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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5-20-19PCminutes * M I N U T E S * JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS PLANNING COMMISSION CITY COUNCIL City Council Chambers May 20, 2019 A Joint Public Hearing of the Planning Commission and City Council was held on May 20, 2019 and called to order at 3:08 p.m. with the following members present: Commission Members present: Chairman Sina Nejad Vice-Chairman Lauren Williams Mason Commissioner Shawn Javed Commissioner Eddie Senigaur Commissioner Roy Steinhagen Commissioner Johnny Beatty Commissioner Bill Little Commissioner Lynda Kay Makin Commission Members absent: Commissioner J.P. Colbert Alt. Commissioner Sandy Pate Alt. Commissioner Marty Craig Alt. Commissioner Cory Crenshaw Councilmembers present: Mayor Becky Ames Mayor Pro-Tem Robin Mouton Councilmember W.L. Pate Councilmember Bill Sam Councilmember Audwin Samuel Councilmember Mike Getz Councilmember Virginia Jordan Councilmembers absent: None Also present: Chris Boone, Director of Planning and Community Development Adina Josey, Senior Planner Tyrone Cooper, City Attorney Fran Malvo, Recording Secretary 1 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Steinhagen made a motion to approve the minutes of the Joint Public Hearings held on April 15, 2019. Commissioner Makin seconded the motion. Motion to approve the minutes carried 8:0. REGULAR MEETING 1) Preliminary Plat of Ridgecrest Subdivision, Unit 5: Request for approval of the Preliminary Plat of Ridgecrest Unit V, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Applicant: Soutex Surveyors & Engineers Location: Ridgecrest Subdivision Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Jeremy Mitchell of Soutex Surveyors has requested preliminary plat approval of Ridgecrest Subdivision, Unit 5. The project is located within the 5-mile ETJ of the City of Beaumont and near the intersection of FM 365 and LaBelle Road at north end of Ridgecrest Drive. Mr. Mitchell states that this is the last phase of the entire subdivision development. The design guidelines of the Subdivision regulations call for certain block and road lengths in an effort to provide a typical uniform design layout. However, the regulations also allow for variance from these requirements. Given the large rural lots proposed along with some unique characteristics of the property (specifically LaBelle Road to the west of the property, Bayou Din bordering the north and a Drainage District #6 canal to the east), variances to cer- tain design elements are being requested. The Planning staff recommended approval with variances to: 1. Cul-de-sac street length requirements. 2. Maximum of twenty-four (24) residences on a single outlet. 3. Block length greater than 1200’ requirement. 4. Streetlight and sidewalk requirements due to the rural type development. Slides of the subject property were shown. The item was sent to all interested parties. Mr. Boone stated the property is a ninety (90) acre, thirteen (13) lot subdivision. A brief discus- sion followed between Mr. Boone and Chairman Nejad regarding the point of all access. The applicant was present. Jeremy Mitchell, representing Soutex Engineers & Surveyors, 3737 Doctors Drive, Port Arthur, Texas addressed the Commission. No questions or comments for Mr. Mitchell. Commissioner Makin made a motion to approve the request for a Prelimi- nary Plat-Ridgecrest Subdivision, Unit 5 as requested with variances to: 1. Cul-de-sac street length requirements. 2. Maximum of twenty-four (24) residences on a single outlet. 3. Block length greater than 1200’ requirement. 4. Streetlight and sidewalk requirements due to the rural type development. 2 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 Commissioner Senigaur seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. 2) Preliminary Plat- Barrington Heights, Phase XII: Request for approval of the Preliminary Plat of Barrington Heights, Phase XII, Beaumont, Jefferson County Texas. Applicant: Arceneaux, Wilson & Cole Location: The 6500 Block of Claybourn Drive Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Arceneaux, Wilson & Cole has requested Preliminary Plat approval of Barrington Heights, Phase XII. This item was approved in February. However, after gaining approval, the owner decided they would like to add an additional cul-de-sac. Therefore, this item has been submitted for approval of the revised preliminary plat. This development is located in the 6500 block of Claybourn Drive. The 11.7315 acre development is a twenty-eight (28) lot residential subdivision in an R-S (Residential Single- Family Dwelling) District. Wexler Circle, Emory Circle and Trenton Lane will have 50 foot rights-of-way and 28’ pavement widths. The extensions of Claybourn Drive and Valmont Avenue will have 60’ wide rights-of-way with 37’ pavement widths. Water and sewer will be provided by extension of City utilities. Slides were shown of the subject property. The Planning Staff recommended approval of the request. The item was sent to all interested parties. The applicant was present. Joe Pattie, rep- resenting Arceneaux, Wilson & Cole, 2901 Turtle Creek Drive, Port Arthur, Texas, addressed the Commission. No questions or comments for Mr. Pattie. Commissioner Little made a motion to approve the request for a Preliminary Plat-Barrington Heights, Phase XII. Vice-Chairman Mason seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. 