08-13-1996
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LING AND ZONING MINUTES e
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a Public
Hearing on Tuesday, August 13, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal
Complex Council Chambers, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas.
Those present were as follows:
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
CITY STAFF
DAVID RICHMOND, VICE-CHAIRMAN
MERWIN WILLMAN, SECRETARY
ERNIE EVANS
KEITH VAN DINE
TONY MORENO
GARY WALLACE
KEN GREENWALD, COUNCILMAN
STEVE SIMONSON,
ASST. CITY MANAGER
DENISE GRANGER,
PLANNING SECRETARY
MEMBERS ABSENT
OTHERS PRESENT
PIA JARMAN, CHAIRWOMAN (VACATION)
Mark Johnson, Bury &
Pittman Eng. HEB
James Wages,
400 Aero Ave.
Steven Gonzales, Bury &
Pittman Eng. HEB
Bob McKenney, Foreign
Affair
Renae Benham,
402 Aero Ave.
Mark Hepburn,
3724 Forsyth Park
Tom Bolin, Don McCrary &
Associates
Dave Allen, MBC Eng. HEB
t 1 CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Pro Tem David Richmond called the Public Hearing to order
at 7:00 p.m. David Richmond explained the procedures to be
followed at the public hearing and thanked everyone for their
concerned interest. The City Council public hearing will be held
August 20, 1996.
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PUBLIC HEARING:
To Receive Citizen Input on a Request from
the City of Schertz Planning and Zoning
Commission for the approval and adoption
of the Unified Development Code (UDC).
(PC #278-96)
Steve Simonson stated this is the final document which has been
reviewed again by legal cousel. The last item to be reviewed was
the maintenance agreement, which now has been forwarded to coincide
with the gated community provisions. At this time we are going
over the maintenance agreement. Once it has been reviewed and
agreed upon by staff it will be forwarded to the appropriate
developers. This should be finalized within the next week.
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David Richmond asked if there were any further comments or
questions at this time.
13 ADJOURNMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING:
There being no further comments, Chairman David Richmond adjourned
the Public Hearing at 7:04 p.m.
The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in a regular
session, after the Public Hearing, in the Municipal Complex Bob
Andrews Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. The
agenda was as follows:
14 CALL TO ORDER:
Chairman David Richmond called the August 13, 1996 regular meeting
to order at 7:05 p.m.
15 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Public Hearing and Regular Session
July 23, 1996.
Merwin Willman moved to approve the July 23, 1996 Public Hearing
and Regular Session minutes. Tony Moreno seconded the motion which
carried as follows:
AYES: David Richmond, Merwin Willman, Tony Moreno.
ABSTENTIONS: Keith Van Dine, Gary Wallace, Ernie Evans. All due
to absences at said meeting.
16 STATUS OF FINAL PLATS:
David Richmond stated there were none at this time.
#7 CITIZENS: INPUT OTHER THAN AGENDA ITEMS
There were none.
18
CONSIDER AND MAKE RECOMMENDATION: Request from the
Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission
approval and adoption of the
Development Code (UDC). (PC #278-96)
City of
for the
Unified
Merwin
request
adoption
seconded
Willman moved to recommend to City Council approval for the
submitted by the Planning and zoning Commission for the
of the Unified Development Code (UDC). Keith Van Dine
the motion which carried with a unanimous vote.
19 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from James
Wages, 400 Aero Ave., for a Special Exception
to the Zoning Ordinance of 7' for a side yard
setback to install a carport. (BOA #77-96)
Steve Simonson stated Mr. Wages was advised that a letter from the
neighbor would have to be submitted. Mr. Wages has brought in the
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. letter and also the neighbor is present at this time.
Reane Benham, 402 Aero Ave., stated she has no problem with the
request from Mr. Wages.
Merwin Willman asked Mr. Wages why he felt he needed the carport
to be the full length of the house which is 24'?
James Wages stated he has a pick up truck and a station wagon and
the full length is needed.
Gary Wallace moved to forward to the BOA, recommending approval,
the request submitted from James Wages, 400 Aero Ave., for a
Special Exception to the Zoning Ordinance of 7 feet for a side yard
setback to install a carport. Tony Moreno seconded the motion
which carried as follows:
AYES: David Richmond, Tony Moreno, Keith Van Dine, Gary Wallace.
ABSTENTIONS: Merwin Willman, Ernie Evans.
#10 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from Mark
Hepburn, 3724 Forsyth Park, for a Special
Exception to the Zoning Ordinance for an
accessory building setback from the residence
from 10' to 6'. (BOA #76-96)
4It Steve Simonson stated there is a letter from the current owners
that they are aware of the request from Mr. Hepburn who is in the
process of buying the house. They have no objection. You will
notice the pie-shaped lot that the house is on. Site plan shows
intervening utility easements that intersect most of the back yard.
Mr. Hepburn has five children and is in need of some place to
store bicycles, toys, etc. The other side of the lot which is
larger is where Mr. Hepburn would like to have his children play.
Ernie
shed
Evans asked if the request changed by the location of
being either towards the front of the house or the back?
the
Steve Simonson stated that on the side easement,it shows a 5'
utility easement which is not used in this case so can be up to 3'
from the fence.
Gary Wallace asked if there is a fence in front of the shed. Steve
Simonson stated that "yes" there is a fence in front of the shed.
The shed is only going to be about 8 X 10.
David Richmond asked what the height of the shed
comparison to the fence? Mark Hepburn stated
Commission would allow would be what he would put in.
would be
whatever
in
the
.
Ernie Evans stated he is not opposed to the storage shed. His
concern is the shed being above the fence so close to the front of
the house.
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David Richmond stated Mr. Hepburn at this time has no idea what he
is going to build or where he is going to buy the shed. David's
concern is with the shed being on the front of the house if it is 8
or 9 feet tall with a 6 foot fence that part of the shed will be
seen in the front of the house.
Gary Wallace moved to forward to the BOA, recommending approval,
the request from Mark Hepburn, 3724 Forsyth Park for a Special
Exception to the Zoning Ordinance for an accessory building setback
from the residence from 10' to 6'. Tony Moreno seconded the motion
which carried with a unanimous vote.
111 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from Robert
McKenney, for Site Plan Approval for Foreign
Affair located in the Schertz Business Park.
(PC #277-96)
Steve Simonson stated this is an existing lot with the utility
easement on the inside of the lot. The handicap parking is marked,
the landscaping will be small shrubs, a rolling gate and a
chain-link fence around the property, the lighting will be on the
property and the only sign will be on the building. There is no
need for a dumpster so there is no indication of such.
.
Merwin Willman stated he had talked with Steve about one concern if
they are aware of the AICUZ zone. This will be addressed at the
time of the construction plans.
Merwin Willman moved to
McKenney for the Site
Schertz Business Park.
carried with a unanimous
approve the request submitted by Robert
Plan for Foreign Affair located in the
Tony Moreno seconded the motion which
vote.
tl2 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from Don
McCrary, McCrary and Associates, for Site Plan
approval for the Intermediate School #1 on
Savannah Dr. (PC #255-96)
Steve Simonson stated they do not have their final landscape plan.
In talking with them it is all going to depend on the water
situation. The lighting is indicated on the site plan; there will
be one sign either on the building or on a walkway. There will be
no off campus sign. There is a chain-link fence around the
property of the school. The dumpster enclosed is also indicated.
Ernie Evans asked if the easement that curves on the property for
the fire hydrants is indicated? Steve Simonson stated that "yes"
it is on the plat.
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Merwin Willman stated there are four fire hydrants: two on
Inglewood, and two on Savannah Drive.
Tony Moreno asked if this is a site plan as the title states
Dimension Control and Utility Plan.
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Steve Simonson stated that "yes" this is part of
plan which meets most of our requirements for a
only thing missing would be the landscaping
addressed.
the construction
site plan. The
which has been
Ernie Evans questioned why the sidewalks end at the exit and
entrance points.
