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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_04.02.2024Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission City of Georgetown, Texas Tuesday, April 2, 2024 The Georgetown Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Council and Court Building, 510 W. 9th Street. The City of Georgetown is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require assistance in participating at a public meeting due to a disability, as defined under the ADA, reasonable assistance, adaptations, or accommodations will be provided upon request. Please contact the City Secretary's Office, at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled meeting date, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 808 Martin Luther King, Jr Street for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. The following Members were in attendance: Present were: Doug Noble, Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey, Michael D Charles, Lance A Morgan, Alice L York Public Wishing to Address an Advisory Board On a subject that is posted on this agenda: Please fill out a speaker registra on form which can be found on the table at the entrance to the mee ng room. Clearly print your name and the le er of the item on which you wish to speak and present it to the Board Liaison prior to the start of the mee ng. You will be called forward to speak when the Board considers that item. Only persons who have delivered the speaker form prior to the mee ng being called to order may speak. Speakers will be allowed up to three minutes to speak. If you wish to speak for six minutes, it is permissible to use another requestor's granted me to speak. No more than six minutes for a speaker may be granted. The requestor gran ng me to another speaker must also submit a form and be present at the meeting. On a subject not posted on the agenda: A request must be received by the Advisory Board or Commission Liaison prior to the day the agenda for this mee ng is posted. Each speaker will be given three minutes to 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. l.A Meeting Minutes Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2024 regular meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission -- Erica Metress, Planning Specialist Moved by Scott A Allen; seconded by Michael L Price to Approve the March 19, 2024 P&Z meeting minutes. Motion Approved: 7- 0 Voting For: Doug Noble, Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey, Michael D Charles, Lance A Morgan, Alice L York Voting Against: None 2. Regular Session 2.A 2023-5-REZ Leigh Townhomes Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone 0.218 acres out of Block 67-68(PTS), Lost Addition from the Residential Single - Family (RS) zoning district to the Towhnouse (TH) zoning district, for the property generally located at 400 W. 11th Street Georgetown, Texas 78626 (2023-5-REZ) -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report. Alternate Commissioner Morgan requested clarification on the 2nd approval criteria regarding the comprehensive plan. O'Kelley acknowledged that the approval criteria provided for the Commission was marked as partially compliant but highlighted that the staff report presented during the meeting provided an updated version. Commissioner Noble asked for the current height of the library for comparison. O'Kelley acknowledged that she did not know the height of the library. Jen Henderson, applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and explained that they have not completed the final plat yet. Chair Dickey asked if the proposed project was just an idea and did not necessarily have the measurements planned out. Henderson confirmed that they have not planned all the specific measurements for the proposed project. Chair Dickey questioned if there will be an official design regarding measurements when platting occurs. Henderson confirmed that the request is for a zoning change and that specific measurements are provided during the site development plan. Alternate Commissioner Charles inquired about a traffic impact analysis. Travis Baird, Assistant Planning Director, approached the podium to address the Commission and explained that a traffic impact analysis does not apply in this situation. Commissioner Noble expressed his concern with the side setbacks and height of 35 feet. Chance Leigh, owner, approached the podium to address the Commission and provided an example of a building on 19th and Church Street that did not require a variance. Leigh acknowledged that this request would be similar in that there would not be a need for a variance for setbacks or impervious coverage. Commissioner Price questioned if there is a parking lot adjacent to the property. Leigh confirmed that there is a parking lot behind and adjacent to the property. Alternate Commissioner York inquired about the potential buildings for the lot. Leigh acknowledged the potential for 3 two-story units that would be loading from the front of the lot. Chair Dickey inquired about the review authority for potential variances. O'Kelley explained that if the applicant were to request a setback encroachment or height modification, they would need to present to HARC. O'Kelley continued to explain that a variance request related to future subdivision of the platting of the property would return to P&Z. O'Kelley confirmed Commissioner