HomeMy WebLinkAbout04222019 ZPC Agenda Item 3 Exhibit A
Zoning & Planning Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
September 13, 2018
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 FENCE-LIKE HEDGES.
To the Honorable Mayor
& Members of City Council :
The Zoning & Planning Commission of the City submits this,
its preliminary report, on the subject proposal, for the
assistance of the Council as well as other interested persons.
Scope of Proposal .
Existing ordinances restrict man made fences in front
yards. This proposal restricts "fence-like hedges" or natural
fences in front yard areas. A fence-like hedge is vegetation or
foliage having the characteristics of a fence and growing higher
than 36 inches . A sunset provision for non-complying fence-like
hedges is proposed for a three year period to end on October 1,
2021 .
The exact wording of the proposal is attached. The
Commission believes that this proposal would enhance public
safety and help protect visibility and "streetscapes" in the
City' s neighborhoods.
Preliminary Recommendation. Based on the limited review
given this matter so far, and subject to further review
following a public hearing, the Commission: (i) finds that the
proposal, if adopted, would be in the public interest, (ii)
makes a preliminary recommendation favorable to the proposal,
(ii) recommends that the City Council call a joint public
hearing to consider this matter. The Commission invites all
interested persons to participate in the joint public hearing.
The Vote. The vote on approval of this report was
as follows: Wilson, Cutrer, Tsai, McEnany, Jensen,
Brantley and Johnston voted "aye"; No "noes"; None absent.
Respectfully submitted:
ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS
11 WP/t1I-r/Ir\.
Chair, Zoning and 101‘
ning Commission
Amend Fence-like Hedges—Section 7, Table 7-6, Notes 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.as follows:
Note 8.1 Fences. Fences may project into front and side yards to the extent expressly required or
authorized by city ordinance(e.g., provisions in Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances;
provisions in PDD schedules for front fences). Also in the Code of Ordinances, there are: (i)
requirements for emergency portals in fences (Chapter 18) and (ii) restrictions on fences,
certain "fence-like hedges"and other things in visibility areas (Chapter 82). In a QMDS low
fences (3.5 feet or lower) may be located anywhere, if made of ornamental metal or pickets.
Note 8.2. Fence-like hedges. Fence-like hedges within the front yard (setback) of a building
site are prohibited. This provision applies to all adjacent side
yard building sites and rear through building sites. Visibility triangles and visibility areas, as
defined by this ordinance, are subject to further restrictions as contained in Chapter 82 of the
Code of Ordinances.
Add to Section 12-103, Losing PNC Status through passage of time.
Section 12-103. -Losing PNC Status.
(i) Passage of Time . The following PNC items lose PNC status upon the expiration of the time periods
indicated:
PNC Item Time Period Special Conditions
Use of a building site in an SF District for business
;Ten years from the
g 1987 effective
activities
date
PNC status for space which
Ten years from the
Presence of more dwelling units than allowed in qualifies as conforming
1 1987 effective
an SF District. date . accessory quarters is not
necessarily lost.
Ten years from the
Use of a building site by more than one family in 1987 effective
violation of SF District use regulations
date
Time period
Outdoor lighting in violation of Article 8 ending on August
31, 2004
i I
— _- -
160 months
Lack of special screens in violation of Article 8
following the 1987
(waste storage or loading) effective date
Ten years
Non-compliance with pervious area requirement following the 1987
in the C District.
effective date
Non-conformance with building regulations by a
canopy or similar object designed or used to Time period
ending on October
shelter a motor vehicle,a boat or similarly-sized
1,2008
items.
I �
Use of a building site,or any portion thereof, as ail Time period
school without a special exception as granted by lending on May 31,
the ZBA. 2022
Time period
Non-conformance with regulations for fence-like
hedges on building sites . ending on October
1,2021
Amend Fence-like Hedges—Section 7, Table 7-6, Notes 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.as follows:
Note 8.1 Fences. Fences may project into front and side yards to the extent expressly required or
authorized by city ordinance (e.g., provisions in Chapter 18 of the Code of Ordinances;
provisions in PDD schedules for front fences). Also in the Code of Ordinances, there are: (i)
requirements for emergency portals in fences (Chapter 18)and (ii) restrictions on fences,
certain "fence-like hedges" and other things in visibility areas (Chapter 82). In a QMDS low
fences (3.5 feet or lower) may be located anywhere, if made of ornamental metal or pickets.
Note 8.2. Fence-like hedges. Fence-like hedges within the front yard (setback) of a building site
containing no principal building are prohibited. This provision applies to all adjacent side yard
building sites and rear through building sites. Visibility triangles and visibility areas, as defined
by this ordinance, are subject to further restrictions as contained in Chapter 82 of the Code of
Ordinances. Exception: Along major thoroughfares, a fence-like hedge may be placed to screen
and buffer light and noise from adjoining residential properties.
Add to Section 12-103, Losing PNC Status through passage of time.
Section 12-103. - Losing PNC Status.
(i) Passage of Time . The following PNC items lose PNC status upon the expiration of the time periods
indicated:
PNC Item Time Period Special Conditions
Ten years from the
Use of a building site in an SF District for business
1987 effective
activities
date
PNC status for space which
Ten years from the
Presence of more dwelling units than allowed in qualifies as conforming
1987 effective
an SF District. accessory quarters is not
date
necessarily lost.
Ten years from the
Use of a building site by more than one family in
1987 effective
violation of SF District use regulations
date
Time period
Outdoor lighting in violation of Article 8 ending on August
31, 2004
160 months
Lack of special screens in violation of Article 8
following the 1987
(waste storage or loading)
effective date
Ten years
Non-compliance with pervious area requirement
following the 1987
in the C District.
effective date
Non-conformance with building regulations by a
Time period
canopy or similar object designed or used to
ending on October
shelter a motor vehicle, a boat or similarly-sized
1, 2008
items.
Use of a building site, or any portion thereof, as a Time period
school without a special exception as granted by ending on May 31,
the ZBA. 2022
Time period
Non-conformance with regulations for fence-like
ending on October
hedges on building sites .
1, 2021