HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/18/2024 - Regular Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionApril 18, 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes Page 1 of 10
Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Meeting April 18, 2024
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairperson Melissa McIlhaney, Commissioners Jason
Cornelius, Bobby Mirza, Marcus Chaloupka, Aron Collins, Scott Shafer, and Warren Finch
COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Councilmembers Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney CITY STAFF PRESENT: Chief Development Officer Michael Ostrowski, Assistant Director of
Planning & Development Services Molly Hitchcock, City Engineer Carol Cotter, Transportation
Planning Coordinator Jason Schubert, Land Development Review Administrator Anthony Armstrong, Senior Planner Jeff Howell, Staff Planners Jesse DiMeolo, Gabriel Schrum, and Ashley Klein, Graduate Engineer I Parker Mathews, Graduate Engineer II Katherine Beaman-Jamael, Assistant City Attorney II Aaron Longoria, Administrative Support Specialist Kristen
Hejny, and Technology Services Specialists Trey Bransom and Sean Kennedy
1. Call Meeting to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Consider Absence Request.
Chairperson Melissa McIlhaney 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.
• March 7, 2024
Commissioner Cornelius motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, Commissioner Mirza seconded the motion, the motion passed 7-0. 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. 5. Regular Agenda 5.1 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 R Rural to PDD Planned to
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Development District for approximately 19 acres located southeast of the intersection of Rock Prairie Road and Calaveras Court. Case #REZ2023-000076 (Note: Final action of
this item will be considered at the May 9, 2024 City Council Meeting – Subject to change).
Staff Planner DiMeolo presented the PDD rezoning and concept plan to the Commission recommending approval.
Commissioner Finch asked for clarification on the proposed emergency access to the cul-
de-sac. Staff Planner DiMeolo clarified that for a development to have more than 30 lots on a single-road connection, a secondary access must be provided for emergency services.
Commissioner Mirza asked if Rock Prairie Road will be widened. Staff Planner DiMeolo confirmed that Rock Prairie Road is part of a widening project, however, the final design has not yet been approved.
Commissioner Cornelius asked if this development is in line with adjacent developments. Staff Planner DiMeolo confirmed that the development aligns with adjacent developments.
Joe Schultz, Applicant, Schultz Engineering, was available for questions from the
Commission. Commissioner Mirza asked if the utilities are existing on this property.
Mr. Schultz clarified that the utilities are already existing on this property.
Commissioner Shafer asked if the additional 850 feet of trail is inside the park. Mr. Schultz confirmed that this would be inside the park and would connect with a trail
that went to Rock Prairie Road.
Commissioner Shafer asked if the additional 850 feet could be designed as something other than a straight line.
Mr. Schultz clarified that there is currently a large sewer line and power line in the proposed
location, so the area has been cleared and prepared for construction to accommodate the trail as designed. Chairperson McIlhaney asked for the typical number of lots allowed on a cul-de-sac.
Mr. Schultz clarified that cul-de-sacs are comprised of 30 homes or less.
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Commissioner Mirza asked if the developer is planning for single-family homes.
Mr. Schultz confirmed that the development will be comprised of single-family homes,
single-family in a cottage green concept, or townhomes. Chairperson McIlhaney opened the public hearing.
Maureen Riley, Carter Lake Subdivision, College Station, spoke in opposition to the
rezoning citing concerns with neighborhood integrity, growth, traffic, mail delivery, garbage, recycling, water, and the Rock Prairie Road widening project. Luke Warren, Park West, College Station, asked if there are there any protections for the
flood plain.
Chairperson McIlhaney closed the public hearing. Commissioner Cornelius asked if this development addition to Midtown was considered
with the Rock Prairie Road widening project design.
Coordinator Schubert confirmed that the project currently under design includes all traffic generated from this development addition and future sections.
Commissioner Cornelius motioned to recommend approval of the rezoning, Commissioner Chaloupka seconded the motion, the motion passed 7-0. 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 GS General Suburban and ROO Restricted Occupancy Overlay on approximately 21.15 acres being 49 lots and a common area within Cat Hollow Phase 1 Subdivision and Glenhaven Estates Phase 8 Subdivision, generally located between Brazoswood Drive and Dominik
Drive. Case #REZ2024-000002 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the
May 9, 2024 City Council meeting – Subject to change). Senior Planner Howell presented the rezoning to the Commission.
Anna Park, Applicant, Cat Hollow Phase 1 Subdivision, was available for questions from
the Commission. Christine McFarland, Applicant, Glenhaven Phase 8 Subdivision, was available for questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Cornelius asked why the applicants have chosen to initiate the ROO rezoning process.
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Ms. Park clarified that this is an opportunity provided by the City that the subdivisions wanted to participate in to keep the character of the neighborhood and to build for the
future.
Commissioner Shafer commended the applicants on their efforts. Commissioner Mirza asked for the current demographics within the subdivisions.
Ms. Park confirmed that the subdivisions are comprised of retirees, families, single adults, and students. Commissioner Cornelius asked why 11 signatures in the Cat Hollow Phase 1
Subdivision and two in the Glenhaven Phase 8 Subdivision were not collected.
Ms. Park clarified that some Cat Hollow Phase 1 Subdivision signatures were unavailable to pursue because of absentee owners, trust owners, and time limits.
Ms. McFarland clarified that two Glenhaven Phase 8 Subdivision signatures were
unavailable because one residence is for sale and one property owner was neutral. Chairperson McIlhaney opened the public hearing.
Robert Averyt, 14695 SH-30, College Station, spoke in opposition to the ROO citing
concerns for property rights. Tiffany York, Manager, Cat Hollow Homeowner’s Association (HOA), clarified that all homeowners she has spoken with were in favor of a ROO.
Chairperson McIlhaney closed the public hearing. Commissioner Cornelius asked why occupancy is not restricted by the HOA.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that occupancy could be covered by the HOA covenants;
however, the City does not enforce covenants, a City-enforced restriction would only be applicable with a rezoning. Ms. Park stated that the HOA wants to partner with the City to maintain the ROO.
Commissioner Mirza asked if there are there any deed restrictions on occupancy. Ms. York clarified that there are restrictions on the number of related occupants and short-term rentals.
Commissioner Cornelius asked why the HOA has decided to pursue a ROO.
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Ms. Park stated that this is a modest HOA, and they hope to partner with the City to ensure that the Cat Hollow Phase 1 and Glenhaven Phase 8 Subdivisions keep their character, and
that the HOAs cannot financially enforce restrictions.
Commissioner Shafer asked if a ROO changes the occupancy allowance. Ms. Park responded that occupancy will be limited to a family plus one.
Commissioner Shafer motioned to recommend approval of the rezoning, Commissioner Chaloupka seconded the motion, the motion passed 7-0. 5.3 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 R Rural to T Townhouse for approximately 16 acres generally located at 3700 Rock Prairie Road West. Case #REZ2024-000004 (Note: Final action of this item will be considered at the May 9, 2024
City Council Meeting - Subject to change).
Staff Planner Schrum presented the rezoning to the Commission recommending approval. Joe Schultz, Applicant, Schultz Engineering, was available for questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Mirza asked if a site plan had been submitted. Mr. Schultz confirmed that a site plan has not be submitted.
Commissioner Cornelius asked if this development would be rezoned to a High Occupancy Overlay in the future. Mr. Schultz confirmed that the development would be a townhome development that they
would like to develop under T Townhouse.
Commissioner Finch asked if traffic would exit on to Rock Prairie Road. Mr. Schultz confirmed that traffic will exit on to Rock Prairie Road, and Towers Parkway
would be completed connecting Rock Prairie Road to Cain Road.
Chairperson McIlhaney opened the public hearing. No visitors spoke.
Chairperson McIlhaney closed the public hearing.
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Commissioner Collins motioned to recommend approval of the rezoning, Commissioner Chaloupka seconded the motion, the motion passed 7-0.
5.4 Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a discretionary item to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 8.3.H.1.i ‘Lots’, and presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding a Final Plat of Southeast College Park Lot 5A & Lot 5B Block 3, being a Replat of Southeast College Park Lot 5 Block 3 on approximately
0.608 acres, generally located at the corner of Winding Road and South Dexter Drive. Case
#FP2023-000007. Senior Planner Howell presented the discretionary item and final plat to the Commission recommending approval for both with the condition that the existing structure on the
property is removed prior to recording the plat.
Commissioner Cornelius asked how many structures can be placed on the property. Senior Planner Howell stated that one single-family structure can be placed on each lot.
Chairperson McIlhaney asked for clarification that the new lots would not have similar depth to adjacent properties. Senior Planner Howell stated that the property would be split perpendicular to Dexter Drive
South, with lot 5A taking access on to Dexter Drive South and lot 5B taking access on to
Winding Road. Commissioner Finch asked for the number of occupants that would be allowed to occupy each structure.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that no more than four unrelated occupants may occupy each structure. Commissioner Shafer asked for the reasoning against direct access to a collector.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that direct access on to a collector is not allowed because of the higher classification of roadway and the safety issues that have to be considered. Commissioner Cornelius asked for clarification on the current zoning of the property.
Senior Planner Howell clarified that the current zoning is GS General Suburban. Commissioner Cornelius asked if the use fits into the existing area.
Senior Planner Howell confirmed that the use fits the existing area.
Commissioner Shafer asked how the average lot frontage is calculated.
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Senior Planner Howell clarified that the right-of-way is being dedicated with this plat and the average lot width was calculated using the lots within the block, including the subject
property as it exists.
Commissioner Shafer asked if lot 5B will meet the frontage requirements. Senior Planner Howell clarified that lot 5B did meet frontage requirements prior to
dedication of the right-of-way, which is being required by the City.
