HomeMy WebLinkAbout07142016 ZPC Agenda Item 4 The City of West University Place
A Neighborhood City
Zoning & Planning Commission
Municipal Building 3800 University Blvd
Meeting Minutes
June 9,2016
MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Wilson, Michael McEnany, John Cutrer, Mac
Jensen, Mimi Tsai and Bob Higley
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Kuykendall
STAFF PRESENT: Debbie Scarcella, City Planner; City Attorney, Alan
Petrov and Public Works Administrative Coordinator,
Josie M. Hayes
COUNCIL PRESENT: Brennan Reilly
1. Notices, Rules, Etc. Richard Wilson, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm.
He asked the ZPC members and City Staff to introduce themselves. Richard Wilson asked
staff to confirm that appropriate notices were given. Debbie stated notices were posted
per state and local laws.
2. Application for Approval of Building Site Designation (4039 Swarthmore). Debbie
Scarcella stated that the applicant originally submitted a request for approval of a plan to
divide a single building site into two 50' x 114' building sites at 4039 Swarthmore at last
month's meeting. ZPC tabled this item meeting and requested a written opinion from the
City Attorney as to the authority to approve the plan and the intent of the section. The two
lots were combined through a building site designation form in 2000. The structure at
4033 Swarthmore was demolished and a pool and pool cabana building were constructed
in 2002. The current property owner wants to divide the building site along the common
boundary line into two separate building sites. Essentially the same as they were
originally platted. The current ordinance has regulations establishing the dimensions of
old building sites (created before October 1987) and new building sites (created after
October 1987). New building sites must be at least 75' wide. There is a provision that
states that ZPC can approve a plan for building sites that are smaller than 75' wide,but it
does not give any guidance on what circumstances or conditions the approval can be
granted. City Attorney, Alan Petrov wrote an opinion for the commission and answered
any questions ZPC had regarding this issue. There was general discussion regarding the
initial intent of section. Killian Gilbert-Smith stated she and her husband, Doug were
unaware when they purchased the home that it could not be sold as two separate lots in
order to build a home on each one. Doug Gilbert-Smith stated they received an affidavit
from the previous sellers that there were no restrictions on dividing and developing the
TOP
WORK
PLACES
3800 University Boulevard ( West University Place, TX 77005 www.westutx.gov
The City of West University Place
1 Neighborhood City
lots individually. They were completely unaware of not being able to do this until now.
There were letters submitted from surrounding neighbors in favor of dividing the building
site into two sites. Michael McEnany made a motion to approve the application as
outlined in the application submitted. Second by John Cutrer. AYES: Richard Wilson,
John Cutrer, Michael McEnany and Mac Jensen. NOES: Mimi Tsai and Bob Higley.
Motion carried 4-2. ZPC instructed staff to bring back a possible ordinance amendment
that would keep this type of situation from occurring in the future.
3. Town Center Provisions Review. Staff presented the parking space count completed in
May 2016. ZPC discussed the implications and then discussed whether or not to pursue
review of the parking requirements and what type of new businesses would be allowed.
Some of the members were in favor of sending a recommendation to City Council to
repeal the ordinance provisions regarding Town Center. After a lengthy discussion, Mac
Jensen made a motion to recommend for City Council to repeal the original ordinance
provisions regarding Town Center. Second by Bob Higley. AYES: Mac Jensen and Bob
Higley. NOES: Richard Wilson, John Cutrer and Michael McEnany. ABSTAIN: Mimi
Tsai. Motion fails.
The commission discussed how to proceed with reviewing the TCC regulations per City
Council's request. Discussion ensued. The commission instructed staff to return with
documents and drawings pertinent to the parking requirements and existing improvements
as well as proposed regulations. Pertinent slides from the public hearing power point
presentation were suggested.
4. Minutes. The commission reviewed the minutes of the meeting held on May 12, 2016.
Richard Wilson made a motion to approve the meeting minutes as amended. Second by
Michael McEnany. Motion carried. Bob Higley excused himself from the meeting at
8:05 pm and did not vote.
[Adjournment]
Richard Wilson made a motion to adjourn. Second by Michael McEnany. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2016.
Richard J. Wilson,Chairman
ATTEST:
Mrs. Josie M. Hayes,Public Works Administrative Coordinator
3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov