HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_P&Z_02.03.2015
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 6:00 PM
Council Chambers
101 E. Seventh Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626
Commissioners: John Horne, Chair; Bob Brent, Secretary; Alex Fuller, Kevin Pitts,
Andy Webb
Commissioner(s) Absent: Kaylah McCord, Scott Rankin, Vice-chair
Commissioners in Training: John Marler, Josh Schroeder and Ben Watkins
Commissioner(s) in Training Absent:
Staff Present: Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager, Valerie Kreger, Principal Planner;
Jordan Maddox, Principal Planner; Andreina Davila, Project Coordinator, Matt
Synatschk, Historic Planner; Sophia Nelson, Interim Planning Director; Carolyn
Horner, Planner and Tammy Glanville, Recording Secretary.
Chair Horne called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Horne stated the order of the meeting and that those who speak must turn in a
speaker form to the recording secretary before the item that they wish to address
begins. Each speaker is permitted to address the Commission once for each item, for a
maximum of three (3) minutes, unless otherwise agreed to before the meeting begins.
A. As of the deadline for this agenda, no persons were signed up to speak on items
other than what was posted on the agenda.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda includes non-controversial and routine items that the Commission
may act on with one single vote. A Commissioner or any member of the public may
request that any item from the Consent Agenda be pulled in order that the Commission
discuss and act upon it individually as part of the Regular Agenda. The Planning and
Zoning Commission's approval of an item on the Consent Agenda will be consistent
with the staff recommendation described in the report, unless otherwise noted.
B Consideration of the Minutes from the January 20, 2015, Planning & Zoning
Commission meeting.
Motion by Commissioner Brent to approve the consent agenda including the minutes
from the January 20, 2015 Planning and Zoning meeting. Second by Commissioner
Fuller. Approved. (5-0)
Regular Agenda
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C Public Hearing and possible action on proposed amendments to the Unified
Development Code (UDC) relating to the development standards, rules, and
procedures that affect properties located in a Historic Overlay District and/or listed
on the Historic Resource Survey (Laurie Brewer, Assistant City Manager)
Matt Synatschk; Historic Planner provided an overview of the proposed amendments
to the Unified Development Code (UDC), description of project and recommended
approval.
Commissioner Brent commended staff on an incredible report.
Commissioner’s and staff discussed the distinguish between contributing structure and
an historic landmark; HARC’s reaction to the proposal; Historic landmark
requirements; HPO and applicant disagreement; HPO’s decision appealed; and how
changes compare to other cities.
Chair Horne opened the Public Hearing.
Renee Hanson, 1252 S. Austin Ave., supports amendments (signage, fence, paint,
and most of demolition requirements). She’s concerned with Section 3.13.010 (pg.17-
21) clarify which districts this section refers to. The ordinance refers to historic
landmarks that do not already exist. HARC’s role is diminished and HPO decisions
are not open to the public. She recommends Council delay the process for more
analysis.
Susan Firth, 1403 Olive, supports concept. There is a lack of availability of resources
and documentation. The definition of “demolition” is unclear. The historic
landmark designation is based on a survey that doesn’t exist, and won’t for years
and the current survey was done poorly. “Minor projects” are not defined. HARC
has the authority to review minor projects per bylaws. HPO administrative
approval has no public process. She questions how you enact an ordinance without
the follow through components in place. Respectfully ask that the adoption of the
proposed amendment be delayed and instead implement in steps as supporting
documents and specific review processes and procedures that include HARC
representation become available.
Andrew Solin, 406 S. Main St., HARC is important and works well. Keep
transparency and checks/balances. Town needs to be involved.
Nancy Knight, 205 Tallwood Drive, these are her personal opinions, not that of
HARC. Voiced concern only had four days to review the revised document. These
proposed amendments shift decision making authority from HARC to one person.
It appears over 50% of what filters through HARC could remain at staff level with
just the HPO making the final decision. The HPO has changed 4 times in ten years.
HARC is currently open to the public. The design guidelines work as deed
restrictions, which work in conjunction with HARC. Success is measured in
increased appraisals and sales taxes, but this should not be jeopardized for economic
development. Streamline with proper review is required. Historic building
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compatibility is needed (this is why non-contributing structures need to be
reviewed). Requests more time for public comment and review.
Peter Dana, 1101 Walnut, lives in old town because it’s a wonderful and beautiful
place to live. Pg. 6 – HPO approves CoA, streamlining takes away powers from
HARC. HARC does great work because they are qualified. Recommends delaying
approval and more input is required.
Ross Hunter, 908 S. Walnut St., P&Z is determining if this document is ready or not.
Expressed P&Z has only been given some examples of its deficiencies. 50% of
HARC’s review will move to one individual (HPO) with no public process. Process
is important, and the document is not ready for adoption. Council doesn’t want to
amend from the dais. Don’t adopt the document, add to the timeline. Public has
never been removed from UDC process. Staff was not asked by Council to remove
public.
Ann Seaman, 810 S. Church St, requesting more time. Editorial changes required for
clarity. Will have to do it all over if, it’s not done right.
Robert Phipps, 1404 Elm Street, resident of old town. There is no HOA, the
neighborhood relies on HARC, 50% of responsibility removed and given to one
person. Public hearings are required, daylight is a best disinfectant. Delay so
integrity isn’t removed from HARC. HARC is slow and overzealous, but
expediency can be dangerous.
Richard Cutts, 1312 S. Elm St, Agrees with everything that’s been said. List includes
routine maintenance and “paint removal” this needs to be more clearly defined.
Difference between restoration, renovation, and cosmetic issues. This is a
neighborhood with older homes and we need to accommodate older homes, still
need to follow guidelines and standards. Delay until the process is more clearly
defined.
Matt stated Historic landmarks will be approved by Council. Minor demolitions are
not related to historic structures. The current survey will serve in the interim and
staff will treat everything as historic. Routine maintenance is the replacement of
something with in-kind materials. Removal of paint is similar to The Escape
requesting to remove paint from painted masonry.
Chair Horne closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioners and staff discussed due date by Council; third party appeal on an
HPO decision; public meetings; how much input and comments were received; and
the value in moving quickly.
A motion was made by Commissioner Brent to recommend to Council delay of the
adoption of the proposed amendments to the UDC an additional 90 days. Second
by Commissioner Fuller. However, staff clarified they must take action on the
request before them and include denial or approval in their motion. So a new
motion was made to substitute this motion.
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Motion by Commissioner Brent to recommend denial of the proposed amendments to
the UDC with a recommendation to delay the process to allow more time for input.
Second by Commissioner Fuller. Approved. (4-1) John Horne opposed.
D. Discussion Items
Update on the Unified Development Code Advisory Committee (UDCAC) meetings.
(Chair Horne)
Discussed proposed UDC amendment language related to the pre-application process.
Update on the Georgetown Transportation Advisory Board (GTAB) meetings.
(Commissioner Rankin) N/A
Questions or comments from Commissioners-in-Training about the actions and
matters considered on this agenda. N/A
Reminder of the February 17, 2015, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
Motion to adjourn at 7:29 pm
__________________________________ _______________________________
John Horne, Chair Bob Brent, Secretary