Tom Bolin stated this is for wheel chair ramps that will cross the
concrete approach slab and pick up on the other side.
Tony Moreno moved to approve the site plan titled "Dimension
Control and Utility Plan" submitted by Don McCrary, McCrary and
Associates for the Intermediate School #1 on Savannah Drive. Gary
Wallace seconded the motion which carried with a unanimous vote.
#13 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from Bury &
Pittman, Consulting Engineers/Surveyors for
Preliminary Plat approval for the HEB on IH 35
and FM 3009. (PC #191-96A)
.
Steve Simonson stated this is a replat of a previously platted
piece of property, back in 1993, that was approved as lot 3 block
18, 18.934 acres. This is now 19.70 acres labeled lot 5 block 1,
because lots 1 - 4 have been used and it needs to follow along.
The main addition is the property in the back that goes behind
Seguin State Bank. This is shown on the site plan of how HEB will
be set up. In addition there is a second page that is provided
showing the new way the drainage will be going out of the property
for the over all development of this site.
Merwin Willman asked if the drainage was the same?
Steve Simonson stated it is more defined. In the past it was going
to come out the back onto a 50 X 50 easement. At the bottom left
it shows a 50 X 50 easement which was going to be used to bring the
water back onto the property. Now with the development of Seguin
Bank and other overall development that may take place in the area
they have gone back and redesigned the drainage for the area,
showing how the water will run off the site.
Merwin Willman
the new culvert?
asked if the water would go down FM 3009 and
Steve Simonson advised this to be true.
into
Ernie Evans asked if the drainage easement was changed to 20 X 50?
Steve Simonson stated that no, it would be 20 by 20 all the way
out. The 20 X 50 drainage is just to get the water off the
property into the drainage system. Before the easement did not go
anywhere and there was no follow on drainage. Basically it was
going to be used as a sheet flow back onto the existing unimproved
property and follow the natural course. Now it will have a
different path.
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Merwin Willman
submitted by
moved to approve the replatted preliminary
Bury & Pittman, Consulting Engineers/Surveyors,
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plat
for
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the HEB on IH 35 and FM 3009. Tony Moreno seconded the motion
which carried with a unanimous vote.
114 CONSIDER AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION: Request from Bury &
Pittman, Consulting Engineers/Surveyors, for
Site Plan approval for the HEB on IH 35 and
FM 3009. (PC #191-96B)
Steve Simonson stated, as was mentioned in the notes, this is
complete except for the landscaping and lighting which is being
finalized. The personnel from Bury & Pittman have brought the
revised site plan for review. They will provide a master copy of
this for our records. Also you need to be aware that the HEB
project will be done in phase's which also will be explained. We
have the whole site plan to consider.
Steve Gonzales stated the site plan is a little special with
changes being made as late as last Friday. This is the final site
plan that they would like to proceed with. The plans will be
finalized this week with permits being requested. The changes on
the site plan showing the lease space will probably be some type of
fast food restaurant. A second change will be the phases that will
take place with the 80,000 square foot store, with 12,000 square
feet of retail, about 8,000 square foot pad site and the gas
station. The lighting will be 4' to 6' candles in different
locations which is not the urban type of lighting. The area in the
back will eventually be for employee parking. The walkways will
extend to the parking lot in the front of the store. This will
help the customers to walk out without interfering with the
vehicles. There will be landscaping incorporated in the master
site which will be provided to the City. Most of the end islands
have been utilized for landscaping. There will be bermuda grass
which is required by the City. The trees will be crepe myrtle,
pear, evergreens, cider elm, live oak, and oak.
David Richmond asked what would be planted on the west side of the
store as this will be where all the afternoon sun would be coming
into the store. David mentioned crepe myrtles are pretty but they
aren't going to keep the sun from blocking the front of the store.
Steve
front
store.
Gonzales
with the
stated there would be crepe myrtles all along
other trees being placed further away from
the
the
Gary Wallace asked if the signage has been finalized?
