HomeMy WebLinkAbout11082012 ZPC Agenda Item 4 AGENDA ITEM NUMBER 4
1
City of West University Place
Harris County, Texas
Ordinance No. _
AN ORDINANCE CALLING A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON A
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS
REGARDING NUMBER OF DRIVEWAYS IN THE FRONT YARD AND
NUMBER OF CURB CUTS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY;
PRESCRIBING PROCEDURES AND NOTICES; CONTAINING
FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT;
AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS; AMENDING CHAPTER
70 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEST
UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS.
WHEREAS, the Zoning and Planning Commission ("Z&PC") of the City of West
University Place, Texas ("City") has submitted a preliminary report on a proposal to
amend the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City, as last reformatted and re-
adopted by Ordinance No. 1672, adopted March 12, 2001, and as amended thereafter
("Zoning Ordinance"); and
WHEREAS, the preliminary report also proposes amendments to the Code of
Ordinances of the City; and
WHEREAS, the Z&PC's preliminary report is attached to this ordinance as
Exhibit A and made a part of this ordinance by reference; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to call a joint public hearing on such
proposal;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS, THAT:
Section 1. The City Council hereby calls a joint public hearing before the City
Council and Z&PC on the Code of Ordinances of the City of West University Place,
Texas and is amended by the proposal as described in Exhibit A, attached hereto.
Unless rescheduled, the hearing shall be held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal
Building, 3800 University Boulevard, West University Place, Texas 77005 during the
City Council meeting set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on The hearing may
be recessed and continued from time to time. The City Manager may reschedule the
date and time, or both, to accommodate other pending matters, but the rescheduled
date and time may not be later than 30 days past the date set by this ordinance. All
other portions of Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances not specifically amended hereby
remain in full force and effect.
DRAFT
Section 2. The purpose for the hearing is to provide an opportunity for parties in
interest and citizens to be heard in relation to the proposal described in Exhibit A
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the
extent of the conflict only.
Section 3. The procedures for adoption of the proposal shall be as follows: (1)
notice as required by this ordinance, (2) hearing as called by this ordinance, (3) report
by the Z&PC, and (4) vote by the City Council on the question of adoption. The
procedures for enforcing the proposal shall be as set out in the existing Zoning
Ordinance. The proposal described in Exhibit A is hereby submitted and re-submitted
to the Z&PC for its consideration.
Section 4. The City Secretary shall give notice of such hearing as prescribed by
this section. The notice shall be in substantially the form set out in Exhibit B, which is
attached and made a part of this ordinance by reference. The notice shall be published
in the City's official newspaper (or another newspaper of general circulation in the City)
at least once on or before the 16th day preceding the date of the hearing. In addition,
the notice shall be mailed to the persons on the mailing list for the City Currents
newsletter. The notices shall be deposited in the United States mail on or before ninth
day preceding the date of the hearing, properly addressed with postage prepaid. The
notices may be included within the newsletter or with utility bills or may be separate.
The City Council specifically approves giving combined notice of two or more hearings
in a single notice document, as this would save money and also provide better
information about the full scope of possible amendments to all interested persons.
Section 5. The City staff is authorized to make all necessary arrangements for
the hearing and to assist the Zoning and Planning Commission and the City Council.
Section 6. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other
part of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall
ever be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction,
neither the remainder of this ordinance, nor and the application of such word, phrase,
clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this ordinance to any other
persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. All ordinances and parts of
ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict only.
Section 7. The City Council officially finds, determines and declares that
sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of each meeting at which
this ordinance was discussed, considered or acted upon was given in the manner
required by the Texas Open Meetings Act,Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas
Government Code, as amended, and that each such meeting has been open to the
public as required by law at all times during such discussion, consideration and action.
The City Council ratifies, approves and confirms such notices and the contents and
posting thereof.
DRAFT
Section 8, This ordinance takes effect immediately upon its passage and
adoption on second reading.
Because the proposal to amend the Zoning Ordinance is vitally important and
should be considered at the earliest possible date, a state of emergency is declared
requiring that this ordinance be read and adopted finally at this meeting. Accordingly,
this ordinance shall be adopted finally on first reading and shall become effective
immediately upon adoption and signature.
PASSED, APPROVED AND, ADOPTED ON FIRST READING AND SIGNED on
the day of , 2011
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON SECOND READING, AND SIGNED
on the day of 2011.
