HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_03.19.2024Minutes of the
Planning and Zoning Commission
City of Georgetown, Texas
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
The Georgetown Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 6:00 PM at
Council and Court Building, 510 W. 9th Street.
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The following Members were in attendance:
Present were: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Michael L Price, Mike Tiland, Stephen F Dickey,
Lance A Morgan, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Agenda Notice
Public Wishing to Address an Advisory Board
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On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission
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address the Board or Commission members. No action can be taken at this meeting.
Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Comments from the Chair
Announcements
Action from Executive Session
1. Statutory Consent Agenda
The Statutory Consent Agenda includes non -controversial and routine items that may be acted upon
with one single vote. An item may be pulled from the Consent Agenda in order that it be discussed and
acted upon individually as part of the Regular Session.
1.A Meeting Minutes
Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the March 5th, 2024
regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission -- Erica Metress, Planning
Specialist
Moved by Chere Heintzmann; seconded by Mike Tiland to Approve the minutes from
the March 5th, 2024 regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Michael L Price, Mike Tiland, Stephen
F Dickey, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Voting Against: None
2. Regular Session
2.A 2023-14-SUP Mac Haik Dodge Georgetown
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Special Use Permit (SUP) for the
specific use of `Automobile Repair and Service, General' in the General Commercial (C-3)
zoning district on the property located at 5255 S IH-35, Georgetown, Texas 78626,
bearing the legal description of Lots 1-3, Block B, out of the Dennis P. McCoy Subdivision
(2023-14-SUP) -- Colin Davidson, Planner
Colin Davidson presented the staff report.
Chair Dickey inquired if the property south of Fox Street was an approved PUD.
Colin confirmed that it is an approved PUD.
Chair Dickey opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth.
Moved by Michael L Price; seconded by Scott A Allen to Approve .
Motion Approved: 7- 0
Voting For: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Michael L Price, Mike Tiland, Stephen
F Dickey, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Voting Against: None
2.B 2023-2-PUD Southwestern University PUD Amendment
Public Hearing and possible recommendation on a request for a zoning map
amendment to amend the Southwestern University PUD which consists of
approximately 705.32 acres to amend 0.5 acres of the project from Residential Single
Family (RS) to Neighborhood Commercial (CN), for the property addressed at 1205
Maple Street bearing the legal description of .5 acres out of the Snyder Addition, Block
7(PT) (2023-2-PUD) -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager
Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report.
Commissioner Heintzmann asked O'Kelley to read the letter of opposition that was
received after the agenda packet was published for the public. O'Kelley read the letter of
opposition.
Chair Dickey questioned if the request conforms to all existing PUD requirements.
O'Kelley confirmed that the request conforms to all existing PUD requirements and
further provided that the only impacted area of change is this specific tract.
Commissioner Allen asked for the timeline of the second parking lot. O'Kelley
acknowledged that the applicant begun the site development plan and permit reviews.
Commissioner Heintzmann asked for the targeted audience for the restaurant.
David Platt, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and
acknowledged that the targeted audience is the community and not limited to
Southwestern University students.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned if the intention is to have a restaurant with a
bar and further questioned if 40% of the sales would come from the purchase of
alcoholic beverages. Platt acknowledged that there is an intent to sell alcohol at the
restaurant but believed that the sale would fall under 40%.
Commissioner Heintzmann inquired about the intention of a rooftop deck. Platt
acknowledged that the consideration of building a rooftop deck is no longer the intent as
the developers have instead expanded the outdoor seating area to 1,200 square feet.
Commissioner Heintzmann inquired about the hours of operation for the restaurant. Platt
commented that he understood that the restaurant would have typical restaurant hours.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned how lighting was addressed. Platt ensured that
the lighting fixtures will follow the site development plan which requires shielding to
prevent flooding into another property.
Commissioner Heintzmann expressed her concern with the additional parking site located
across University Avenue. Platt acknowledge that the intent is for the restaurant is to be a
family restaurant. Platt highlighted that a sidewalk will be added from the parking space to
the signalized intersection which includes a crosswalk.
Commissioner Heintzmann asked staff if there are plans to update the crosswalk with
lighting. O'Kelley responded that there are no plans at the moment for an update.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned if a traffic study was conducted on this
intersection.
David Munk, Senior Utility Engineer, approached the podium to address the
Commission and acknowledged that he is not aware of improvements right now but
will check into it.
Commissioner Allen shared his concerns that have been expressed regarding the
additional parking site and inquired about the timeline. Platt commented that they are
currently working on the plans and will submit within the next month for review by the city.
