HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2013-04-01 Special PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
1. The JPH was called to order at 7:26pm with the following people in attendance:
Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner Chris Brown
Commissioner Arthur Triplette Commissioners Jim Gibson
Commissioner David O’Farrell Mona Miller, City Planner
Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Nick Haby, PIO/Planning Manager
Morad Kabiri, Asst. CM City Council
Arnold Polanco, City Atty Steve Weathered, City Atty
Absent: Nye, Tibbitts
2. Receive comments from the public, both oral and written, regarding:
A. A request to change the zoning classification at 707 Coward Creek Drive from
Single Family Residential (SFR) to Single Family Residential – Estate (SFR-E)
No one spoke for or against the zone change.
B. Proposed amendments to Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 7. Schedule of
District regulations, regarding exterior facades in CSC, NC, LNC, OPD and
DD zoning districts
No one spoke for or against the ordinance change.
C. Proposed amendments to Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 7.5 -
Community Overlay District, 6. Architectural elements, regarding exterior
facades in the COD
No one spoke for or against the ordinance change.
MINUTES OF A
SPECIAL & REGULAR MEETING
HELD MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2013
AT 7 PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
D. Proposed amendments to Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 8. N.4.a.
Architectural standards, regarding exterior facades in the Downtown District
No one spoke for or against the ordinance change.
E. A request for a zone classification change on 2.83 acres from Community
Shopping Center (CSC) to PUD-SUP for Senior Citizen Multi-family purposes;
and an amendment to PUD-SUP #2009-14 for the Gardens at Friendswood
Lakes at 1423 W. Parkwood Avenue, to add said 2.83 acres and amend the site
plan to add 36 additional units and associated improvements
Phil Yates, President of Friendswood Lakes HOA, stated that he is in favor of the
zone change. He approached his neighbors whose properties back up to the
development and they signed a petition in favor of the new addition. He stated
that they do not want retail at the rear of their lots.
Walter Wills, Friendswood, stated that he is in favor of the zone change and that
some of the residents may need that type of housing in the future.
Debbie Scotty stated that her mother lives in the apartments and that they need
more parking. She explained that the current parking is inadequate especially if
there are married couples with more than one vehicle and people who do work
and drive to work. She stated that there is no place for visitors or family to park.
Maggie Klein, Friendswood, stated that she is in favor of the zone change. She
stated that she is opposed to retail and the negative impacts.
Scott Ryan, Friendswood, stated that he is in favor of the zone change.
Sonia James, stated that she is in favor of the senior homes.
Nelda Guerra, Friendswood, stated that her home is directly behind the vacant
portion of land and that she is concerned with retail development, the value of
property, and strangers in her backyard. She stated that the Chevron gas station
has bars on the windows. She stated that she has been a Friendswood resident for
35 years and that she feels safe, she works here and loves the community.
Jim Barr, Friendswood, stated that he is against the project because it does not
fit. He stated that there are currently senior living accommodations, but that
according to recent recommendations from CEDC, commercial land in
Friendswood needs to be preserved and developed in its own time.
Glen Grayban, Friendswood, stated that he is in favor of the zone change. He
stated that there is a lot to lose, but a lot to gain in what surrounds their
neighborhood. He stated that comments of those who have nothing to lose
because they do not own property in the area should not be taken. He stated that
the facility would allow family members to stay close.
Janis Lowe, Friendswood, stated that she is in favor of the zone change.
Donna Broom, Friendswood, stated that she is concerned about trying to get
businesses with registers on FM 528. She stated that the adjacent owners have
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
issues with Kid City and Chevron and asked Council and P&Z to listen to the
residents.
F. A request to amend SUP #2004-01 at 402 E. Edgewood Drive, to add NAICS
use # 54 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services for the previously approved
“Professional” uses and NAICS use #621 Ambulatory Health Care Services for the
previously approved “Medical, Dental and Optometry” uses; and add NAICS use
#531 Real Estate and #52 Finance and Insurance as allowed uses on the property. The
request also includes an amendment to the site plan to include a 528 square foot
addition to the existing rear building and add parking as required.
No one spoke for or against the proposed SUP.
3. The JPH adjourned at 7:41pm.
REGULAR MEETING (2nd floor conference room, immediately following JPH)
1. The regular meeting was called to order at 7:45pm with the following people in attendance:
Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner Chris Brown
Commissioner Arthur Triplette Commissioners Jim Gibson
Commissioner David O’Farrell Mona Miller, City Planner
Aubrey Harbin, Development Specialist Nick Haby, PIO/Planning Manager
Steve Weathered, City Atty Frank Manigold, Deputy Dir. CDD
Absent: Nye, Tibbitts
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. Consent Agenda:
A. Approval of minutes for the meeting held:
1) February 21, 2013
2) March 4, 2013
Motion to approve: Brown
Second: Triplette
Vote: 5-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
4. Consideration and possible action regarding a commercial site plan for McDonald’s at 100
W. Parkwood Avenue
Motion to approve Option 2: Gibson
Second: O’Farrell
Vote: 5-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
Two options were provided to the Commission for consideration:
Option 1 – Allow the removal of the trees and install 2 on-site parking spaces and encroach
the landscape buffer. This would result in 28 onsite parking spaces; 30 off-site parking
spaces.
