HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2014-10-02 Regular PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
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NOTICE OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY OF FRIENDSWOOD
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION, TO BE HELD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2,
2014, BEGINNING AT 7 PM, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL
LOCATED AT 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE, FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
REGULAR MEETING
1. The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:00pm with the following people in
attendance:
Chairman Mark McLean Commissioner Jim Nye
Commissioner Arthur Triplette Commissioner David O’Farrell
Commissioner Sally Branson Commissioner Craig Lovell
Aubrey Harbin, City Planner Becky Summers, Dev. Coordinator
City Attorney, Xochytl Greer Nick Haby, PIO/Planning Manager
Absent: Borghese
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.)
Received a written complaint from Jane May, resident, in regards to a semi-truck being
parked in a residential driveway.
3. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held:
1) September 18, 2014
Motion to approve: Triplette
Second: Branson
MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
HELD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014
AT 7:00 PM
CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE
FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS
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October 2, 2014 P & Z Meeting
Vote: 6/0 Unanimous Motion carried
4. Consideration and possible action regarding a one-time extension of the Clearwood
Business Park Final Plat.
Motion to approve: Nye
Second: Branson
Vote: 6/0 Unanimous Motion carried
Harbin explained the developers are still working on installing the infrastructure and
requested an extension on the final plat.
5. Consideration and possible action and update from the Home Occupation Subcommittee
regarding amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Section 20. Definitions P. Home
Occupations
Branson explained the Subcommittee looked at several other cities requirements and also
wanted to be responsive to citizens as well as changing times while considering changes to
the Home Occupation section. She explained eBay sales, for example, are currently not
allowed per City ordinance and stressed the primary importance is to maintain a
neighborhood appearance.
Branson expressed the need for the ability to enforce the current and/or new ordinance. The
City employs 1.5 Code Enforcement Officers who are not allowed to enter homes.
Triplette asked for the definition of a “tea room.” Harbin and Branson explained it was
smaller than a restaurant and mainly serves small sandwiches and various teas. O’Farrell
stated singling out specific business types may open up discrimination issues. He advised
to check with the City Attorney.
McLean advised the Subcommittee to be careful of inserting a policy statement if it does
not add to the ordinance. He requested the Subcommittee continue to review Home
Occupations. He was against removing “no retail” opining that people will take advantage.
He was also cognizant of retailers that operated store fronts being upset that Home
Occupations do not pay taxes like storefronts do. McLean also mentioned the Permitted
Use Table does not coincide with the proposed changes. He suggested going to City
Council to request a clear direction before proceeding.
Lovell stated excluding/including specific businesses is difficult and could prove
problematic. He stated online businesses are currently not allowed but can generate a lot of
revenue but the City would never be aware of the business. He expressed the lack of
enforceability is the largest hurdle.
McLean repeated they should get direction from City Council before spending a large
amount of time on changing the ordinance.
O’Farrell said the CEDC recently met and discussed how unforeseen consequences can
happen when reacting to one individual or situation.
McLean asked Haby to schedule a Joint Work Session with City Council.
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October 2, 2014 P & Z Meeting
6. Discussion regarding adopting an updated Official Zoning Map
Harbin provided a spreadsheet detailing all the changes that need to be made to the Zoning
Map. The individual ordinances had been approved, staff just needs to incorporate those
changes onto the Official Zoning Map to be current.
7. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting dates
The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 16th which falls during the APA
Conference and will be cancelled. The following month, November, items are scheduled
for Joint Public Hearing. Harbin suggested moving the regular meeting to coincide with
City Council’s meeting on November 3rd.
Motion to approve: McLean
Second: Nye
Vote: 6/0 Unanimous Motion carried
8. Communications from the Commission
O’Farrell reported he recently took a trip to Africa and was surprised they enforced zoning
codes.
McLean thanked the Home Occupation Subcommittee for all their hard work.
9. Reports
A. Council Liaison – absent
B. Staff - Harbin stated the DRC report would be sent out Friday
10. The Regular Meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission adjourned at 7:32pm.
These minutes respectfully submitted by:
Becky Summers
Development Coordinator
P&Z Secretary