Steve Simonson stated the signage for HEB was approved back in
1993. The request they have on the site plan is for another 60'
sign on the access road of IH 35 which has not been approved.
Steve Gonzales stated this was added for consideration. The signs
that were approved back in 1993 were for a berm sign on FM 3009,
and a pylon sign on IH 35. The retail shops have asked for a
retail pylon sign, also on IH 35 access.
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Steve Simonson stated the two signs were approved before but
third sign is part of the application before the Commission at
time. The question is if this other sign is authorized, would
two pad sites want their own external signs? Steve was under
impression that the retail shops would be on the HEB sign.
the
this
the
the
Steve Gonzales stated the intention would be for this sign to be a
retail sign for the retail shops. They would not have their own
signs other than on the building. The name of the shopping area
would also be on the sign. The HEB sign would contain in-store
information.
Steve Simonson stated if the extra sign includes the pad sites,
then the sign would make sense. This issue will have to be
included in the site plan for clarification and stating this would
be an independent sign for all of the retail building pad sites.
Ernie Evans asked why the sign had to be 60' high? Steve Gonzales
stated with 33,000 square feet of retail and two pad sites you need
that much room to be able to identify the retail shops.
Ernie Evans questioned if there were enough handicap spaces. Steve
Simonson stated it meets the minimum number of spaces required by
the ADA for the front of a retail shop.
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David Richmond asked if the road coming in behind McDonald's is
inside the property? Steve Gonzales said "yes".
Steve Simonson stated before the meeting, he asked if McDonalds has
contacted HEB about opening this up into the HEB parking lot. At
this time Steve was informed that McDonalds has not contacted HEB.
This leaving no entrance or exit to the HEB parking lot.
Dave Allen stated that based on the plat that piece of the property
is part of HEB. HEB acquired this strip of land which they own.
If HEB wants this to be open it will be up to them.
Merwin Willman stated that piece is not inside the line on the
plat. Steve Simonson stated they did not have to show this as it
was already bought.
Dave Allen stated the first plat did not include this piece of land
but this site plan does show it. Originally HEB purchased a piece
of property from Barshop. Barshop continued to own the strip
between HEB and McDonalds. Once it became apparent that Barshop
had no reason to keep the strip, HEB acquired this at no apparent
cost. It was incorporated into this plat so there would not be an
unplatted strip. If this is going to create problem let him know.
Steve Simonson stated if you go back to the original plat the road
is indicated as part of the HEB plat.
.
Merwin
and the
Willman stated on the site plan it is not showing the
property line is being shown on the outside.
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Steve
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Simonson stated they don't have to show the road as it has already
been built.
Steve Gonzales stated the new site plan will be revised to conform
with the road to be included.
Tony Moreno moved to approve the site plan submitted by Bury &
Pittman, Consulting Engineers/Surveyors, for the HEB on IH 35 and
FM 3009 to include the 60' pylon sign that will contain all of the
retail businesses and pad sites, landscaping, lighting, and show
added drive-through used by McDonalds but owned by HEB. Gary
Wallace seconded the motion which carried with a unanimous vote.
115 GENERAL DISCUSSION:
Tonv Moreno:
Tony Moreno stated he had no comments.
Keith Van Dine:
Keith Van Dine stated he had no comments.
Ernie Evans:
Ernie Evans stated he has been in contact with some citizens about
the school in Greenshire. Apparently there was either some
misinformation or misunderstanding as to how the traffic was to be
routed in the area. This caused perhaps additional concern or
undue concern with some of the citizens. In terms of many of the
citizens this issue is still undecided.
David Richmond mentioned he has some information that he will
present later in the general discussion on the issue of the school.
Ernie Evans asked if there was another date set for
Comprehensive Plan? After some discussion it was decided to
another meeting on August 29, 1996 at 7:00 p.m.
the
have
Merwin Willman:
Merwin Willman stated the pages that were in
reference to the UDC will go behind the table
future changes.
the packets
of contents
in
for
Merwin Willman stated in doing some research there are four plats
on which he would like to know the status: Lone Star Pet Supply,
Live Oak Hills, ReMax Subdivision, and Guadalupe County.
