HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 01/15/2014 MINUTES
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall Council Chambers
January 15, 2014
5:30 P.M.
COMMISSIONERS: STAFF:
Philip Ramirez, Chairman Barney Williams, P.E., Major Projects
Chris Hamilton, Vice Chairman* Engineer, Development Services
Mark Adame* Miguel Saldana, AICP, Senior Planner
Fred Braselton Julian Grant, Senior Assistant City
Marco Castillo Attorney
Mike Lippincott*** Annika Gunning, Project Manager
Curtis Rock** Linda Williams, Recording Secretary
Eric Villarreal
Marsha Williams
*Absent
**Arrived at 5:35 p.m.
***Arrived at 5:40 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chairman Ramirez and a quorum was
declared.
II. APPROVAL OF ABSENCES
Chairman Ramirez stated a separate vote would be taken on his absence upon arrival of
another commissioner since there would not be a quorum because he could not vote.
Motion to approve the absences for Vice Chairman Hamilton and Commissioner Adame
for the December 18, 2013 meeting was made by Commissioner Braselton and seconded by
Commissioner Castillo. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton, Commissioners Adame,
Rock and Lippincott absent.
Upon arrival of Commissioner Rock, a motion to approve the absence for Chairman
Ramirez for the December 18, 2013 meeting was made by Commissioner Villarreal and
seconded by Commissioner Braselton. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton,
Commissioners Adame and Lippincott absent.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. December 18, 2013 Meeting
Motion to approve Item "1,"the December 18, 2013 minutes as distributed, was made by
Commissioner Castillo and seconded by Commissioner Villarreal. Motion passed with Vice
Chairman Hamilton and Commissioner Adame absent.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 15,2014
Page 2
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS—DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
A. PLATS
Time Extensions
Miguel Saldana, Development Services, read Time Extensions Items "2" into record as
shown below. Mr. Saldana stated the applicant's representative submitted a request for a six-
month time extension to allow additional time for a fire hydrant to be installed. Mr. Saldana stated
all associated fees and requirements were previously paid and satisfied and the installation of the
fire hydrant was the final item to be completed before the plat could be recorded and Staff
recommended approval of the request.
2. 0410019-NP012 (10-21000005)
Bridgepointe Landing, Block 1, Lot 1 (Final—11.515 Acres)
Located south of South Padre Island Drive(SH 358)and east of Lexington Road.
Mr. Saldana read "Item 3" into record as shown below. Mr. Saldana stated the
applicant's representative submitted a request for a six-month time extension to allow additional
time to obtain a signature from one of the owners. Mr. Saldana stated this was the sixth request
for a time extension and Staff recommended denial.
3. 1010082-NP039(10-21000016)
Admiral's Row P.U.D. (Final—8.654 Acres)
Located north of Sea Way Drive between State Highway 361 and the Gulf of
Mexico.
After Staff's presentation, the floor was opened for comments and discussion by
commissioners, there being none, and the public hearing was opened.
John Bell, 1357 Primavera, stated he was in attendance on behalf of Admiral Coves;
which was an existing condominium that was being converted to a P.U.D. Mr. Bell continued
there were fifteen (15) owners and fourteen of the owners are in agreement. Mr. Bell stated the
owners are still trying to obtain the signature from the last owner. Mr. Bell stated that at previous
meetings, Murray Hudson attended on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Bell requested the
commission to approve the time extension request giving the owners one last chance to get the
needed signature. After all comments and discussion concluded, the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Ramirez called for a motion. A motion to approve Time Extensions Items"2"
and "3"for a six-month time extension was made by Commissioner Braselton and seconded by
Commissioner Castillo. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton and Commissioner Adame
absent.
Chairman Ramirez advised the public that the"Old Lipan" rezoning case was postponed
to the January 29, 2014 Planning Commission meeting.
B. ZONING
Continued Zoning
Annika Gunning, Development Services, addressed the commission. Ms. Gunning read
Continued Zoning Item "4" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning stated the rezoning case
was tabled from the December 18, 2013 meeting and the purpose of the requested change of
zoning was to allow for overnight accommodations of less than thirty(30) days.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 15,2014
Page 3
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS—Discussion and Possible Action
B. ZONING
Continued Zoning (cont.)
4. Case No. 1213-05—BL Real Estate Holding Company, LP: A rezoning from
the"RS-6" Single-Family 6 District to the"RS-6/SP" Single-Family 6 District with
a Special Permit for a bed and breakfast, not resulting in a change to the Future
Land Use Plan.
Property to be rezoned is described at Lot 5, Laguna Madre Cove, located on the
south side of Martha Drive near the end of Laguna Shores Road.
Ms. Gunning stated the subject property is located in the boundaries of the Flour Bluff
Area Development Plan and is planned for low density residential uses. Ms. Gunning continued
since the property is a single-family residence, the property cannot be rented for overnight stays
less than thirty days.
