HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes P&Z 02.22.2021City of Georgetown, Texas
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Minutes
Tuesday, February 22, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.
Teleconference meeting: I1ttp://bit.ly/3u6CB3g
The regular meeting convened at 6:OOPM on February 22, 2021 via teleconference at
http:/ibit.1X%3u6CB3g. Webinar 1D: 953-1537-3037. To participate by phone: Call in number: (346)248-
7799 or Toll Free 888-475-4499. Password: 468814. Public Comment was allowed via the conference
option; no in -person input was allowed.
Commissioners Present: Ercel Brashear, Chair; Marlene McMichael; Chere Heintzmann; Travis
Perthuis; Jay Warren; Jim Salyer
Commissioners Absent: Kaylah McCord
Alternate Commissioners Present: Alex Fuller; Jerry McCulley
Alternate Commissioners Absent: Tim Haynie
Staff Present: Sofia Nelson, Planning Director; Andreina Davila -Quintero, Current Planning Manager;
Ethan Harwell, Senior Planner; David Munk, Utility Engineer; Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst
Chair Brashear called the meeting to order at 6pm.
Regular Session
(This Regular Session may, at any time, be recessed to convene an Executive Session for any purpose
authorized by the Open meetings Act, Texas Government Code 551.)
A. Discussion on how the Planning and Zoning Commission virtual conference will be conducted,
to include options for public comments and how the public may address the Commission. —
Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Continued from the February 16, 2021 regular meeting:
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone a
1.46-acre tract in the Antonio Flores, Survey Abstract No. 235, from the Industrial (IN) zoning
district to the General Commercial (C-3) zoning district, for the property generally located at
2320 N Austin Ave (2020-30-REZ) -- Ethan Harwell, Senior Planner
Staff report by Harwell. The Applicant is seeking to rezone their property to allow more retail
and personal services oriented uses in their tenant spaces. The current zoning designation of
Industrial (IN) does not allow for these uses the property owner has interest for or uses that are
compatible with the neighboring properties. The subject property is located on Austin Avenue,
across the street from the Georgetown High School and Richarte High School campuses, at the
intersection with David Ferretti Drive. The subject property has a Future Land Use designation
of Regional Center and is currently zoned Industrial (IN). The subject property is also a part of
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February 22, 2021
the Highway Gateway Overlay District. The subject property sits on a block in the North Austin
Avenue corridor that is developed with a variety of different commercial uses. This block,
bounded by IH-35, Old Airport Road, and Austin Avenue has several auto repair garages, self -
storage facilities, retail stores, and daycares and preschools. This portion of the North Austin
Avenue corridor sits between the future Northwest Boulevard bridge (under construction) and
the rapidly developing area around the IH-35 and NE Inner Loop intersection. Due to its
location along N Austin Ave, the subject property is also located within the Urban Corridor, one
of the Image Corridors adopted as part of the 2030 Plan Update. Urban corridors are located
primarily near the core of the City along roadways with higher traffic volumes. Urban corridors
encourage moderate -density commercial development while maintaining a safe and
welcoming pedestrian environment. Street geometry and design support all transportation
modes, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. These corridors accommodate a blend of retail,
commercial, office, mixed -use, medium -density residential, and a limited amount of
residential subdivisions. The General Commercial (C-3) zoning district is intended to provide a
location for general commercial and retail activities that serve the entire community and its
visitors. Uses may be large in scale and generate substantial traffic, making the C-3 District only
appropriate along freeways and major arterials. Permitted uses in this district include, but are
not limited to, general retail, hotels, restaurants, and general office. Other uses such as activity
center, bar/tavern/pub, college/university, fuel sales, and event facility among others are
permitted subject to specific design limitations. Certain land uses, including automotive sales,
rental or leasing facilities, require a Special Use Permit (SUP).
Chair Brashear opened and closed the Public Hearing as no one signed up to speak.
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Motion to recommend approval of Item B (2020-30-REZ) as presented by Commissioner
Heintzmann. Second by Commissioner Warren. Approved (6-0).
C. Continued from the February 16, 2021 regular meeting:
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone
approximately 11.572 acres out of the David Wright Survey, Abstract No. 13, from
the Agriculture (AG) district to the Industrial (IN) district for the property generally located at
4045 and 4135 Airport Road (2020-34-REZ) -- Ethan Harwell, Senior Planner
Staff report by Harwell. The applicant is requesting rezoning of the subject property to the
Industrial (IN) zoning district to facilitate the development of two (2) buildings for warehousing
and distribution, and other similar industrial uses (Exhibit 5). The subject property is located on
Airport Road north of the industrial development along Hahmar Cove. It is across the street
from the Georgetown Municipal Airport. Two single-family homes exist on the property that
are current vacant. The subject property is generally flat and devoid of significant natural
features that would impact development. There is vegetation forming fencerows on the
perimeter of the site and the eastern half of the property does contain more dense stands of
trees. Based on initial review, there are no natural or unique features on the site that would
significantly impact a proposed development. The subject property was annexed on November
28, 2006 (Ord. 2006-132). When annexed, the subject property was given initial zoning of
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February 22, 2021
Agriculture (AG). This is the first development request for the subject property. The property is
proposed to be rezoned to Industrial (IN). The Industrial District (IN) is intended to provide a
location for manufacturing and industrial activities that may generate some nuisances. Traffic
generation will likely include heavy vehicles, making access to an arterial or freeway necessary.
