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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_01.12.2000Minutes Planning and Zoning Commission City of Georgetown, Texas Tuesday, January 12, 2000 Vice-chair, Patrick Walsh, called the January 12,2000, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting to order at 7:12 p.m., and explained the purpose of the meeting. Other Commissioners present were Jack Noble, Gabe Sansing, Marjorie Herbert and Sarah Milburn. Don Nadon and Charles Parker were absent. Staff members present were Ed Barry, Director, Marianne Banks, City Attorney, Scott Ingalls, Chief Development Planner, Clyde von Rosenberg, Chief Long Range Planner, and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary. Public Hearing - 7:00 Regular Agenda 1. Public hearing on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Regulations and the Sign Ordinance which implement interim urban design standards. Patrick Walsh began the Public Hearing by stating the purpose of the meeting. He asked that anyone wishing to speak please sign-in on a Speaker Sign-in sheet and hand to Karen at the recording desk. He then asked Gordon Baker of the Urban Design Task Force to introduce the presentation. Gordon Baker welcomed everyone and explained that the Urban Design Task Force was made up of approximately 22 people that formed a very diverse group. They met several times and after many hours of debate came to a consensus of what they thought the interim urban design standards should be and the implementation of such. Mr. Gordon then introduced the consultant for this project, Dennis Wilson. Dennis Wilson conducted a slide and video presentation of the proposed ordinance revisions. A copy of the presentation is attached. Speakers present were Karen Stearns and Ed Baxter. Karen Stearns spoke first. She raised several questions for the Commissioners and Mr. Wilson. She first asked for clarification of the Zoning Ordinance page 69, regarding exterior building materials. The proposed change states that at least 80% of a building must be built of certain listed materials. Karen Stearns suggested that if that is so, then the side and rear of the building would also be built from the same materials and that this wou ld cause the wording to be wrong for section 5.603. Dennis Wilson said he would check on this discrepancy. Karen suggested that Mr. Wilson also look at the wording that states that if a person is adding on to an existing building, the addition must be built with the same existing materials. In many of the older, historic buildings, she feels this is unreasonable. Karen Stearns asked what the trigger was that would put these standards into effect. Would it require a mini-DDP? A change in use? If existing buildings change their use, then they would be required to submit a m ini-DDP and then the structure would become a non-conforming building. Karen Stearns continued with her questions and comments. Regarding the parking lot screening, she states that the new ordinance would override the site triangle required by certain safety standards. Dennis said this was not the intent and the wording will be changed to reflect this . Karen Stearns asked for clarification of the retail display areas and was assured that the new standards would not affect existing businesses unless they use existing parking spaces that were used in calculating the ir parking allocation. Ed Barry says that the difficult part of this section of the ordinance is in enforcement and knowing what is currently approved for all buildings at the time of the ordinance adoption. P&Z Meeting January 12, 2000 Page 2 Karen Stearns continued with a discussion of her concerns regarding the definition o f a sign. She is concerned that a distinctive and bright color does not always mean a registered trademark and should not be considered a sign. She voiced a concern that the City would be enforcing an ordinance that states that businesses cannot use distinctive and bright colors but will be approved for “earth tones”, as stated by the task force members. Dennis Wilson agreed to look at the wording of this ordinance and the definitions of certain types of signs. Karen Stearns asked that the commission please consider all the notes and ideas that have been discussed and that are being proposed. She stated that these changes in the ordinances could cost the average local business owner 6 - 12% in costs of construction or remodel. Ed Baxter spoke and thanked everyone for their hard work in writing this ordinance. He was very pleased and stated that change is painful but this will give Georgetown something to be proud of in the future. Discussion was held by the Commissioners. The Public Hearing section of the meeting ended at 8:57 p.m. 2. Consideration and possible action on revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Regulations and the Sign Ordinance which implement interim urban design standards. Patrick Walsh suggested moving through the proposed ordinances, one by one, looking at the language and forwarding the recommendations to City Council. Many questions were raised regarding the ordinances. There was also a discussion of a requesting a possible Tree Preservation Ordinance. Patrick restated his suggestion as a motion to vote on the three specific ordinances, with discussion and adding suggestions to each one. Gabe Sansing wanted to amend the motion to approve the whole package and ask for a review within six months. No one seconded that motion. Marjorie Herbert seconded the Patrick’s motion as an intent for procedure and the vote passed 5/0. Gabe Sansing moved to adopt the Zoning Ordinance as written and prescribed by the Urban Design Task Force, subject to review and proper wording by the City Attorney. Marjorie Herbert seconded the motion and the vote passed 5/0. Sarah Milburn moved to adopt the Subdivision Regulations as written and prescribed by the Urban Design Task Force, subject to review and proper wording by the City Attorney. Jack Noble seconded the motion and the vote passed 5/0. Marjorie Herbert moved to adopt the Sign Ordinance as written and prescribed by the Urban Design Task Force, subject to review and proper wording by the City Attorney. Sarah Milburn seconded the motion and the vote passed 5/0. Gabe Sansing moved to make a formal request of the City Council to adopt a Tree Protection Ordinance. Marjorie Herbert seconded the motion and the vote passed 5/0. Patrick Walsh asked if there was any other business. Marjorie Herbert asked for the Commission to recommend to the City Council that the Zoning Ordinance be completely rewritten in the next budget year. This discussion will be added to the Planning and Zoning Commission Agenda for February or March. The next meeting will include the election of officers and the appointment of four members to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and one member to the Historic Preservation Commission. Marjorie Herbert said she will not be present at the next meeting. Gabe Sansing moved that the meeting adjourn. Sarah Milburn seconded the motion and the vote passed 5/0. The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.