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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1634 - joint public hearing on a comprehensive plan ~ ..:l;' ORDINANCE NO. 1634 AN ORDINANCE CALLING A JOINT PUBLIC HEARING ON A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE CITY OF WEST ~NIVERSITY PLACE, TEXAS; CONTAINING FINDINGS AND OTHER PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE SUBJECT; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. WHEREAS, the Zoning and Planning Commission ("Z&PC") of the City of West University. Place, Texas ("City") has. submitted a proposed comprehensive plan for the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to call a joint publiC hearing on such proposal; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY ~OUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE: Section 1. The City Council hereby calls a joint public hearing before the City Council and Z&PC on the proposed comprehensive plan attached as Exhibit A. The hearing shall be held in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building, 3800 University Boulevard, West University Place, Texas 77005 during the City Council meeting setto begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 13,2000. The hearing may be recessed and continued to the City Council meeting set to begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 27, 2000 at the same place. Section2. The purpose for the hearing is to provide an 0pportunity for the public to give testimony and present written evidence in connection with the proposed comprehensive plan. Section 3. The procedures for adopti.on of the plan shallibe as follows: (1) notice as required by this ordinance, (2) hearing as called by this ordinance, (3) review and report by the Z&PC, and (4) vote by the City Council on the qu~stion of adoption. Section 4. The City Secretary shall give notice of such h;earing as prescribed by this section. The notice shall be published in a newspaper of g~neral circulation in the City at least once on or before the 16th day preceding the date bf the hearing. In addition, the notice shall be mailed to the persons on the mailing list for a regular edition of the "City Currents" newsletter. The notices shall be deposited in the United States mail on or before ninth day preceding the date of the hearing, properly addressed with postage prepaid. The notices may be included within the newsletter or may be separate. The City Council specifically approves giving combin~d notice of two or more hearings in a single notice document, as this would save money and also provide better information about the {ull scope of pending matters to all intere~ted persons. '" Section 5. The City staff is authorized to make all neces!?ary arrangements for the hearing and to assist the Zoning and Planning Commission pnd the City Council. Section 6. If any word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragrflph, section or other part of this ordinance, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, shall ever be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, the ,~;:..~ --.. r. _.__._-_.~~---._----- ..1----- r - .. ... '11 ,1 li::I I . 11 '!ii:::II-r~ ------------~--------,~~y!frrr-"r""~-l---------'--- - remainder of this ordinance and the application of such word, phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, section or other part of this ordinance to any other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of the conflict only. Section 7. The City Council officially finds, determines and declares that sufficient written notice of the date, hour, place and subject of each meeting at which this ordinance was discussed, considered or acted upon was given in the manner required by the Open Meetings Law, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code,as amended, and that such meeting has been open to the public as required by law at all times during such discussion, consideration and action. The City Council ratifies, approves and confirms such notices and the contents and posting thereof. Section 8. Because the proposal to adopt a comprehensive plan is vitally important and should be considered at the earliest possible date, a state of emergency is declared requiring that this ordinance be read and adopted finally atthis meeting. Accordingly, this ordinance shall be adopted finally on first reading and shall become effective immediately upon adoption and signature. ( PASSED AND APPROVED on first reading, this ~y of ~> , 2000. Voting Aye: Voting Nay: Absent: ~l~..