Option 2 – Leave the existing trees and landscape buffer and include the 2 parking spaces
in their shared/reciprocal parking calculation. This would result in 26 onsite parking
spaces; 32 off-site parking spaces.
Required number of parking spaces is 58.
Miller explained that McDonald’s has a shared parking agreement with the adjacent
shopping center. She also explained that they are proposing to add a second drive thru in
order to more efficiently serve their customers.
Gibson stated that he would rather see the existing oak trees stay.
Brown stated that it is not worth taking out two trees for two parking spaces.
O’Farrell stated that this is a smaller business adjacent to a sea of parking and that the
existing trees are what Friendswood is about.
McLean stated that he is glad to see the building being upgraded and that he too would
rather the trees remain.
5. Consideration and possible action regarding a request to change the zoning classification at
707 Coward Creek Drive from Single Family Residential (SFR) to Single Family
Residential – Estate (SFR-E)
Motion to approve: Gibson
Second: Triplette
Vote: 4-1 (McLean opposed) Motion Carried
Gibson verified with Miller that she did speak with the applicant and that they are aware of
what they are requesting.
Miller explained that she talked with them a great deal and explained that the zone change
will only affect their property and they seemed to understand. She explained that they feel
they are setting a precedent and that they want to preserve the large lots in the area.
Triplette asked if they could change the zoning back to SFR in the future and Miller
explained that they could. She explained that they would have to go through the same zone
change process.
O’Farrell stated that in the case of a 30-40 year old home near the end of its economic life,
this may not be in the best interest of the City, but this is one $1 million home that is 10-15
years old and the house spans the entire lot, which is a different situation.
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
Brown stated that he is not wild about the zone change, but staff has talked to them and he
feels confident that they know what they are requesting.
6. Consideration and possible action regarding a request for a zone classification change on
2.83 acres from Community Shopping Center (CSC) to PUD-SUP for Senior Citizen
Multi-family purposes; and an amendment to PUD-SUP #2009-14 for the Gardens at
Friendswood Lakes at 1423 W. Parkwood Avenue, to add said 2.83 acres and amend the
site plan to add 36 additional units and associated improvements
Motion to discuss: Gibson
Second: O’Farrell
Gibson stated that
Triplette stated that he is concerned about revenue the City will loose.
Brown stated that regarding the resident concerns about the possibility of retail
development, the land was zoned CSC when owners purchased the residential lots. He
stated that in the case of the needs of many versus the needs of the few, he would side with
City (needs of the many). He stated that the City does not have much commercial land left,
and that there are more options for senior housing in other areas of the City.
O’Farrell stated that in a perfect world, the commercial tracts would be 600-800ft deep
with condos, apartments, or patio homes buffering the residential from the commercial. He
stated that we do not have that and he is thinking about how he would want to be treated
according to the Golden Rule. He stated that buyers are not apprised to everything around
a home when buying. He stated that he parked at the location and observed the activity and
noise levels. He stated that reality is that he would want a buffer or protection.
Gibson stated that he would like to table the item until the full Commission is present to
discuss.
McLean stated that Council is going to vote on whether or not to provide the $200,000 in
funding that the owner is requesting. He stated that he would like to wait and see what that
decision is and for full Commission input and City Engineer input.
Triplette stated that he sees a roadway with a 45 mph speed limit as commercial businesses,
not senior living. He added that senior living facilities should be in a more remote area.
Motion to Table: Gibson
Second: Triplette
Vote: 3-2 (O’Farrell, Brown opposed) Motion Failed
Brown stated that most of Friendswood does not have deep commercial and that we are
going to deal with lack of buffering wherever you go. He stated that it is going to take all
commercial land off the table if you look at it that way.
O’Farrell stated that this commercial tract and patio home development were built on a
prairie and that no one had a conception of how the development would look now. He
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
stated that he does not think the owners saw this commercial development coming. He
stated that it is going to ruin resale potential. He stated that he would support development
across the street (FM 528) because they could see what is coming.
McLean stated that he asked staff for the number of assisted living facilities within the City
of Friendswood and that there are currently 10 facilities. He stated that a similar
development was proposed on Renwick and was denied by City Council. He stated that
comments regarding that application were that it did not add any value to the City and more
strain on City services. He stated that CEDC recently recommended not allowing this type
of development on the FM 528 corridor. He stated that if the City gives funding for this
project, it will open up other developers to asking for money. He said that he would have
liked to ask the City Engineer and the other commissioners questions and opinions.