Attest/Seal: — Signed:
City Secretary Mayor
Recommended:
City Manager
Approved as to legal form:
City Attorney
DRAFT
Exhibit A
Zoning & Planning Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
November 8 , 2012
Honorable Mayor &
Members of the City Council
City of West University Place
3808 University Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77005
Subject : Preliminary report on a proposal to amend the
Zoning Ordinance and Code of Ordinances of the
City of West University Place, Texas ( "City" )
relating to NUMBER OF DRIVEWAYS IN THE FRONT YARD
AND NUMBER OF CURB CUTS IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT OF
WAY.
To the Honorable Mayor
& Members of City Council :
The Zoning & Planning Commission of the City submits this
preliminary report on the subject proposal , for the assistance
of the Council as well as other interested persons .
Scope of Proposal . Currently, the curb cuts, curb returns
and driveways are regulated in both Chapter 70 and Appendix A of
the City Code of Ordinances . The purpose of this proposal is to
1) ensure the consistency of the curb cut and driveway
regulations contained in Chapter 70 and Appendix A of the Code
of Ordinances, 2) specify the approval and allowance for curb
cuts and driveways, and 3) clarify that required parking spaces
must be entered and exited in a forward motion.
1) . This proposal amends Chapter 70, Section 70-25 of the Code
of Ordinance to establish the minimum widths of both the curb
cuts and curb returns and to standardize the requirement in the
Zoning Ordinance .
2) . This proposal amends Table 7-5a, "Appendix A" of the Code of
Ordinance to establish the minimum widths of driveways in the
front yard and to standardize the requirement in the Zoning
Ordinance .
3) . This proposal amends Table 7-5a, Note 5, which allows for
DRAFT
the ZBA to issue a special exception for an alternate driveway
configuration. This proposal amends this allowance and gives
staff the authority to approve a driveway and curb cuts that
meet this requirement, and
4) . This proposal clarifies the section regarding entering and
exiting a required parking space in a forward motion.
Recommendation. Based on the review given this proposal ,
so far, the Commission: (i) finds that the proposal, if adopted,
would be in the public interest and consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, (ii) finds that the proposal reasonably
addresses circumstances which have arisen since the last
comprehensive revision of the zoning ordinance, (iii) makes its
preliminary recommendation favorable to the proposal, and (iv)
recommends that the City Council adopt the proposal .
The Vote . The vote on approval of this report was as
follows : voted "aye" ; "noes" ; absent .
Respectfully submitted:
ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS
By:
For the Commission
07-09-2012 Agenda Item Driveways and Curb Cuts
DRAFT
'Table 7-5a: General Rule: Every building site, vehicular area and related
Parking, driveways, etc. structure must conform to the applicable regulations shown, by
District, in this table. ("N/A' means the rule does not apply.)
Exceptions/Special Rules: (1) See special rules noted in table. (3)
See Article 9 regarding Planned Development Districts. (3) See
Note 7 regarding special exceptions. (4) See Article 10.
Item Regulation SF-1 SF- SF-3 TH GR-1 GR-2 C
2
Off-street parking Number, Depends on land use, layout, etc. See this Table, Table 7-4a, and
spaces and parking location, size, Article 10 (including maneuvering areas, design requirements,
,areas design "same site rule, yards, street areas, loading spaces, etc.).
Other regulations
apply; see, e.g.
Article 10
Maneuvering See Article 10.
areas
Grouping or Not allowed, except in a QMDS platted parking reserve serving
sharing. two or more DU's. But see Note 2.
Use of parking Parking spaces for non-SFD uses may only be used for motor
areas vehicle parking. See Note 3.
Emergency Minimum width. 20 ft, via public or private street, to each principal building and
accessway 'See Note 1. each DU (or to an adjacent open area accessible to firefighters
and equipment). Other regulations also apply, e.g, fire code.
Driveways and 'Minimum width. For SFD use: nine ft.
private streets 'See Note 1. For non-SFD residential use: 10 feet, or 17 feet if two-way and
Other regulations serving three or more DU's.
apply; see, e.g. Maximum width For SFD use: (i) Driveway serving any single-bay garage: 12 feet.