Steve Simonson stated the only status he has is that Guadalupe
County has advised that they are going to be starting soon. Their
building is being designed at this time.
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Merwin Willman stated last Tuesday night after the public hearings
on the two gated communities, comments were made by members of City
Council which suggested that the Planning and Zoning was
inefficient and incompetent. Merwin mentioned he was hoping to
have the recorded tapes available for the Commission, but the tape
recorder did not work well and you cannot understand what was said
on the two items. Merwin mentioned he was very unhappy about what
was said and the way it was said, and wished the rest of the
Commission could hear it.
Gary Wallace asked if Merwin could offer a little more information.
Merwin stated that the City Council feels the Planning and Zoning
Commission is giving away too much commercial property to
residential areas. Merwin stated a few months ago this same issue
came up and he tried to explain to the City Council the history
behind the land along FM 3009 which originally was general business
and why it was zoned to neighborhood services.
David Richmond stated he talked with Pia this past week and they
discussed what would be appropriate action for P & Z. David stated
he believes if the City Council has those feelings about the
Planning and Zoning Commission, and the way we are doing our job,
then it is very appropriate for the Commission to come together
with the City Council and have an open discussion. The burden
should not be put on either Merwin or Ken at City Council meetings
to stand up and be counted. Each Commissioner has a stake in this;
we are doing the job which we were appointed by the City Council to
do. We are not elected officials. David stated that the P & Z
does a very good job; we understand very well that there is a City
Comprehensive Plan, and often remind developers that their
proposals must conform to said plan.
We have a good feel for land use and City development. We clearly
have a Business Park for commerical development on the west side of
IH 35 which has been the focus of a lot of attention lately. For
Council to suggest that we are not paying attention to proper
business use on the east side of IH 35, David feels is very
inappropriate. We have routinely considered the best residential
land use to include Neighborhood Services. David feels it would be
appropriate to have a general discussion with the City Council so
they can get a better understanding of our approval process.
Merwin Willman stated he felt the City Council should come forward
to the P & Z and let us know what they expect of us. Merwin
mentioned it has been a very long time since the P & Z and City
Council have come together for a general discussion.
Keith Van Dine stated that the City Council gets a copy of the P &
Z minutes but the P & Z does not receive a copy of the City Council
minutes. Keith suggested maybe the P & Z should receive a copy of
the City Council minutes.
Councilman Ken Greenwald stated there may be some confusion on the
platting process and the zoning process. The platting process
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itself comes in phases, and as far as Ken is concerned the P & Z is
doing an outstanding job. A majority of the Council feels the same
way.
David Richmond questioned if it would be a good idea to suggest a
joint meeting. Ken Greenwald stated he would bring it up at
tomorrow night's workshop.
Ernie Evans stated he is in favor of a joint meeting. If we are
going to spend six months working on a revised Comprehensive Plan,
we need to get the City Council's input so we know what direction
to take.
Merwin Willman stated with the drought we are having now, on the
site plan for landscaping, we might come up with a system so
developers may still show the landscaping but delay installation
until the drought is over. Maybe it would be preferable to have a
desert type of landscaping.
Ernie Evans stated xeroscaping is a type of landscaping that is
allowed that allows some types of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
David Richmond stated he felt we should not go so far as to specify
a type of landscaping nor should we separate or delay the
requirement for a landscaping plan to be presented. Rather we
should encourage developers to hold off until such time as the
drought is over.
.
Steve Simonson stated there has already been one request for a
delay in landscaping. In talking with the public works director,
developers will need to grade the ground correctly and formally
agree to put in the landscaping once the drought is over. The
request was in the industrial park.
