HomeMy WebLinkAbout01122023 ZPC Agenda Item 6 L
West University
Place
6. Artificial Turf
TX BBG CONSULTING,INC.
6
Zoning & Planning Commission
City of West University Place, Texas
3800 University Boulevard
West University Place, Texas, 77005
January 12, 2023
Honorable Mayor &
Members of the City Council
City of West University Place
3800 University Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77005
Subject: Preliminary report on the current Zoning Ordinance
of the City of West University Place, Texas ("City")
relating to requirements for the installation of
artificial turf.
To the Honorable Mayor & Members of City Council:
The Zoning and Planning Commission (the `Commission") of the
City submits this, its preliminary report, having proposed
modifications to the Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the installation
of artificial turf in front-yard landscape areas.
Existing Ordinance provisions for front-yard landscaping. The
Zoning Ordinance defines a front yard as the part of a building
site included in the required yard (or setback area) measured from
the street line or defined by a front building line. Note 7 of Table
7-3: Open & Pervious Areas requires that all pervious areas in a
front yard must be natural vegetation or landscape areas that
receive rainwater and allow it to pass through or be absorbed.
Analysis. The current language of Note 7, Table 7-3: Open &
Pervious Areas does not specify whether artificial turf may be used
in lieu of natural grass for landscape areas in a front yard. In
pursuit of clarifying the City' s position on allowing the
installation of such artificial turf, an update to the current
Zoning Ordinance is required.
Recommendation. Based on the review given by the Zoning and
Planning Commission regarding the installation of artificial turf,
it has been recommended that changes be made to the Zoning Ordinance
at this time. This review has concluded that the existing note on
pervious area requirements for front yard landscape areas needs
further clarifying language. The language shall clarify that
artificial turf may be used in lieu of natural vegetation, provided
that such artificial turf is of a natural green color consistent
with the character of the immediate neighborhood.
6.1
The Vote. The vote on approval of this report was as follows:
Motion to approve the report was made by Wilson.
Motion to approve the report was seconded by Fisher.
Cutrer, Mazzu, Powell, Fisher, Howard, Takashima, and Wilson voted "aye".
All members were present and there were no abstentions.
Respectfully Submitted:
ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS
Chair, Zoning and Planning Commission
6.2
Existing Provisions within the Zoning Ordinance for Front-yard Landscaping in
Open & Pervious Areas:
Sec. 7-101. - Regulations, tables, etc. - Table 7-3: Open & Pervious Areas
Note 7. All pervious areas in a front yard must be natural vegetation or landscape
areas that receive rainwater and allow it to pass through or be absorbed.
Amended Provisions within the Zoning Ordinance for Front-yard Landscaping in
Open & Pervious Areas:
Sec. 7-101. - Regulations, tables, etc. - Table 7-3: Open & Pervious Areas
Note 7. All pervious areas in a front yard must be natural vegetation or
landscaped area that receives rainwater and allows it to pass through or be
absorbed. Artificial turf may be used in lieu of grass for landscaped areas,
provided it is a natural green color that is consistent with the character of
the neighborhood. Final approval of artificial turf shall be subject to the
approval of the Administrative Official.
6.3