Noble's earlier question that the public library is 41 feet from the top of the parapet. Chair Dickey opened the public hearing. Linda Thomas, 1004 Forest Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and shared that she was opposed to the proposed townhomes. Thomas highlighted that there are businesses on Rock Street and West University Avenue. Thomas, also, highlighted that the proposed townhomes would be significantly taller than the surrounding buildings in the area and would be twice as tall as 19 out of the 21 houses in the area. Thomas shared that the townhomes would loom and overpower the surrounding neighborhoods. Thomas highlighted that the proposed townhomes do not allow transition from the office district to the residential district because there is no difference between the houses with businesses or residents. Thomas shared that the only way to decipher the difference is signage. Thomas concluded that the proposed townhomes would not be appropriate for this lot. Robert Cravens, 1004 Forest Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and shared that he enjoys the area, culture district, and history of a small Texas town. Cravens shared his experience in relocating and settling into Georgetown. Cravens provided a slide of photographs of the homes on Forest Street and an adjacent home to the property in question. Cravens highlighted that all the homes are 1 story and similar in style. Cravens noted that the homes in the surrounding area are not 3 stories, nor do they have brick veneer. Cravens shared that 6 submitted objections shared that the proposed rezoning does not fit the character of the neighborhood. Cravens requested that the Commission vote against the rezoning. Liz Weaver, 1221 South Main Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and acknowledged that she is the government liaison officer of the Old Town Association. Weaver shared that the Old Town residents are concerned with commercial creep. Weaver highlighted that the proposed zoning change is an example of commercial creep. Weaver noted that the area has a buffer of historic homes between the commercial creep, and University Avenue and Austin Avenue. Weaver shared that the area has primarily single-family homes and does not need a 3-story townhouse on the lot. Weaver explained that the three townhomes would not comply with setbacks which will require equipment to be transported to the lot through neighboring property. Weaver explained that the neighbors have protested this zoning. Weaver concluded with the request to reject the zoning change. Chair Dickey closed the public hearing and asked for a motion from the dais. _ Moved by Michael L Price; seconded by Lance A Morgan to Approve the request. Commissioner Price explained that the reason why he made a motion to approve the request is because the proposal still must go through several processes before breaking ground. Commissioner Price highlighted that it has been suggested to insert commercial properties in the community. Commissioner Noble shared his concerns with setbacks and dramatic increase with the surrounding area. Alternate Commissioner Charles agreed with the concerns of the setbacks and acknowledged the different levels of approval. Alternate Commissioner Charles added that he was concerned with the traffic impact. The Commission proceeded to vote on the motion. Motion Approved: 5- 2 Voting For: Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey, Lance A Morgan, Alice L York Voting Against: Doug Noble, Michael D Charles 2.13 2023-20-REZ Richards Tract -� Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone 0.36 acres out of Block 26 (Lots 3-4),City of Georgetown from the Residential Single - Family (RS) zoning district to the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) zoning district, for the property generally located at 510 S. Church Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626 (2023-20- REZ) -- Maddison O'Kelley, Preservation and Redevelopment Manager Maddison O'Kelley presented the staff report. Chair Dickey asked if the parking lot across 6th street from the property in question was subject to future development. O'Kelley confirmed that the parking lot was subject to future development. Chair Dickey questioned if HARC has acted on the request. O'Kelley responded that HARC has not taken action on the request. Commissioner Noble shared his concern of increase parking requirements in the residential area and asked if parking plans are approved through staff. O'Kelley explained that because the property is not located within the downtown overlay, the applicant is required to have off street parking depending on the use. O'Kelley highlighted that they can pursue an alternative parking plan at the director's discretion. Peter Verdicchio, applicant, approached the podium to address the Commission and highlighted that the Richards family has owned the property for 30 years. Verdicchio noted that the property is abutted by non-residential uses to the West as well as across the street. Verdicchio added that the property is in a transition area of the Downtown Master Plan. Verdicchio highlighted the size of the land and large setback which would accommodate parking spaces. Commissioner Noble questioned the rezoning request with no plan for a specific use. Verdicchio explained that a conversion would be better use of the property given the location. Chair