HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2009-07-06 Special, Joint Public Hearing w/ City CouncilPLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES OF A
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
& SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, JULY 6, 2009
7PM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CITY HALL
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
1.The meeting was called to order at 7:05pm with the following people in attendance:
Chairman Kevin Holland
Commissioner Jim Gibson
Commissioner Mike Huss
Mona Miller, City Planner
Rhonda Baker, Adm. Secretary
2.Discussion with City Council regarding:
Vice Chairman Mark McLean
Commissioner David O'Farrell
City Council and Mayor
Morad Kabiri, Int. Director of CD
A.Proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Section 26, Environment, Article V.
Junked Vehicles
Ms. Sma1t stated that this process is slow, but is a big help. She complimented the City
on taking care of junked vehicles recently.
Bobby Jones stated that the time frames should be amended and the junked vehicles
removed immediately.
B.Proposed amendment to Planned Unit Development -Specific Use Permit ordinance
no. 2007-09 for the Gardens at Friendswood Lakes at 1423 W. Parkwood Avenue
Mr. Hall stated that the homeowners were not given the right information regarding this
project when it was approved originally and that the City did not take care of the
homeowners.
Glen Grayban stated that the number of stories of the buildings was changed; he stated
that the garages would block more noise and that the pool will benefit the HOA.
3.The joint public hearing was adjourned at 7: 16pm.
SPECIAL MEETING (2ND floor conference room immediately following JPH)
1.The special meeting was called to order with the same Commissioners in attendance.
2.Communication from the public/committee liaisons
One unidentified citizen inquired about the junked vehicle ordinance changes. She stated that she
is not in favor of government interference and wanted clarification of the proposed changes.
Commissioner Holland explained that the changes were mostly geared toward commercial
businesses and to bringing the City ordinance in compliance with state law regarding the
definition of junked vehicles. Miller explained that the junked vehicle portion does apply to
residential, but that Code Enforcement acts on a complaint basis only.
3.Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendment to Planned Unit
Development -Specific Use Permit ordinance no. 2007-09 for the Gardens at
Friendswood Lakes at 1423 W. Park.wood Avenue
Motion to Approve: Gibson
Second: Huss
Vote: 4 to O (unanimous) Motion Carried
There was discussion regarding the previous approval of the buildings as 3-story buildings and
building height. Commissioner O'Farrell stated that he is asked about this development a lot.
He stated that the developer went to the adjacent prope1ty owners and discussed one and two
story buildings, but then submitted plans for three-story buildings, which were approved. He
stated that the adjacent property owners feel betrayed by the developer. Miller explained that it
is a gated community and they are over on lot coverage calculations typically allowed by the
ordinance, but it was approved as pait of the PUD. Commissioner O'Farrell also asked about
the brightness of the lighting, and Miller explained that the lighting of the apartments cannot be
brighter than .25 foot candles at the property line.
4.Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances,
Section 26, Environment, Article V. Junked Vehicles
Motion to Approve: Huss
Second: O'Farrell
Vote: 4 to O (unanimous) Motion Approved
Chairman Holland stated that this ordinance will only apply to new businesses because existing
businesses are grandfathered. Discussion ensued about the business on FM 2351 near the Red
Top building being an example of visual nuisance that brought about this change in the
ordinance, but that they have made some improvements to their prope1ty.
Chairman Holland explained that the ordinance will now require screening of vehicles waiting
for repair at certain auto repair businesses and will bring City ordinances into compliance with
state law as far as the definition of junked vehicles.
Commissioner O'Farrell stated that he is concerned with the fire department being able to
access a fire if a car caught fire near the back of a property cluttered with junked vehicles.
2
l
Miller explained that as long as the building/car is not farther than 150 ft from the street, the
business is not required to have additional fire lanes on the property.
5.Consideration and possible action regarding Single Family Residential -Estate (SFR-E)
zoning
Motion to approve letter presented by staff addressed to homeowners regarding zone
change process: Huss
Second: Gibson
Vote: 3 to 1 (Huss opposed) Motion Failed
Commissioners reviewed a copy of a draft letter to property owners explaining the process of
changing their zoning from SFR to SFR-E. Gibson requested a change to clarify minimum 2 acrelot size.
Miller explained that this topic started when the Future Land Use Map was being discussed. She
explained that there is SFR-E zoning in the ordinance, but no properties within the City are zoned
SFR-E. There have been several inquires recently from property owners about subdividing large
tracts. The initial idea was for City to proactively rezone, but the Council and Mayor were
opposed to that concept. The idea now is to allow people to opt in voluntarily, possibly at no
charge.
Miller explained that there is also the concern of individuals rezoning their prope1ty, but if their
neighbors do not, it could defeat the purpose. She also stated that one subdivision has requested
for their zoning to be changed to SFR-E. Commissioner Huss stated that he is okay with the
whole subdivision changing, but not individual lots adjacent to tracts that are not changed.
6.Consideration and possible action regarding the July 16 th regular Planning and Zoning meeting
A motion was made and approved unanimously to move the July 16 meeting to July 20.
7.Communications from the Commission
Commissioner O'Farrell stated that CEDC is an inspiration. Chairman Holland said that the
Drainage District work is slow right now.
8.Repmts
a.Council Liaison -not present
b.Staff provided June, 2009 DRC repo1t via e-mail
9.The meeting was adjourned.
These minutes submitted by:
3