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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 02/26/1992 MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING COUNCIL CHAMBERS - CITY HALL FEBRUARY 26 , 1992 - 6 : 30 P.M. MEMBERS PRESENT: Shirley Mims, Chairman Mike Karm, Vice Chairman Ralph Hall Alma Meinrath Jake Sanchez William Sanderson Lamont Taylor Ro Wickham STAFF PRESENT: Brandol M. Harvey, AIA, AICP Director of Planning & Development Micia Cooper, Recording Secretary Michael Gunning, Senior Planner Ruben Perez, Assistant City Attorney CALL TO ORDER Chairman Mims called the meeting to order at 6:35 P.M. , and described the procedure to be followed. She stated that Application 292-4, Texas Soil Incinerators, has been withdrawn by the applicant. PUBLIC HEARING NEW ZONINGS Mr. Harvie Branscomb, Jr. : 292-3CS REQUEST: For a Conditional Sign Permit on a 0 . 83 acre tract of land out of Block A, Lamar Park Subdivision, Section 1, located on the southeast corner of South Alameda and Doddridge Streets . Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Sign Permit for a bank building. The property is currently under construction. Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, informing the Commission of applicable Policy Statements . The applicant is requesting a conditional sign permit to install a freestanding sign that exceeds the maximum allowable sign area. The property is presently zoned "B-1" Neighborhood Business District which permits one (1) freestanding sign per premise with SCANNED Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page 2 a sign area not to exceed 40 square feet and a height not to exceed 20 feet. The applicant is requesting a permit to install a freestanding sign with a sign area totalling 47 .3 square feet. Under the Conditional Sign Permit for Business Districts regulations, the Planning Commission is authorized to approve limited sign increases if certain findings are made. The sign increases are limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the matter-of- right sign area and height and a maximum of 100 percent on the number of freestanding .signs . The applicant is requesting a sign area and height and a maximum of 100 percent on the number of freestanding signs. The applicant is requesting a sign area increase of 18 . 25% or 7 . 3 square feet more than the 40 square feet currently permitted. This increase is less than the maximum 50 percent. The applicant is not requesting additional height or an additional freestanding sign. One of the findings that the Planning Commission may make in order to approve the request is as follows: "the location or: relocation of entranceway(s) to the business in relation to the public right-of-way, provided that such increase furthers traffic movement objectives such as reducing the number of entranceways. " Two driveways on South Alameda and Doddridge Streets that were located close to _the streetintersection have been closed and relocated further from the intersection, thereby improving traffic flow. The relocation of driveways is consistent with the traffic movement objectives stipulated under the Conditional Sign Permit for Business Districts. Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report (copy on file). Staff recommends approval of a Conditional Sign Permit for one (1) freestanding sign with a sign area not to exceed 47 . 3 square feet and located outside the visibility triangle. In order for the Planning Commission to approve the requested Conditional Sign Permit, a two-part action is required: 1) Conclude that one or more of the findings as innumerated in Section 33-1 . 04, Conditional Sign permits for Business Districts, have been met; and 2) Motion to approve the Conditional Sign Permit as requested. Seven notices were mailed, one was returned in favor, and one in opposition. Planning Commission Meeting February 26 , 1992 Page 3 Mr. Harvie Branscomb, Jr. , appeared and stated that he had nothing to add to Staff' s presentation. He pointed out that Lamar Park is trying to avoid proliferation of signs . They are presently engaged in an extensive and expensive program to reduce vision clutter, in order to have an attractive area and City. No one appeared in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. In answer to a question from Commissioner Taylor, Mr. Harvey identified the finding in the Zoning Ordinance under Conditional Sign Permits for Business Districts that staff considered important. Motion by Sanderson, seconded by Karm, that this request for a Conditional Sign Permit meets the findings in the Zoning Ordinance, as required, under Conditional Sign Permits for Business District. Motion passed with Hall abstaining. Motion by Taylor, seconded by Karm that this request for a Conditional Sign Permit be approved. Motion passed with Hall abstaining. Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association: C292-5 REQUEST: From "R-1B" One-family Dwelling District to "BD" Beach Design District on 12 . 98 acres of Corpus Christi Bay adjacent to the east boundary line of the area patented to the City of Corpus Christi by the State of Texas, located approximately 900 feet east of N. Shoreline Boulevard, and 400 feet north of the ship channel centerline. Mr. Gunning described the land use and zoning in the surrounding area, and stated that the applicant, Lady Lex Museum on the Bay Association, is a subsidiary of the Corpus Christi Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. They are requesting a change of zoning to "BD" Beach Design District to berth and operate the U.S.S. Lexington as a museum. The area subject to rezoning is a 12. 98 acre water area in Corpus Christi Bay located close to the northside of the breakwater approximately 900 feet from N. Shoreline Boulevard at the south end of Corpus Christi Beach. Only two-thirds (2/3) of the ship is to be berthed in the area currently zoned "R-1B" One-Family Dwelling District, while the remaining one- third ( 1/3) is zoned "BD" Beach Design District. The ship is to project to within 400 feet of N. Shoreline Boulevard. The subject property is part of the Corpus Christi Bay. Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page 4 Mr. Gunning summarized the Staff Report, informing the Commission of applicable Policy Statements, and quoted from the North Central Area Development Plan. The subject site is bounded on the west side by an existing "BD" District and a "B-2" Bayfront Business District on the west inside the breakwater. The Corpus Christi Ship Channel borders the south end of the property. The site is owned by the City of Corpus Christi as part of a larger patented area granted by the State. The "BD" District permits museum uses such as proposed for the U.S.S. Lexington as well as other cultural and tourist oriented activities . The Corpus Christi Policy Statements and the North Central Area Development Plan support the placement of the U.S.S. Lexington near the Texas State Aquarium which would conform with goals to "Create a uniquely attractive atmosphere for. . .tourist attractions and services . . . "while promoting "visitor-oriented development in the Plan area. " The requested "BD" District is a logical extension of the "BD" District to the west. The proposed location of the U.S.S. Lexington, being a body of water, does not have street frontage in the traditional sense. No private property is planned to be used on shore. Without street frontage or a street yard, it is difficult to apply the landscaping requirements. The required parking for the U.S.S. Lexington is. dependent on the amount of area open to the public. At the time of this writing, the total amount of public area aboard ship was not available, thereby preventing an actual determination of the total parking requirement. Compliance with the required parking will be necessary prior to operation of the museum. The "BD" District allows off-site parking as far as 2,000 feet. Several parking areas and undeveloped property are within 2,000 feet of the museum which could be used to comply with the parking requirements. Mr. Gunning read to the Commission the pros and cons of this application from the Staff Report (copy on file) . Staff recommends approval. Two notices were mailed, none were returned in favor or in opposition. Mr. Larry Urban, Urban Engineering, appeared for the applicant, and stated that Staff has fully described what is intended. It is the intent of the Association to bring the ship to the subject location, and connect it with a permanent walkway to use as a museum, and to be available for other functions . He requested favorable action from the Commission. Commissioner Sanchez asked if the other end of Corpus Christi Beach was considered for the permanent site. Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page 5 Mr. Urban repled that six locations were investigated, but. that site was not one of them.. He added that it will cost several hundred thousand dollars to dredge the proposed location, and to dredge another three-quarters of a mile of ship channel to get to the other end of the beach would cost several million dollars . Commissioner Taylor asked if an environmental impact statement is required. Mr. Urban replied that one was not required at this time, however, one of the conditions of the donee agreement is that an environmental assessment be performed, which is the step preceding the environmental impact statement. Urban Environmental has been retained to perform that assessment. He added that the Navy has left the ship in good shape, newly painted and well maintained. Mr. Joe O'Brian, 4130 Pompano, appeared and stated that he was neither in favor or opposition, but had some questions to ask. He noted that a museum can be located in the "R-1B" District, and asked why did the zoning need to be changed from "R-1B" to "BD" . Mr. Harvey responded that although a museum is allowed in the "B-2" "BD" and "R-1B" Districts, there are different dimensional criteria for each district. There is a Policy Statement that states that any one use should have consistent zoning for the whole use. Mr. Perez pointed out that parking for a "BD" District use can be located within 2,000' of the use, whereas parking for an "R-1B" use must be located within 300' of the subject use. Mr. Harvey clarified that parking regulations are more business oriented in the "BD" District than in the "R-1B" District-. Mr. O'Brian questioned if there will be enough space for ample parking, or will the City or the Association have to purchase land for additional parking. Mr. Harvey responded that the parking regulation will have to be met, and the options are to lease or purchase land. Chairman Mims commented that some of the vacant land may also become parking lots . Mr. O'Brian questioned if the project restricts the public right-of-way. Mr. Harvey responded that the zoning does not change the public's right-of-way. Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page 6 The public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Karm, seconded by Hall, that this application for "BD" Beach Design District be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendation that it be approved. Motion passed unanimously. Chairman Mims recognized newly appointed Planning Commissioner Robert Canales in the audience. She stated that Mr. Canales has not been sworn in, and therefore, is attending this meeting as an observer. NEW PLATS Consideration of plats as described on attached addendum. TABLED ZONING 1) 192-5 Bishop Rene H. Gracida: "B-4" to "I-2 Located on the northwest corner of Morgan Street and Virginia Avenue Mr. Gunning stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting, the applicant's representative requested that this application be tabled until March 11, 1992 . A motion was made at that time to table this application, but a specific date was not identified. This item needs to be continued on the agenda until heard. Motion by Karm, seconded by Taylor, that this application be tabled until March 11, 1992. Motion passed unanimously. OTHER MATTERS Mr. Harvey reported the following City Council action: 192-1 Mr. William Lennox Approved as recommended by Planning Commission and Staff . 192-6 Acetylene Oxygen Company Retained "B-4" zoning and granted Special Permit for storage of tanks. 192-7 Mr. H.C. Kaffie Approved as recommended by Planning Commission and Staff . Planning Commission Meeting. February 26, 1992 Page 7 MATTERS NOT SCHEDULED Commissioner Hall stated that he was in error when he stated at the last meeting that property at Ocean Drive and Doddridge was privately owned. EXCUSED ABSENCE None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Motion by Hall, seconded by Karm and passed with Sanderson abstaining, that the minutes of the regular meeting of February 12, 1992 be approved. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7 :17 p.m. Biandol M. Harvey Marcia Cooper Director of. Planning an q Development Recording Secretary Executive Secretary to harming Commission Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page 8 NEW PLATS Addendum to minutes of consideration of plats . 1 . 029210-NP5 Interstate Industrial Complex, Block 5, Lot 5 (Final - 4 .834 acres) Located north of Leopard Street east of Corn Products Road Owner - Hillcrest Building Project Engineer - Voss & Voss Mr. Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Taylor, seconded by Sanchez, that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed with Karm and Sanderson out of the Council Chambers . 2. 029211-NP6 Reflections Subdivision Unit 1B (Final - 8. 17 acres) Located south of Yorktown Boulevard between Everhart Road and Dallas Street Owner - Shell Development Joint Venture Engineer - Urban Engineering Mr. Gunning stated that there are no conditions remaining on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Hall, seconded by Taylor, that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed with Sanderson out of the Council Chambers. 3 . 029212-NP7 South Shore Estates Unit 1, Block 7, Lots 17A & 18A (Amending Plat) (Final Replat - 1 .37 acres) Located south of Ocean Drive between Paloma Street and South Shore Place Owner - Dwight E. Eisenhauer & Patricia M. Eisenhauer Engineer - RDC Shearer, Inc. Planning Commission Meeting February 26, 1992 Page' 9 Mr. Gunningstated that there are no conditions remaining g on this plat, and Staff recommends approval as submitted. No one appeared in favor or in opposition, and the public hearing was declared closed. Motion by Meinrath, seconded by Sanderson, that this plat be approved as submitted. Motion passed unanimously. (E202MC)