HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_09.05.2000Minutes
Planning and Zoning Commission of the
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, September 5, 2000
Chair, Patrick Walsh called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Other Commissioners present were Jack Noble,
Marjorie Herbert, Charles Parker, Gabe Sansing and Don Nadon. Sarah Milburn was absent. Staff members
present were Ed Barry, Director, Cathy Riedel, Assistant City Attorney, James Baker, Development Planner, David
Munk, Development Engineer, Carla Benton, Development Technician, Jim Babcock, Development Technician
and Janis Russell, Recording Secretary.
1. Action from Executive Session
Consent Agenda
2. Consideration and possible action on the Minutes of the August 10, 2000, Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting.
4. Consideration and possible action on a Rezoning of City of Georgetown, Division A, 1.720 acre part of
Outlot 11, from RS Residential Single Family to C-1, Local Commercial or any more restrictive district,
located at 1900 Leander Street.
5. Consideration and possible action on a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for Georgian Place,
Phase 2-B, Block C, Lots 1 and 13, Block D, Lots 1 and 13; located at 1000, l072, 1001, and 1073
London Lane.
7. Consideration and possible action on a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for Riverview Estates,
Block B, Lot 1, located at 101 Oakmont Court.
8. Consideration and possible action on a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for Stonehedge
Subdivision, Section One, Block A, Lot 1 and Block G, Lot 8, located at 700 and 604 Belmont Drive.
9. Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat of the Resubdivision of Inner Loop
Commercial Park, Section 4, Block A, Lot 1, located on US Hwy. 81 and Cooperative Way, with
Variances to the Subdivision Regulations.
Items #3, #6 and #10 were removed from the Consent Agenda to be considered individually by the Commission.
Marjorie Herbert made a motion to approve the remainder of the Consent Agenda. Gabe Sansing seconded the
motion which passed by a vote of 6-0.
Regular Agenda
3. Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat of 15.62 acres in the D. Monroe, J.
Sutherland and A. Williams Surveys, and Resubdivision of Fountainwood Estates, Phase 2-A, to be known
as Fountainwood Plaza, located at 5299 to 5658 RM2338 (Williams Drive), with Variances to the
Subdivision Regulations. David Munk gave the staff recommendation. The following citizens addressed
the Commission: Randy McKensie - Vice President of the Fountainwood Homeowners Association, Joan
Parks - 1002 Fountainwood Drive, Richard Kneupper - 1001 Fountainwood Drive, Robert Raeder - 206
Liz Lane, Glenn Foster - 203 Allen Circle and Michael Wedgewood - 1004 Fountainwood Drive. Their
questions, concerns and suggestions were:
type of fencing that would be constructed between the commercial property and the residents
(suggested stucco or masonry)
dumpster screening on the commercial property
driveway placement if a convenience store is built on the corner of Jim Hogg and Williams
Driveway. Suggested that the driveway should not be on Jim Hogg Road since that is the only
entrance to Fountainwood Estates.
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September 5, 2000
Page 2
lights over the gas pumps should not shine back into the neighborhood
suggested that the convenience store close at 10 pm with restrictions on alcohol sales.
devaluation of property
location of gas pumps, if a convenience store is located at the corner of Jim Hogg Road. and
Williams Dr.
type of landscaping and buffering between residential and commercial properties
height of buildings allowed on commercial properties
noise and lights from a convenience store
smells from trash receptacles at convenience store
building material consistency with residential property, ie. stucco, stone or brick
drainage and storm water detention
traffic and roadway provisions
increased litter problem depending on the nature of the businesses
David Munk responded to the questions. He stated that a Type C bufferyard is required and a 6' privacy
fence will be constructed; dumpsters will be screened per the Urban Design requirements; there will be 1
driveway on Jim Hogg and 3 shared driveways along Williams Drive; lighting will be per Urban Design
requirements; the sale of alcohol is allowed in that part of the County. Ed Barry explained that this is a
review of a plat, which shows driveways and lot lay-out and most of the resident’s concerns would be
addressed at the DDP stage. Charles Parker suggested voting on the plat at this time and address site
specific issues with each DDP. Patrick Walsh asked staff to answer as many questions as they could at
this meeting. David Munk continued: building height will be a maximum of 40' and 3 stories; storm
water detention will be addressed with each lot and channel will be provided along the rear lot lines for
drainage; and a traffic light at Williams Dr. and Jim Hogg Road. would be a TXDoT decision. He stated
that this property was targeted for commercial property from the Concept Plan stage and annexation and
rezoning to C-1, Local Commercial, will occur before DDP submittals. Tom Watts, agent for the
applicant, addressed the Commission. He stated that they don’t know what is going on each lot except for
the church to be located on Lot 6. Water quality and detention will be up to the individual developer of
each lot. The channel is being provided by this developer. Joan Parks readdressed the Commission,
stating that she had received a technical document from Mr. Mark Allen and she had a problem with how
she was notified of this project. She stated that she has valid concerns and wants to be apprised of a site
development plan for Fountainwood Plaza and hopes that there will be better dialog between the
developer and homeowners in the future. Patrick Walsh explained that the City doesn’t regulate Deed
Restrictions. He also stated that if a DDP has no variances, it will not be publicly notified or discussed.