3) Replat-Lot 3, Perl Acres: Request for approval of a Replat of Lot 3 into Lots 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E, Block 2, Perl Acres, Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Applicant: Access Surveyors Location: 7705-7785 Perl Road Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Joe Mattox, on behalf of Access Surveyors, has re- quested approval of a Replat of Lot 3, Block 2, Perl Acres into Lots 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E. The property is located at 7705, 7725, 7745, 7765 and 7785 Perl Road. The lots exceed the minimum lot area, width and depth requirements for residential property. Although water and sewer are both present at this location, the sewer is available from a 15- inch force main. This is a pressurized line which will require each lot to install a pump sta- tion. Slides were shown of the subject property. Twelve (12) notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. None were received in favor and two were received in opposition. The Planning staff recommended approval with the following condition: 3 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 1. A note must be on the plat stating “A minimum two (2) horsepower grinder pump must be purchased and installed by the property owner of each lot, prior to development.” The applicant was not present. No questions or comments. The public hearing opened and closed. Commissioner Senigaur made a motion to approve the Replat for Lot 3, Perl Acres as requested. Commissioner Steinhagen seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. 4) 893-OB: Request to abandon a 60’x~194’ portion of an unnamed City of Beaumont right- of-way. Applicant: Mina Elizabeth Guillen Location: North of 3220 South Major Drive Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Mirna Elizabeth Guillen is requesting to abandon an unnamed City of Beaumont right-of-way. The requested portion of right-of-way extends west of Major Drive between block 2 and block 3 of South Amelia Addition and is approximately sixty- feet wide and one hundred ninety-four feet in length. This property is currently main- tained by the two owners neighboring the abandoned right-of-way. The intended purpose of abandoning this right-of-way is to use the land to plant a garden. Slides of the subject property were shown. The item was sent to all interested parties. Planning staff recommended approval of the request. The applicant was present. Mina Guillen, 3220 S. Major Drive addressed the Commission. Ms. Guillen stated that she intends to help her neighbor with the garden. No other questions or comments for the applicant. Commissioner Makin made a motion to approve the request to abandon a 60’x~194’portion of an unnamed City of Beaumont right-of-way as requested for File 893-OB. Vice-Chairman Mason seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 8:0. 5) 895-OB: Consider a request for a sidewalk waiver. Applicant: Soutex Surveyors Location: Across from 8015 Old Voth Road Mr. Boone presented the staff report. At the March 18, 2019 meeting, the Planning Commis- sion considered a sidewalk waiver request from Soutex Surveyors & Engineers for the prop- erty located across from 8015 Old Voth Road. The applicant stated that sidewalks would create an economic hardship, impacting the developer’s ability to move forward with the pro ject, as the ditch would need to be filled with reinforced concrete pipe and inlets. The applicant is requesting further consideration of the sidewalk waiver request as additional information has come to light during the construction phase of the project. Specifically, the costs associated with installing the sidewalk has increased significantly. In addition, due to the narrowness of the property, additional driveways to Old Voth have been added to maneuver large buses and boats. As a result, there is additional concern about encouraging pedestrians to traverse these driveways. 4 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 Due to this additional information, staff recommended approval of the request. Slides of the subject property were shown. The applicant was present. Steve Gentile, representing Gentile Construction, 336 Twin City Highway, Port Neches, Texas, addressed the Commission. A brief discussion followed regarding whether or not to install a sidewalk due to the elementary school located across the street. No questions for the applicant, but Commissioner Little commented that there is no place to install a sidewalk. Mayor Ames asked if this is a different request or the same one from a few months ago. Mr. Boone replied the same one. No other questions or comments. *Commissioner Steinhagen left the meeting before the motion was made.