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03-27-2001 PLANNING ~ ZONING MINUTES March 27, 2001 The Schertz Planning and Zoning Commission convened in Regular Session on Tuesday March 27, 2001, at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex Bob Andrews Conference Room, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, Texas. Those present were. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION CITY STAFF David Richmond, Chairman Ron Youngblood Ernie Evans, Vice-Chair City Planner Keith Van Dine, Secretary Mary Ybarra, Gary Wallace Recording Secretary Boyce Briscoe Tony Moreno William Sommers Ken Greenwald, ex-officio COMMISSIONERS ABSENT OTHERS PRESENT Andy Anderson, Hoover Construction Pete Sitterle, HEB Petroleum #1 Call to Order: Chairman Richmond called the meeting of March 27, 2001 to order at 7:00 pm. #2 Approval of Minutes: Minutes of March 13, 2001 were not published. David Richmond stated that the minutes of March 13, 2001, and the minutes of tonight's meeting will be ready for review at our next meeting. #3 Status Of Final Plats: Chairman Richmond signed the final plat for Oak Forest Subdivision Unit 3. 1 #4 BOA Actions: Chairman Richmond reported that the BOA has not met since the last report. #5 Citizens' Input Other Than Agenda Items: There was none. #6 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: Request from Don McCrary & Associates for final plat approval of Oak Trail Subdivision Unit 2B. David Richmond asked for staff input. Ron Youngblood reported that the GVEC signature block has been corrected to reflect the correct subdivision and the plat is good to go. Without further delay, Keith Van Dine moved to approve the request from Don McCrary & Associates for final plat approval of Oak Trail Subdivision Unit 2B. Gary Wallace seconded the motion. With a vote being called, the vote was unanimous. Motion approved. #7 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: Request from Hoover Construction Company for site plan approval and a variance to the Unified Development Code (UDC) Parking Requirement for Kowloon Chinese Restaurant on FM78. Chairman Richmond asked for staff input. Ron Youngblood reported that Hoover Construction Company has been very patient and has worked very hard with City staff in order to comply with suggestions and the City's UDC requirements. Ron added that photographs of the SW Military Drive location are part of the packet and show the facility well maintained and landscaped. The sign shows how the smaller sign would be used. Ron mentioned that the owner has decided to delete the word "BAR" from the proposed sign; however, alcohol would be served. 2 This new development does not satisfy the parking space requirement; however, the owner has requested a variance allowing 59 spaces versus the UDC requirement. Ron Youngblood mentioned that Hoover Construction has approached the surrounding establishments, discussed traffic patterns, and come to the conclusion that the restaurant would not impact negatively any of the surrounding businesses. Joyce Briscoe inquired on the number of employees and total occupancy for the restaurant. Mr. Hoover explained that he couldn't be sure on the number of employees, but assumes the facility is similar to one of the other locations where there are between 6 and 8 employees. The restaurant will seat approximately 172 patrons. There was discussion among the Commission in regard to adequate restaurant parking, clarification on parking space requirements of an establishment serving alcohol, and handicapped parking slots not to scale. In thorough discussion among the Commission it was suggested that the owner could look into leasing or purchasing property located behind the restaurant for future parking possibilities. The Commission also determined that the front parking area was sufFcient to accommodate designated handicapped parking; however, the slots would have to reflect the UDC required size of 13' and 9'. The Commission researched the UDC and found that 95 parking spaces are required for restaurants serving alcohol, not the 71 parking spaces indicated on the variance request letter. However, it was determined that the proposed property can only accommodate the 59 parking spaces indicated on the site plan. Thus, the variance request would be for 59 parking spaces. Without further delay, Gary Wallace moved to approve the variance request of 59 spaces for the Kowloon Chinese Restaurant, FM78. