03-13-2014 BOA Minutes-Special Joint MeetingMarch 13, 2014
The Schertz Board of Adjustment convened on March 13, 2014 at the Municipal Complex, Community
Center, 1400 Schertz Parkway Building #3, Schertz, Texas.
BOARD OF ADJ- USTMENT
Richard Dziewit, Vice Chairman
David Reynolds
Earl Hartzog
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Mark Tew, Alternate
Frank McElroy, Chairman
Regina Agee
CITY STAFF
Michelle Sanchez, Director Development Services
Lesa Wood, Senior Planner
Bryce Cox, Planner I
Patti White, Executive Asst. of Development
OTHERS PRESENT
BillyClassen
— KFW Engineers
Derek Beck —
Fisher Heck Architects
Mark Neville
— Villa Park Architecture
Tim Brown —
Economic Development Corporation
Tom Howells
— TH Development LLC
William Rumfelt—
Planning and Zoning
Robert Brockman — Citizen
Tania Gunn — Beaty Palmer Architects
Kyle Lents — Kimley Horn & Associates
Discussion regarding revisions to the Schertz Unified Development Code (UDC), Section 21.9.5
Exterior Construction and Design Standards.
• Introduction
• Welcome
• Introductions
• Mission Statement
• The objective of this focus group is to collect input from multiple sources and
develop a set of standards that meets the City's vision, provides the best balance
between quality and economy, and does not limit architectural creativity or
innovation.
• Tonight's Objective
® Discuss the current ordinance
® Identify problems and concerns with the ordinance
® Generate a set of goals for the revised design standards
o Collecting Input
5 meetings
® 2 architect meetings
® Comments and feedback are appreciated at: planning a,schertz.com
o History of Architectural Standards
• No standards prior to 2009
• Ordinance has not always been enforced and has been reinterpreted over the
years.
• PDD's typically have specific architectural standards that are different than
the UDC.
Minutes
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2014
Page 1 of 3
o Review of the Current ordinance
21.9.5.A- Intent
® It is the intent of these design criteria to provide guidelines for new
construction in order to provide aesthetically pleasing appearance as
well as ensure sound construction quality.
® 21.9.5.13- Applicability
® The provisions of this section are deemed to be minimum standards
and shall be applicable to all new buildings within the corporate limits
of the City
® 21.9.5.0 —Multifamily and Nonresidential Exterior Material Requirements
• 21.9.5.C.1 Glazing
• Requires windows only be placed on the front of the building
• Does not define what the front fagade is? The entrance or the
side facing the street
• Creates problems for a variety of users.
• Comments: Is it a safety issue with too many windows? What
are the fees for a variance and is it a hardship? Suggestion to
add categories for industrial, retail, etc. Much easier to have
types /categories of buildings and define the front fagade.
How do you define aesthetically pleasing — it's a matter of
opinion. Code has to be specific using types of buildings and
zoning. Give flexibility in percentages.
• 21.9.5.C.2 Masonry Requirements
o Does not allow for a mix of materials on the front of the
building.
® 21.9.5.C.3 Masonry Definition
o Cemetatious fiberboard does not look like masonry
® 21.9.5.D Multifamily and Nonresidential Fayade Articulation
• 21.9.5.D.1 Horizontal articulation
• Confusing, each planning staff member reads this and
interprets it a different way.
• Staff is not sure what the percentages are based on
• Does not accommodate large industrial buildings
• Does not accommodate multistory buildings
• Does not provide for clear definition on how to measure
• Requires an interpretation
• Comments: Not written for all buildings and uses. Need to
look at types of buildings and texture changes.
• 21.9.5.D.2 Vertical
• Does not provide for clear definition on how to measure
• Arbitrary percentages
• 21.9.5.D.3 Fagade Articulation
• 21.9.5.E Residential Exterior Material Requirements- Will not be
discussed in this focus group
The code is generally written for small to medium sized retail buildings. It
Minutes
Board of Adjustment
March 13, 2014
Page 2 of 3
does not appropriately address industrial and large commercial buildings.
Where do we go from here
o Focus Group Goals
The Ordinance should be easy to understand / minimum interpretation
required
Flexible to accommodate a wide variety of building types and uses.
® Encourages architectural creativity and innovation.
Aesthetically pleasing to the community.
® Provide a higher standard for commercial exterior design.
ADJOURNMENT
ENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 RM.
Chianran, Board of Adjustment
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Minutes
Board of Adjushnent
Mach 13, 2014
Page 3 of 3
Recording Secretary. City of Schertz