HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2003-12-01 SpecialI 1
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Minutes of a Special Meeting
of the
Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission
December 1, 2003
A special meeting of the Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission was held Monday,
December 1, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. in the city hall council chambers located at 910 S.
Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas. The following members were present:
Tom Burke
BQb Bertrand
Steve Y eretsky
Diana Steelquist-City Planner
Commissioners Brekke, Brakebill, Gibson, and Holland were absent. Mayor Brizendine
called the meeting to order to discuss the following with the Commission.
Joint Workshop Session
Call to order:
1.Discussion with City Council regarding:
A.Cluster Homes
The Council reviewed the recommen dations made by P&Z to amend the Cluster
Home ordinance. However, there was much concern about the recommendation to
allow the density to increase up to six units per acre-if the underlying zone was Single
Family Residential (SFR). The Commission stated that the density increase was to
promote actual use of the ordinance. Commissioner Burke related a couple of projects
were not feasible because of the small acreage involved, the lot yield made the
projects economically non-viable. The Council was concerned about large acreage
tracts were an allowance of over 2. 7 units per acre would have a significant impact on
city services. It was pointed out to the council that the proposed process will give
council final approval over density of cluster homes areas on large acreage tracts.
The Mayor as�ed that this item be discussed fmiher at a future workshop.
B.Entryway Overlay and Downtown Overlay Districts
Chairman Bertrand stated that the recommended changes were made to close some
holes and answer some questions regarding interpretation. The Mayor questioned why
the requirement for mature screening shrubs had been set at three feet six inches.
Commissioner Burke responded by stating the height was taken from a textbook and
that it was sufficient to screen p�ked cars while still allowing for some visibility for
safety. He added. that it would be measured from ground level. Councilmember
Ewing recommended that the language be modified to state that the mature height
should be maintained at three feet six inches
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There was some discussion regarding the fac;ade requirements in the EOD /DOD.
Commissioner Burke stated that.the modifications were to allow more creativity in use
of architectural metals.
Councilmember Smith inquired about the garage bay language and how it might affect
mini-storage buildings. Commissioner Burke noted that the language was directed at
openings designed for automotive or industrial work, or designed for vehicles to drive
into therefore it should n_ot affect mini-storage rollup doors.
There was also some discussion with regards to the placement of trees in the
EOD/DOD were the Commission has recommended that the clustering of trees be
allowed. The Council felt that the te1m 'clustering' should also be defined in the
ordinance change.
Mayor Brizendine stated there appeared to be consensus to move the
recommendations for the EOD/DOD forward in the process with the changes that had
been discussed.
C.Development Process Steering Committee recommendations regarding
Commercial Site Plans and Amending Plats
Mayor Brizendine started the discussion by stating that the City Staff was capable of
meeting the D:PS' recommendations to allow staff approvals of Commercial Site plans
and Amending plats. However, he felt there was a political question of the level of
public involvement in the development process, which needed to be recognized. The
City needs to maintain open communication with the public. Councilmember Goza
agreed that public involvement was important to the process.
There appeared to be consensus between the Council and Commission that Amended
Plats could be approved at a staff level. However, Administrative plats generated
some controversy, as the Commission had not recommended them.
Comments included the need for the public to have knowledge of all plats and the
usefulness to the Commission to review these smaller, sometimes controversial type
plats.
The Mayor noted that the discussion needed more background information and he
would like to continue the discussion. Since there was only fifteen minutes before the
regular meeting, he aske4 that the DP.S recommendations be addressed again on
December 8, 2003 at another workshop.
2.Adjournment
With no fu1ther comment the joint workshop adjourned at 6: 50 p.m.
't.?.�� Planner
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