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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/19/2002 - Joint Minutes City Council Mayor City Council Noir Ron Silvia John oun Winnie Garner Mayor Pro Tempore oun James Massey Scott Mears City Manager Dennis Maloney COLLEGE STATION Thomas E. Brymer Anne Hazen College Station, Embracing the Past, Exploring the Future MINUTES COLLEGE STATION CITY COUNCIL PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION Joint Meeting Friday, April 19, 2002 at 8:30 a.m. City Hall Council Chambers MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Mariott, Councilmembers Massey, Maloney, Garner, Silvia, Hazen, Commissioners Floyd, Williams, Happ, McMath MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Mcllhaney, Commissioners Hawthorne, Trapani, Kaiser Mayor Pro Tem Mariott and Chairman Floyd called the joint meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. Agenda Item No. 1 -- Presentation, discussion and possible action on the Unified Development Ordinance. This joint meeting was held for the purpose of discussing and considering issues within the draft document of the unified development ordinance in order that staff can receive policy direction toward the final version. Kelly Templin, Director of Development Services, facilitated the discussion. He requested that staff have the ability to reserve Section 8: Subdivision Regulations for the purpose of reaching standard common development standards within the ETJ with Brazos County. This process will be done separately from the UDO. A paper containing the issues list (referred to as List No. 2) cited below was followed throughout the day. The following is a recap of each item discussed and any action taken. 1) Redevelopment Districts Current ordinance: NA Existing draft: NA Input received: Desire to assist with the redevelopment and revitalization of existing commercial centers through interaction with the Economic Development Department and their 4B Board. These "districts" might take the form of overlays or a new zoning designation and would entail flexibility such as the ability to reasonably increase a current level of nonconformity and the implementation of less than full bufferyards or other landscaping, in return for other design considerations. It is thought that full conformity with present and proposed standards will keep a number of locations 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 2 stagnant and perpetuate vacancies along vital commercial corridors. These "districts" could require recommendations from the 4B Board and the P &Z, and Council approval. Staff comments: Such devices are in place in other cities and can be used to revitalize aging strip centers and former big box locations. Staff requested permission to draft such provisions in the UDO. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 2) Lighting Current ordinance: Lighting cannot be directed to residential areas; no plan required Existing draft: Lighting plan required; technical requirements Input received: Several responses for lighting section to become more restrictive Staff comments: Adopt lighting standards /requirements but spell out technical requirements and incorporate realistic lighting levels. Possibly cap height of light poles. Reword for ease of enforcement. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 3) Roadway phasing subdivision platting Current ordinance: NA Existing draft: No language proposed Input received: Developments can be concocted so as to leave required capital improvements to a latter or final stage. This can result in traffic and utility complications, especially if the final phase is delayed or is not built. Staff comments: Some language could be added to the subdivision section to require that each phase extend its 'fair share" of infrastructure. A timetable could be established for tie -ins to existing streets for traffic facilitation, to relieve traffic through neighborhoods, and access to schools, etc. The same is true for utilities. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 4) Cumulative rezoning in residential districts Current ordinance: Is cumulative (allows for less intense residential development up to the stated maximum use /density) Existing draft: Is not cumulative (only the stated type is allowed, e.g., single- family) Input received: Request to reconsider and allow cumulative zoning in residential districts Staff comments: Non - cumulative zoning might provide a higher level of assurance to property owners. However, the City has had cumulative zoning in its residential areas for quite some time, and several non - conformities will be created. Additions or larger than 25% and changes or use are prohibited for nonconforming uses. %liar 4/19/02 Joint Council /P &Z meeting Page 3 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Preferred cumulative zoning. Staff was instructed to look at buffering issues as well. Development community comments: Favors cumulative zoning. Council Member Maloney arrived to the meeting at 9:30 a.m. The group recessed for a short break at 10:00 a.m. They returned at 10:15 a.m. to continue the meeting. 5) Building height limits - all districts Current ordinance: Limits residential to 35' (2.5 stories) in single family /duplex, 3 story in multi- family. No height restriction in commercial or industrial Existing draft: Heights restricted to 35' in all residential, commercial and business /industrial districts; 60' in light and heavy industrial Input received: Concern that language is too restrictive Staff comments: Staff agrees that the height restrictions as written, are too restrictive. Development community agreed. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 6) Conditional uses in the land use table Current ordinance: NA 1116/ Existing draft: Many currently permitted uses to be made conditional Input received: The requirement for conditional use approval runs contrary to one of the stated purposes of the UDO process, to streamline development procedures. Staff comments: Where possible, it would be helpful to list additional site requirements for these uses and have them remain permitted in order to streamline procedures. Where such standards cannot be developed, the use could be converted to a conditional use. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Council wants opportunity to see the administrative standards that would streamline procedures. 7) Tree protection /preservation Current ordinance: No required to preserve existing trees; incentives - additional points awarded Existing draft: Same as existing ordinance Input received: Numerous responses in favor of tree protection Staff comments: Add incentives for retaining existing growth. Credit existing growth toward landscape requirements. Allow flexibility to increase bufferyard depts. to count and retain old growth. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 4 8) Structures in easements Current ordinance: Structures not permitted; fences, walls, landscaping permitted Existing draft: Not addressed Input received: Request for clarification and additional restrictions Staff comments: Clark with Utilities and Public Works what plantings are acceptable in easements. Allow flexible bufferyards where plantings cannot be implemented in easements. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Staff has flexibility to work with developers for proper location of landscaping in the easement. Development community comments: Noted the problem where plantings are required under high line wires. He asked that the landscape points in an easement should not be counted as part of the overall project points, if the landscape is not required in the easement. CC/P &Z concurred. 9) Electrical transformers Current ordinance: Screening of offensive items required if identified on site plans; not addressed on plats Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to move transformers to rear of sites Staff comments: If added to regulations, electrical easements will need to be along rear property lines only. Owing to topographic and other physical features, this is not always possible. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Need to be flexible 10) Timing of buffer /fencing /wall installation Current ordinance: Applied at site plan stage and required to be in place for certificate of occupancy. Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request for buffers to be installed prior to site work or the beginning of construction Staff comments: While requiring earlier buffer installation might help to protect existing residential areas from construction impacts, installation of landscaping, walls and irrigation prior to grading will be difficult at best and impossible in some instances. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 11) Buffer alternatives between residential/commercial uses Current ordinance: Requires new planted green area and masonry wall Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to allow natural buffers to take place of man -made buffer 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 5 Staff comments: In some areas it has been difficult to require the man -made buffer and even the wall due to topographical and /or floodplain constraints. Allow for acceptable alternative buffers. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 12) Buffer requirements - adjacent to major roads to protect residential areas Current ordinance: No provision Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to consider requiring a landscape buffer between a major roadway and new residential development Staff comments: There has been previous Commission and Council discussion of this issue. The Comprehensive Plan encourages residential development adjacent to major thoroughfares in many areas. A buffering requirement would make these goals more attainable. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 13) Construction safety - fencing Current ordinance: Not addressed Existing draft: Not addressed Input received: Request to require fencing on all sites is unnecessary. This is a site security /liability issue for individual developers to address on a case by case basis. Staff comments: Requiring safety fencing on all sites is unnecessary. This is a site security /liability issue for individual developers to address on a case by case basis. 4/19: CC /P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 14) Landscaping of parking lots Current ordinance: Required end islands and 180 SF of landscaping for every 15 parking spaces; streetscaping across site frontage Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to add more green space to parking lots Staff comments: Current landscaping requirements are generally in line with other communities. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Give staff flexibility to negotiate the trade off of landscape /treescape incentives in parking lots by a percentage of discretion. Development Community comments: Have incentives to increase visual barriers between street and parking lot 15) Drainage regulations in single - family districts Current ordinance: Applies at plat stage to subdivision Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to reexamine drainage with individual building permit and minor site improvements (such as fencing) in older areas 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 6 Staff comments: Such an approach would be staff intensive and will require a longer review and inspection period 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 16) Conservation district standards Current ordinance: Lot size and frontage must equal average on a block in older residential areas; only 1 primary use per platted lot Existing draft: Adds lot building coverage restrictions Input received: Request to regulate architectural style in the older single family areas; request to reconsider maximum setback Staff comments: Lot coverage may be addressed by setbacks currently applied to residential lots. If architectural review is chosen for older neighborhoods, some research of standards will have to take place and another review body will have to be established. Such regulations will lengthen the review time frame and must be carefully crafted to limit subjectivity. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 17) Contextual setbacks in older neighborhoods Current ordinance: Only a minimum front setback of 25' is established (no maximum) Existing draft: Front setbacks for new homes in older areas must be between front building walls of adjacent homes Input received: Request to remove maximum setback so that a new home may be set as far back on a lot as desired Staff comments: The draft language was written in response to a request to incorporate contextual setback standards for older neighborhoods. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Give staff flexibility to deviate by 20% variance. Consensus to have maximum setback 18) Maximum front building setback - commercial and industrial buildings Current ordinance: No maximum currently -- only minimums set Existing draft: Would require all buildings to be no further than 50' from front property line Input received: Requests to remove the restriction Staff comments: The language in the draft would allow for a maximum of one row of parking in front of buildings. If the City chooses to place parking in the rear of sties, perhaps a better approach would be to experiment with such restrictions in a targeted area of the City (such as the City Center) or within a limited commercial (C -L, C -0) zoning category where the scale is smaller and a less conventional look is desired. The draft maximum setback could also run afoul of future right -of -way expansions. 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 7 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community comments: Prefers the removal of language. 19) Building mass /architectural style Current ordinance: Not addressed Existing draft: Adds language that would require large buildings to variegate facades Input received: Concern that the language is too broad; remove language or become more specific Staff comments: If the goal is to visually break up large commercial building masses, regulate massing of large buildings with more specific language and make it applicable only to large (big box) centers. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community: Agreed with staff comments. 20) Outdoor storage /display in commercial districts Current ordinance: Not regulated; required to be screened if caught during site -plan stage Existing draft: Restricts displays to the areas closest to the buildings Input received: Request to allow some display in other areas of the site (parking lots, edge of site, etc.) Staff comments: Staff has heard several complaints from citizens and board /committee members expressing a desire to restrict such areas. The Language must be very specific. Such areas cannot encumber required parking. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community comments: Agreed with staff comments. The group recessed for lunch. They returned at 12:35 p.m. 21) Outdoor storage /display in industrial districts Current ordinance: Not regulated; required to be screened if caught during site -plan stage Existing draft: Does not restrict area Input received: Request to become more restrictive Staff comments: Some screening of outdoor storage is appropriate. Staff recommends drafting language with input from Economic Development. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community comments: Agreed with staff comments. 22) Building height limits - adjacent to residential areas Current ordinance: Restricts commercial buildings to 35' when within 100' of a single family dwelling Existing draft: Same as current 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 8 Input received: Request to allow a building to "step up" the sections of a building that are further than 100' from the dwelling Staff comments: 35' (2 1/2 stories) would allow for complete visibility of yards and residences from adjacent nonresidential sites in any case. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community comments: Agreed with staff comments. 23) Staff level "variances" Current ordinance: No provision Existing draft: Allow staff level variances or waivers for up to 20% of stated standard Input received: If allowed, lower the percentage to 5% or less Staff comments: If staff -level "variances" are provided in the UDO, the City may wish to adopt different standards for approval other than special conditions and hardship. The standards required for such "variances " should limit staff discretion as much as possible. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Action by staff should be reported to P &Z and Council. Change the staff level variance to 10% Development community comments: Likes the higher percentages in certain situations 24) Big box retail - City wide Current ordinance: No distinction from general retail Existing draft: Separately defined from general retail and not permitted in certain commercial districts; broad architectural restrictions applied Input received: Request to treat big box as in current ordinance or to better define architectural style required Staff comments: Staff requests direction as to whether it is desired to treat big box retail differently from other commercial uses. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Do more research about other communities' experience. The architectural and buffer requirements may be considered differently for big box. Bring back standards that staff presented to former council in late '90s. Do not differentiate based on the scale of the operation per Kelly. Development community comments: Need defined standards for big box 25) Neighborhood churches and regional churches Current ordinance: No distinction Existing draft: Would limit the amount of accessory uses in certain cases Input received: Request to protect neighborhoods from the impacts of large, busy church sites Staff comments: Churches could be limited to a sanctuary by right in some districts with accessory uses limited to the 25% of accessory use allowed to all uses. Each principal use must meet zoning and parking restrictions. 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 9 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Hesitation expressed about addressing this issue at this time. Possibly have tools available in the ordinance to address these cases in terms of accessory uses, (parking, landscaping, screening). Mayor Pro Tem Mariott left the meeting at 1:40 p.m. Council Member Ron Silvia presided. 26) Maximum building lot coverage Current ordinance: Not addressed other than through setback restrictions Existing draft: Would further limit the maximum buildable square footage of a lot Input received: Request to remove the draft language Staff comments: These regulations should only be included if they can forward an identified goal (e.g., reduce flood hazards, non point source pollution, runoff). 