Unless separated by a major roadway, the Industrial District is not appropriate adjacent to any
residential uses. The Industrial District is appropriate in areas designated on the Future Land
Use Plan as Employment Center (EC). Permitted uses in this district include, but are not limited
to, emergency services station, government or postal office, nature preserve or community
garden, food catering services, athletic facility (indoor or outdoor), driving range, medical or
dental office or clinic, general office, integrated office center, data center, artisan studio and
gallery, small engine repair, self -storage (indoor), commercial document storage, event catering
and equipment rental services, furniture repair and upholstery, heavy equipment sales and
repair, pest control or janitorial services, office/showroom, wholesale showrooms, stone, mulch
or dirt sale yards, manufactured housing sales, automobile sales, rental or leasing facility,
commercial vehicle sales, rental, or leasing facility, automobile parts and accessory sales
(outdoor), automobile repair and service (limited), automobile repair and services (general),
fuel sales, fuel sales with more than ten multi -fuel dispensers, car wash, recreational vehicle
sales, rental, or service. Certain land uses including substance abuse clinic, indoor firing range,
airport, and waste related uses may be permitted subject to approval of a Special Use Permit
(SUP). Exhibit 4 contains a comprehensive list of IN district permitted uses and development
standards. Due to the high intensity of the Industrial (IN) zoning district, this district is the only
district that permits general outdoor storage, which is defined as the storage of merchandise,
goods or materials that are not actively for sale. This includes but is not limited to items that are
stacked on pallets and shelves, stored in shipping containers or conexes, and semi -trailers not
attached to a truck. However, it is important to note that outdoor storage is not permitted in a
front or street yard and must be screened by a solid opaque wall or fence. These standards
minimize the impact that the outdoor storage may have on the area.
Chair Brashear opened and closed the Public Hearing as no one signed up to speak.
Motion to recommend approval of Item C (2020-34-REZ) as presented by Commissioner
Warren. Second by Commissioner McMichael. Approved (6-0).
D. Continued from the February 16, 2021 regular meeting.
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone
approximately 85.734 acres out of the David Wright Survey, Abstract No.13, and the John Berry
Survey, Abstract No. 51, from the Agriculture (AG) zoning district to the Planned Unit
Development (PUD) district with a base district of Business Park (BP) for the property
generally located at 2250 N IH 35 (2020-10-PUD) -- Andreina Davila -Quintero, AICP, Current
Planning Manager
Commissioner Perthuis abstained from this item and removed from the dais.
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February 22, 2021
Staff report by Davila -Quintero. The Applicant proposes the rezoning of this property to
facilitate warehousing and distribution development on the property. According to the
Applicant's letter of intent (Exhibit 5), the development will primarily act as an establishment
engaged in the storage, distribution or movement of materials, equipment, or goods within an
enclosed structure for themselves or other firms, with supporting commercial uses along the
road frontages. The industrial aspects of this project will create a vibrant and diverse economy
and minimize the workday exodus to Austin and other surrounding communities. The
commercial aspects of this project will not only create jobs, but provide important service and
retail opportunities for residents, while also enhancing the City's tax base and reducing retail
leakage to neighboring communities. The subject property is an approximately 85-acre tract
south of the junction of IH-35 and SH 130 Toll. The subject property has frontage on both
freeways and shares a boundary. The subject property is an approximately 85-acre tract south of
the junction of IH-35 and SH 130 Toll. The subject property has frontage on both freeways and
shares a boundary. The subject property was incorporated into the city limits in 2006 as part of a
large area city -initiated annexation. At this time, it obtained its current zoning designation of
Agriculture (AG), which is the default initial zoning upon annexation. Due to its location along
two (2) freeways (IH 35 and SH 130 Toll), the subject property is also located within the
Highway Corridor, one of the Image Corridors adopted as part of the 2030 Plan Update.
Highway corridors are located along the City's major roadways with the highest traffic volumes
and traffic speeds. Highway corridors include primarily auto -oriented, nonresidential
development such as commercial, retail, office, and mixed -use to capitalize on highway
visibility and access; however, industrial development is not appropriate within these corridors
without significant screening and performance standards. Highway corridors are the most
visible to residents and visitors and project a positive image of Georgetown.
Sal Perdomo, the applicant, addressed the Commission and was available to answer questions.
Chair Brashear opened and closed the Public Hearing as no one signed up to speak.
Motion to recommend approval of Item D (2020-10-PUD) as presented by Commissioner
Warren. Second by Commissioner Heintzmann. Approved (5-0).
Commissioner Perthuis returned to the dais.
