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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2016-05-05 Regular PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION . Regular Meeting 1. The Regular Meeting was called to order at 7:01pm with the following people in attendance: Chairman David O’Farrell Commissioner Craig Lovell Commissioner Rhonda Neel Commissioner Tony Annan Commissioner Sally Branson Arnold Polanco, City Attorney Commissioner Rich Borghese Becky Summers, Dev. Coordinator Aubrey Harbin, City Planner 2. Communication from the public/committee liaisons (To comply with the 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 to be placed on a later regular Commission agenda for discussion and/or possible action.) Julie Keith, resident, said she is moving to Coward’s Creek Drive and is having a dispute with the City over fencing the front yard. She said her lot is less than two acres so she does not meet the ordinance to allow a fence in the front yard. She stated her structure has openings and does not prevent people from accessing her home. She also said her house is the only one on the street with a walkway from the street to the front door. Keith stated she thought the fence was attractive and does not understand the two acre rule. She said hers is not a barrier but an architectural embellishment. She hoped to have the definition of a fence defined. Norman Clauson, resident, said he lives next door to the Keiths and considers the structure an architectural embellishment, as well. He said the structure does not have gates and he feels it’s a tremendous addition to the neighborhood. 3. Consent Agenda A. Approval of the minutes for the meeting held: MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING HELD THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016 AT 7:00 PM CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS 910 S. FRIENDSWOOD DRIVE FRIENDSWOOD, TEXAS 2 May 5, 2016 P & Z Meeting 1) April 21, 2016 Motion to approve: Branson Second: Lovell Vote: 6 to 0 (unanimous) Motion Carried 4. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to Appendix C Zoning Ordinance Section 8.N. Downtown District 4. Architectural standards Motion to remove from table: Branson Second: Borghese Vote: 6 to 0 (Unanimous) Motion Carried Harbin explained this agenda item was introduced a few months ago but kept getting postponed. Harbin talked about the pros and cons of regulating fenestration in Downtown. She then explained the current required percentages and proposed several options to either reduce the percentage or give the Commission latitude to approve alternate plans. O’Farrell said he would like the Commission to have the authority to approve alternate plans instead of “lowering the bar” and decreasing the requirement. Neel agreed and said special circumstances could be looked at and approved by the Commission. Annan said he was also in favor of Option 3 and suggested allowing an applicant to provide fenestration on the building not particular to certain walls, though. Branson said she would like the Commission to have some flexibility on approving alternate designs for certain situations. She remarked that Texas Gulf Bank did a nice job using faux windows on the rear of their building. Lovell also preferred Option 3 but warned the Commission to be careful what was presented to Council, afraid the fenestration requirement may be removed all together. O’Farrell asked Staff to bring back language to allow the Commission to approve alternate plans. Harbin said Option 4 was related to façade materials. She said historical buildings would be unable to meet the current façade requirements in the Downtown District. Annan opined that siding was an inferior product. He said it would be okay for existing buildings to make repairs but would not like to see any new buildings use that as their primary construction material. Branson used the Montessori school as an example and said she would welcome that look in a new building. Lovell said he thought siding would be okay for an accent or to repair an existing building. 3 May 5, 2016 P & Z Meeting Borghese felt the current requirements should be left as is. O’Farrell said siding allows a quaint look but did not want a developer using it as a cheap, inexpensive façade without any character. He asked Staff to bring back language for possibilities. 5. Consideration regarding requirements and procedures for Joint Public Hearings and P&Z Recommendations Motion to discuss: Branson Second: Neel Vote: 6 to 0 (Unanimous) Motion Carried Harbin said some Commissioners expressed interest in being able to attend Council meetings and felt Joint Public Hearings led to a feeling of being rushed to make decisions. She presented a short slideshow explaining the purpose of Joint Public Hearings and the time frames involved. Harbin explained separate hearing could delay an applicant roughly 30 days. Annan said he felt Joint Public Hearings were inefficient for the Commission. O’Farrell agreed saying he felt the Commission was most productive in Council Chambers during regular meetings. He said he understands approving small administrative things during JPHs. Annan said JPHs also left the Commission without legal counsel. He mentioned it was hard to plan personal time, as well, not knowing if a meeting would be held on Monday or Thursday. Neel stated an extra 30 days for small items is not insignificant. She said the rushed feeling was self-imposed and the Commission should take their time deliberating. Morad Kabiri, Assistant City Manager, suggesting the Chairman and Vice-Chairman give input during agenda meetings whether or not an item should be scheduled for a Joint Public Hearing and a regular meeting on the same night. Kabiri said an ordinance change was not required but more of an administrative policy. Branson agreed. Lovell said the liked the proposal of deciding during the agenda meeting. He also said he agreed with Neel in regards to feeling rushed. Lovell said the Commission should avoid adding significant time for an applicant and only table items when absolutely necessary. Borghese stated that tabling an item added more time for the applicant just as separate meetings would. He agreed with Kabiri’s suggestion. 6. Consideration and possible action regarding proposed amendments to Appendix C Zoning Ordinance Section 8.B. Fences, Walls and Hedges and Section 20. Definitions. II. Fence Motion to discuss: Branson Second: Neel Vote: 6 to 0 (Unanimous) Motion Carried 4 May 5, 2016 P & Z Meeting Morad Kabiri, Assistant City Manager, said the Community Development Department receives complaints against requiring two acres of property in order to build a fence past the front build line, in the front yard. He said the acreage is somewhat arbitrary and explained he requested the agenda item. He said there is a concern with the definition of what a fence is. Lovell asked if the Commission acts, would they end up with cedar fences and hogwire fences in front yards. Kabiri suggested adding language to allow things such as white picket fences or fencing open in nature. O’Farrell stated the two acre requirement may have stemmed from when people kept livestock. He said it is difficult to craft an ordinance to allow tasteful fences while prohibiting not so tasteful fences. He said he does not want the Commission to create unintended consequences. Anna said in his career field, construction, a fence is anything that impedes or hinders egress. He said the elimination of front yard fences came from the Good Neighbor Act when they literally knocked down fences. O’Farrell requested Staff draft options for changes to the ordinance. 7. Consideration and possible action regarding future Planning and Zoning Commission meeting dates Harbin said the next regular meeting would be held Thursday, May 19th and a Joint Public Hearing was scheduled for Monday, June 6th. 8. Communications from the Commission Neel said she attended the Keep Friendswood Beautiful meeting and was amazed at all the things they accomplish. Branson said the FISD school board meeting consisted of a trustee stepping down and said four more trustees were due for reelection. Lovell set the Commercial and Economic Development Committee met and it was mentioned the property across from Friends Church was currently under contract. O’Farrell thanked the City Council for leading by example and installing brick paved sidewalks from City Hall down to Stevenson Park. 9. Reports A. Council Liaison – not present B. Staff – Harbin said the drainage easement vacation for 906 Murphy Lane was approved by City Council at their last meeting. She explained the Commission had forwarded a negative recommendation but since then, Staff had met with the developer and found the property to be draining properly. She said the zone change for 311 S. Friendswood Drive was also approved at the last Council meeting. Harbin said the Friendswood Trails PUD was scheduled for first reading but postponed by the developer. 5 May 5, 2016 P & Z Meeting 10. The meeting was adjourned at 7:57 pm. These minutes respectfully submitted by: Becky Summers Becky Summers Development Coordinator/P&Z Secretary