Councilman Ken Greenwald:
Councilman Ken Greenwald stated the two Macedonian Mayors and
interpreter were here for a week to work with the City. They were
really interesting people. On the way back from the airport they
talked about how our City is in three counties. What they call a
City is more like what we think of as a county. They went to San
Antonio and the River Walk. They seemed to have a good time and it
was a good experience for the City.
Councilman Ken Greenwald stated the budget process has begun.
Whenever a meeting or workshop is finished the budget process will
begin, and last until 10:00 p.m. Anyone wanting to attend is more
than welcome. The projections right now look pretty good.
Steve Simonson:
.
Steve Simonson stated the only item he has is on the APA
Conference. If everyone could please let him know their
preference. If the Commission wants a Hospitality Room but wants
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. to commute back and forth everyday, please let him know.
David Richmond:
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David Richmond stated Doyle Woodman, who made the presentation for
the Royal Oaks residents to the school board, has given him copies
of the presentation. David handed out the copies at this time.
There were mixed reviews on both the presentation and how the
school board felt about it. From a personal standpoint, Mr.
Woodman makes a pretty good compelling argument. Word on the
street is that the school board is going to push for the Greenshire
school and we probably will receive another request for an SUP at
the next meeting. The individual homeowners' concern is last;
everything else is a demographic concern of a neighborhood school.
In reading the presentation as openminded as one can be, David was
very impressed.
David Richmond talked with Mr. Woodman last weekend following the
school board meeting this past Thursday night. Some Royal Oaks'
residents went not knowing it was a closed budget meeting and
stayed outside the door to watch what was going on. The school
board did discuss the school as they held up a map of the
Greenshire location. This led the residents to believe that it was
a done deal. The school board apparently has offered the Royal
Oaks residents a concession to back off the road 30' immediately
adjacent to their back property line. They have offered to them
the option to buy this piece of property. The Royal Oaks residents
are going to have a meeting this week with their lawyer to discuss
if it is in their best interest to buy. The still unanswered
question that David hopes to see, if the Commission does receive
another SUP request, is how the school board is going to address
construction of the road. It does not matter where they move that
road in relation to the residents if we get no better response than
we did the last time: that they may do something ten years from
now. This is not what we need to hear. David stated he would not
vote to approve the request if it doesn't have the additional ROW
proposal included in it to be constructed in concert with the
school. The road apparently is not being discussed by the school
board per Mr. Woodman.
Steve Simonson stated he has informed the engineer of the project
that unless we had a guarantee that Unit V of Greenshire would be
connected to Deer Creek and the road would be built to Deer Creek
from Woodland Oaks, the Commission is unlikely to vote in favor.
There also must be some kind of road built from Green Valley Road
to Woodland Oaks Drive even if the school were to build a 25'
service road; something to move as a circular drive to comply with
the neighborhood school concept. On the Deer Creek connector, if
money is a problem, Steve proposed with no guarantees that they
might suggest a 60' ROW with 30' road. This would still provide
for a good passing road that will carry the vehicles and the
busses. They may be able to leave the curve off of one side with a
gentle slope on the other side.
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Steve Simonson stated he told them his feeling at this time from
the Planning and Zoning Commission. If the school comes with
another request without the roads being built into the site plan
and a guarantee from the developer on Unit V, "your chances are
slim to none that the P & Z will approve the request". This is
what Steve conveyed to them on behalf of P & Z. From a staff point
of view, if the school makes some kind of agreement with the Royal
Oaks residents to sell the 30' buffer, Cibolo residents will own
30' of land in Schertz City limits. This will cause concern about
who will maintain what. The best option would be for the school to
landscape the property with a nice drive as an overall part of the
system. This would show the school board trying to work with local
residents and guaranteeing maintenance of the landscaped area.
119 ADJOURNMENT:
Ernie Evans moved to adjourn the meeting. Gary Wallace seconded
the motion, which carried with a unanimous vote.
Chairman David Richmond adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is August 27, 1996 at 7:00
p.m.
Zoning Commission
ATTEST:
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Planning se;cret.ary~'
City of Schertz, Texas
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