HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Planning Commission - 08/10/2022 w 1201 Leopard Street
City of Corpus Christi
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Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission
Wednesday,August 10,2022 5:30 PM Council Chambers
I. Call to Order, Roll Call
The meeting was called to order and a quorum was established with Commissioners
York and Gonzalez absent.
II. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION: ELECTION OF OFFICERS -CHAIRMAN &
VICE CHAIRMAN
A motion was made by Commissioner Salazar-Garza to nominate Kamran Zarghouni as
Chairman and it was seconded by Commissioner Mandel. Commissioner Zarghouni
accepted the nomination and a roll call vote took place. The motion passed with
Commissioner Schroeder opposed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Schroeder to nominate Michael Miller as Vice
Chairman and it was seconded by Commissioner Salazar-Garza. Commissioner Miller
accepted the nomination. The motion passed unanimously.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
IV. Approval of Absences: Commissioners York and Miller
A motion was made by Commissioner Munoz to approve the absences listed above and
it was seconded by Commissioner Salazar-Garza. The motion passed.
V. Approval of Minutes
1. 22-1386 Regular Meeting Minutes of July 27, 2022
A motion was made by Commissioner Mandel to approve the minutes listed above and it
was seconded by Commissioner Munoz. The motion passed.
VI. Consent Public Hearing (Item A): Discussion and Possible Action
Mark Orozco, Development Services, read the Consent agenda into the record. New Plat
items "2, 3 & 4" satisfy all requirements of the Unified Development Code (UDC)/State
Law and the Technical Review Committee (TRC) recommends approval. After Staffs
presentation, the public hearing was opened. There being none, the public hearing was
closed. A motion was made by Commissioner Salazar-Garza to appove the Consent
Agenda items and it was seconded by Commissioner Munoz. The motion passed.
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A. New Plats
2. 22-1377 22PL1001
THE VILLAS PUD (FINAL REPLAT-2.35 ACRE)
Located on the northeast side of Granada Drive and west of Leeward Drive.
3. 22-1378 22PL1092
OSO POINTE (FINAL -20.076 ACRES)
Located west of Flour Bluff Drive between Purdue Road and Glenoak Drive.
4. 22-1379 22PL1102
OSO RANCH UNIT 2 (FINAL - 12.334 ACRES)
Located west of Flour Bluff Drive between Purdue Road and Glenoak Drive.
VII. Public Hearing (Items B & C): Discussion and Possible Action
B. Plats
5. 22-1408 21 PL1025 -APPEAL
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY PARK UNIT 3, LOT 2 (FINAL-2.997 ACRES)
Located north of Old Brownsville Road and west of S. Padre Island Drive.
Mr. Orozco presented item "5" for the record as shown above. He informed the
Commission the plat was approved on September 1, 2021, and expired on March 1,
2022. If the Planning Commission approves the appeal, the plat will be extended for a
12-month period from the original expiration date. The client chose to submit an
application for an appeal to the expiration date, instead of resubmitting a new plat
application for review and paying an additional plat application fee. Mr. Orozco recited
the timeline of events relevant to this request. On August 3, 2022, the applicant requested
approval to start construction. The Department informed the representative the plat had
expired along with the approval of the Public Improvement plans. The applicant asserts
the following:
• Manok Investments is a company based in a different city and contacted local
contractors in Corpus Christi. Unfortunately, contractors were unable to start public
improvement construction due to the lack of employees during this period of pandemic.
• It was a misunderstanding regarding the dates on the "APPROVED PLAT" action letter,
and the "RELEASE FOR CONSTRUCTION" letter dated December 13, 2021. It was a
misunderstanding regarding which dates to follow on either letters. Therefore it was
assumed there was time to work on requested items from the list on the "APPROVED
PLAT" action letter.
• Manok investments contracted the services of a different construction company and is
ready to start the construction process moving forward, upon approval of the
appeal/permits without having any further delay.
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Staff recommends denial of the appeal. With denial, the applicant can resubmit a plat
application as well as a Public Improvement re-submittal. After Staff's presentation, the
public hearing was opened. The applicant's representative, Joe Blanco, addressed the
Commission in support of the appeal. With no one else coming forward, the public
hearing was closed. A motion was made by Commissioner Schroeder to deny the
appeal request and it was seconded by Commissioner Motaghi. The motion passed.
Plats with a Variance (Waiver)
6. 22-1382 21 PL1073 -One Way Cycle Track
AZALI ESTATES UNIT 3 (FINAL - 13.84 ACRES)
Located north of Yorktown Blvd & south of Master Channel 31.
