HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/02/2020 - Minutes - Planning & Zoning CommissionJanuary 2, 2020 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5
MINUTES
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Regular Meeting January 2, 2020 6:00 p.m.
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
College Station, Texas
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Jane Kee, Jeremy Osborne, Dennis Christiansen, Elizabeth Cunha, Joe Guerra, Bill Mather, Casey Oldham CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Prochazka, Molly Hitchcock, Carol Cotter, Justin Golbabai, Erika Bridges, Anthony Armstrong, Carla Robinson, Leslie Whitten, Joshua Packard, and Kristen Hejny
1. Call Meeting to Order
Chairperson Kee called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Hear Citizens
No citizens spoke.
4. Consent Agenda
4.1 Consideration, discussion and possible action to approve meeting absence requests. *Bill Mather ~ December 19, 2019 4.2 Consideration, discussion and possible action to approve meeting minutes. *December 19, 2019 Commissioner Osborne motioned to approve the Consent Agenda. Commissioner Christiansen seconded the motion, motion passed (7-0). Regular Agenda 5. Consideration, discussion and possible action on items removed from the Consent Agenda by Commission Action. No items were removed.
6. Informational
6.1 Discussion of new development applications submitted to the City.
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New Development Link: www.cstx.gov/newdev
There was no discussion.
6.2 Discussion of Minor and Amending Plats approved by Staff.
*Final Plat ~ Minor Plat ~ Bertrand Subdivision Phase 1, Block 1, Lot 1R ~ Case #FP2019-000026
6.3 Presentation and discussion regarding the 2019 P&Z Plan of Work.
Long Range Planning Administrator Golbabai stated that staff has proactively identified a zero lot line ordinance to add to the Plan of Work. This will provide more flexibility to side setbacks and
zero lot line developments.
6.4 Presentation and discussion regarding the P&Z Calendar of Upcoming Meetings:
*Thursday, January 9, 2020 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Workshop 5:00 P.M. & Regular 6:00 P.M. (Liaison – Cunha)
*Thursday, January 16, 2020 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers 6:00 P.M.
*Thursday, January 23, 2020 ~ City Council Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ Workshop 5:00 P.M. & Regular 6:00 P.M. (Liaison – Christiansen)
*Thursday, February 6, 2020 ~ P&Z Meeting ~ Council Chambers ~ 6:00 P.M.
There was general discussion amongst the commission regarding the College Station Association of Neighborhoods invitation to the Chamber of Commerce 2020 Economic Outlook Conference.
6.5 Discussion and review regarding the following meetings: Design Review Board, BioCorridor
Board, Comprehensive Plan Evaluation Committee.
There was no discussion.
7. Public Hearing, presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding an ordinance amendment
to Appendix A, “Unified Development Ordinance,” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of College Station, Texas 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 January 23, 2020 City Council Meeting – Subject to change.)
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong presented the Ordinance Amendment to the Commission, recommending approval.
There were general questions and discussion amongst the Commission regarding the related cities comparable data.
Chairperson Kee asked how much area sidewalks, patios and driveways compromise on a standard single-family lot.
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There was general discussion regarding across the board ordinance changes to all properties.
Commissioner Oldham asked if the administrator has discretion to approve up to a 10% adjustment to impervious cover.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong confirmed that the
administrator has the discretion to grant up to a 10% administrative adjustment, on a case by case basis.
Commissioner Oldham asked why the ordinance was not created only for neighborhoods that need
drainage protection. Mr. Oldham asked if it was possible to make this ordinance amendment an overlay.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that the purpose of the city-wide standard is that eventually new areas will become old areas, adding that this would create a large “overlay.”
Commissioner Christiansen asked why this ordinance amendment is an urgent matter.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that this has been identified by staff over time as various concerns have arisen related to drainage issues in neighborhoods. Mr. Armstrong also stated that sister cities have implemented these changes.
Chairperson Kee asked for the overall goal of the ordinance amendment.
Director of Planning & Development Prochazka stated that the intent of this ordinance is to control
the drainage and detention in and around existing properties as new development and redevelopment occur.
Commissioner Osborne asked if the other benchmark cities consider gravel and crushed granite
pervious.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that the definitions vary.
Commissioner Mather asked what activities have been done to engage stakeholders in this process.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that engagement included a presentation to and discussion with our building and development community at the builder/developer breakfast.
Commissioner Cunha stated that homes are landscaped with rock, gravel, and other impervious materials. Ms. Cunha asked if the city would enforce the lot coverage.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that enforcement would be performed by the Code Enforcement Department on a complaint basis.
Commissioner Cunha expressed her concern with the landscaping language.
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Commissioner Osborne asked generally if other cities include non-concrete surfaces in their
definition of impervious services.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong confirmed that they do include non-concrete surfaces.
Commissioner Cunha asked what the median lot coverage is in specific neighborhoods.
Director of Planning & Development Services Prochazka stated that staff does not have and so does not know the number of non-conformities being created. Ms. Prochazka stated however, based on
the research, the majority of properties meet the proposed restrictions.
Commissioner Mather asked that if vast majority of properties would have fallen in line with this restriction, why is staff creating an ordinance.
Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong explained that because no limitations currently exist, property owners could still pave or cover100% of their yard.
Chairperson Kee opened the public hearing. Bob Brick, Foxfire Neighborhood, College Station, spoke in agreement of the ordinance. Rose Marie Selman, Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association, expressed concerns with the ordinance, explaining that she would like to see the idea vetted more. Ms. Selman also expressed
that she would not like to see additional time and cost added for redevelopment. Elianor Vessali, College Station, was available to provide clarification on her email provided to the
Commission related to the Southside overlay. Ms. Vessali stated that 50% may not be the best number, and there needs to be additional discussion and clarification concerning issues with grading.
Wallace Phillips, Southern Pointe & Midtown Developments, College Station, expressed concerns with the difference between redevelopment and new construction, deterioration of detention ponds, and 55% impacting the Midtown development. Commissioner Oldham asked if this requirement could affect affordable housing. Mr. Phillips stated that for the houses that were built that do not have detention, the ordinance could definitely hurt affordable housing. Chairperson Kee closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Osborne stated that Commission needs more deliberation and more time. Mr. Osborne would also like to consider issues with redevelopment near campus. Commissioner Guerra stated that the ordinance needs a baseline, needs research in older neighborhoods.
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Engineering Services & Construction Inspections Manager Armstrong stated that even within older
neighborhoods, a drainage analysis can be provided to allow for increased cover based on the proposed ordinance.
Commissioner Cunha recommended opting for a more general ordinance coupled with grading requirements.
Commissioner Mather expressed his concerns about recommending approval on the new ordinance.
Commissioner Mather motioned to postpone action on the Ordinance Amendment until the first Commission meeting in March. Commissioner Guerra seconded the motion.
City Attorney Robinson recommended amending the motion to include a shorter time period for rehearing the Ordinance Amendment.
Commissioner Mather withdrew the motion.
Commissioner Mather motioned to defer action on the Ordinance Amendment to the February 20, 2020 P&Z meeting. Commissioner Guerra seconded the motion, motion passed (7-0).
8. 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. 9. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Approved: Attest: ______________________________ ________________________________ Dennis Christiansen, Chairman Kristen Hejny, Admin Support Specialist Planning & Zoning Commission Planning & Development Services