Commissioner Mirza asked if the properties meet the legal criteria for lot size. Senior Planner Howell confirmed that the lots meet the legal criteria.
Keith Cocanougher, Property Owner, Pebble Creek Phase 9, College Station, was available for questions from the Commission. Commissioner Shafer expressed concerns for lot setbacks.
Chairperson McIlhaney opened the public hearing. Lisa & Mike Williams, Southeast College Park, College Station, spoke in opposition to the replat citing concerns for Ag Shacks, neighborhood character, and tree preservation.
Jacqueline Brown, Southeast College Park, College Station, spoke in opposition to the replat citing concerns for traffic and parking. Gunnar Schade & Ginger Ewell, Southeast College Park, College Station, spoke in
opposition to the replat citing concerns for drainage, impervious area, neighborhood
integrity, and frontage area. Robert Averyt, 14695 SH-30, College Station, spoke citing concerns for property values.
Mr. Cocanougher was available to address the drainage and frontage issues stating that a
drainage analysis has been performed and there was no change to the drainage based on a 50% impervious cover, and that the 108 feet of frontage is based upon the survey for the property.
Mr. Schade addressed the Commission on drainage concerns and impervious area.
Carla Elliott, The Knoll, College Station, spoke in opposition to the replat citing concerns for neighborhood integrity and traffic.
Chairperson McIlhaney closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Cornelius expressed opposition to the discretionary item and replat.
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Commissioner Cornelius motioned to deny the discretionary item and final plat, Commissioner Shafer seconded the motion.
Commissioner Chaloupka expressed support for the motion. Chief Development Officer Ostrowski clarified that the item is to approve or deny access to the collector via the discretionary item, denial of the discretionary item will then deny
the plat. Mr. Ostrowski also clarified that the applicant could take access to the alley if it
was improved. Commissioner Finch asked for additional clarification that the Commission’s charge is solely on access to the lots.
Chief Development Officer Ostrowski clarified that the Commission is acting on access to a collector, otherwise the subdivision of the lots meet requirements for approval. Commissioner Shafer expressed support for the motion.
Chairperson McIlhaney asked why the applicant is choosing to seek approval via the Commission. Mr. Cocanougher stated that he was not aware of the approval needed to allow access to
Dexter Drive South.
Chairperson McIlhaney asked for clarification on access to the alley. Chief Development Officer Ostrowski clarified that the applicant can choose to
provide access to the alley with improvements, and that this would be an approval via the
plat, at staff level. Commissioner Mirza provided comments on neighborhood integrity in the area.
Chairperson McIlhaney asked if there were any advantages to granting access onto Dexter
Drive South versus the alley. Senior Planner Howell clarified that access can be allowed on to the existing substandard alley with improvements, or onto Dexter Drive South with the Commission’s permission.
Administrator Armstrong clarified that if access is to be taken from the alley, the alley then becomes public infrastructure and becomes the City of College Station’s alley to own and maintain.
Chairperson McIlhaney asked for further clarification that staff would prefer that the access
be taken onto Dexter Drive South.
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Administrator Armstrong reiterated that staff’s recommendation is to allow access from Dexter Drive South.
The motion to deny failed 3-4 with Chairperson McIlhaney and Commissioners Cornelius, Finch, and Mirza voting in opposition. Commissioner Cornelius motioned to approve the discretionary item and final plat,
Commissioner Finch seconded the motion, the motion failed 3-4 with Commissioners Collins, Mirza, Shafer, and Chaloupka voting in opposition. 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 Presentation and discussion on MH Middle Housing rezoning requests.
Chief Development Officer Ostrowski presented an update on MH Middle Housing zoning requests.
There was no discussion.
6.3 Presentation regarding an update on items heard:
• A rezoning of approximately 28 acres of land located at 800 Marion Pugh Drive from R-4 Multi-Family to MF Multi-Family. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on March 7, 2024 and voted (7-0) to recommend
approval. The City Council heard this item on March 28, 2024 and voted (7-0) to approve the request.
• Appointments of Planning & Zoning Commission members to serve on the BioCorridor Board. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this item on
March 7, 2024 and voted (7-0) to recommend Commissioners Collins and Mirza to serve on the BioCorridor Board. The City Council heard this item on March 28, 2024 and voted (7-0) to approve the recommended Commissioners.
There was no discussion.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
• Thursday, April 25, 2024 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open Meeting 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday, May 2, 2024 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
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•Thursday, May 9, 2024 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Open
Meeting 6:00 p.m.
•Thursday, May 16, 2024 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 p.m.
There was general discussion amongst the Commission regarding rescheduling the May 9th City Council to Monday, May 13th.
6.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board and
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 beengiven. 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 agenda
for a subsequent meeting.
There was no discussion.
8.Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Approved: Attest:
___________________________________ _________________________________ Melissa McIlhaney, Chairperson Kristen Hejny, Board Secretary Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services