* Vice-Chairman Mason made a motion to approve the request for a sidewalk waiver as requested for File 895-OB. Commissioner Makin seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0. JOINT PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Ames called the Joint Public Hearings of May 20, 2019 to order and explained the purpose of the Joint Public Hearing process. Mayor Ames turned the meeting over to Chair- man Nejad to conduct the Joint Public Hearings. 1) File 2380-P: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow an expansion of the Entergy Helbig Substation. Applicant: Entergy Texas, Inc. Location: 4950 Plant Road Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Ron Landry, of Entergy Texas, Inc., has submitted an application requesting an amended Specific Use Permit to allow an expansion of the Entergy Helbig Substation at 4950 Plant Road. This expansion is to allow for enhanced electric load capacity. Mr. Landry is requesting an expansion of the existing Helbig substation by approx- imately 0.264 acres. The extension is on the northwest corner of the existing site. Mr. Landry states that the new expansion will be built with similar features as the existing substa- tion and will be fenced properly. He also states that this proposed expansion will not impact surrounding residences. Slides of the subject property were shown. The Planning staff recommended approval of the request. Eighteen (18) notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject proper- ty. None were received in favor or in opposition. The applicant was present. Ron Landry, 2111 Pascallette Place, Lafayette, Lousiana, addressed the Commission. Mr. Landry stated he is the project manager representing Entergy for the proposed project. He added that the current substation is very old and will be updated in appearance upon completion. No ques- tions or comments. Commissioner Senigaur made a motion to approve the request for an amended Specific Use Permit to allow an expansion of the Entergy Helbig Substation at 4950 Plant Road as requested for File 2380-P. Vice-Chairman Mason seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0. 5 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 2) File 2382-Z: Request for a Rezoning from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling- Highest Density) to RS (Residential Single-Family Dwelling). Applicant: A. Huston Properties, L.L.C. Location: Behind 9195 Dishman Mr. Boone presented the staff report. A. Huston Properties, L.L.C., is requesting a rezoning of Lots 14 thru 23, Block 24, The Meadows, Phase 3, as well as a drainage easement and Tract 106, A. Huston League Survey, located just south of 9195 Dishman Road. The Mead- ows, Phase 3, just recently completed construction and was filed for record. As plans were submitted for the development of these newly platted lots, builders quickly became aware that those lots in RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling - Highest Density) zoning, were not entitled to the same reduced setback exceptions as those in RS (Residential Single- Family Dwelling) zoning. This rezoning is intended to address that issue and provide con- sistent zoning for the entire Meadows residential subdivision. Slides of the subject property were shown. Twenty-six (26) notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject prop- erty. Two (2) responses were received in favor and none were received in opposition. Staff recommended approval of the request. No questions or comments. The applicant was not present. The public hearing opened and closed. Commissioner Makin made a motion to ap- prove the request for a Rezoning from RM-H (Residential Multiple Family Dwelling-Highest Density) to RS (Residential Single-Family Dwelling) as requested for File 2382-Z. Commis- sioner Little seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0. 3) File 2383-P: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow an event center in the CBD (Cen- tral Business District). Applicant: Jayme Broussard Toeppich Location: 434 Fannin Street and 595 Park Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Jayme Broussard Toeppich has requested a Specific Use Permit to open an event center. The proposed venue will be located at 434 Fannin Street with the neighboring property, 595 Park Street, to be utilized for on-site parking for the event ven- ue. The Central Business District zone does not require any on-site parking. The event center will host weddings, receptions and other events of that nature. Mrs. Toeppich also intends for this space to be rented to clients for instructional or meeting space of various professional groups or organizations. All food will be prepared off site in a commercial kitchen and served by licensed caterers. No alcohol will be sold by the venue. Slides of the subject were shown. Twenty-three (23) notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. One response was received in favor and none were received in opposition. Staff recommended approval of the request. 