HomeMy WebLinkAbout01082026 ZPC Minutes West University Place Public Works Department
Zoning & Planning Commission
Municipal Building
3800 University Boulevard
MEETING MINUTES
January 08,2026
Name Role/Function
John Cutrer Chair(Zoning and Planning Commission)
Sam Mazzu, III Commissioner(Voting Member)
John Howard Commissioner(Voting Member)
Allan Elkowitz Commissioner(Voting Member) (Absent)
Dick Yehle Commissioner(Voting Member)
Carolyn Galfione Commissioner(Voting Member)
Doug Rephlo Commissioner(Voting Member)
Christopher Guess Planning and Zoning Administrator(City Staff)
Chuck Sandifer Chief Building Official (City Staff) (Not Present)
Josie Hayes Administrative Coordinator(City Staff)
Philip Boedeker City Attorney (Olson& Olson)
I. Call to Order, Introductions, and Procedures
• Meeting Called to Order:
Chair John Cutrer called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM and confirmed the meeting was properly
posted in accordance with state and local requirements.
• Roll Call/Introductions:
Commissioners, City Staff, and members of the public introduced themselves. A quorum was present.
• Public Comments (Non-Agenda Items):
Multiple members of the public provided comments primarily related to yard art and outdoor
sculptures, including concerns regarding:
o Notification of property owners
o Safety and structural integrity
o Longstanding presence of yard art
o Artistic expression and First Amendment considerations
Chair Cutrer clarified that yard art was not an action item on the agenda and that comments would be noted
for future consideration.
II. Discussion Item: City Council Requested Zoning and Ordinance Topics
Presenter: Christopher Guess, Planning and Zoning Administrator
Background
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University Place Public Works Department
• Mr. Guess presented a staff overview of topics requested by City Council following the December
City Council meeting.
• He explained that the Commission's role is to review existing ordinances, evaluate potential
regulatory tools, and provide recommendations back to City Council.
Topics Identified for ZPC Review
• Sexually Oriented Businesses
• Other Restricted Businesses (e.g.,pawn shops,predatory lenders, head shops,tattoo studios)
• Yard Art and Sculptures
• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Lighting Ordinance
• Kirby Drive Zoning and Land Use Review
• Exterior Beautification
Staff Direction and Discussion
• Mr. Guess reviewed existing West University Place regulations and compared them with benchmark
cities, including Bellaire, Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek Village, and Webster.
• Discussion focused on:
o State limitations on prohibiting sexually oriented businesses
o Use of location, distance, and buffering regulations as effective tools
o Potential expansion of buffer distances from residential areas, schools, parks, and municipal
facilities
o Clarifying and strengthening ordinance definitions to align with state law
• Commissioners discussed prioritizing topics based on City Council direction and community interest.
• Yard art and sculpture discussions were acknowledged as generating significant public interest and
were recommended to be formally agendized for future meetings.
Consensus Direction
• The Commission provided consensus directions for staff to:
o Prioritize review of sexually oriented businesses and other restricted businesses
o Continuing early and ongoing review of Kirby Drive zoning and land use
o Elevate yard art and sculpture discussions to a higher priority for future agendas
• Staff will return with draft ordinances, GIS buffer analysis, and recommendations for
Commission review.
No formal action or vote was taken.
III. Other Business
• Approval of Previous Minutes:
No prior meeting minutes were presented for review or approval. Staff advised that pending minutes
will be included on the next agenda.
• Future Meetings:
Staff confirmed the next regular Zoning and Planning Commission meeting will occur in accordance
with the adopted meeting schedule.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
West University Place Public Works Department
IV. Adjournment
• Motion to adjourn made by Carolyn Galfione
• Seconded by John Howard
• Vote: Unanimous
• Noes: None
Meeting Adjourned.
14 � J PASSED THIS � DAY OF ,2026.
John Cutrer,Cha' a
ATTEST: 70ti /twte
Planning Technician
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830