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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02132025 ZPC Agenda Item 5 City oi West University Place Public Works Department Zoning & Planning Commission MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD MEETING MINUTES November 6, 2024 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Powell STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker, Asst. Public Works Director, Brett Cast, Planning & Zoning Administrator Chris Guess, Permit Technician, Trina Tribble and Zoning Officials Evan DuVall and Jordan Cruz GUEST: Councilmember, Clay Brett, Sam Harwell, Janet Crow, Carlos Ryerson and Juliana Bertini Brown 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. John Cutrer, Presiding Officer, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. John Cutrer asked staff to confirm that appropriate notices were given. Brett Cast stated notices were posted per state and local laws. John Cutrer asked commission members and staff to introduce themselves. Chris Guess, Planning & Zoning Administrator introduced himself 2. Public Comments. Sam Harwell spoke regarding mechanical equipment, stating he would recommend consulting with an industrial noise control specialist. Mr. Harwell also spoke regarding retaining walls stating he does not think the ZPC should move forward without a very clear problem statement regarding what problems exist. 3. City Council Updates. Clay Brett provided weekly update on City Council activities that included the brick pavers replacement on Buffalo Speedway and pedestrian safety on major thoroughfares; particularly on Buffalo Speedway and Weslayan. Upcoming agenda discussion items is Phase 3 and 4 Fire Department options for the Facilities Master Plan. 4. Docket 2024-0006 and 2024-0007, 6714 & 6718 Belmont St., Houston, TX 77005, Replat. Jennifer Hamelet with Mirador Custom Homes presented plans for the townhome 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Public Works Department Place project on the property, requesting a 20-foot setback instead of the typically 10-foot townhouse setback. In 2017, a 30-foot setback was originally established. Carlos Ryerson, 6700 Belmont St. spoke in objections to the replat. Concerns were raised by the Belmont Oaks HOA regarding parking, safety concerns associated with cars that are trying to back onto the street and not have a clear view, tree impacts and the existing dilapidated house on the property. Janet Crow, 6706 Belmont St. stated her major concern was that the setback does not get moved up further and how long it is taking for the existing dilapidated house to be demolished. Evan DuVall explained the history and rational behind the replat request. City staff provided background on the setback issue and recommended conditional approval of the replat, subject to the inclusion of the presented site plan. ACTION: Sam Mazzu made a motion for conditional approval of the replat, subject to the inclusion of the presented site plan. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: John Cutrer. Motion approved. 5. Discussion Items from City Council. • HVAC Unit Location — Evan DuVall provided an update on the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance that were discussed at the previous meeting. City staff identified that the proposed ordinance changes would unintentionally impact HVAC units, not just generators as intended. Upon further discussion, staff realized that the proposed changes were too broad and would have unintended consequences. Staff stated another month was needed to refine the ordinance and ensure it meets the necessary standards. ACTION: After discussion, the ZPC asked staff to table this item until staff revised the proposed ordinance for mechanical equipment to specifically address generators and coordinate the language with the Building and Standards Commission(BSC). • Retaining Walls — Evan DuVall stated the current ordinance primarily addresses retaining walls that are six inches or less. However, city staff found that some properties require a greater height, as six inches is insufficient to effectively retain the front yard. In response, the city has revised the section on retaining walls to allow for heights between six and 24 inches. Additionally, many of these cases involve trees. As always, in alignment with West University's Tree City USA designation, the city carefully reviews all permits to ensure tree health is maintained. These retaining wall adjustments will not change that commitment. 3826 Amherst St. www.zvestutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 r City of West University Place Public Works Department However, the city also observed that a significant number of retaining walls in the community have not been constructed in accordance with existing guidelines, which is another issue this needs to be addressed moving forward. Another key aspect of this proposed ordinance is that it clearly defines how retaining walls are measured. It is crucial for consistency and enforcement. There was general discussion regarding other sections of the ordinance that references retaining walls and to make sure they were consistent with each other. Evan DuVall stated the language would be coordinated in each section so that when it is adopted, there is no confusion. ACTION: After discussion the ZPC decided to wait to get BSC's recommendations before preparing a final preliminary report for City Council. 6. Meeting Minutes. Sam Mazzu made a motion to approve October 10, 2024, minutes as amended. Second by John Howard. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. [Adjournment] Myrenda Takashima made a motion to adjourn. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. PASSED THIS DAY OF , 2025. John Cutrer, Chairman ATTEST: Ms. Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 • City of West University p Place Public Works Department Zoning & Planning Commission MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD MEETING MINUTES January 9, 2025 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu and Myrenda Takashima MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Powell and John Howard STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker and Planning & Zoning Administrator Chris Guess GUEST: Councilmember, Clay Brett, Sam Harwell 1. Notices, Rules, Etc. John Cutrer, Presiding Officer, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. John Cutrer asked staff to confirm that appropriate notices were given. Chris Guess stated notices were posted per state and local laws. 2. Public Comments. Clay Brett provided recent City Council updates including the upgrades to the city's wastewater treatment plant. Bids are expected soon. The Facilities Master Plan for the Community Center and library is progressing, with ongoing negotiations around parking and land use. The city is considering a progressive pricing structure for residential water usage to encourage conservation. Pedestrian safety concerns have also been raised at the intersection of Academy St. and Bissonnet St., which is outside the city's jurisdiction but an area of focus. Sam Harwell provided context on the challenges homeowners face with generator noise and placement and noted that manufacturers do not provide clear information on noise levels to consumers. 3. Discussion Items from City Council. • HVAC/Generator Placement—Chris Guess provided background on the ongoing discussion pertaining to generator placement regulations. This item has been examined under the broader category of mechanical equipment, and as this item was initially looked at relocating generators, the city started to consider other ancillary equipment, such as HVAC units. Factors like manufacturers' recommended separations, underground utility lines, and other logistical 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Place Public Works Department concerns have all played a role in these discussions. There was general discussion whether the city should be enforcing noise regulations for generators, especially during power outages and suggested considering raising the decibel limit rather than lowering it. There was general discussion on balancing the need for safety and noise mitigation with the practical challenges of implementing new regulations, especially on existing properties. Chris Guess suggested generators be separated from other mechanical equipment regulations to address the issue more directly. ACTION: After discussion, ZPC suggested tabling this item,pending further review by the Building and Standards Commission(BSC). • Sight Distance Analysis at Major Thoroughfares — Chris Guess presented a staff report on considering additional visibility requirements at major intersections and proposed a sight distance analysis to ensure clear visibility to drivers. There was general discussion acknowledging the potential challenges with enforcing such requirements on existing commercial properties. Staff reviewed the applicable regulations and the existing street visibility triangle. For many of the internal residential streets with a 25-mph speed limit, the current visibility standards are sufficient. Within West University, the city can generally maintain clear sightlines without causing driver inconvenience or reducing visibility. However, when approaching major roads such as Kirby, Bissonnet, Holcombe, or Bellaire, the city has considered implementing an additional measure beyond the existing street visibility triangle. While the current regulations have been in place and consistently enforced, the city believes an improvement may be beneficial at these higher traffic intersections. The ZPC members suggested exploring other solutions, such as protected left turns, to address safety concerns. ACTION: The ZPC agreed to wait for the completion of the visibility study before considering taking any further action. [Adjournment] Dick Yehle made a motion to adjourn. Second by Doug Rephlo. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu and Myrenda Takashima. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830 City of West University Place Public Works Department PASSED THIS DAY OF ,2025. John Cutrer, Chairman ATTEST: Ms. Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator 3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830