HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2012-05-17 Regular PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
1. The regular meeting was called to order at 7:05pm with the following people in attendance:
Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner David O’Farrell
Commissioner Jim Nye Commissioner Jim Gibson
Mona Miller, Planner Nick Haby, Planning Manager/PIO
Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Councilman Jim Hill
Morad Kabiri, Asst. City Manager Arnold Polanco, City Attorney
Commissioner Tibbitts and Moghaddam were absent.
2. Communication from the public/committee liaisons
(To comply with provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the Commission may not deliberate
on subjects discussed under this agenda item. However, the Commission may direct such
subjects be placed on a later regular Commission agenda for discussion and/or possible
action.)
None
3. Consideration and possible action regarding possible amendments to Appendix C –
Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.N, Downtown District supplemental requirements and
the Design Criteria Manual, Appendix E Downtown District Amenities
Motion to incorporate KFB changes into Design Criteria Manual and Zoning Ordinance for
review: McLean
Second: Nye
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Miller explained a few proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance are grammar corrections
and clarification that sidewalks in the DD are to be unobstructed meaning that the fixtures
should not be installed within the sidewalk area. She stated that the Design Criteria
Manual contains suggestions for the Downtown District amenities and that Council voted a
couple of years ago to leave it that way. She explained that the Zoning Ordinance does not
require all of the amenities on each development. She explained that the presentation by
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
HELD MONDAY, MAY 17, 2012
AT 7PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
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May 17, 2012 P&Z Meeting
Keep Friendswood Beautiful at the last meeting mainly addressed the lighting standards
and that the representatives are present to answer any questions.
Paul Marx, KFB, explained that KFB would like to ensure that all of the amenities are
required, not recommended. One additional clarification from the last meeting was that
they are proposing a traditional and contemporary option for lighting fixtures and benches.
He also stated that at the last meeting there was a question of who would maintain the trash
receptacles, and the committee would recommend that the property owners maintain them.
There was some question about spacing and density of the fixtures. For the light fixtures,
spacing may be recommended in the specifications of the fixtures. This will be discussed
further at a later date.
O’Farrell stated that the commercial landscape companies may maintain the trash
receptacles for the business owners.
McLean stated that the current ordinance and DCM are reflective of the decisions made by
Council when the DD amenities were adopted and that Council did not want to dictate to
property owners details of what had to be installed on their properties.
Miller stated that we may also need to review the landscaping requirements in DD. She
added that overhead power lines and underground utilities along FM518 which affect
where trees can be placed, and in some instances, the utilities have been an issue. She
stated that a linear calculation to determine the number of fixtures might be an option.
O’Farrell stated that when the decisions about DD were made, there was no development
taking place. He stated that the new developments are combining lots. He stated that
maybe we should rethink some of the incentives we gave for developing small lots or
allowing existing structures to continue to exist to promote the types of development that
have been built.
Initially McLean suggested only changing the DCM, but after further discussion it was
explained that the wording that requires the amenities in the DD is located in the Zoning
Ordinance.
4. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 14 of the
Code of Ordinances, regarding Vested Rights
Motion to include new recommendations in the Recommendation Memo with the notice
requirement: McLean
Second: Gibson
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
McLean explained the concerns from the workshop with City Council were the definition
of permit, which is taken directly from Chapter 245 of the Local Government Code;
another concern was whether or not this process would be mandatory, which he stated that
it is; another question was to whom the applicant would appeal and he explained that the
proposed ordinance states that City Manager or his/her designee makes decision and an
appeal would go to ZBOA.
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May 17, 2012 P&Z Meeting
There was some discussion about the notice to surrounding property owners when an
application for Vested Rights is submitted under this proposed ordinance. There was
concern that the notice would give the idea that neighboring property owners would have a
say in the decision whereas the determination of vested rights is a legal issue and not a
subjective issue such as zoning. The consequence of inadvertently not sending out a notice
was also a concern as well. It was recommended that the notice would be a public notice in
the newspaper and that no public hearing would be held in connection with the notice.
5. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to the Appendix C –
Zoning Ordinance, Section 7.P. Permitted Use Table, regarding NAICS use # 7139 Other
amusement and recreation industries
Motion to change the Permitted Use Table to allow NAICS Use #713940 in CSC, LI, and I
and require a Specific Use Permit for this use in NC and DD: Gibson
Second: Nye
Vote: 4 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried – Positive Rec.
Miller explained that NAICS Use #7139 Other Amusement and Recreation Industries is not
allowed in CSC and that #713940 Fitness Centers and Recreational Sports Centers falls
under this category. She explained that some have existed for a long time and that others
are classified as personal training or other types of fitness facilities, but that it makes sense
to allow gyms and workout facilities in the commercial areas.
O’Farrell stated that he is concerned with parking especially on the smaller tracts in NC
and DD.
6. Discussion regarding proposed amendments to Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section
6. Schedule of District Regulations
Miller went through Section 6 of the Zoning Ordinance to discuss specific concerns that
were raised previously when reviewing the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite. Main topics of
discussion were shared access and fencing.
7. Discussion regarding Single Family Residential – Estate zoning
No discussion.
8. Discussion regarding Capital Improvements Plan
Miller provided a DVD to the Commissioners to watch and also provided them copies of
the CIP plans. The DVD will be on the next agenda for discussion.
Gibson stated that CEDC may need to be involved in CIP project planning and/or
discussions.
9. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting dates
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May 17, 2012 P&Z Meeting
Next regular meeting will be Thursday, June 7. The Commission will decide at the June 7
meeting whether or not to have the meeting on June 21.
10. Communications from the Commission
Gibson stated that he has been attending CEDC meetings and that he toured the new
Animal Control facility and it is very nice.
McLean thanked Holland for his many years of service to the P&Z Commission and
congratulated him on being elected to Mayor, and congratulated Jim Hill on his re-
election to City Council.
11. Reports
A. Council Liaison – Councilman Jim Hill stated that one new councilman and a new
mayor were voted into office.
B. Staff - None
12. The regular meeting adjourned at 8:44pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Aubrey Harbin
Aubrey Harbin
Development Specialist/P&Z Secretary