The Commissioners comments were as follows: Charles Parker - felt like issues concerning the site
plans for each lot should be discussed during the detailed development process and not during platting
process. Gabe Sansing - construction should match the subdivision, in favor of the plat based on the
setbacks proposed, encouraged developer to work with residents as the property develops. Don Nadon -
agreed with Gabe Sansing - developer has not invested enough time with homeowners association and
would entertain delaying this one month. Marjorie Herbert - this conversation encourages developer to
work with residents and will approve as submitted. Patrick Walsh -developers need to communicate with
homeowners and nothing talked about tonight could not be worked out if discussions occur. Jack Noble
- encouraged developer to sit down with association and discuss. After the discussion, Gabe Sansing
made a motion to recommend approval of the Public Review Final Plat of 15.66 acres in the D. Monroe,
J. Sutherland and A. W. Williams Surveys and Resubdivision of Fountainwood Estates Phase 2A, to be
known as Fountainwood Plaza, provided the Technical Issues (Technical Issue #3 was amended to state
“A 20 foot wide strip should be included along FM2338 to be dedicated as street right-of-way, or as
dictated by TXDoT. All building lines, utilities and easements should be adjusted to allow for the 20 foot
strip.”) are addressed prior to City Council consideration, and approval of variances to:
Table 33030-A, to allow the separation between the driveway to Lot 6 to be less than 450 feet
from the driveway to the residence at Lot 1, Block 2, Casa Loma Subdivision; and
Section 34020 G. 1., to allow a driveway to encroach 15 feet into the 25 foot front building setback
line along Williams Drive after making the required findings of fact.
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September 5, 2000
Page 3
Marjorie Herbert seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 6-0.
7:10 p.m.
6. Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat of the Resubdivision of Northlake
Subdivision, Section E, Lot 24, to be known as Ingarfield Subdivision, located on Meadow Drive, with
Variances to the Subdivision Regulations. Mike Fitzgerald, an adjacent property owner, asked what kind
of development is proposed. James Baker responded that one house on each lot is proposed, with no
variances. Jack Noble then made a motion to recommended approval of the Public Review Final Plat of
6.44 acres in the Northlake Subdivision, Section E, Lot 24, to be known as Ingarfield Subdivision, provided
the Technical Issues are addressed prior to City Council consideration. Marjorie Herbert seconded the
motion which passed by vote of 6-0.