Article 10. (in front yard or (ii) Driveway in a front yard serving rear garage or side-facing
street area) garage: 12 feet. (iii) Driveway in side street area of a corner site
See Note 1. serving a side-facing garage with three or more bays: 30 feet; (iv)
Any other driveway: 20 feet. For other residential uses: 24 ft. (or
35 feet if connecting to a major thoroughfare). For all other
uses: 30 feet (or 35 feet if connecting to a major thoroughfare).
Maximum length For non-SFD uses: 160 feet, driving distance to the nearest street
area, measured along centerline from farthest end point. A
longer driveway is allowed if there is an approved turnaround or
second means of egress, or if the drive-way is platted as part of
the common area in a QMDS.
Route, location See Note 6. N/A
Spacing For non-SFD uses: There must be at least 40 feet between the
"inside" apron edges (at their narrowest points) of driveways
serving the same building site.
Pavement Required type For SFD use: Hard-surfaced or pervious pavement required for
See Note 4. each required driveway and parking space; twin "ribbons" of
pavement are permitted. For all other uses: Reinforced concrete,
with curbs and drains required for all vehicular areas. Exceptions:
(i) See Table 7-3 (pervious pavement) and Note 4, below. (ii) See
Article 10 regarding "overhang."
07-09-2012 Agenda Item Driveways and Curb Cuts DAF1m
Markings; wheel Required type For non-SFD uses: Parking spaces must be clearly marked on the
stops. pavement, and wheel stops are required. See Note 12.
Curb cuts Number For SFD use: Maximum one per subdivided--lot designated building
Other regulations site abutting the street. For non-SFD uses: Maximum one per 50-
apply; ft. segment of street line. See Note 5.
see, e.g. Article Max. width per Four feet (for aprons) plus the maximum driveway width allowed.
10 and Chapter 70 50-ft. segment Each curb cut must be confined to the part of the street area
of the Code of of street line that directly abuts the building site(s) served. See Note 1.
Ordinances.
Visibility triangles Forbidden The following are forbidden on parts of a building site within a
See definitions in structures, visibility triangle: structures, plants or other things taller than
Article 2 plants and other 2.0 ft. or shorter than 8.0 ft. This does not require removal of
things trees in existence on July 1, 1992, if kept pruned.
Off-street parking Number, Depends on land use, layout, etc. See this Table, Table 7-4a, and
spaces and parking location, size, Article 10 (including maneuvering areas, design requirements,
areas design same site rule, yards, street areas, loading spaces, etc.).
Other regulations
apply; see, e.g.
Article 10
Grouping or Not allowed, except in a QMDS platted parking reserve serving
sharing. two or more DU's. But see Note 2.
Use of parking Parking spaces for non-SFD uses may only be used for motor
areas vehicle parking. See Note 3.
Maneuvering See Article 10.
areas
Emergency Minimum width 20 ft, via public or private street, to each principal building and
accessway See Note 1. each DU (or to an adjacent open area accessible to firefighters
and equipment). Other regulations also apply, e.g, fire code.
Driveways and Minimum width For SFD use: nine ft.
private streets See Note 1. For non-SFD residential use: 10 feet, or 17 feet if two-way and
Other regulations serving three or more DU's.
apply; see, e.g. Maximum width For SFD use: (i) Driveway serving any single-bay garage: 12 feet.
Article 10. front and or
(in yard (ii) Driveway in a front yard serving rear garage or side-facing
street area) garage: 12 feet. (iii) Driveway in side street area of a corner site
See Note 1. serving a side-facing garage with three or more bays: 30 feet; (iv)
Any other driveway: 20 feet. For other residential uses: 24 ft. (or
35 feet if connecting to a major thoroughfare). For all other
uses: 30 feet (or 35 feet if connecting to a major thoroughfare).
Maximum length For non-SFD uses: 160 feet, driving distance to the nearest street
area, measured along centerline from farthest end point. A
longer driveway is allowed if there is an approved turnaround or
second means of egress, or if the driveway is platted as part of
the common area in a QMDS.
Route, location See Note 6 NEtA
Spacing For non-SFD uses: There must be at least 40 feet between the
"inside" apron edges (at their narrowest points) of driveways
serving the same building site.
