HomeMy WebLinkAbout06112015 ZPC Agenda Item 4 The City of West University Place
A Neighborhood C its
ZONING& PLANNING COMMISSION
Municipal Building 3800 University Boulevard
MEETING MINUTES
April 9, 2015
MEMBERS PRESENT: Richard Wilson, Sam Parikh, Lauren Griffith, Connie
Clark, Michael McEnany, Philip Snyder and Mary Ann Jay
COUNCIL PRESENT: Dick Yehle
STAFF PRESENT: Debbie Scarcella, City Planner; and Martye Kendrick,
Legal Counsel
1. Call to Order and Notices, Rules, Etc. Richard Wilson, ZPC Chair, called the meeting
to order at 6:20 pm. He asked the ZPC members and City Staff to introduce themselves.
He then asked the members of the audience to introduce themselves. In attendance were
Janine Schueppert, Aleda Drewes and Dick Yehle.
2. Non-Residential Zoning Regulations. Mr. Wilson asked Mr. Snyder to lead the
discussion regarding this item and why it was placed back on the agenda since an
ordinance was approved in March by City Council regarding the subject. Mr. Snyder
explained that he was not satisfied with the motion to change the PNC regulations
regarding structures in the new Town Center Commercial District. He felt that one of the
main reasons for the regulations pertaining to the TCC district was to enable those
existing property owners to rebuild what they had exactly as it exists without having to
obtain too many special permissions from another board. He felt that members of the
community had the same opinion and would be happier with the new ordinance if there
were some way to make that change. A discussion ensued regarding the procedure to
possibly amend the existing ordinance. Mrs. Janine Schueppert also stated the reasons
why she and other residents did not agree with the TCC provisions of the ordinance
regarding reduced parking and rear situated parking. Mr. Snyder had prepared a list of
situations and possible scenarios that were then discussed. Mrs. Schueppert was invited
to collect and prepare supporting evidence and data regarding her concerns and return to
the May 14, 2015 meeting to resume discussion of the TCC district provisions, most
specifically the parking ratio and rear situated parking areas.
3. Miscellaneous Zoning Ordinance Amendments. Richard Wilson asked Debbie
Scarcella, City Planner, to briefly explain the agenda item and then go through each item
individually for discussion.
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3800 University Boulevard ( West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov
The city of West University Place
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a. "Through lots". Debbie Scarcella explained that this regulation pertained to lots
(other than corner lots) or building sites that fronted two different streets. In a note to
the setback table, a "through lot" shall be treated as if there were two front yard
setbacks. This would prohibit structures above ground and fences from being
constructed in those front yard areas. The table currently only references single-
family districts to see note 1 when in reality, the note should apply across all districts.
A discussion followed regarding flag shaped lots. Staff was instructed to prepare a
possible amendment and bring back for further discussion.
b. Small accessory structures. This item is regarding small accessory structures such
as benches, fountains, sculptures, arbors, trellises, etc. that are placed in yards or
setbacks. These structures are generally attached to the ground or attached to another
structure or object in the ground, or too heavy for someone to pick up and move by
themselves. They then fall under the definition of a structure and so are limited by
the projection schedule in the setbacks. A discussion followed regarding how to
regulate these structures. No instructions were given to pursue possible regulations
regarding this item.
c. Curb Cuts. Several applications for additional curb cuts, especially on corner sites,
have been heard by the ZBA in the last two years. There is an existing special
exception that authorizes the ZBA to grant permission for more than one curb cut per
the conditions of a special exception. The thought was to allow staff to authorize
these curb cuts on corner lots only and only if the building sites were more than 60'
wide. Staff was instructed to prepare a possible amendment and bring back to the
May 14 meeting for further discussion.
d. Definition changes. Possibly look at the definition of school, public and school,
other and the definition of a through lot and how it pertains to flag lot. ZPC asked for
this item to be placed on the May 14 agenda for further discussion.
4. Minutes.
February 12, 2015. Motion to approve the minutes by Richard Wilson. Second by
Connie Clark. Motion carried.
5. Executive Session (if necessary). Not used.
Adjournment. Sam Parikh made a motion to adjourn. Second by Connie Clark. Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
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3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov 2 TOP
The City of West University Place
A .Neighborhood Cita,
PASSED THIS DAY OF_ _, 2015.
Richard J Wilson, Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Debbie Scarcella, City Planner
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3800 University Boulevard I West University Place, TX 77005 I www.westutx.gov