10. Consideration and possible action on a Public Review Final Plat of 37.36 acres in the William Roberts
Survey and Logan Ranch, Section 1, Lot 63, to be known as The Logan Plateau, located on Logan
Road, with Variances to the Subdivision Regulations. The following citizens addressed the Commission:
Marcy Urban - 376 Logan Ranch Road - a member of the committee working on getting restrictions
reinstated for Logan Ranch and Eunice Keizer, owner of 264 Logan Road. They stated the following
questions, concerns and suggestions:
- asked to delay action on this because all homeowners were not notified
- density will create a traffic problem and safety problem on Logan Ranch Road
- should be equal types and size of lots that are there now
- suggested a traffic study
- where are children going to go to school; schools are already full;
- where are children going play
- drainage and/ or detention
- traffic from 41 lots with only one exit from the subdivision
- would not want the 2.5 acre lots to be commercial
Jim Cummins, agent for the applicant, addressed the Commission and responded to questions. He stated
that the lots were made smaller to incur cost of extending wastewater to this area; park dedication fee will
be paid by developer in lieu of providing a park; and multiple drainage areas will be provided. He stated
that this will be an upscale subdivision with large homes and extensive amounts of landscaping. He also
said that he knows nothing of commercial zoning in this area. Marjorie Herbert asked about the
one-way-in and one-way-out situation. David Munk responded that Lovie Lane will tie into the Reserve at
Berry Creek. Marjorie Herbert asked about the lack of a park. Jim Cummins responded that the Parks
and Recreation Board asked for fees in lieu of park land. Ed Barry added that the City doesn’t want
parks less than 1 acre in size and the way our park dedication requirement is written, you would have to
have a minimum of 150 lots before you get to a 1 acre park. Charles Parker asked about the
maintenance guarantee requirements. Ed Barry responded that before the plat is recorded and before
lots can be sold, the developer has to secure fiscal improvements which ensures that water and sewer
lines and streets are built to our specifications. The developer has the option of building or bonding the
improvements. Density was discussed and lot size requirements. Kathleen Watson, 417 Logan Ranch
Road, questioned notification requirements and encouraged tabling. Marjorie Herbert stated she felt that
this item should be tabled for one month because of the impact on surrounding property owners. Jack
Noble agreed with Ms. Herbert to table. Charles Parker stated that the subdivision met the regulations and
should be acted on. Don Nadon stated that the Commission should vote and he supported the project.
Gabe Sansing personally wished they would go back to 1 acre lots but they have met the requirements
and the Commission should vote tonight. Patrick Walsh said there was no basis for asking developer to
delay but suggested that developer should get with the residents and communicate what’s going on there.
Charles Parker made a motion to recommend approval of a Public Review Final Plat of 37.32 acre in the
Williams Roberts Survey and Logan Ranch, Section 1, Lot 63 to be known as Logan Plateau. Don
Nadon seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 4-2 (Jack Noble and Marjorie Herbert voted
opposed).
7:55 p.m.
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September 5, 2000
Page 4
11. Consideration and possible action on a Revised Detailed Development Plan for a 30.29 acre portion
of Lot 1 in the Amended Frost and Benold Subdivision for Georgetown Independent School District’s
Benold Middle School, located at 2407 Northwest Boulevard, with Variances to the Subdivision
Regulations. Ed Barry updated the Commission on what’s happened since last month. In the new option,
all buses would still use Arrowhead Lane, but be disbursed to Creek Street and Thornwood Road. Jim
Gunn addressed the Commission and outlined his alternative suggestion. The following citizens
addressed the Commission: Kathleen Watson, 417 Logan Ranch Road, Marla Shell - P.E. Aid, Jan
Williams, ESE Director and Sherry Rhodes, P.E. teacher at Frost. Their opinions, concerns and
suggestions were:
- bus lane should have never been located through a playground.
- There are going to be traffic problems in subdivisions around schools.
- Frost cannot use playground from 8-9 am in the morning now.
- in favor of Dr. Gunn’s proposal to re-route the buses
- support moving Benold Bus lane to the Benold campus and through public streets
- not a lit playground, so when the time changes, keeping the children in longer would limit their outside
time
- not just a school playground; this is a community playground
- this is a very dangerous situation with young impulsive children.
Jessie Hoke, 107 Arrowhead Lane, addressed the Commission to voice opposition to the re-routing of the
buses. He stated that even with the proposed change, there is still a safety risk for students. He
proposed adding a fence with gates and showed an illustration. He suggested having a risk assessment
done by the fleet carrier to come up with a proposal that would work for all students. He asked the
Commission to reject this proposed site plan change. Discussion followed regarding Emerald Springs
subdivision and the street classification of that subdivision. Ed Barry stated that the neighborhood and
street layout was premised on the design and traffic system of the Benold DDP 5 years ago. If the City
was going to provide access to Benold through the subdivision, there would be much different types of
streets and rights-of-way in that area. Patrick Walsh stated that he felt that it doesn’t make sense to use
local streets not designed for large vehicles and that Lakeway Drive and Northwest Boulevard. are
designed for bus traffic. After extensive discussion, the Commissioners’ comments were: Marjorie
Herbert - Stated that the danger is already there and the safety of the children outweighs the expectation
and interests of the homeowners. She stated that homeowners have a choice but the children on the
school property do not. Gabe Sansing - Supported the revision but suggested the re-routing be temporary
until it can be redesigned. Charles Parker agreed with Marjorie Herbert and stated that inconvenience is
a fact of life and buses go in every neighborhood of Georgetown. Jack Noble agreed with Gabe Sansing.