Dickey opened the public hearing. Larry Olson, 9th Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and provided a presentation that included the view of the neighborhood. Olson spoke about the commercial creep involving an event center that required an alternative parking plan. Olson noted that the cars used the streets instead of the parking lot which effected neighbors. Olson explained that City Council supported a new zone that provides a clear distinction between the MUDT and residential areas. Olson highlighted that the transition zone is behind the property and shared his concern with the neighborhood turning into a commercial neighborhood. Olson encouraged the Commission to not approve the request. Liz Weaver, 1221 South Main Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and noted that neighbors have heard a possible use of the property for the business directly behind the lot in question. Weaver presented a list of permanent uses and temporary uses. Weaver expressed concerns with the permanent use of bar, food catering services, and event facilities. Weaver noted that 2 mobile food trucks can be on the property as a temporary use. Weaver shared that she acquired 21 letters from various neighbors. Weaver asked the Commission to reject the proposed change. Harley Coons, 609 South Church Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and shared that commercial businesses can be seen from his front porch. Coons expressed that the traffic is nonexistent from 7th Street, towards the neighborhood. Coons noted that the Wishing Well changed the dynamic of the neighborhood. Coons shared that a possible business that closes at a reasonable hour would be appropriate for the property. Julie Faircloth, 504 South Myrtle Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and shared that she would be affected by the proposed change. Faircloth expressed her opposition in the request. Faircloth explained that the quality of life is affected through the safety of citizens. Faircloth urged the Commission to not grant the request as it would affect the quality of life for the residents of downtown Georgetown. Lawrence Romero, 601 South Church Street, approached the podium to address the Commission and acknowledged continual progress in Georgetown. Romero shared that some information provided were not accurate and believed that it is the Richards' right to request the change. Romero shared that he is in support of this transition. Chair Dickey closed the public hearing and asked for a motion from the dais. Moved by Doug Noble; seconded by Scott A Allen to Deny the request. Commissioner Noble shared that the reason for his motion was due to the lack of intended use, concern with commercial creep, and traffic and parking in the neighborhood. Alternate Commissioner Charles expressed his concern with the transitional zoning. Alternate Commissioner York acknowledged that the location of the property will affect several neighbors. Commissioner Allen shared his concern with the unknown use and parking. Chair Dickey noted that the use list for the Neighborhood Commercial zoning district is mild and acknowledged that the area will continue to change. The Commission proceeded to vote on the motion. Motion Approved: 5- 2 Voting For: Doug Noble, Scott A Allen, Michael D Charles, Lance A Morgan, Alice L York Voting Against: Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey 2.0 2024-1-CPA Heirloom Future Land Use Map Amendment Public Hearing and possible action on a request for an Amendment to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The request is to amend the Future Land Use designation of 362.01 acres in the C.H. Delaney Survey, Abstract 181, from Neighborhood to Mixed - Density Neighborhood and Regional Center. The property with which the amendment is requested is generally located on the north side of Ronald W Reagan Boulevard west of RM 2338 (2024-1-CPA) -- Ryan Clark, AICP, Senior Planner Ryan Clark presented the staff report. Chair Dickey questioned if Ronald W. Reagan Boulevard was owned by Williamson County. David Munk, Senior Utility Engineer, approached the podium to address the Commission and noted that some portions of Ronald W. Reagan Boulevard are owned by Williamson County and that it is designated as a freeway on the new Thoroughfare Plan. John Landwehr, developer of Heirloom Tract, approached the podium to address the Commission and shared that he was available for questions. Rebecca Leonard, Lionheart Places, approached the podium to address the Commission and provided a presentation. Commissioner Noble questioned the meaning of an activated street. Leonard explained that the sidewalks would have uses that provide opportunities to look in businesses or outdoor dining. Leonard continued to explain that it creates a relationship with things going on outside and inside of buildings. Chair Dickey opened and closed the public hearing with no speakers coming forth. Moved by Michael L Price; seconded by Michael D Charles to Approve . Motion Approved: 7- 0 Voting For: Doug Noble, Scott A Allen, Michael L Price, Stephen F Dickey, Michael D Charles, Lance A Morgan, Alice L York Voting Against: None 2.D Discussion Items Updates, Commissioner questions, and announcements -- Travis Baird, Assistant Planning Director There were no discussion items. Adjournment -� L These m' utes were approved at the meeting of P % 14 f 2 Chair Attest