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion. 3 Before a vote was called, David Richmond asked if there was any further discussion on the matter before the Commission. Tony Moreno pointed out that the site plan does not have vicinity map labeled appropriately and believes that this document should contain all pertinent information. It is his understanding that this document is the instrument that is provided to the inspection department staff to follow up on building construction and believes it should be complete document. Ron Youngblood acknowledged the Commission's concerns and assured them that the inspection department as well as Hoover Construction Company would be so informed by letter from City staff. At this time, Chairman Richmond pointed out that the site plan and variance request are one agenda item and should be treated as such. Gary Wallace amended his motion to include the approval of the site plan as corrected. Keith Van Dine seconded the motion. With a vote being called, the vote was: . Ayes: Gary Wallace, David Richmond, Keith Van Dine and William Sommers. Opposed: Tony Moreno, Joyce Briscoe and Ernie Evans. Motion approved. #8 Consider and Take Appropriate Action: Request from HEB Petroleum for a variance to the sign ordinance at 17460 IH 35, UDC, Sec. IX 8.9 (2). Chairman Richmond asked for staff input. Ron Youngblood stated that the request before the Commission was considered at a previous meeting when the Commission disapproved a secondary pole sign at the HEB location. However, the Commission suggested using the existing pylon sign for an additional gas price sign. Thus the request before the Commission this evening is just 4 that. Ron added that the sign meets line of site safety requirements and stated #hat he and Leonard Truitt, building ofFcial, had inspected the location and could not observe any concerns. Ernie Evans stated that he would like to see the sign moved to 10' from ground level instead of the 8.6' indicated. He believes this would match spacing among existing small signs and would enhance visibility. Ron Youngblood emphasized that the Commission's suggestion was considered and that the gas sign has been incorporated into the existing pylon sign. However, he will relay the Commission's suggestion of raising the sign to a height of 10' versus 8.6'. Without further delay, Keith Van Dine moved to approve the request from HEB Petroleum for a variance to the sign ordinance at 17460 IH 35, UDC, Sec. IX 8.9 (2). Gary Wallace seconded the motion. With a vote being called, the vote was: Ayes: Gary Wallace, Tony Moreno, Joyce Briscoe, David Richmond, Ernie Evans and Keith Van Dine. Opposed: William Sommers Motion approved. #9 General Discussion: Tony Moreno: Tony had no comments. Keith Van Dine: Keith suggested that maybe the Commission should look into changes to the UDC in regard to restaurant establishments serving alcohol. Keith believes when a restaurant's primary function is food, it should be just that. 5 Gary Wallace: Gary had no comments. Joyce Briscoe: Joyce reiterated concern about the flag situation at the Berry Creek Subdivision. She mentioned this at the last meeting and would like to know what is being done? Ron Youngblood informed Joyce that the inspection department is looking into the situation and should take care of the problem. William Sommers: William inquired on the status of the change to the Sign Ordinance in regard to "off premise" signs. David Richmond also expressed concern that the railroad ROW sign issue still is unresolved. Ken Greenwald: Ken informed the Commission that further information has been released by the Attorney General in reference to discussion on non-agenda items. All Boards, Commissions, etc will be limited again as to what can be discussed at open meetings. Ken added that he would keep the Commission informed of new developments. Additionally, Ken mentioned that the Schertz/Seguin Local Government Corporation held a press conference on the front lawn of the Schertz Municipal Offices and informed the public of the joint venture both cities have undertaken to ensure they will have enough water. The new water system project will make it possible for both cities to separate themselves from their existing water sources. Ken added that the bond money has been received, construction has started and the project is well underway. 6 Ron Youngblood: Ron suggested that the Commission get together at a regularly scheduled or separate meeting to make changes to the UDC. He would like any input from the Commission by April 6 to allow City staff preparation time. Ernie Evans: Ernie inquired on the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Schertz and was advised by David Richmond that the initial introductory meeting was held and the next meeting is scheduled for April 9th. David added that he would attend and would keep the Commission informed. Ernie also mentioned what a great job Larry Aiken has done with replanting trees at Jonas Woods Subdivision. The development looks great and enhances Schertz Parkway. David Richmond: David had no comments. #10 Adjournment: Keith Van Dine moved to adjourn. Ernie Evans seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:35p.m. Chairman, Planning and Zoning Commission ATTEST: Planning Secretary, City of Schertz 7