Pavement Required type For SFD use: Hard-surfaced or pervious pavement required for
07-0 DRAFT 2012 Agenda item Driveways and Curb Cuts
See Note 4. each required driveway and parking space; twin "ribbons" of
pavement are permitted. For all other uses: Reinforced concrete,
with curbs and drains required for all vehicular areas. Exceptions:
(i) See Table 7-3 (pervious pavement) and Note 4, below. (ii) See
Article 10 regarding "overhang."
Markings; wheel Required type For non-SFD uses: Parking spaces must be clearly marked on the
stops. pavement, and wheel stops are required. See Note 12.
Curb cuts Number For SFD use: Maximum one per subdivided-let designated building
Other regulations site abutting the street. For non-SFD uses: Maximum one per 50-
apply; ft. segment of street line. See Note 5.
see, e.g. Article
10.
Max. width per Four feet (for aprons) plus the maximum driveway width allowed.
50-ft. segment Each curb cut must be confined to the part of the street area
of street line that directly abuts the building site(s) served. See Note 1.
Visibility triangles Forbidden See Chapter 82 of the Code of Ordinances.
structures,
plants and other
things
Note 1. Width measurement methods.Minimum driveway width refers to unobstructed vehicular access path and,for non-SFD
use,pavement.Maximum driveway width refers to maximum width of pavement in a front yard or street area,excluding
complying curb cut aprons.Maximum curb cut width refers to the width of the driveway plus aprons,measured at the
edge of the roadway.
Note 2.Grouped or shared parking.Article 10 also provides for a special exception,in certain circumstances,
Note 3.Parking exclusivity(non-SFD uses).Required parking spaces must be kept open,readily accessible and used for parking
only,with no sales,dead storage,display,repair work,dismantling or servicing of any kind.Required guest parking
spaces must be kept open and reserved for that use only.
Note 4.Pavement.The ZBA may issue a special exception to allow other materials if it finds that they will provide equal or better
durability.
Note 5.Curb cuts.The ZBA may issue a special exception for additional curb cuts.Two curb cuts for circular driveways
specifically allowed by Chapter 70 of the Code of Ordinances another erdinaaee are not prohibited and do not require a
special exception.
Note 6.Route;Alternating Driveways.Each driveway must connect garage space to the street by the most direct route.On narrow
sites where alternate side yard areas apply(see"Yards"table),the following special restrictions also apply:(A)there
must be a driveway located as nearly as practicable to one side of the site;(B)the side is determined in accordance
with the established driveway pattern for the block face in question,if there is such a pattern;and(C)if there is no such
pattern,and if there is an adjacent driveway on one adjoining building site but not the other,the driveway must be on
the side farthest from the adjoining driveway.Exceptions:(i)this paragraph does not prohibit circular driveways
specifically permitted under another ordinance of the City,and(ii)a driveway may be curved or moved away from the
most direct route to the extent reasonably necessary to avoid destroying or seriously injuring a tree
07-09-2012 Agenda Item Driveways and Curb Cuts DRAFT
Note 7.Special Exceptions.The ZBA may issue a special exception for a parking area,garage or driveway(or other maneuvering
area)in another location or with a different design than prescribed by this ordinance,if it finds that:(i)the other location
or design will not unreasonably interfere with available light and air and will not significantly alter access for fire-fighting
and similar needs;(ii)the other location or design will prevent the destruction of a qualified tree;(iii)in the case of the
remodeling of a principal building,the location requested is the same location as an existing parking area,garage or
driveway;or(iv)the location or design requested is necessary for safety considerations.
Note 8. Curb Cuts in POD-TH1.(i)If a building site abuts both Bellaire Boulevard and another street,then all vehicular access
shall be from the other street,and no more than two curb cuts shall be allowed.However,in the case of the
development of Lots 6,7,8,9 and the east ten feet of Lot 10,Block 1,Kent Place Addition,if Lot 6 is included in the
same building site or in a joint development with the other lots,vehicular access shall be limited to one curb cut on
Mercer Street.(ii)If a building site abuts only Bellaire Boulevard.vehicular access shall be limited to two curb cuts.
Note 9.Curb Cuts in POD-TH5.(i)If a building site abuts both Academy and Bissonnet,no curb cuts on Bissonnet and no more
than two curb cuts on Academy are permitted.(ii)It a building site abuts only Bissonnet,there may be no more than
two curb cuts.
