02-09-1999
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PLANNING & ZONING MINUTES
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened In Regular Session on
Tuesday February 09, 1999, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Bob Andrews
Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were as
follows:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CITY STAFF
David Richmond, Vice-Chairman
Keith Van Dine, Secretary
Tony Moreno
Joyce Briscoe
Steve Simonson,
Asst. City Manager!
Planning Coordinator
Mary Ybarra,
Planning Secretary
Commissioners Absent
Others Present
Ernie Evans (work related)
George Maxfield
Gary Wallace
Charles M. Reynolds,
3505 Marietta Lane
John Torrez,
4917 FM3009!State Bank
& Trust
#1 Call to Order:
David Richmond called the meeting of February 09, 1999, to order at 7:00 p.m.
#2 Approval of Minutes:
1999.
Public Hearing and Regular session of January 26,
David Richmond asked for corrections or additions to the minutes of January 26, 1999.
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Joyce Briscoe suggested that the approval of minutes be postponed until such time that
corrections are made.
With no objection, Joyce Briscoe moved to postpone the approval of the minutes of
January 26, 1999, until such time corrections are made. Keith Van Dine seconded the
motion that carried unanimously.
#3 Status of Final Plats:
There were none.
#4 BOA Actions:
Joyce Briscoe stated that there is no report, the Board of Adjustment (BOA) has not
met.
#5 Citizen's Input Other Than Agenda Items:
There were none.
#6 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: Request from State Bank & Trust
of Seguin for a Variance to the Sign Ordinance at 4917 FM3009.
Steve Simonson stated that State Bank & Trust believe that they lack exposure, and for
this reason, they are requesting a 12' higher sign than the authorized height of 18.7'.
The bank was advised of the sign ordinance and the authorized sign height on FM
3009. Steve Simonson added that the Commission was appreciative to the original
(signage) setup, however, indicated that they could request the variance. He explained
the reluctance of the Planning and Zoning to grant variances; however, there are
options. In conclusion, Steve informed the Commission that there are no other signs
along FM 3009, (H.E.B., Taco Cabana, etc.) that are any higher than the authorized
height of 18.7'.
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Joyce Briscoe stated that the usage of signs to advertise isn't the reason someone
chooses to stop to do business. Signs are used to indicate the location of the business,
and the City must support the enforcement of the sign ordinance.
David Richmond reiterated the reluctance that the Planning and Zoning have to allow
any sign variances along FM 3009, and the fact that the Planning and Zoning has
turned down several earlier requests for variances along FM 3009.
Mr. John Torrez explained that the surrounding businesses (Taco Cabana etc.) along
FM 3009 are on higher ground than the bank property and with all the building around
the bank area the sign is getting lost. The adjacent HEB parking lot lights also affect and
distract from the bank sign. The proposed sign would also be higher than the Forest
Ridge Subdivision tree line that obstructs visibility. Mr. Torrez explained that the sign
format would not change, and the existing tenant signs would not be any larger.
. David Richmond stated that business in not conducted at night and citizens driving by
the bank during the daytime can see that the building has been very artfully constructed.
David Richmond stated that the sign presentation along with the building has
established an attractive presence for the bank area. David Richmond mentioned that
the Commission has had several requests from different businesses along FM3009 for
higher signage along FM3009, however, the Commission feels that it needs to stay
consistent with signage along FM3009.
After some discussion, the Commission agrees that the overlay district ordinance was
established for several of the reasons discussed and believes in keeping the
enforcement of this ordinance.
Joyce Briscoe moved to deny the request from State Bank & Trust of Seguin for a
Variance to the Sign Ordinance at 4917 FM3009. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion
that carried unanimously.
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#7 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: Request from Charles M.
Reynolds, 3505 Marietta Lane, Carolina Crossing Subdivision for a Special Exception to
the Zoning Ordinance to place deck and portable spa. (BOA #118-90).
Steve Simonson stated that the request is for a continuous decking from the back of the
existing patio. Considering it is a major undertaking of the back yard with the proposed
structure (deck & spa) that will also require electricity and encroach into the 20' building
setback, he felt that it should be considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission
and forward with a recommendation to the Board of Adjustment.
Tony Moreno asked if the HOA (Homeowners Association) had any restrictions as to
what is built in the area.
Mr. Reynolds stated that the HOA does not have any problem, as long as the structure
is away from the fence line, and it isn't a permanent fixture. The structure will not be
. permanent, and it will not be attached to the home or the ground. Mr. Reynolds
informed the Commission that the surrounding neighbors have been contacted, and
they have no problem with the proposed construction.
Joyce Briscoe asked what type of electricity should be considered (220 voltage, etc.)
and was advised it would be 220 voltage.
With no further discussion, Keith Van Dine moved to forward with recommendation of
approval to the Board of Adjustment the request from Charles M. Reynolds, 3505
Marietta Lane, Carolina Crossing Subdivision for a Special Exception to the Zoning
Ordinance to place deck and portable spa. Tony Moreno seconded the motion that
carried unanimously.
#8 Consider And Take Appropriate Action: Request from Pat Gardner for
. Site Plan Approval of the Dutch Boy Cleaners on FM3009. (PC#398-99).
