000005
• Williams Creek Subdivision Phase 6 ~ Case #FP2023-000003
There was no discussion.
6.3 Presentation and discussion regarding the College Station Parks Foundation.
Board Member White presented an overview of the College Station Parks Foundation to the Commission.
Commissioner Mirza requested a collaboration with the College Station Parks Foundation, Keep Brazos Beautiful, and local students.
Chairperson Christiansen asked if the Foundation purchases land or capital equipment is that then given to the governmental entity.
Commissioner White explained that the Foundation is not in the position to do maintenance or operation at this time. The Foundation is currently working on enhancing current parks.
Commissioner Chaloupka expressed support for the enhancement of Hensel Park.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, May 25, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 1, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, June 12, 2023 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, June 15, 2023 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
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There was no discussion.
6.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board,
BioCorridor Board.
•None
There was no discussion.
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 maybe given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an agendafor a subsequent meeting.
Commissioner Cornelius requested a timeline of the city-initiated rezonings.
8.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
___________________________________ _________________________________ Dennis Christiansen, Chairperson Kristen Hejny, Board Secretary
Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services