6 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 Mr. Boone stated that the total square footage for the venue will be 9,440 square feet and will hold approximately 254 occupants. He added that each floor will be 4,720 square feet and as of now only the first floor will be utilized. Vice-Chairman Mason asked will the applicant have to revisit the Commission when the second floor is ready to be utilized. Mr. Boone replied no, because the down district does not require on-site parking. The appli- cant was present. Jayme Toeppich, 2312 Rice Boulevard, Houston, Texas and David Blaine, representing Long Architecture, 6465 Calder, addressed the Commission. Mr. Blaine stated that he wanted to clarify that the venue will be a little over 9,000 square feet and each floor will be approximately 4,200 square feet. Mrs. Toeppich added that she will only utilize the first floor for now. The public hearing opened. Christina Crawford, 2380 Gladys addressed the Commission. Ms. Crawford stated that she owned the property east of the venue at 590 Orleans. She spoke in favor of the request. The public hearing closed. Commissioner Senigaur made a motion to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow an event center in the CBD (Central Business District) as requested for File 2383-P. Commissioner Javed seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 7:0. 4) File 2384-P: Request for a Specific Use Permit to allow a multi-family development in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District. Applicant: Faust Engineering & Surveying, Inc. Location: 460 East Threadneedle Mr. Boone presented the staff report. Faust Engineering and Surveying, Inc., is requesting a Specific Use Permit to allow a restaurant, retail space or professional office space at 460 Threadneedle. Last month, the rear portion of the property was rezoned from RS (Residential Single-Family Dwelling) to GC-MD-2 (General Commercial - Multiple Family Dwelling - 2) and granted a Specific Use Permit for a donut shop. The proposed construction will contain an additional lease space. A tenant has not yet been secured, but in anticipation, the applicant is seeking approval of these intended uses. The property will have sufficient room for the business, all of the required off street parking and required landscaping as demonstrated on the site plan. Slides of the subject property were shown. Thirty-two (32) notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject property. None were received in favor and one was re ceived in opposition. Staff recommended approval with the following condition: 1. Construction plans must meet all requirements by Water Utilities for water and sani- tary sewer services, including requirements of the City's pre-treatment program. The applicant was present. Richard Faust, representing Faust Engineering, 5550 Eastex Freeway, Suite 0, addressed the Commission. Mr. Faust stated that the donut shop will open but the remainder of the building will remain office space for now. The public hearing opened, Charlie Crabbe, 928 East Drive, addressed the Commission. Mr. Crabbe spoke against the request. He stated too much activity, vehicular traffic and trash. He added that a 7 Planning and Zoning May 20, 2019 cement block fence would be appropriate. Mr. Faust addressed the Commission. Mr. Faust stated that currently there are no tenants for the space and that he cannot address his concerns. Mr. Boone stated that a 10 foot landscape buffer is required along with the fencing. Mayor Ames added that when a Specific Use Permit is obtained, it is revealed what type of business will be present. A brief discussion followed what type of businesses venture will be present. Mr. Boone stated since there was not a tenant yet, the Commission could vote to approve the venue as retail and office space only and if they decide to include a restaurant later, the applicant can apply for an amended Specific Use Permit. The public hearing closed. Commissioner Makin made a motion to approve the request for a Specific Use Permit to allow for a retail or professional office space only in a GC-MD-2 (General Commercial-Multiple Family Dwelling-2) District and deny the request for a restaurant. If the tenant decides to open a restaurant, he or she must apply for another Specific Use Permit. Commissioner Little seconded the motion. Motion to approve carried 6:1(Mason). OTHER BUSINESS None. THERE BEING NO OTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED AT 4:10 P.M. 8