~~/ Mayor ~ ATTEST: (Seal) ~~4 b58:\54ocomp WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE Comprehensive Plan 2000 Article I PURPOSE Section 1.01 Introduction The Comprehensive Plan "Plan" is established for the general health, safety, and public welfare of the citizens of West University Place. Its purpose is to promote orderly development, and good government, while encouraging responsible commerce in the city. The Plan is a policy document to be used as a framework for implementing community goals and objectives and a guide for decisions involving capital improvements, zoning and subdivision matters, neighborhood - safety, community appearance, regulatory issues and other matters of similar importance. Unless otherwise specified by the City Charter, the relationship between this Plan and the City's various development regulations is defmed by separate ordinance. That ordinance, which is codified in Chapter I of the City's Code of Ordinances, also provides standards for determining the consistency required between this Plan and development regulations and establishes procedures for adopting and amending a comprehensive plan. Section 1.02 Mission Statement Inasmuch as the city is almost completely developed, and most of its land area is devoted to single-family residential uses, the Plan's goal is to maintain and encourage the traditional residential character of West University Place as a friendly, safe, economically stable, and attractive community while minimizing any adverse effects of non-residential development and uses. Article II mSTORICAL West University was created from an area of swampland west of Rice University off Old Spanish Trail. In 1912, the governor of Tennessee, Ben Hooper, bought 750 acres for a community of country homes outside the city of Houston. The area was advertised as an exclusive neighborhood, but was not initially popular. Most of the first citizens were families who moved to Houston so the men could work at Rice University as professors. r== ___h.__ .,If,l! 11__1 il lli:.';,]J:: I lilliI..-. -- ---~1::r1T'C7T~-- r==' Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 2 Many publications advertised West University Place as an attractive cozy neighborhood. Development began in the early 1920's. The area was described by many as a virtual treeless prairie. In the Second Addition of West University Place, the builder tried to make the area seem more prestigious by. naming the streets after colleges and universities. Many of the original homes were two-story structures, small cottages, and bungalows. A rural-like atmosphere derived from numerous fruit, flower and vegetable gardens. West University Place - was incorporated in 1924 with approximately 40 families. Incorporation brought higher taxes, a city hall, fIre station, street improvements with curbs and gutters, and organized police and fire protection. As a "Home Ru1e Charter" city, the municipality has a "Council-Manager" form of government. Five homes built prior to 1920 and 165 homes built between 1920 and 1929 remained in 1999. Since the 1980's, West University Place has experienced signifIcant private urban development. Many of the original bungalows and cottages have been replaced with large two-story custom-built homes. Article ITI DEMOGRAPIDCS The population of West University Place was greatest in the 1950's when the count peaked a bit over 17,000. A low of 12,010 was reached in the 1980's. In 1999, the population was estimated to be 13,200 living in 5,600 homes. Since the year 2000 is a federal census year, there shou1d be an accurate count of all citizens, pre- school children, teenagers, adu1ts, and senior citizens. Article IV LAND USE Section 4.01 Single Family Residential (a) The architectural character and enduring charm. of West University Place is manifest principally in its first generation single-family detached garage residences. The city shou1d encourage the preservation, maintenance and where possible the enhancement of the original housing stock where applicable. ,';1 r -If,l' 'I I ,lj :1, 11!rl:1I :]1111111... I "I~d"r" Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 3 (b) The city should continuously monitor the density, scale, placement, quality and nature of any new residences, replacement residences and additions to insure consistency and compatibility to existing development. Where possible, the city should encourage the construction of single-family detached garage homes. (c) Single-family residential districts must be protected from commercial and non-single family uses. Buffering and visual screening should be required between residential districts and both non single-family residential and commercial land use. (c) Ingress and egress to higher intensity land uses should be designed so that non-local traffic will be discouraged from passing directly through single-family residential districts. Section 4.02 _Non Single-Family Residential (a) Non single-family residential development in the form of medium to higher density cluster development may only be permitted on the periphery of the city or in areas properly zoned. (b) The general orientation of non single-family residential land use should recognize the sensitive relationship to it's abutting residential district. (c) All uses adjacent to single-family residential districts must be properly buffered, screened and regulated as to parking, height and density. Section 4.03 Parks and Open Space The city parks and recreation areas contribute to the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens. The city should develop and adhere to a master park and maintenance plan that serves the needs of the citizens. The city should evaluate future