HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 2005-06-20 SpecialMinutes of a Special Meeting
of the
Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission
June 20, 2005
A special meeting of the Friendswood Planning and Zoning Commission was held Monday,
June 20, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. in the city hall council chambers located at 910 S. Friendswood
Drive, Friendswood, Texas. The following members were present:
Bob Bertrand 7:00 p.m.
David Brakebill 7:00 p.m.
Jim Gibson 4:30 p.m.
Kevin Holland 5:30 p.m.
Roy Klusendorf 4:40 p.m.
Sherry Weesner 7:00 p.m.
Dan Johnson-Deputy Director CD
Diana Steelquist-Staff Planner
Cheri Skelton-Development Coordinator
4:30 P.M. JOINT WORK SESSION WITH CITY COUNCIL
A.Height Restrictions for Community Shopping Center (CSC) Original Business
District (OBD) and Neighborhood Commercial (NC)
The Planner outlined the issue by stating that in most commercial districts building
heights were allowed to go up if there was a corresponding increase in set backs.
The CSC, OBD and NC districts, however, did not allow any increase in height and
were restricted to up to 35 feet. The Planner presented a diagram, which indicated
what the set backs would be for a 40 foot building on a 300 x 300 ft. corner lot that
was adjacent to Single Family Residential districts. The resulting building envelope
would be 120 x 120 ft. The Council asked Commissioner Gibson what the concerns
were for allowing CSC, OBD or NC to exceed 35 ft. in height. Commissioner
Gibson could not recall specific concerns; just that the Commission wanted to
confirm that this height change was something the Council wanted the Commission
to pursue. The consensus from Council was for the Commission to pursue allowing
CSC, OBD and NC developments to exceed 35 feet in height, with proper set backs.
B.Amendments to the Tree Preservation Ordinance
The Planner gave a power point presentation of the proposed changes to the zoning
ordinance affecting tree preservation, tree survey requirements, and tree mitigation
requirements. Council expressed concern that the requirements might be a costly
hindrance to commercial development. Chairman Holland stated he thought the
ordinance, from a developer's viewpoint, was not onerous. Council also expressed
concern about the affects of the TPO on Main Street re-development plans. Judy
Kimball and Kevin Holland stated that they were aware that modifications might be
needed to address Main Street issues. It was also stated changes to the ordinance to
include a section for Heritage Trees is being worked on.
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6/20/05 P & Z
7:00 P.M.-DOCKETED JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
1.To receive public input, either oral or written regarding the following:
A.Regarding amending the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Friendswood
Appendix C Section 8 regarding Tree Preservation Tree Surveys and
Landscaping requirements.
Bob Bertrand, addressed City Council and Planning and Zoning as Chairman of the
Tree Preservation Ordinance Super Sub-Committee. He explained the effort has
taken a lot of time and he recommends the draft Tree Preservation Ordinance for
approval. The presentation given by Mr. Bertrand and Staff explained the elements
of the proposed Tree Preservation Ordinance and how the elements are applied.
No one spoke in favor of the zone change request.
The following is a synopsis of the public input against the zone change request.
Don Beethe, 5303 Whittier Oaks, addressed the Commission and City Council. Mr.
Beethe stated he felt the lack of tree ordinance is wonderful. The proposed ordinance
does not encourage development within the City of Friendswood. In addition, the
proposed ordinance does not have an appeal process. Mr. Beethe also stated there is
no one on Staff who is qualified to inspect the process and make sure it has been
adhered to. Lastly, Mr. Beeth stated there is not a need, nor support, to warrant a tree
ordinance.
Jim Hill, 2404 South Friendswood Drive, addressed the Commission and City
Council. Mr. Hill stated in 1946 when he moved here there were virtually no trees.
Since that time there have been trees planted everywhere. He feels this ordinance is
creating a reason for people not to develop in Friendswood.
2.Adjournment
With no further action the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
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Development Coordinator
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6/20/05 P & Z