Ms. Gunning stated Bluff's Landing Marina and Lodge offers a full service marina and
lodge complex that includes boat slips, fish guides, a tackle and bait store, a restaurant, a 24-
room hotel, five lodges and an event center. Ms. Gunning continued that as a bed and breakfast
home, it has to be owner-occupied with no more than ten (10) guests at a time. Ms. Gunning
stated the Unified Development Code has established very specific standards for a bed and
breakfast home and the owner is applying for a Special Permit for a bed and breakfast home
because it is the only use in the Unified Development Code that will allow the owner to rent rooms
for less than thirty(30)days.
Ms. Gunning stated sixteen (16) notices were mailed to owners within the notification
area, four notices were mailed to owners outside the notification area. Ms. Gunning continued
two notices were received in favor from owners within the notification area, seven (7) notices
were received in opposition from owners within the notification area and eighteen (18) notices
were received in opposition from owners outside the notification area. Ms. Gunning stated that
before the meeting, Staff received additional notices which totaled twenty-seven (27) in
opposition. Ms. Gunning stated that 27.39 percent of the area within 200 feet of the subject
property was opposed to the requested rezoning and the Homeowner's Association also
submitted a letter of opposition. Ms. Gunning concluded her presentation stating that Staff
recommends approval of the rezoning from the R"S-6" Single-Family 6 District to the "RS-6/SP"
Single-Family 6 District with a Special Permit for a bed and breakfast home subject to two
conditions which specifically addresses the uses allowed and the time limit.
After Staff's presentation, the floor was opened for comments and discussion by
commissioners. After all comments and discussion by commissioners concluded, the public
hearing was opened.
Andrew Agan, 118 Whiteley Drive, Mr. Edgar stated he was opposed to the proposed
rezoning and he submitted forty-five (45) signatures of the forty-two (42) properties in the area.
Mr. Agan stated that the house is vacant and is not owner occupied, but it is a business entity.
Guy Brady, 113 Martha Drive, stated he moved into the neighborhood from Boston. Mr.
Brady continued he works the 3 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. shift for the U.S. Postal Service and coming
home to the loud noise, constant loud music and disruptions was not the way he wanted to live.
Ken Justice, 230 Whiteley Drive, stated it was very evident that the owners care more
about the money and not in the spirit of the neighborhood by trying to circumvent the zoning.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 15,2014
Page 4
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS—Discussion and Possible Action
B. ZONING
Continued Zoning Item 4(cont.)
Barbara Agan, 18 Whiteley Drive, stated that since the company has turned the house
into a rental, the neighborhood has to contend with the loud noises, ongoing wild parties which
have created a negative impact on the neighborhood through decrease valuations and the
constant nuisance.
Mick Linares, 5701 Saratoga, representative for the applicant, stated that he had no idea
some of these problems were going on. Mr. Linares stated if given a chance, the company
intends to handle the problems and concerns that have been raised at tonight's meeting.
John Harrington, 158 Whiteley Drive, stated he the renters do not follow any rules while
sailing down the canal —drinking and playing blaring music.
Cliff Schlabach, 122 Whiteley Drive, stated that no homeowner should have to put up
with the blatant disrespect they have encountered with the various renters that have been in and
out of the rental property.
After all comments and discussion concluded, the public hearing was closed. Chairman
Ramirez called for a motion. A motion to deny the rezoning change from the "RS-6" Single-
Family 6 District to the "RS-6/SP" Single-Family 6 District with a Special Permit for a bed and
breakfast was made by Commissioner Castillo and seconded by Commissioner Williams. After
the motion was on the floor, further discussion continued.
After all comments and discussion concluded, the motion to deny the rezoning change
from the "RS-6" Single-Family 6 District to the "RS-6/SP" Single-Family 6 District with a Special
Permit for a bed and breakfast passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton and Commissioner Adame
absent. After the motion was completed, Chairman Ramirez informed the applicant that the
commission was only a recommending body, but City Council would make the final decision.
New Zoning
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Item "5" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning stated
the purpose of the requested change of zoning was to develop the subject in conjunction with
adjacent property with a 100-unit apartment complex. The subject property is located in the
Southeast Area Development Plan and is planned for medium density residential uses. The
requested rezoning change is consistent with the adopted Future Land Use Plan.
5. Case No. 0114-01 —Hammond Jones Development: A rezoning from the "RS-
6"Single-Family 6 District to the"RM-1" Multifamily 1 District, not resulting in a
change to the Future Land Use Plan.
The property is described as being a 0.32-acre tract of land out of Lot 1,
Block 2, Woodlawn Estates, located on the southwest corner of McArdle
Road and Daly Drive.
Ms. Gunning presented several aerial views of the subject property. Ms. Gunning
continued that the applicant is requesting the rezoning to develop the property with apartments in
conjunction with 6.5 acres to the southwest. Ms. Gunning stated the applicant proposes to
incorporate the subject tract with the development of a 100-unit apartment complex for student
housing.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 15,2014
Page 5
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS—Discussion and Possible Action
B. ZONING
New Zoning Item 5(cont.)