Mr. Orozco presented item "6" for the record as shown above. He explained that the
requirement for a One-way Cycle Track is 11-feet of walkway path on both sides of the
collector, in lieu of a 5-foot sidewalk on one side and an 8-foot sidewalk on the other side
of the street. The Bicycle Mobility Plan has a One-Way Cycle Track (both sides) along a
Parkway Collector (P1) alignment. The waiver request is to build a 10-foot walkway/path
on one side and a 5-foot sidewalk on the other side. Mr. Orozco cited traffic generators in
the area inclucing Bill Witt Park, Del Mar College South Campus and the site of a future
school off of Yorktown Boulevard. He proceeded to outline the factors in support and
against the waiver.
Factors in support of the waiver request -The applicant states that:
1. A 10' walkway/bike path on one side and a 5' walkway on the other side would be
sufficient. This would allow pedestrian passage on both sides of the street with bike
passage on one side.
2. This waiver would save development cost generally but also very substantially at the
bridge crossing of Channel 31 where it would save 5' of bridge length.
Factors weighing against the waiver request:
1. UDC Section 3.8.3.C.2 states that the preliminary plat is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, Utility Master Plans and any other adopted plans. This includes the
Bicycle Mobility Plan.
2. Not building these tracks will remove the connectivity of bicycle network and future
construction of a quarter of a mile that is part of the trail.
3. Building these tracks will promote future pedestrian and bicycle traffic as the area
grows. Azalli Estates Unit 3 plat indicates that there are 59 lots that will be developed.
This development along with the current and the rest of the future Azalli Estates
development phases will generate pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
4. The properties along the proposed One-Way Cycle Track from Drainage Channel 31
to Yorktown Boulevard are unplatted, so an approximately 3000 feet of a One-Way
Bicycle Track (both sides) can be constructed as properties plat. Yorktown Boulevard
from Rodd Field Road to Oso Creek bridge is a CIP project under design.
5. Del Mar College South Campus and Bill Witt Regional Park are within one mile from
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the property. A future CCISD school campus is proposed south of Yorktown Boulevard
within half a mile from the property.
6. The 80' street ROW provides sufficient space for the track (both sides).
7. This project could be eligible for City participation funds (UDC 8.4.1.C).
Mr. Orozco then went over the respective UDC sections requiring the construction of
hike/bike trails (Sections 8.1.4). The UDC also states, under Section 8.2.2.8.1, that a
waiver may be granted, in accordance with the waiver procedure in Section 3.8.3.D. Staff
recommends disapproval of the waiver request. Planning Commission may choose to
follow or decline Staff's recommendation, approve, approve with conditions, or deny the
waiver request. After Staffs presentation, the public hearing was opened. There being
none, the public hearing was closed. A motion was made by Commissioner
Salazar-Garza to deny the waiver request and it was seconded by Commissioner Miller.
The motion passed with no opposition.
7. 22-1381 22PL1076
KINGSLEY HEIGHTS PHASE 1 & 2 (PRELIMINARY - 46.19 ACRES)
Located north of Old Brownsville Road &west of Cliff Maus Drive.
8. 22-1383 22PL1076 -Off-Road Multi-Use Trail and One Way Cycle Track
KINGSLEY HEIGHTS PHASE 1 & 2 (PRELIMINARY - 46.19 ACRES)
Located north of Old Brownsville Road &west of Cliff Maus Drive.
Mr. Orozco presented items 7 & 8" for the record as shown above. For location
purposes, he presented an aerial view of the subject property and a map of the bicycle
network. The waiver request is for the construction of 3,240 feet of an Off-Road Multi-Use
Trail running along an existing ditch on the left side of the property; the construction of 700
feet of a One-Way Cycle Track running along the south side of the lot. He proceeded to
outline the factors in support and against the waiver.
The applicant states that they do not believe construction should be required for the
following reasons:
1. Regarding the Off-Road Multi-Use Trail along the existing drainage ditch, the berm on
the east side of the existing ditch and which lies within the existing 90 -foot wide drainage
easement is the only means by which maintenance is done on the ditch and will not
accommodate a trail.
2. In addition, the length of the existing ditch is minimal; would allow continuity to the trial
within the immediate area.
3. The location is not an intensely pedestrian area and is more vehicular oriented.
4. Regarding the One-Way Cycle Track, the request would maintain only a small portion
of street with such bicycle track facilities since the area does not presently have such
facilities anywhere and the area is not accommodating to bicycle traffic and does not
exhibit even a small amount of bicycle traffic.
