HomeMy WebLinkAbout05162019 ZPC Agenda Item 3 OCil\•' of
West University
Place Zoning &Planning Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas 77005
May 9, 2019
Honorable Mayor&Members of the City Council
City of West University Place
3808 University Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77005
Subject: Final 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 located in
front yard setbacks.
To the Honorable Mayor&Members of City Council:
The Zoning &Planning Commission of the City submits this, its final 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. The subject proposal restricted"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 was proposed for a three year period to end on October 1, 2021.
Recommendation. A Joint Public Hearing on this proposal was held on April 22, 2019. Many interested
parties attended the hearing and spoke against the proposal. Concerns expressed were the lack of factual evidence
in support of removing or shortening existing fences for safety or security reasons; comparisons of the hedges to
vehicles parked in driveways and in the streets as safety and visual impediments to an open streetscape; and the
loss of mature and developed plantings which contribute to the character of the city. The Zoning and Planning
Commission met immediately following the public hearing and makes the recommendation that City Council
tables the proposal and takes no further action on the subject.
The Vote. The vote on approval of this report was as follows: Wilson, Tsai, Cutrer, McEnany, Jensen,
Snyder, and Brantley voted"aye;"No"noes;"None absent.
Respectfully submitted:
Chair, Zoning and Planning Commission
City of West University Place,Texas