Motion to Approve: Gibson
Second: McLean
Vote: 1-4 (Brown, Triplette, McLean, Gibson opposed) Motion Failed
7. Consideration and possible action regarding a request to amend SUP #2004-01 at 402 E.
Edgewood Drive, to add NAICS use # 54 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services for
the previously approved “Professional” uses and NAICS use #621 Ambulatory Health Care
Services for the previously approved “Medical, Dental and Optometry” uses; and add NAICS
use #531 Real Estate and #52 Finance and Insurance as allowed uses on the property. The
request also includes an amendment to the site plan to include a 528 square foot addition to the
existing rear building and add parking as required.
Motion to approve NAICS Use #531; #621 except #6214; #54 except #54194; #52 except
#522298; and site plan as presented: Brown
Second: McLean
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Miller explained that there was a PUD approved in the 1990’s and that a SUP was
approved which included a site plan with 2 buildings to be used for professional uses,
medical, dental, and optometry. She stated that NAIC use numbers are being added to
clarify the allowed uses and to amend the site plan to include a 528 square-foot addition to
the existing rear building and the associated parking. She also explained that on the
previously approved site plan included a 5’ rear setback and that the addition to the
building will be 4’4” off the property line because the building sits at an angle.
McLean verified that they are going to use the same façade material on the building
addition. Regarding the NAICS Uses, he stated that they already allowed 54 and 621 type
uses.
O’Farrell stated that he is concerned with allowing veterinarian uses similar to his previous
concerns across the street when a similar issue came up.
Amended Motion to approve NAICS Use #541 except 54194: McLean
Second: Brown
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
McLean stated that he was concerned with outpatient care centers and substance abuse
under the 621 uses and that he would prefer requiring a SUP for individual consideration.
O’Farrell stated that clientele in substance abuse facilities can be questionable. surrounding
businesses have made 3-10 year commitments and have bought into what is existing.
Amended motion to approve NAICS Use #621, excluding #6214: McLean
Second: Triplette
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
There were no concerns with the NAICS Use #531, Real Estate uses.
McLean stated that he is not in favor of allowing NAICS Use #522298, All Other Non-
Depository (pawn shop, check cashing).
Amended Motion to approve NAICS Use #52, except 522298: McLean
Second: Brown
Vote: 4 – 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
8. Consideration and possible action regarding Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 7.
Schedule of District regulations, regarding exterior facades in CSC, NC, LNC, OPD
and DD zoning districts
Motion to approve: Brown
Second: Triplette
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
Miller explained that the Commission made a recommendation to City Council which
included a reference to specific material this proposal is fiber cement board rather than
Hardie Plank, which is a brand of fiber cement board. McLean presented photos showing
examples of existing buildings within the City that are deteriorating to help show why
facades should be upgraded and why wood and fiber cement board not allowed.
9. Consideration and possible action regarding Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 7.5 -
Community Overlay District, 6. Architectural elements, regarding exterior facades in
the COD
Motion to approve: Brown
Second: Triplette
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
10. Consideration and possible action regarding Appendix C – Zoning Ordinance, Section 8.
N.4.a. Architectural standards, regarding exterior facades in the Downtown District
Motion to approve: Brown
Second: Triplette
Vote: 4-0 (unanimous) Motion Carried
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April 1, 2013 P&Z Meeting
11. Update from the Substandard Buildings and Structures sub-committee
Brown explained briefly that concerns brought up by City Councilmembers and others
include how future staff will enforce ordinances, ensure that code enforcement is complaint
driven, to not expressly permit or allow city staff/officials to go inside structures, and to
require City Manager approval prior to obtaining a search warrant.
12. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 14 of the
Code of Ordinances, Buildings and Building Regulations, Article VII. – Substandard
Buildings and Structures
No action taken.
13. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting dates
Miller explained that the next regular meeting will be Thursday, April 18 and after that will
be Thursday, May 2.
14. Communications from the Commission
Triplette stated that City staff is especially responsive.
Brown stated that he attended the Land Use conference in Austin and that he enjoyed it.
He stated that it was very dense material for non-attorneys, but that he learned a great
deal, especially about legalities and public opinion. He stated that they talked about
many issues we are facing or will potentially be facing.
O’Farrell stated that he received another compliment on City staff from a developer.
15. Reports
A. Council Liaison - None
B. Staff - Miller updated the Commission on recent Zoning Board of Adjustment
cases. She explained that on March 26, there was an application for an HOA to
build a fence around a community park in Anna Lea Subdivision. They wanted to
place the fence along the front property line which is not allowed in the Zoning
Ordinance. The ZBOA denied the request.
16. The regular meeting adjourned at 8:43pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Aubrey Harbin
Aubrey Harbin
Development Specialist/P&Z Secretary