HomeMy WebLinkAbout07101980 ZPC Minutes4'7
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REGULAR MEETING
ZONING AND PLANNING COPM4ISSION
JULY 10, 1980
:The Zoning and Planning Commission of the City of West University Place convened
in regular session at the City Hall, Thursday, July 10, 1980, 7:30 p.m., with the
.following members present: .Chairman Casey, presiding; Members Abell, Farrell, La-
Cook and Norton.
The Chairman ascertained frorri the secretary that notice of meeting had been post-
ed on July 3, 1980 meeting requirements of posting at least three days before a
meeting.
Chairman Casey introduced himself and gave his residence in the city followed by
other Commission members.
Bob Atkins, Planner, Don Kirkland, John Riddle and George Panthe, representing the'
Westover Corporation, presented preliminary plot plans for .the construction of
townhouses on
.Lots 1-and 2, Block 4
West University Place 15t Addition
3100 block of Bellaire Blvd.
Northwest corner of Bellaire and
Vanderbilt
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for consideration.
Mr. Atkinson stated they proposed to construct twelve townhouses with entry off
Vanderbilt into an interior court; that thirteen unblocked guest parking spaces
were provided, which is one in excess of the ordinance requirement, and on site
two car garage parking for each unit. Mr. Atkinson pointed out. that the architect
had made an error on the presented plans in showing the property lines which would
be corrected and he .asked that the fence at the southwest corner, adjacent to the
driveway of the adjcanet (west) townhouse project, be angled so as to provide better
vision from vehicles leaving the adjoining project onto Bellaire.
Mr. Norton questioned the availibility of guest parking,.spaces at garage entryways
of the units approaching the cul-de-sac. Stating if the owner of the units did
not park in the garage or only partially in his garage these spaces might not
be available for guest parking, although the plan did meet the requirements for
guest parking.
Those representing Westover Corporation stated that this problem of owner's using
guest parking spaces is handled by the project association and prohibited.
Mr. Abell stated that this appeared to be an internal problem within the project
and does not effect any public street.
Sub-Section J. Maximum Length of a Continuous .Row of Dwelling Units which reads:
"The maximum number of dwelling units in a continuous row shall be not more-than
four (4) units, unless a row of dwelling units faces on a street frontage, in
which case the maximum length of a continuous row shall be 200 feet".
and
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Sub-Section N.(3). Driveway and Access Roads which reads: "If owners of two or more
adjoining properties develop their properties either jointly or separately, then
they shall coordinate the design and layout of access driveways in such away that
the driveways on all properties act as a single- on site :access and circulation
system" were discussed with the developers.
Mr. Farrell-stated that in his opinion the intent of the above sections is fire
safety and the plans should be considered in that aspect although it may not be
achieved by the strict letter of the ordinance.
Mr. Abell stated that he felt the plans should meet the requirements of the ordi-
nance and that he thought this was quite clear.
All members and representatives of the developers discussed various methods in
which the strict adherence could be achieved including a five foot separation
between units on the north of the property. Mr. Atkinson expressed the opinion
that this five foot separation would tend to either be .concreted over and-used as
a "catch all" or become a "weed patch".
In discussion of the driveway development between the .two projects, aesthetics of
the project and the keeping of this project separate from one which has existed
for several years was considered. It was also pointed out that the driveway on
the adjoining project of Bellaire Blvd. is in violation of the ordinance, but
at the time of approval thereof, traffic flow and fire safety were evidently con-
sidered and approved on .the basis of these factors.
A discussion of responsibility of the Commission concerning approvals on the letter
of the ordinance or interpreting-the intent and spirit of the ordinance to achieve
a better project for the city and the developer ensued.
Motion by Mr. LaCook, seconded by Mr. Farrell, that the plans for the construction
of twelve townhouses on
Lots 1 and 2, Block 4
West University Place 1st Addition
3100 block of Bellaire Boulevard
Northwest corner of Bellaire and
Vanderbilt
be approved as presented, subject to approval by the Fire Chief concerning acces s
to units for fire fighting without the five foot separation in the rear north
units, and subject to compliance with all building codes, or other governing ordi~:
nances, whether or not herein specified, for any subsequent construction.
Members again entered into a discussion of approval of plans by literal interpre-
tation or interpretation of the intent and spirit of the ordinance being achieved
in a good or better manner.
Mr. Casey asked that Mr. LaCook amend his ordinance to add:
"subject to submittal of drawings showing property lines .and setbacks and modifi-
cation of fence line".
Mr. LaCook accepted this amendment.
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Mr. Abell stated that he agreed in part to interpretation of intent and spirit but
that the responsibility of the Fire Chief in giving an opinion more or less put bim
on a "spot", and that his thought was that the Fire Chief should be involved in a
consideration of changing the ordinance.
Mr. Casey stated that he thought the Commission is trying to protect as best it
can the visual concept of what people are going to see - people on the north and.
west - and that it needs to be involved with an overall appearance and that to him
that is the spirit of the ordinance in continuity with safety of the project.
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Voting Aye: Casey
Farrell
LaCook
Norton
Voting No: Abell
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Zoning and Planning Commission on April 10,
1980 were approved as submitted.
The Chairman was requested to answer correspondence from bor. and Mrs. Jesse J. Lee
concerning a,denial of subdivision of a lot which they own.
With no further business to come before the Commission, upon motion duly made,
seconded and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
APPROVED:
Secret
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