5. Finally, the area does not have the room to accommodate either of the two facilities
and would be a costly endeavor and undue financial burden to the landowner to
accomplish. An endeavor that would lend itself more to a bond issue type project.
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Factors weighing against the waiver request
1. UDC Section 3.8.3.C.2 states that the preliminary plat is consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, Utility Master Plans and any other adopted plans. This includes the
Bicycle Mobility Plan.
2. Not building these tracks will remove the connectivity of bicycle network and future
construction of three quarters of a mile that are part of the trail.
3. Building these tracks will promote future pedestrian and bicycle traffic as the area
develops. A sports complex and hotel are proposed. The proposed trail and track would
link to West Oso High School and the adjacent neighborhood north of Bear Lane, and
Westhaven Park and adjacent La Molina neighborhoods. There is an existing crosswalk
across Cliff Maus Drive from Rockford Drive to Westhaven Park.
4. There are two bus stops on Bear Lane which support pedestrian and bicycle
intermodal connections in close proximity to the Off-Road Multi-Use trail. One bus stop in
front of West Oso High School is approximately 371 feet from the proposed off-road
multi-use trail and another is 1000 feet to the east of the proposed trail. Each of these
stops has 11-17 daily boardings. A third bus stop on Old Brownsville Road is 472 feet
from the proposed trail which has 18— 33 daily boardings.
5. The drainage ditch berm width is approximately 35 feet and is wide enough that
permits the building of the Off-Road Multi-Use Trail.
6. Rockford Drive (a paper street with utilities) is 50 ft. in width by 600 ft. in length and
would need to be constructed with the final plat in Phase 11 of the development. This would
require additional dedication of 12 feet of ROW to accommodate the One-Way Cycle
Track. The street segment is short and dead ends at the drainage.
Staff recommends disapproval of the waiver request for the construction of the Off-Road
Multi-Use Trail. Alternatively, Staff recommends approval of the waiver request for the
construction of the One-way cycle track (both sides) with the condition that an Off-Road
Multi-Use Trail be constructed instead, and the street construction of Rockford Drive be
waived. The Off-Road Multi-Use Trail be can be continued within the Rockford Drive
ROW to connect the trail along the ditch to Cliff Maus Drive. This would result in cost
savings in not constructing a full road section yet providing pedestrian/bicycle access,
meeting the intent of the Mobility Plan.
After Staffs presentation, discussion took place regarding design standards for the
off-road trail, public/private partnerships (City participation funds) and the under utilized
drainage ROW. Staff stated the drainage ROW can serve multiple purposes and
providing facilities is an opportunity for much needed improvement in the Westside area.
It was added that a cost estimate has not been provided by the applicant.
After discussion concluded, the public hearing was opened. Representing the applicant,
George Rubalcaba with Govind Development, addressed the Commission in support of
the waiver request and reiterated the supporting factors shown above. With no one else
coming forward, the public hearing was closed. A motion was made Commissioner
Schroeder to approve Staffs recommendation for item "8" and approve the
accompanying plat item 7". The motion was seconded by Vice Chairman Miller and the
motion passed with no opposition.
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9. 22-1389 22PL1105
DRISCOLL VILLAGE, BLOCK 7 LOTS 26 - 36 (REPLAT -1.86 ACRES)
Located north of Mueller Road and East of Nandina Street.
10. 22-1390 22PL1105 -SIDEWALK
DRISCOLL VILLAGE, BLOCK 7 LOTS 26 - 36 (REPLAT -1.86 ACRES)
Located north of Mueller Road and East of Nandina Street.
Mr. Orozco presented items "9 & 10" for the record as shown above. The current lot is
vacant with a water, wastewater stormwater ditch running in front of the property along
Mueller Street. The zoning district is RM-1, and 11 individual town homes are planned for
development. The sidewalk waiver is for an 860-foot section running along Mueller Street.
He proceeded to outline the factors in support and against the waiver. The applicant
states that they do not believe the sidewalk should be required because:
1. There is a drainage ditch along the south side of Mueller Street and the side slope of
the deep ditch intersects the surface right at the right-of-way line.
2. The roadway for that length does not have a curb and gutter and only partially on the
opposite of the street.
Factors weighing against the waiver:
1. Building the sidewalk on Mueller Street will connect with the sidewalk network at
Nandina and link the neighborhood on the north. The new sidewalk will also connect with
the tied sidewalk at Mueller.
