HomeMy WebLinkAbout02142013 ZPC Agenda Item 2City 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 CHAPTER 70
OF THE 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
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.
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All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed to the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.
Section 8. 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 AND
FINAL READING AND SIGNED on the day of , 2013.
Attest /Seal:
City Secretary
Recommended:
City Manager
Approved as to legal form:
City Attorney
Signed:
Mayor
Exhibit A
Zoning & Planning Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
January 10, 2013
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 Chapter 70 of the 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, curb cuts, curb returns and
driveways are regulated in both Chapter 70 and the Zoning
Ordinance 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 the Zoning
Ordinance, 2)specify the regulations and requirements for curb
cuts and driveways, 3) clarify that required maneuvering areas
for non -SFD uses must be provided so that a vehicle can enter
and exit the required parking areas in a forward motion without
backing into the street area, and 4)redefine the minimum parking
dimensions for non -SFD parking spaces contained in Article 10 of
Appendix A.
A) . This proposal amends Chapter 70, Section 70 -25 of the Code
of Ordinances to establish the minimum widths of both curb cuts
and curb returns and to standardize these requirements with the
Zoning Ordinance.
B) . This proposal amends Table 7 -5a of the Zoning Ordinance to
establish the minimum widths of driveways in the front yard and
to standardize these requirements with Chapter 70 of the Code of
Ordinances.
C). This proposal amends Table 7 -5a, Note 5, of the Zoning
Ordinance, 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,
D) . This proposal clarifies the section regarding maneuvering
areas and entry and exit of a required parking space in a
forward motion, and
E). This proposal redefines and establishes the minimum parking
dimensions for non -SFD parking spaces generally contained within
a parking lot as stipulated in Article 10 of Appendix A.
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
1 -13 -2013
Exhibit A
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
location, size,
Article 10 (including maneuvering areas, design requirements,
parking 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.
Article 10.
Maximum width
For SFD use: (i) Driveway serving any single -bay garage: 12 feet.
(in yard
front 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."
1 -13 -2013
Exhibit A
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 suided 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 and Chapter 70
Max. width per
Four feet (for aprons) plus the maximum driveway width allowed.
of the Code of
50 -ft. segment
Each curb cut must be confined to the part of the street area that
Ordinances.
of street line
directly abuts the building site(s) served. See Note 1.
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 2.0
Article 2
plants and other
ft. or shorter than 8.0 ft. This does not require removal of trees in
things
existence on July 1, 1992, if kept pruned.
Off- street parking
Number,
Depends on land use, layout, etc. See this Table, Table 7 -4o, and
spaces and
location, size,
Article 10 (including maneuvering areas, design requirements,
parking 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.
Article 10.
Maximum width
For SFD use: (i) Driveway serving any single -bay garage: 12 feet.
(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 driveway 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
1 -13 -2013
Exhibit A
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 erdinaase 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.
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 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 that
of street line
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 erdinaase 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.
1 -13 -2013
Exhibit A
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 PDD -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 PDD -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) If 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 PDD -TH2. (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.
Section 10 -102. - Minimum Dimensions; Design.
(a) Parking Spaces. All single family district 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 to non - single family district parking spaces when configured in
the indicated circumstances:
(1) Ninety- degree angle parking: Each parking space must be nine feet wide and 19
feet long. Maneuvering space shall be not less than 23 24 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 44� 21 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.
feet wide perpendiGUIar te the parking angle and net less than 18 feet On length when
net be loss than 15 foot Y nernN enrlis Ular to the building GF parking I'
1 -13 -2013 Exhibit A
( 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 ferward, enter any Fequired parking spaGe driving ferward, park iR that
spaGe, and then reenter the street area driving forward, all with ne rnere thaR tWe
steps to nhaRge diro„+;OR . 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 5th999),current edition, including 4R nartiGUI r Chapter 14 Whoro rn l4ple
standards are provided, the highest standard shall apply. Example_l
"PaFkiRg- Class A" st•+Rd rds in Table 14 9 weuld apply. Where this (DrdinaRGe provides
(e) Other criteria. See Article 7 for additional criteria, including driveway, parking and garage
regulations.
1 -13 -2013
Exhibit A
Amend Section 70 -27 of the City Code of Ordinances as follows:
Sec. 70 -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 44 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 24 213 feet apart; aad
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 is allowed or specified in Table 7 -5
(a), in 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
1 -13 -2013 Exhibit A
(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.
Exhibit 8
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, curb cuts, curb returns and
driveways are regulated in both Chapter 70 and the Zoning
Ordinance 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 the Zoning
Ordinance, 2)specify the regulations and requirements for curb
cuts and driveways, 3) clarify that required maneuvering areas
for non -SFD uses must be provided so that a vehicle can enter
and exit the required parking areas in a forward motion without
backing into the street area, and 4)redefine the minimum parking
dimensions for non -SFD parking spaces contained in Article 10 of
Appendix A.
A) . This proposal amends Chapter 70, Section 70 -25 of the Code
of Ordinances to establish the minimum widths of both curb cuts
and curb returns and to standardize these requirements with the
Zoning Ordinance.
B) . This proposal amends Table 7 -5a of the Zoning Ordinance to
establish the minimum widths of driveways in the front yard and
to standardize these requirements with Chapter 70 of the Code of
Ordinances.
C). This proposal amends Table 7 -5a, Note 5, of the Zoning
Ordinance, 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,
D) . This proposal clarifies the section regarding maneuvering
areas and entry and exit of a required parking space in a
forward motion, and
E). This proposal redefines and establishes the minimum parking
dimensions for non -SFD parking spaces generally contained within
a parking lot as stipulated in Article 10 of Appendix A.
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.
Date: /s /City Secretary