opportunities to acquire additional land within the city limits as it becomes available. Section 4.04 Zoning Ordinance (a) The city's zoning ordinance shall serve as the regulatory resource for the development of all land use and other general physical development considerations. By careful and consistent application of the zoning ordinance, the city is obliged to preserve and enhance property values and the .. ,"e," I "".Ir Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 4 traditional character. of the community and quality of life for its residents. (b) The existing zoning ordinance should be frequently reviewed and amended as necessary to strive for easy understanding of a document that better reflects expectations of the citizens and continue to better serve the community in the future. (c) Zoning ordinances shall be complementary to the building code standards. (d) Unless otherwise specified in the City Charter, the relationship between this Plan and the City's various development. regulations, including the zoning ordinance, is defmed by separate ordinance. See Section 1.01, above. Article V PEmPHERALDEVELOPMENT Section 5.01 General (a) The peripheral area of the city, constituting lots facing on major thoroughfares, presents the greatest challenge to the city. The development of its periphery should have a quality and appearance equal to or better than its interior. The city should encourage the maintenance and upgrading of existing structures and the redevelopment in these areas with high quality development. The periphery of the city not located on major thoroughfares (as well as Bissonnet Ave. within the city) is zoned for single-family use and should remain as such. (b) The peripheral area zoned for non single-family, commercial use, should not be expanded. Commercial uses which are compatible with close proximity to single,.. family residential neighborhoods and are appropriately. buffered, screened and regulated as to parking, height, and density may be allowed. Signs and lighting should be restricted to prevent visual pollution. Zoning procedures such as planned development districts should be considered. as a tool to encourage redevelopment. Factors relevant to a peripheral property should include: major thoroughfare traffic characteristics, historic use, adjacent residential properties, size, ingress and egress, and the nature of the existing development on the major thoroughfare. --_._.,","~Y."Ef!T"'T==-T""--' Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 5 (c) The city should make capital improvements and consider innovative techniques to encourage and support redevelopment of peripheral areas and coordinate within the cities of Houston and Southside Place regarding the major thoroughfares within those jurisdictions. Lots zoned for townhouses on Kirby Drive between University Boulevard and Plumb Street should have the attention of the city. Section 5.02 Signs (a) The city's boundaries should be clearly identified to visually distinguish the City of West University Place and its boundaries from those of the cities of Houston, Bellaire, and Southside Place. (b) All signs should be strictly regulated to prevent visual pollution. Article VI TRAFFIC Section 6.01 General The city should continue to encourage the separation of pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the existing roadway system. Since new roadways are unlikely, the city should encourage a citizen-directed traffic task force to monitor and make recommendations relating to traffic flow. Section 6.02 Maintenance Street and road maintenance and repair should have constant high priority. Repairs should be done efficiently with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience to residents and be coordinated with management of infrastructure projects. Section 6.03 Parking Street storage of vehicles and street parking should be.discouraged where possible to prevent impeding the easy flow of traffic. Section 6.04 Enforcement The city should promote a high level of enforcement of traffic laws for the safety of all citizens. -~.-."'-.=-=--'---c==;-_."""==-rr- ,_. ----~1 - nr;] 1!.lll.lU ------TI'1;--'-- - - - F"-' Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 6 Article VII PUBLIC UTILITIES Section 7.01 General The current city public services dedicated to water, sewer, drainage and street pavement are in. the process of being replaced throughout the total city. The city is encouraged to complete the infrastructure improvements in progress and develop a repair and maintenance program to insure the maximal uninterruptable delivery of utilities at peak efficiency to all residents. The city should closely monitor drainage matters to encourage the efficient evacuation of storm water so as not to affect neighboring lots. No new development should be allowed. within the city unless the required public utilities needed to support such proposed development are in place. The city is encouraged to explore innovative ways to conceal, as in the case of personal wireless service facilities, and relocate utilities underground where feasible so as to minimize impact upon