Note 10.Driveways in PDD-TH7.Cul-de-sac driveways in PDD-TH7 may not exceed 50 feet in length,or 200 feet if a terminus is
provided with dimensions adequate for turning,
Note 11. Curb Cuts in POD-1742.(i)If a building site abuts both Kirby Drive and another street,there may be one curb cut on Kirby
Drive and on each other abutting street.(ii)If a building site abuts only Kirby Drive,vehicular access shall be limited to
two curb cuts.
Note 12.Curbs as Wheel Stops.Curbs may be used as wheel stops.Area outside a curb-wheel stop counts toward minimum
parking space dimensions if actually usable as"overhang"and not needed for maneuvering area.
Sec. 770-27. -• Curb cuts and driveways; concrete
(a) Curb cuts, etc. Only one curb cut and only one driveway is allowed along the front street
line of any building site less than 60 feet wide, measured along the front street line.
(b) Two or more curb cuts. If there are two or more connected curb cuts or driveways on a
building site (for example, when there is a circular driveway), the following apply:
(1) At the front street line, no part of a curb cut or driveway may be closer than two
feet to a side property line. In the street area, no part of the curb cut or driveway may
cross the imaginary extension of a side property line, unless the affected neighboring
owner consents in writing.The building official may make exceptions to these rules
when there is no practical alternative or when necessary to prevent harm to a tree.
(2) Measured along the edge of the main traveled roadway:
a. The opening width of the driveway and curb cut shall be 14 feet; as
specified in Table 7-5(a) in Appendix A of the City Code of Ordinances of the
City of West University Place,
b. The inside edges must be at least 24 28 feet apart; and
07-09-2012 Agenda Item Driveways and Curb Cuts
c. The width of the 'island area may be covered with hard surfaced material
if installing a new or replacing an existing public sidewalk; and
d. The curb cuts must be located along the front street line.
(3) No driveway may be wider than 14 feet. what's allowed or specified in Table 7-5
(a), Appendix A of the Code of Ordinances.
(4) Within the street area, the edges of each driveway must be perpendicular to the
edge of the main traveled roadway.
(c) "Open ditch"areas, culverts. If a driveway is connected to a roadway where there is no
curb and gutter, there must be a concrete culvert beneath the driveway. The inside diameter
of the culvert must be at least 12 inches, and the length must be at least 14 feet. The public
works director may eliminate or modify the culvert requirement at a specific location, but only
to the extent the specified culvert is not necessary for adequate area drainage.
(d) Reinforcement. All concrete used in constructing driveways shall be reinforced by using,
at a minimum, one of the following:
(1) #3 deformed steel reinforcing bars spaced 12 inches or closer; or
(2) #4 deformed steel reinforcing bars spaced 16 inches or closer.
Sidewalks outside driveway areas may be reinforced by one of these methods or by 6x6x6
wire mesh, at a minimum.
(e) Certain temporary driveway permits. The director is authorized to issue permits for
temporary driveway access to a site, if primary access to the site is interrupted by
construction or another temporary condition. In addition to the requirements of section 8-104
of the zoning ordinance, appended in this Code, such a permit must require:
(1) Barricading or removal of any temporary driveway on a residential street within
24 hours following resumption of primary access to the site; and
(2) Restoration of each area affected by temporary driveway access to its pre-
existing condition, within 14 days following resumption of primary access to the site.
Such a permit may also contain additional restrictions and conditions designed to reduce
impacts on street areas, utilities, nearby land uses or traffic.
Section 10 10 inimum Di ;e :;n , sign
(a) Parking Spaces. All parking spaces must be at least nine feet wide and 18 feet long in
order to be counted toward the minimum required number. In addition, the following
regulations apply in the indicated circumstances:
(1) Ninety-degree angle parking: Maneuvering space shall be not less than 23 feet in
length or breadth.
(2) Sixty-degree angle parking: Each parking space shall be not less than nine feet
wide perpendicular to the parking angle and not less than 18 feet in length when
measured at right angles to the building or parking line. Maneuvering space shall be
not less than 18 feet perpendicular to the building or parking lines.
07-09-2012 Agenda Item Driveways and Curb Cuts €3 '
i
(3) Forty _-e -- . . - .- • . -.• e. •. .-- •- . . -ss than nine
feet wride-pe+per is4lac to the parking angle and not le,s than 18 feet in le hen
measured at right angles to the building or parking lines.-Maneuvering space shall
not-be less than perpendicular to the building or parking lines.