2. The opposite side of Mueller Street has a sidewalk with curb and gutter.
3. The neighborhood patterns show a combination of tied sidewalks, sidewalks with
buffers and sidewalks on the property side of the ditch.
4. Woodlawn Park and a senior center are located approximately 300 feet from the
property.
Mr. Orozco went over the respective UDC sections requiring construction of sidewalks
(Sections 8.1.4 & 8.30.1). The UDC Section 8.2.2.8.1 also states that a waiver may be
granted in accordance with the waiver procedure in Section 3.8.3.D. UDC Section
8.2.2.0 allows for Administrative Exemptions for sidewalk construction for residential lots
that meet certain provisions. However, since the zoning is RM-1 and there are sidewalks
on the lots that abut the property on the north, it does not qualify for an exception. Staff
recommends disapproval of the waiver request. After Staffs presentation, the public
hearing was opened.
Representing the applicant, Murray Bass with Bass & Welsh Engineering, addressed the
Commission in support of the waiver request. Discussion took place regarding
alternative placements to follow the neighborhood pattern, access easements and
drainage. Commissioner Munoz felt there are existing sidewalk networks in the area to
help support Staffs recommendation and made motion to deny the waiver request (item
10) and approve the accompanying plat (item 9). The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Salazar-Garza and the motion passed with no opposition.
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C. New Zoning
11. 22-1240 Public Hearing - Rezoning Property at 14353 Commodores Drive
Case No. 0622-02 (INFOR Case No. 22ZN1020), Diamond Beach
Holdings: Ordinance rezoning property at or near 14353 Commodores
Drive, located along the south side of Commodores Drive, north of
Whitecap Boulevard, and west of South Padre Island Drive from the "RS-6"
Single-Family 6 District, "RS-4.5 Single-Family 4.5 District, "CR-2" Resort
Commercial District to the "RS-4.5/PUD" Single-Family 4.5 District with a
Planned Unit Development Overlay.
Mr. Dimas presented item "11" for the record as shown above. The purpose of the
request is to provide waterfront, single-family, two-family, and multifamily districts, as well
as retail and commercial areas, public parks and preserve, interspersed with canals and
ponds. Mr. Dimas presented several maps explaining the overview of the proposed
development. The map detailing plans for parks and open space, showed locations for
the nature preserve, neighborhood park and pedestrian/cart connections. Another map
showed the phasing plan (4 phases), and mixed use areas. A map was also presented
showing the plan in three different sectors. Sectors 1 & 2 contain district RS-4.5 (14.479
acres) omitting short-term rentals (STR); Sector 3 is reserved for the "CR-2" district at
64.182 acres.
For each sector, Mr. Dimas presented tables comparing deviations for the proposed
PUD development and the UDC standards. The Commission was informed of the four
proposed roadway designs and deviations within each sector. He also informed the
Commission that of the 348 public notices mailed, three were returned in favor and five
notices were returned in opposition. Staff recommends approval of the PUD overlay to
the specified base zoning districts. The PUD overlay zoning district encourages the
unified design of a mix of residential, commercial, office, professional, retail, or
institutional uses. The PUD is a recognition that at times greater quality of development
can be achieved by permitting modification of established regulations and that when
property is planned/developed as a unit, modification to these regulations is possible
without endangering the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
After Staffs presentation, the floor was opened for Commissioner comments/questions.
Staff clarified that any proposed deviation from the PUD that was originally approved by
City Council, must be resubmitted for Council's additional consideration. Discussion took
place regarding stormwater management (bioswales) and open space requirements. It
was clarified that the Home Owner's Association would maintain the park which would be
open to the public. Adding specific language to the PUD document was also discussed,
especially to clarify the types of buffers to be used to separate STR's.
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After discussion concluded, the public hearing was opened. Representing the
owner/developer, Jeff Coym with LJA Engineering, addressed the Commission in
support of the rezoning request. He gave further information on the nature preserve. He
said approximately 23 acres is reserved for parks including 13 acres to be centrally
located within the community. They will be maintaining/enhancing the existing fresh water
ponds with trails to create a birding community. They plan to create a unique, master
planned community with mixed uses and mobility for not just golf carts but kayaks/boats.
He added they conducted three community outreach meetings to receive feedback on
the project. For the final presentation to City Council, he said they will add a more defined
exhibit showing the buffer separation for the STR's.
With no one else coming forward, the public hearing was closed. A motion was made by
Commissioner Schroeder to approve item "11"with the following conditions to be
executed prior to City Council consideration: 1) Define visual/noice buffers separating
STR designations; 2) Confirm emergency access on specified narrowed street section
deviations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Munoz. The motion passed
unanimously.
