HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2005-06-22 Special[
Minutes of a Special Meeting
of the
Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission
June 22, 2005
A special meeting of the Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission and the Main Street
Committee was held on Wednesday, June 22, 2005, at 6:00 pm at the Friendswood City Hall
second floor conference room, located at 910 S. Friendswood Drive, Friendswood, Texas. The
following members were present:
Planning & Zoning:
Kevin Holland
Mark Van Riper
Sherry Weesner
Roy Klusendorf 6: l 5p.m.
David Brakebill 6: 15 p.m.
Bob Be1trand 6:45 p.m.
Main Street Committee:
Bill Finger
Alton Todd
Tony Banfield
Staff:
Ron Cox-City Manager
Diana Steelquist-Planner
Karen Capps-Economic Development Coordinator
With a quorum present, Commissioner Gibson absent, Chairman Holland called the special
meeting to order at 6: 15 p.m. Approximately 14 additional interested citizens were present for
the meeting.
Worksession
1.Discussion regarding interim zoning measures for the Main Street area.
Staff presented two documents that had been requested by the Chairman at the last
meeting. The first was a matrix of the proposed changes to the Downtown Overlay
District (DOD) and the Original Business District (OBD). Changes to the Single Family
Residential district-were not included in the matrix as no changes were proposed for this
district. The second was a comparison of non-conforming issues for two properties within
the DOD and how these non-conforming issues would be affected by the proposed
changes.
The Chairman began the discussion by asking that each page of the proposed changes to
the Zoning Ordinance be reviewed and discussed fully. Discussion on the changes to the
Permitted Use Table would be held at the end of meeting.
Discussion began with a review of the proposed changes to the regulation matrix
regarding the Original Business District (OBD). Bill Finger stated that the proposed
changes to the OBD and DOD should apply to all commercial zoning districts within the
Main Street area. In particular, set back requirements should be the same for each zoning
district. Mr. Tony Banfield reconunended there be a minimum and a maximum front set
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back requirement. The Chairman suggested more of a 'build to' line than set backs.
Widths of 15 to 25 feet were discussed. The issue focused on the sidewalk requirements
and how they would affect any building set back requirements. Also as to what width of
sidewalk would be required and if the sidewalk could be placed at the back of curb. Staff
will contact TxDot to determine what sidewalk requirements could be placed off of FM
518.Also how could trees be planted within sidewalk areas. Mr Banfield cited examples
from Thomasville, GA where 4x4 tree wells were used along Main Street. He asked that
his photos be sent to the conunittee and Conunission members.
Chairman Holland would like to see the Friends Church site exempted from any Main
Street requirements, particularly side walks. Mr. Banfield suggested that a tlu·eshold on
the percentage of change proposed for redevelopment be established before DOD or
Main Street requirements would kick in. More discussion on non-confirming lots will be
needed.
There was additional discussion regarding where along FM 518 sidewalk requirements
should extend. Bill Finger suggested the area from FM 2351 to Castlewood should
include all the proposed OBD and DOD requirements. From Castlewood to Cowards
Creek the DOD area would simply expand, but retain all the current ordinance
requirements. Bob Bertrand suggested that tlu·ee overlay districts be applied to the Main
Street area.
A discussion on minimum and maximum height requirements was also held. It was
suggested and agreed upon that by not having a 24-foot minimum height requirement,
many existing buildings would not become non-conforming structures. However, the
limitation for new structures to be 35 feet or less in height would not promote vertical
mixed use. Mr. Banfield stated that it would be difficult to fit a 3-story building within
35 feet. There was concern however, that when next to SFR districts, no building should
exceed 35 feet in height. The matrix was revised to indicate that minimum rear yard set
backs in the OBD should be 15 feet when the rear yard abuts a SFR, Cluster or Garden
Home District.
As time began to run short, the Chairman reiterated the action items for the next meeting.
These included: 1) contacting TxDot for sidewalk information, 2) finding out where trees
could be planted along sidewalks or in right-of-ways, 3) reviewing other ordinances for
information on minimum and maximum height requirements.
2.Adjournment.
Several citizens asked if some questions could be answered. The biggest concern appeared
to be what the fate of the Friendswood Junior High would be if Main Street were re
developed. Their concern was that it would be redeveloped for apartment or commercial
use. Mr. Alton Todd stated he had worked with FISD and seen several long-range plans
for the District. He had never seen one in which the Junior High area was not utilized for
school or administration facilities. The concern for FISD is a lack of land to expand on.
He suggested that these questions should be directed to FISD. Mr. Cox also pointed out
that the proposed Main Street area did not include the area of the Junior High. Any
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[ ! changes that the school district would want to make to that area would have to be initiated
by FISD.
Chairman Holland suggested the next meeting be held on July 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. He also
requested that some food be provided to the committee members. With no further
comment the special meeting was adjourned at 7: 55 p.m.
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