HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2006-08-03 RegularMinutes of a Regular Meeting
Of the
Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission
August 3, 2006
A regular meeting of the Friendswood Plairning and Zoning Commission was held Thursday,
August 3, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the city hall council chambers located at 910 S. Friendswood Drive,
Friendswood, Texas. The following will be considered:
1.Call to order
The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. with the following present:
Jim Gibson Diana Steelquist -Staff Planner
Mark Van Riper Mona Miller-Development Coordinator
Sheny Weesner Jim Hill-Council Liaison
Eugene Hanunett
Kev in Holland
Roy Klusendorf
Bob Bertrand 7:18 P.M.
2.Communication from the public/committee liaisons.
None.
3.Consent Agenda:
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a.Approval of the 7-6-06 Regular meeting minutes.
b.Approval of the 7-10-06 Special meeting minutes.
c.Approval of the 7-20-06 Regular meeting minutes
Motion: Weesner -to approve the July 6, 2006 and July 10, 2006 minutes and remove
the July 20, 2006 minutes from the consent agenda.
Second: Klusendorf
Voted For: Unanimous Motion Carried
Motion: Weesner -to amend the July 20, 2006 minutes to add a sentence to item #7
stating that "Commissioner Weesner expressed concern about increasing the density. She
stated that historically, the commission and city council have refused to increase
residential density."
Second: Klussendorf
Voted For: Unanimous Motion Carried
4.Discussion and possible action regarding non-conforming uses and structures.
Ms. Steelquist explained the definition of an abandoned use that is proposed to be added
into Section 6. B. 2. She also stated that she spoke· to City Attorney Olsen and he
suggested reducing the time frame for discontinued or abandoned uses to thirty (30) days,
instead of the current 6 months.
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A lengthy discussion ensued regarding how to accurately determine when a use is
abandoned. Ms. Steelquist explained that City Attorney Olsen suggested that the
property/business owner prove when the business was discontinued. The Commissioners
had several concerns including the length of time allowed for an abandoned use, placing
the burden of proof on the individual, the types of documentation to prove when use was
ceased, and the effect of natural disasters on non-conforming uses. Commissioner
Hammett suggested using a Certificate of Occupancy as required in other cities each time
an occupancy changes. Ms. Steelquist suggested that a lease agreement would be
adequate proof of when a use begins and ends. She stated that if the timeframe differs
from the lease agreement, the owner could appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustments
with evidence for a ruling.
The Conm1ission requested that staff schedule a workshop with City Council for direction
on the following: 1) timeframe for discontinued uses, 2) type of documents for proof of
when use ceased, and 3) how natural disasters affect non-conforming uses. In addition,
staff was asked to provide their suggestions for enforcement and the types of documents
that would be acceptable, at this workshop.
Commissioner Bertrand entered the meeting at 7: 18 p.m.
5.Discussion and possible action regarding Downtown Zoning.
Ms. Steelquist explained how the proposed plan was developed and the components of
the plan that were determined by the committee. Several commissioners, Ms. Steelquist
and Tony Banfield expressed how hard this committee worked to develop this plan. Due
to mixed messages from City Council, the Commission requested staff schedule a
workshop with Council to discuss how they want to proceed with the conunittee and the
ordinance.
6.Communications from the Commission.
City Council meeting report, Comprehensive Plan report
Commissioner Bertrand reported on his attendance at the Drainage District meeting and
apologized for being late for tonight's meeting. He also explained the July 20, 2006
minutes should reflect, under item #7, that he strongly opposed changing to a zoning that
would allow a higher density. Conunissioner Holland reported on his attendance at the
Conmrnnity Economic Development Committee meeting. There was no report on City
Council meetings. Conm1issioner Weesner reported that the Comprehensive Plan
subcommittee will be moving forward with review of the City infrastructure which
includes the CIP, Master Drainage, Major Thoroughfare and Utilities plans.
7.Reports.
a.Council Liaison -no comments.
b.Staff -DRC report, August 10th Open Meeting training
Ms. Steelquist reviewed the DRC report with the Conunission and reminded them of
the Open Meeting training on August 10, 2006.
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8.Adjournment.
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
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Development Coordinator
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