Don Nadon supported Dr. Gunn’s proposal. Patrick Walsh stated that the street design of Emerald
Springs is not adequate for bus traffic, but would support a temporary situation with reworking, using the
larger streets. Marjorie Herbert made a motion to recommend approval of the revised Detailed
Development Plan for Benold Middle School, to allow bus traffic on to Arrowhead Lane, and to
recommend that the City Council put a 2 year limit (until May of 2002) on the use of this route in order for
the City and GISD to work together to re-engineer a safer bus route for Benold Middle School. Patrick
Walsh amended the motion to include a recommendation that the City put “No Parking” signs on one side
of Arrowhead Lane, Thornwood Road and Creek Drive. Gabe Sansing seconded the motion and
amended motion which passed by a vote of 6-0.
9:05 p.m.
12. Consideration and possible action on a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for 1.41 acres in the
Nicholas Porter Survey, known as Sonic Drive-in, located at 406 N. Austin Avenue. David Munk gave the
staff report and recommendation. Mike Mersiosky, the applicant, addressed the Commission and
explained his reasons for putting in the gravel: 1) problem of erosion from the water that comes down
Austin Avenue onto the Sonic property 2) the parking is for employees only, 3-4 cars at a time. 3) the
rock keeps dirt on parking area and not onto Austin Avenue 4) he just wanted the area to look better. The
Commissioners comments were: Gabe Sansing - Stated that the code needs to be looked at and revised
to allow this. There are more pressing issues to be dealt with and supported the applicant. Don Nadon -
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September 5, 2000
Page 5
Stated that the applicant did this without approval and supported staff recommendation. Marjorie Herbert
and Charles Parker supported application. Jack Noble - Stated that curbing is needed and supported
staff recommendation. Patrick Walsh - Stated that the applicant went through a great deal a few years
ago with the existing DDP and he was disappointed that he did not go by the rules. He stated that he felt
that the DDP requirements should be completed by the applicant or be revised. Don Nadon -Stated that
there are ways to comply and he supported staff recommendation. Gabe Sansing made a motion to
recommend approve a Variance to the Subdivision Regulations for 1.41 acres in the Nicholas Porter
Survey, known as Sonic Drive-in, located at 406 N. Austin Avenue. Marjorie Herbert seconded the
motion which failed to pass by a vote of 3-3. (Don Nadon, Jack Noble and Patrick Walsh voted
opposed.) The Variance request will go forward to the City Council without a recommendation.
13. Consideration and possible action on a Rezoning of .940 acres in the C. Stubblefield Survey, from RS,
Residential Single Family to C-2A, Commercial First-Height, or any more restrictive district, located at
502 W. 21st Street. James Baker gave the staff report and recommendation. Ida Edwards addressed
the Commission and stated that 8 out of 9 of the surrounding property owners did not object to the
rezoning. Floyd Brittain, owner of a towing business (storing of accident and arrest vehicles) addressed
the Commission and responded to questions. He stated that he had wanted to lease the property for his
business. After the discussion, all Commissioners stated that they supported the C-1 zoning
classification as recommended by staff. Jack Noble made a motion to recommend denial of the
requested rezoning from RS, Residential Single Family to C-2A, Commercial First Height for 0.94 of an
acre in the C. Stubblefield survey, located at 502 W. 21st Street. Marjorie Herbert seconded the motion
which passed by a vote of 6-0. Jack Noble then made a motion to approve the rezoning to C-1, Local
Commercial. Marjorie Herbert seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 6-0.
14. Staff comments and reports.
a. Council action update - Jim Babcock updated the Commission on the August City Council
meetings.
Ed Barry suggested a workshop to discuss items 14b., c. and d. Thursday, September 21st was
suggested, at 5:30 pm. at the Development Services office.
b. Discussion of possible ordinance revision regarding rear setbacks for accessory structures
c. Discussion of possible ordinance revision regarding fence location
d. Discussion of possible ordinance revision regarding guest quarters
15. Commission comments and reports. Jack Noble informed the Commission that he will not be at the
October meeting. The Commission did not discuss item 15a.
a. Discussion of Findings of Fact
The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m.
/jmr