city streetscapeandpublic ways. Section 7.02 Lighting The city should evaluate the existing street lighting plan and encourage the implementation of appropriate additional lighting to serve as a safety measure and deterrent to criminal activity for all residents as well as promote safer vehicular and pedestrian movement. Section 7.03 Sidewalks (a) The city should encourage all organized plan to insure that sidewalks are available in all parts ofthe city for the safety of all citizens. Such plan should be tailored in such a way to be neighborhood specific and with tree. preservation as a major concern. ( c) Because the majority of older sidewalks will be replaced within the next fifteen years at the sites of older homes due to redevelopment of new housing, a major replacement program would not be required if an adequate repair program. is instigated. Hence, the city should establish a priority for 1) construction of new sidewalks where there are none and 2) repair of sidewalks. .. 11 r ...-.- -I'- --- nr.1 .'111 11111 r -..-----.------,----------------~-==T~---'-'-- Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 7 Article VIII TOWN CENTER Section 8.01 General (a) Approximately a 25-acre area which includes West University Elementary, the city's administration building, and related facilities, West University Baptist Church, Harris County Library Branch, West University Methodist Church and the retail area on Edloe constitute the Town Center. Most interaction between citizens occurs in this area, through municipal functions, educational activities, shopping, religious activities/programs and youth sports. Much of the "small town" atmosphere so prized by citizens of the city derives from the interactions in the Town Center. The Town Center is a "mixed use" area, containing government, education, religious, recreation and retail uses. The Town Center and its existing uses should be preserved and enhanced. Expansion into adjacent residential neighborhoods should be discouraged. Increase in square footage of any particular use in the Town Center should be regulated to the extent legally possible to prevent negative impact on adjacent areas. Section 8.02 Town Center Retail District ("Center") (a) The economic viability of the Town Center Retail District ("Center") on Edloe should be preserved to benefit city residents. The land in the Center should be restricted to compatible commercial and other uses and should be consistent with close proximity to single-family residential neighborhoods. These areas must be buffered, screened, and regulated as to parking, height and density so as to minimize any detrimental effects. Renovation, redevelopment and beautification of the Center should be encouraged. Techniques to encourage and support redevelopment should be explored. Input from the Center owners and business operators is needed in developing new regulations. (b) The city should make necessary capital improvements to support and upgrade the Town Center with specific emphasis on sidewalks, bicycle lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, lighting, signs and parking. r> 1'1 .. I .. nTl .11 Ilu"r ~1TI~ r - Comprehensive Plan 2000 . Page 8 Article IX ESTABLISHED INSTITUTIONS Section 9.01 General (a) Established institutions in West University Place (other than those relating to traffic, parks, protective services and public works addressed elsewhere in this Comprehensive Plan) impact the city's future. These institutions include West University Elementary School (HISD), St. Mark's Episcopal School, Harris County Library Branch, several churches (St. Mark's Episcopal, West University Baptist, St. Andrew's Presbyterian, West University Church of Christ, and St. George's Orthodox), Southwest Y.M.C.A. and the city's own municipal facilities. Each of these is located either in the Town Center or on the city's periphery. ' (b) The city benefits from the continued existence of the listed established institutions and their continued viability. The city should discourage the expansion of these facilities. Any increase in the square footage of buildings should be regulated, to the extent legally possible, in order to protect the primary residential character of the city and specifically to protect adjacent residential development from any negative impact from the expansion of these established institutions. Section 9.02 Education Facilities Due to its size and location in the Town Center, the city should encourage the enhancement of West University Elementary in both its physical facilities and quality of educational experience. The city should exercise all possible efforts to encourage RI.S.D. to maximize resource allocation to West University Elementary. Article ~ ENVIRONMENT As a community that prides itself on aggressive recycling and energy conservation program efforts, the city should continue to encourage and facilitate the systematic collection of renewable materials and maintain and improve its central recycling facilities. The city should establish policies to implement environmental measures. - ]':J. _. '11L.11Jl.A.rI: "III" -----, . (~- --. . - ] "m-.1