( 3 4) Wheelchair-accessible parking spaces: Must be installed and maintained with
numbers and sizes prescribed by applicable regulations.
(b) Walkways. A private walkway, if provided adjacent to a non-SF building, shall be not less
than five feet in width and shall be in addition to the minimum requirement for parking and
maneuvering space herein required. In a QMDS, there must be a paved walkway (at least
3.0 ft. wide) to the curb from each main entrance oriented toward a street area.
(c)Maneuvering areas. In addition to the minimum dimensions for parking spaces, there must
be sufficient driveways and other maneuvering areas to allow ordinary, practical use of each
required parking space. Maneuvering areas for non-SFD uses must also comply with the
following:
(1) To facilitate access to each required garage parking space, there must be a
maneuvering area immediately outside the garage opening. The minimum
dimensions are 24 feet long and two feet wider than the garage opening, and the
area must be located entirely on the building site.
(2) Maneuvering areas may not be counted toward the required number of parking
spaces.
(3) Maneuvering areas (except those serving only one or two dwelling units) must be
provided, sized and arranged so that a large vehicle can enter and exit the required
parking areas in a forward motion,without backing into the street area. leave the
street-driving-for-war r enter-any-required-parking-se-.- e '.••5 - - e, e- -
-e---, - -•• - • - - - --drfv+ng no-more-thar4-two
-•-•e• - - - . As used in this section, "large vehicle" means a truck 18
feet long, with a turning radius of 24 feet (outside of bumper).
(4) Reasonable, usable "overhang' above low landscaping and similar areas may be
counted toward required maneuvering area.
(d) Traffic Engineering Handbook. All parking spaces, maneuvering areas, loading areas and
other vehicular facilities must comply with the applicable provisions of the Traffic Engineering
Handbook, 5th Ed. (1999), including, in particular. Chapter 14. Where multiple standards are
provided, the highest standard shall apply. Example:
"Parking Class A" standards in Table 14-6 would apply. Where this Ordinance provides
specific numerical criteria different from the same criteria in the Traffic Engineering
Handbook, this Ordinance controls.
(e) Other criteria. See Article 7 for additional criteria, including driveway, parking and garage
regulations.
DRAFT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Zoning & Planning Commission and the City Council of the City
of West University Place, Texas ( "City" ) will hold a joint public
hearing in the Council Chamber of the Municipal. Building, 3800
University Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005 during the City Council
meeting set to begin at 6 :30 PM on . The hearing may be
recessed and continued from time to time without further published
notice.
The purpose for the hearing is to provide an opportunity for
parties in interest and citizens to be heard in relation to proposals
to amend the City' s Zoning Ordinance (and Code of Ordinances) , as
follows :
Scope of Proposal . Currently, the curb cuts, curb returns and
driveways are regulated in both Chapter 70 and Appendix A of the City
Code of Ordinances. The purpose of this proposal is to 1) ensure the
consistency of the curb cut and driveway regulations contained in
Chapter 70 and Appendix A cf the Code of Ordinances, 2) specify the
approval and allowance for curb cuts and driveways, and 3) clarify
that required parking spaces must be entered and exited in a forward
motion.
1) . This proposal amends Chapter 70, Section 70-25 of the Code of
Ordinances to establish the minimum widths of both the curb cuts and
curb returns and to standardize the requirement in the Zoning
Ordinance.
2) . This proposal amends Table 7-5a, "Appendix A" of the Code of
Ordinances to establish the minimum widths of driveways in the front
yard and to standardize the requirement in the Zoning Ordinance .
3) . This proposal amends Table 7-5a, Note 5, which allows for the ZBA
to issue a special exception for an alternate driveway configuration.
This proposal amends this allowance and gives staff the authority to
approve a driveway and curb cuts that meet this requirement, and
4) . This proposal clarifies the section regarding entering and exiting
a required parking space in a forward motion.
Additional details on the proposals as well as the Zoning Ordinance
and Code of Ordinances are all available for public inspection in the
Municipal Building, 3800 University Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77005 .
The proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance and Code of Ordinances
would apply generally within the City, and any person interested in
such matters should attend the hearings. The proposals may be adopted
only after notice and hearing and would control over anything
inconsistent in the current Zoning Ordinance or Code of Ordinances.
DRAFT
Date : ______ ______ /s/City Secretary