12. 22-1399 Public Hearing - Rezoning Property at 6255 Interstate Highway 37
Case No. 0822-02 ONFOR Case No. 22ZN1024), Corpus Christi Capital
Group, LLC: Ordinance rezoning property at or near 6255 Interstate
Highway 37, located along the east side of Corn Products Road, south of
Interstate Highway 37, and north of Leopard Street from the "CG-2" General
Commercial District to the "CG-2/SP" General Commercial District with a
Special Permit.
Mr. Dimas presented item "12" for the record as shown above. The purpose of the
request is to allow for the conversion (adaptive reuse) of a defunct hotel to workforce
housing apartment units. He informed the Commission that of the 37 public notices
mailed, zero were returned in favor and zero notices were returned in opposition. After
analysis, Staff notes the following:
• The proposed conversion of the former hotel supplies the needed workforce housing
that is in demand within the Northwest area of Corpus Christi.
• The requested Special Permit seeks to increase the maximum density to 360 units to
correspond with the number of units of the former hotel. The UDC currently limits the
density within the "CG-2" District to 37 DU/Acre which equals a maximum density of the
site at approximately 250 dwelling units.
•Additionally, the requested Special Permit addresses reducing the number of required
parking spaces to a 1:1 ratio, with each apartment unit. As the focus is workforce
housing, the predominant type of tenant will be a single-vehicle household.
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Staff recommends approval of the "CG-2/SP" General Commercial District with a
Special Permit, subject to the following conditions:
1. Density: The maximum density of dwelling units shall not exceed 360 units.
2. Parking: One parking space shall be provided per dwelling unit.
3. Driveway Stacking: A minimum of 40 feet of stacking shall be provided before the
entrance gate. Any controlled access points shall remain open from the hours of 6 am to
6 pm.
4. Buffer Yard: A buffer yard will be required along the eastern property line as per
Section 7.9 of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
5. Other Requirements: The conditions listed herein do not preclude compliance with
other applicable UDC and Building and Fire Code Requirements.
6. Time Limit: In accordance with the UDC, this Special Permit shall be deemed to have
expired within 12 months of this ordinance unless a complete building permit application
has been submitted, and the Special Permit shall expire if the allowed use is
discontinued for more than six consecutive months.
After Staffs presentation, the floor was opened for Commissioner comments/questions.
Discussion took place regarding buffer yard and parking requirements. After discussion
concluded, the public hearing was opened. Representing the applicant, John Bell,
addressed the Commission in support of the request. He said the target household
income for the apartment units is $35,000 to $75,000 annually. He said the City lacks the
housing market for individuals in this range. They are creating studio and one bedroom
units for one to two people maximum (some fully furnished). He clarified that the
apartments will not be applicable to Section 8 housing (HUD). The project will include
common areas/amenities such as a fitness/business center, a pool and additional
storage facilities. Just like an apartment complex, the leasing period will be six months to
one year, not monthly.
Alfred Williams (address inaudible) addressed the Commission. He said he lives
adjacent to the property and his only concern was noise created by larger trucks with
diesel engines, especially in the morning hours. Bill Lathrop at 809 Corn Products Road
addressed the Commission in opposition to the request. He said he received a public
notice in the mail and brought it with him today. He felt that Corn Products Road is not
sufficient to support an increase in traffic. Mike Kuha at 6485 IH 37 South, addressed the
Commission and also cited an increase in traffic; felt that this project is not beneficial to
the workforce with a majority shorter turn around times. He said the hotels in the area are
utilized more often to accommodate "extended stay" time frames. With no one else
coming forward, the public hearing was closed.
Discussion continued with Vice Chairman Miller expressing that regarding
compatibility/land use, it is not a safe proposal. A motion was made by Vice Chairman
Miller to deny the rezoning request and it was seconded by Commissioner Motaghi. A roll
call vote took place with Chairman Zarghouni and Commissioners Schoeder, Mandel
and Salazar-Garza opposed. The motion did not pass.
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A motion to approve item "12" as presented by Staff was made by Commissioner
Mandel and it was seconded by Commissioner Salazar-Garza. A roll call vote took place
with Vice Chairman Miller and Commissioners Munoz and Motaghi opposed. The motion
passed.
VIII. Director's Report
Nina Nixon-Mendez, Assistant Director, informed the Commission that the next
Development Services Task Force meeting is August 19, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. at City Hall,
6th floor conference room.
IX. Future Agenda Items: None.
X. Adjournment
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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