Commissioner Price questioned if the additional parking site is required for a Certificate of
Occupancy. O'Kelley clarified that since the additional parking site is identified within the
PUD amendment for required parking, the applicant would need an approved Site
Development Plan for that site before a Site Development Plan can be approved for this
specific tract.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned if the restaurant hours will be like that of a bistro
or a bar restaurant. Platt acknowledged that it would be similar to the hours of a bistro
and clarified that the intent is not to serve late at night.
Rick Martinez, Southwestern Representative, approached the podium to address the
Commission and acknowledged that the intent is a bistro type restaurant and noted that
the hours of operation won't be late. Martinez agreed that the intersection in question is
concerning and assured the Commission that there has been ongoing communication
with the city to address the concerns.
O'Kelley added clarification that should the operations of the restaurant exceed the
definition in the UDC it would require the project to return to P&Z and City Council for an
additional amendment to the PUD.
Chair Dickey opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth.
Moved by Michael L Price; seconded by Stephen F Dickey to Approve .
Commissioner Heintzmann shared her concern regarding the crosswalk and off -site
parking.
Chair Dickey encouraged staff to review the intersection.
With no further discussion, the Commission proceeded to vote.
Motion Approved: 6- 1
Voting For. Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Mike Tiland, Stephen F Dickey, Shelley G
G Rodocker, Alice L York
Voting Against: Chere Heintzmann
2.0 2023-8-ANX Lookout Ridge
Continued Discussion and recommendation on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to
zone, upon annexation, 40.99 acres out of the Frances A. Hudson Abstract No.295 to the
Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning district for the property generally located at the
current terminus of Blue Ridge Drive north of the intersection of that road and
Breezygrass Way (2023-3-ANX) -- Travis Baird, Assistant Planning Director- Current
Planning
Travis Baird presented the staff report.
Mark Baker, Applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and
presented on the revision to the proposed development.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned how the developers can ensure that
construction vehicles will not go through the Teravista neighborhood. Baker
acknowledged that the developer could communicate the path of flow for all
construction which will be from Blue Springs Boulevard to Blue Ridge Drive after it is
completely constructed.
Commissioner Heintzmann expressed her appreciation for the transition and concept of
the proposed development. Heintzmann acknowledged the difficulties in driving through
the roads of Teravista due to the number of cars parked on both sides of the road.
Commissioner Heintzmann noted that there would be comfort if it is guaranteed that the
path of construction trucks can be mitigated.
Commissioner Allen requested that the applicant explain how they addressed the
concern for the sight lines and building heights. Baker explained that the sight line will
still be a 2-story building with a maximum height of 35 feet. Baker added that the site will
be graded and recessed 4 to 6 feet below Teravista and will include a tree canopy along
the common border.
Alternate Commissioner York requested more information on the planned walkways for
pedestrians. Baker acknowledged that there will be 5-foot sidewalks that line all the
driveways, 6-foot sidewalks along Blue Ridge Drive, and trail systems that will be linked
around the amenities neighborhood sidewalks.
Commissioner Tiland asked the applicant to list the modifications from the UDC. Baker
established that they have added a landscape buffer yard, non-exclusive park amenities,
an extra street connection to the west which now allows for 4 access points, and a
provision for lighting.
Chair Dickey opened the public comment.
Doug Latimer, 809 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the
Commission and spoke about a previous project with a concern for traffic. Latimer
highlighted that Rabbit Creek Drive is 28 feet wide and noted that it may not be able to
handle increased traffic. Latimer continued to highlight that Rabbit Creek Drive has two
mailboxes that require street parking to access it. Latimer shared his concern about how
Explorer Park is less than 15 feet from the street. Latimer believed that a bridge will need
to be built through Rabbit Hill Park due to the wet nature and expressed his concerns
about public safety with the splash pad located less than 85 feet from Bue Ridge Drive.
Latimer referred to the staff report and read that the project has significant real -world
impact. Latimer shared that the Teravista neighbors agree.
Liz Wick, 808 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the Commission
and shared concerns with the Lookout Ridge project as it is proposed. Wick explained
that the largest area of concern is that the project does not meet 3 out of 5 Rezoning
Approval Criteria and does not meet 4 out of 6 Planned Unit Development Approval
Criteria. Wick acknowledged the lack of transition from one zoning district to the next and
noted that the 10-foot buffer yard would fall short by several feet due to the extension of
the property lines. Wick highlighted that Teravista currently has 10 single family homes
along the southern border of the proposed development and noted that the request is to
place 30 two-story homes along the border which is more than twice the number of
structures currently there. Wick shared the request for a larger buffer yard that will
include trees, plants, and walking trails. Wick, also, requested a change in the design of
the southern structures to include a reduction of height or a reduction in the number of
structures to create more of a transition from one neighborhood to the next. Wick shared
that there is no adequate parking and access for the intended uses. Wick concluded with
a request that the Commission postpone the project until the applicant can come into
compliance with the approval criteria.