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Remove draft language. 27) Wolf Pen Creek development standards Current ordinance: Requires compatibility, harmony, etc., as determined through the review process Existing draft: Similar to current Input received: Request to include more specific standards Staff comments: More specific standards could help guide the early stages of the development process. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: One DRB would be more qualified to develop entry level standards. Need to proceed with a solid similar goal for all three zones (northgate, university drive, wolf pen creek) Development community comments: Input from major property owner in WPC would be beneficial Mayor Pro Tem Mariott returned to the meeting at 2:30 p.m. 28) Special district review process Current ordinance: Three separate processes and boards for three separate districts Existing draft: Consolidates review process into a single board with recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission Input received: Request to either do away with the special districts and return to the standard commercial approach or to allow staff to conduct a technical site plan review and allow the aesthetic review to be conducted by a board. Staff comments: Past City Councils have taken special interest in the Wolf Pen Creek, Northgate, and Overlay districts, with a focus on encouraging the development of distinctive areas. Abandoning the special districts may go against previous Council strategic issues, plans, and t w implementation decisions. Perhaps a better approach to reduce the level of uncertainty would be to 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 10 require broad general site layouts and building design to be reviewed by a board, and leave the technical site plan review to staff. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: DRB have a standing meeting and make discretionary standards, and staff have review nondiscretionary standards. Codify the requirements. Streamline the process to attain the goal. Look at visions for each of the three areas (northgate, overlay district, and WPC) Massey and Maloney work with staff in terms of WPC standards. Development community comments: Difficulty to have consistency with a volunteer board, members in attendance change from meeting to meeting. Prefer staff to perform technical review. The group took a short break at 2:35 p.m. They returned at 2:45 p.m. 29) Oversize participation in the ETJ Current ordinance: Not provided Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to provide street oversize participation in the ETJ Staff comments: The City's policy in the past has been not to provide incentives for development outside the city limits. The use of tax funds outside the City is questionable. Required compliance with Subdivision Regulations in the ETJ, as practiced by most communities (e.g. Bryan) would address this matter, for the most part. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Upon annexation, reimburse developers for oversize participation if funds are available. Look further into Bryan's subdivision ordinance regarding oversize participation in ETJ. Need flexibility to have this provision as a good planning tool. Development community comments: Undue burden for capital payment upfront, needs to be tied to annexation plan. 30) Grace period Current ordinance: N/A Existing draft: N/A Input received: Request to allow a 3 to 6 month grace period between adoption of the UDO and its effective date so that projects currently under design may continue Staff comments: Some reasonable grace period could be considered; however, this will delay the implementation of all regulations, including any deemed urgent. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: 180 days for grace period Development community comments: Provide for a reasonable transition 31) Density cap in the multi - family district Current ordinance: R -4 maximum 16 DU /Acre; R -5 maximum 24 DU /Acre; R -6 allows more than 24 DU /Acre with Council approval Existing draft: One district with maximum of 18 DU /Acre Input received: Requests to allow higher densities in certain cases or not to cap the district at all 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 11 Staff comments: Placing no cap on the allowable densities would not allow for orderly future planning of infrastructure. A better approach might be to raise the allowable density to one that is typical of College Station apartment development. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Want special provisions of the Northgate area for mixed use and residential development in Northgate. Include the second multi family district around University in the more urbanized area, when appropriate utility capacity is available. Development community comments: Encourage development around the University 32) Big box retail - Wolf Pen Creek Current ordinance: No distinction from general retail and thus permitted by right in WPC Existing draft: Would remove big box from WPC Input received: Request to continue allowing big box retail in WPC Staff comments: Past input into the WPC district has resulted in requests to remove big box from the district due to the vision for the corridor to be pedestrian oriented and to have development with a distinctive style. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: This item was deferred to the staff and committee of council for discussion during the development of the Design Review Board processes. 33) Residential uses in WPC Current ordinance: Permits apartment uses Existing draft: Would not permit residential uses Input received: Request to allow apartments, dormitories, etc. in the district Staff comments: Prior Wolf Pen Creek subcommittees have expressed view that the district should not become residential -only, and that the remaining vacant tracts should develop as commercial with an emphasis on tourist and pedestrian orientation. Residential uses could be limited to non - apartment types (e.g., townhomes) if some residential uses are desired. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: This item was deferred to the staff and committee of council for discussion of the development of the Design Review Board processes. 34) Notification requirements Current ordinance: Mirror statutory requirements (staff policies enhance requirements) Existing draft: Would add notification requirements for Comprehensive Plan amendments Input received: Request to reconsider and notify over and above the state requirements Staff comments: Prior discussions regarding this issue included the additional financial burden to the City and additional staff workload, as well as legal implications that might accompany additional notifications. 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Encouraged staff to notify above legal requirements, provide additional information 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 12 V`,,,. 35) Water conservation - irrigation requirements Current ordinance: No provision Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to either requires irrigation systems that follow state water conservation guidelines or provide a point reduction as an incentive. Staff comments: Water conservation is currently encouraged through other City programs and a point reductive incentive would bring the landscaping requirements in line with other City goals 4/19: CC/P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. 36) Cluster development lot size determination Current ordinance: No cluster development provision Existing draft: Would allow smaller lot sizes /dimensions, which are to be determined by the Commission Input received: Request to not have the Commission determine the lot size due to concern that this provision would act as a disincentive (Initial lot layout would have to precede Commission consideration of the appropriate standard). Staff comments: The purpose of the clustering option is to maintain the same maximum gross densities by concentrating the dwelling units in one area of a site and leaving other areas vacant as common open space. The result would essentially move green space from private yards and group green space into larger common areas. This option could be used to deal with a floodplain (greenway) or when common amenities are used to market property. A set percentage reduction (25 or 50 %) would assist the developer during the design phase and lessen the review period. This standard may also encourage the use of this development option in sensitive areas. 4/19: CC &P &Z comments: Agreed with staff comments. Development community comments: Encourage cluster development where appropriate in terms of neighborhood/commercial development. 37) Cluster development - no open space option Current ordinance: Not addressed Existing draft: Would allow smaller lots with little to no conventional yards but require common open space in return Input received: Request to allow a cluster development that would not require the open space and associated maintenance Staff comments: This type of development would create a highly urbanized, high density single family or townhome character. Such an approach should begin with a Comprehensive Plan discussion that would determine the appropriate location of such developments, and a new zoning district. Dedication of open space for greenways or public parks may be an acceptable option. 4/19: CC &P &Z comments: Agree with staff, using a separate zoning district from Item No. 36. Development community comments: Remember the senior market. 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 13 Irn, Meeting concluded at 3:36 p.m. The following items were not discussed. These items were part of the issue paper prepared by staff. 38) Parking for industrial uses Current ordinance: Based on gross square footage (same as other uses) Existing draft: Same as current ordinance Input received: Allow for flexibility to accommodate automated processes and actual employment numbers Staff comments: Staff agrees that basing parking on building area when many industrial buildings contain automated processes is illogical. Large unused parking areas are expensive, often required the removal of trees and creates run -off and detention issues. 39) Master sign regulations Current ordinance: No coordination required between multiple signs on a site Existing draft: Would require master sign plan for multi- business sites with consistent lettering, colors, size, and materials Input received: Concern that trademarks would effectively not be accommodated under the proposed level of restriction. Staff comments: One option that is used in a number of cities is to require a consistent background and /or sign style /shape but to allow individual trademarks. 40) Buffering requirements between duplexes and single family Current ordinance: Requires a 6' masonry wall Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to remove masonry wall requirement Staff comments: The City of College Station has historically viewed duplexes to be more akin to apartments rather than single family, therefore the buffer standard was added to physically separate duplexes from single family homes. 41) Sign regulations - more than one sign per building plot Current ordinance: Allows a second freestanding sign on sites exceeding 25 acres with more than 1000' frontage Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to reduce the site size to 15 acres with 600' frontage to be allowed a second sign 42) Attached sign regulations Current ordinance: Size, number not regulated Existing draft: Would add attached sign restrictions and would restrict signs on multi - storied buildings to 15% of the first floor wall area Saw 4/19/02 Joint Council/P &Z meeting Page 14 Input received: Concern that higher buildings might need larger sign area - request to allow 5% of the total wall area for floors above the first floor 43) Conditional Use Permits required for nightclub uses Current ordinance: Requires CUP's for all nightclubs in all district Existing draft: Same as current Input received: Request to allow nightclubs as a use by right Staff comments: The City Council decided in the early 1990's to increase the review of nightclub uses in the City. The CUP process was the method chosen to gain regulatory control over the number and location of nightclubs. PASSED AND APPROVED this 13 day of June, 2002. APPROVED: eet- Mayo' on Silvia •TEST: City Secretary Connie Hooks