Ms. Gunning stated thirty-five (35) notices were mailed to owners in the notification area,
no notices were returned and Staff recommends approval of the change of zoning. After Staffs
presentation, the floor was opened for comments and discussion by commissioners. After a brief
discussion, the public hearing was opened with no one coming forward and the public hearing
was closed.
Chairman Ramirez called for a motion. Motion to approve the rezoning from the "RS-6"
Single-Family 6 District to the "RM-1" Multifamily 1 District was made by Commissioner Rock and
seconded by Commissioner Castillo. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton and
Commissioner Adame absent.
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Item "6" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning stated
the purpose of the requested change of zoning was to allow development of a single-family
subdivision with minimum lot sizes of 4,500 square feet. The subject property is located in the
Flour Bluff Area Development Plan and is planned for low density residential uses. The proposed
rezoning to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family District is consistent with the adopted Future Land Use
Plan.
6. Case No. 0114-02— Esteban R. Alaniz: A rezoning from the"RS-6"Single-
Family 6 District to the"RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5 District, not resulting in a
change to the Future Land Use Plan.
Property is described as being a 9.97-acre tract of land out of Lot 29, Section 49,
Flour Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located on the south side of
Homedale Street, approximately 130 feet east of Retta Drive.
Ms. Gunning presented several aerial views of the subject property and continued the
applicant is requesting the rezoning to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5 District to allow
construction of a single-family subdivision. Ms. Gunning stated the property is currently vacant
and the Future Land Use Plan calls for low density residential.
Ms. Gunning stated fifty-three (53) notices were mailed to owners within the notification
area, one (1) notice was returned in favor and two were returned in opposition and Staff
recommends approval of the requested rezoning change from the "RS-6" Single-Family 6 District
to the"RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5 District.
After Staffs presentation, the floor was opened for comments and discussion by
commissioners and there being none, the public hearing was opened. There being no further
comments or discussion, the public hearing was closed.
Chairman Ramirez called for a motion. A motion to approve the rezoning from the "RS-
6" Single-Family 6 District to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5 District was made by Commissioner
Rock and seconded by Commissioner Braselton. Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton
and Commissioner Adame absent.
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 15,2014
Page 6
IV. PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA ITEMS—Discussion and Possible Action
B. ZONING
New Zoning (cont.)
Ms. Gunning read New Zoning Item "7" into record as shown below. Ms. Gunning stated
the purpose of the requested change of zoning was to allow development of a single-family
subdivision. The subject property is located in the boundaries of the Southside Area
Development Plan and is planned for commercial uses and medium density residential uses. The
proposed rezoning to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family District is not consistent with the adopted Future
Land Use Plan.
7. Case No. 0114-03—The Mostaghasi Investment Trust: A rezoning from the
"RM-1" Multifamily 1 District and the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial District to
the"RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5 District, resulting in a change to the Future Land
Use Plan from commercial and medium-density residential uses to low density
residential uses..
Property is described as being a 15.567-acre tract of land, more or less, out of
Lot 3, Block 1, The Forum Mall and out of a portion of Lot 15, Section 27, Flour
Bluff and Encinal Farm and Garden Tracts, located on the east side of Rodd
Field Road and approximately 600 feet north of Wooldridge Road.
Ms. Gunning presented several aerial views of the subject property and continued the
applicant is requesting the rezoning to construct an 80-lot single-family residential subdivision.
Ms. Gunning stated twenty-two (22) notices were mailed to owners within the notification area,
three(3)notices were mailed outside the notification area, one (1) notice was returned in
favor and Staff recommends approval of the requested rezoning change from the "RM-1"
Multifamily 1 District and "CN-1 Neighborhood Commercial District to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family
4.5 District.
After Staffs presentation, the floor was opened for comments and discussion by
commissioners. There being none, the public hearing was opened.
David Wilson, 2302 Rodd Field Road, stated he owns Dewey's Beer Garden. Mr. Wilson
continued he wanted to make sure he would not be required to do anything to his property to
buffer his bar from the residential homes. Mr. Wilson continued he was not opposed to the
rezoning but he just wanted to ensure he would not be responsible to do anything to his property.
After all comments and discussion concluded, the public hearing was closed. Chairman
Ramirez called for a motion. A motion to approve the rezoning from the "RM-1" Multifamily 1
District and the "CN-1" Neighborhood Commercial District to the "RS-4.5" Single-Family 4.5
District was made by Commissioner Lippincott and seconded by Commissioner Braselton.
Motion passed with Vice Chairman Hamilton and Commissioner Adame absent.
V. DIECTOR'S REPORT
Discussion was held regarding the impact from the Planning Department being dissolved.
Mr. Williams stated he would keep the commission informed of future developments.
VI. ITEMS TO BE SCHEDULED
None
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
January 1s.uu14
Page
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at7:OSp.m.
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Barney Wil iams P.'L, At6jor Projects Engineer Date
Developm nit S�rvices Department
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Develo ment Services Department
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