Shaun Browne, 812 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the
Commission and shared that he will address the concern for immense increase in density
and lack of privacy. Browne shared that many residents of Teravista was under the
pretense that when development occurred, it would be of likeness in aesthetics and
density to Teravista. Browne highlighted that the density of Teravista is 3.31 and the
proposed Lookout Ridge is 8.68. Browne referred to the staff report that notes that this is
not a preferred transition. Browne shared that Carter Elementary School does not have
the ability to support an increase in the student population. Browne requested a larger
setback, privacy windows on the second story, a deeper area of grading, or a one-story
house due to his concern of privacy. Browne shared that there is no clarity on whether the
developing homes would be rented or not. Browne referred to the staff report that
acknowledges that there is no variety in housing units on the proposed property. Browne
requested that this proposal is denied.
Ashley Browne, 812 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the
Commission and reviewed the timeline of the development. Browne began with 2016 and
noted that Lookout Ridge was presented as a moderate density residential defined as
single family detached neighborhood homes. Browne acknowledged that the residents of
Teravista expected a neighborhood of similar density and aesthetics to be developed.
Browne noted that in June 2023 a worker from trucks collecting soil
samples informed her that duplexes were planned for the property. Browne continued to
explain that in September 2023 neighbors met with city staff and learned that any
construction was not scheduled. Browne explained that the residents on Teravista met with
the developers and did not feel as their concerns were heard on March 4, 2024. Browne
shared that the residents requested a larger transition zone between Teravista's line of
properties and the proposed development, and requested an adjustment to the traffic plan
that will mitigate public safety with heavier traffic through the neighborhood. Browne further
requested 1-story homes on the lot line. Browne closed with a request that the Commission
does not recommend approval to City Council.
Donna Zolezzi, 816 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the
Commission and encouraged the Commission to deny the project as it is not in
compliance.
Ray Winkler, 820 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the Commission and
encouraged the Commission to deny the project because it is not in compliance and does not
align with city's Comprehensive Plan.
Shae Winkler, 820 Breezygrass Way, approached the podium to address the Commission
and requested that they deny the project as it stands. Winkler shared her concern with
privacy and traffic. Winkler explained that students from the proposed development will
attend the elementary school in the neighborhood which will increase traffic. Winkler closed
with a comment that the project does not align with the city's Comprehensive Plan or overall
goals.
Chair Dickey closed the public comment.
With no additional speakers, Chair Dickey asked for a motion from the Commission.
Moved by Alice L York; seconded by Mike Tiland to Deny .
Commissioner Heintzmann inquired about the necessary steps for the development to be in
compliance. Baird explained that there will always be difficulty to comply with all criteria,
given the number of criteria and complexity of property. Baird further clarified that the most
impactful changes would be to retain a traditional zoning category as identified within the
UDC rather than redefining it.
Commissioner Heintzmann questioned if the builders have considered a single-family style
product, detached product, and one-story product against the lot line to provide a smooth
transition between the Teravista neighborhood and proposed development. Baker explained
that they have not evaluated a detached or separate housing unit.
Chair Dickey and Commissioner Price expressed their appreciation for the presented
transition and project.
Commissioner Tiland noted his concern of increased density, number of modifications to the
UDC, and the approach in making little modifications.
Commissioner Heintzmann expressed her appreciation for the project but shared her
concern with road access and the distance of the splash pad park to a major thoroughfare.
Commissioner Heintzmann highlighted that the developers have met or exceeded many of
the variance requests. Commissioner Heintzmann shared her concern with the appropriate
buffer and safety of access to the neighborhood.
Alternate Commissioner York expressed her concern for the density and traffic.
Chair Dickey called for a 5-minute break at 7:58 PM.
The meeting reconvened at 8:03 PM.
With no further discussion, the Commission proceeded to vote.
Motion Failed: 3- 4
Voting For: Mike Tiland, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Voting Against: Scott A Allen, Chere Heintzmann, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey
Due to a failed motion, Chair Dickey tabled a motion to approve the request.
Moved by Michael L Price; seconded by Stephen F Dickey to Approve .
Motion Failed: 3- 4
Voting For: Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey
Voting Against: Chere Heintzmann, Mike Tiland, Shelley G G Rodocker, Alice L York
Due to both failed motions, item 2.0 (2023-8-ANX Lookout Ridge) resulted in denial.
2.D Discussion Items
Updates, Commissioner questions, and announcements -- Travis Baird, Assistant
Planning Director
There were no updates.
3. Executive Session
In compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Chapter 551, Texas Government Code, Vernon's Codes,
Annotated, the items listed below will be discussed in closed session and are subject to action in the
regular session.
Adjournment
These minutes were approved at the meeting of 4pAll 2 0-2-
Ak, Ir 4,
Chair Attest