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Steve Simonson stated that the site plan is showing all requirements such as;
landscaping, dumpster pad, handi-cap parking and parking. It shows 3-pole lighting at
the front of the building, and lighting is indicated in the back parking area. Steve
Simonson stated that also included is a very nice rendition of the proposed building
complex, showing that Dutch Boy Cleaners would be using only a portion of the
complex. The remainder of the complex will be used for proposed tenants.
Joyce Briscoe stated that there is some concern in regard to signage for the proposed
tenants. What type of signage, location etc. would be allowed?
Mr. Pat Gardner representing Dutch Boy Cleaners stated that proposed tenants would
be restricted to follow signage requirements set by complex. Signs would be affixed to
the building on a raceway with approximately 12' letters. Mr. Gardner stated that the
City sign ordinance would be enforced.
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There was some concern voiced by several Commissioners in regard to some of the
proposed tenants wanting additional signage such as, signage off the building.
Steve Simonson stated if the Commission approved the request it could be part of the
motion, that any additional signage would have to comply and be affixed to the
authorized freestanding Dutch Boy Cleaners sign.
With no further discussion, Tony Moreno moved to approve the request from Pat
Gardner for Site Plan Approval of the Dutch Boy Cleaners on FM3009 with the provision
that any additional tenant signage would be part of the Dutch Boy Cleaners sign. Joyce
Briscoe seconded the motion that carried unanimously.
#9 Consider And Make Recommendation: Changes to Special Exception to
. the Zoning Ordinance and Specific Use Permit Applications.
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Steve Simonson stated that these changes have been previously introduced to the
Commission and have been brought forth as an agenda item. These changes are
recommended by the City Manager and City Council after City Council heard a request
from a citizen (Mr. Drega) to allow renting out a room in a single family residential area.
Steve Simonson added that the proposed change would inform the City that the
resident or citizen has contacted the Homeowners Association (HOA) and that they
have been made aware of any request, which would eliminate any question.
Joyce Briscoe stated that there are a couple of typo's in section #7 of both applications.
In the Specific Use Permit, last sentence delete the word "or" and add "of'. In the
Special Exception to the Zoning Ordinance, last sentence the word "invalidated" is to
read "invalidate".
With no further discussion, the Commission was in agreement that the changes are
warranted and that it would eliminate some of the problems associated with such
. requests brought forth by residents that belong to HOA.
Keith Van Dine moved to forward to the City Council recommending approval and
adoption to the changes of the Special Exception to the Zoning Ordinance and Specific
Use Permit Applications with corrections. Tony Moreno seconded the motion that
carried unanimously.
#10 General Discussion:
Tony Moreno:
Tony wanted to know the status on the Comprehensive Plan and was advised that
Steve Simonson would have a report later in the meeting.
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Keith Van Dine:
Keith voiced some concern to granting variances to the sign ordinance. The
Commission has denied most of this type of request. Can the Commission continue to
do so? Steve Simonson stated that the Commission has never approved a variance on
FM 3009. Steve mentioned that the best signage request approved by the Commission
was the request from Taco Cabana, which provided everyone (businesses) with
signage.
Joyce Briscoe:
Joyce commented on the Arroyo Verde Subdivision sale office trailer on FM 3009. Can
anything be done to have it moved, its so unsightly. Steve Simonson stated that it has
temporary authorization. Until the subdivision constructs a staffed model home on the
subdivision site, the City has no right to remove the trailer.
Ken Greenwald:
Ken reported that the Water Commission met in Seguin on Thursday. The plan is
looking good. The water looks good, and the planning for the pipeline is well underway.
The project is looking very good.
Steve Simonson:
Steve reported that the City is the proud owner of the Palms Apartments and the City is
out for bids for demolition. The Holman property is also out for bids. The City is finalizing
the purchase of the old Winn's building. The City is still working on the Burch property,
Church's and the Dr. May's property.
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Steve reported that he has talked with Dan Safko in regard to the Comprehensive Plan
for the City. Mr. Safko plans to be in the area on February 16 and plans are to have
lunch. Anyone interested can join us for lunch. Mr. Safko will be briefed on the City's
plan. He will provide the city with a proposal of costs etc. so the City can start the
process.
Steve reported that the public hearing was held for the Lower Seguin project. Steve
mentioned that there will be a problem with drainage at the corner of the location, which
may affect the business at the corner, and that 90% of the land that the City needs is on
the side of the Air Force Base, and it all has to do with drainage. They want to begin
construction around August or September, however, the City has not been provided
with ROW maps.
Steve mentioned that at the next meeting, part of the agenda will be a request from
Barry Sanditen for a revision to Forest Ridge Master Plan to be relieved of the
. requirement to build Wiederstein Road. LCRA will be cutting another 100' from his
property.
David Richmond:
David mentioned that he has seen some activity at the Taco Bell location and was
advised that it's quite a setup.
#11 Adjournment:
Keith Van Dine moved to adjourn the meeting. Joyce Briscoe seconded the motion. The
meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
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ATTEST:
Planning Secretary, City of Schertz
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Ohairman, Planning & Zoning Commission
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