E. Continued from the February 16, 2021 regular meeting.
Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Zoning Map Amendment to rezone
approximately 8.705 acres of land out of the Antonio Flores Survey, Abstract #235, from
the Residential Single -Family (RS) zoning district to the High Density Multi -Family (MF-
2) zoning district, for the property generally located at 903 Riverhaven Drive (2020-32-REZ) --
Michael Patroski, Planner
Staff report by Patroski. The Applicant is requesting the rezoning of the subject property in
order to build approximately 172 total unit Class A, age -restricted apartment home community
for adults age 55+ (Exhibit 5, Letter of Intent). The Applicant states that amenities will include a
Special Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes Page 4 of
February 22, 2021
clubhouse, fitness center, arts space, community pool, dog park, and more. The proposed
project would include approximately 160 apartment units in a 4-story elevator served building
and 12 single -story cottage style homes. The subject property is located at 903 River Haven
Drive. The 8.705-acre property is roughly divided into two pieces (8.05-acres to the west and .66
acres to the east) due to the 1-acre Guadalupe Cemetery generally located between these two
portions. The subject property is predominately flat with moderate tree coverage. There are two
existing structures on -site due to the property formally being a nursing and rehabilitation
center. The structure located along the western boundary is an estimated 4,500 square feet while
the centrally located second structure is an estimated 30,322 square feet. The subject property
has a Community Center and Mixed Density Neighborhood Future Land Use designations and
is currently zoned Residential Single -Family (RS). The subject property is also located within the
Scenic/Natural Gateway Overlay district. The subject property is located between FM 971 to the
north and San Gabriel Park to the south, just south of the Parkview Estates residential
community entrance. The FM 971 corridor has primarily developed with single-family
residential neighborhoods and large ranch/agriculture tracts. Other nearby residential
neighborhoods include River's Edge, Katy Cove, and Katy Crossing. While some commercial
zoned properties exist closer to N Austin Ave, about half of these properties are vacant and the
other half developed with a medical office, fuel sales station and convenience store, and
multifamily. There is also a 1-acre cemetery located along the eastern portion of the site that
divides the subject property. The High -Density Multi -Family (MF-2) zoning district is intended
for attached multifamily residential development, such as apartments and condominiums, at a
density not to exceed 24 dwelling units per acre. Properties zoned MF-2 should have direct
access to major thoroughfares and arterial streets and should not route traffic through lower
density residential areas. The MF District is appropriate adjacent to both residential and non-
residential districts and may serve as a transition between single-family districts and more
intense commercial districts. Permitted uses in this district include, but are not limited to,
attached multi -family, group homes (7-15 residents) and nursing/convalescent homes. Other
uses such as churches, day care facilities, and neighborhood amenity centers, among others are
permitted subject to specific design limitations. Certain land uses, including activity centers,
bed and breakfasts, and halfway houses, require a Special Use Permit (SUP). Exhibit 4 contains
a comprehensive list of MF-2 district permitted uses and development standards.
David Walsh, the applicant, made a presented to the Commission where he explained the
project, addressed previous concerns from the residents and the changes made to address those
concerns, and was available to answer Commissioner questions.
Chair Brashear opened the Public Hearing.
Regina Watson signed up to speak but gave her 3 minutes to Scott Strance.
Scott Strance, board president of Parkview, had several questions about the project, and also
commented on the neighborhood's concerns. While there have been good discussions between
the neighborhood and applicant, there is still disagreement for the project.
Special Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 7
February 22, 2021
Mary Smith, 100 Park Vista Drive, objects to the project.
Mary Fields, Ann Street, is opposed to the proposed zoning.
Suzanne Buckley, Rio Vista Dr, commented that lower density should be prioritized along a
scenic corridor. This zoning may be too intense. The density of the project is the issue with a lot
of us. She agrees with Scott's comments as well as previous speakers.
Desidirio Rival doesn't live in the neighborhood, but adjacent to Parkview. He is opposed to the
development and agrees with the concerns raised. He finds this area useful for the youth and
thinks this would be a great opportunity for youth to use, such as for a community center of
some type.
Mark Carmelock, Park Circle, commented that this would diminish the value of the park. There
are no other 3-story buildings in the community. He hopes this area can be used for something
else that better fits with the park.
Ki Browning,101 Benchmark Street, commented that this space is used for many activities and
residents enjoy the park. This project would bring more congestion, more cars and people
which is counter intuitive to being in the park. This will also diminish the value of the park.
There are already so many apartment complexes nearby, we don't need another one.
Bob Pope, 401 FM 971, is opposed to the project.
David Walsh, applicant, addressed the Commission and thanked the public speakers for the
feedback. Walsh answered some of the questions brought up by the speakers.
Motion to recommend denial of Item E (2020-32-REZ) as presented by Commissioner
Heintzmann. Second by Commissioner Warren. Motion to deny passes (5-1) with
Commissioner McMichael opposed.
F. Discussion Items:
a. Updates and Announcements — Sofia Nelson, CNU-A, Planning Director
i. There are no updates at this time
b. Updates from other Board and Commission meetings
c. Questions or comments from Alternate Members about the actions and matters
considered on this agenda.
d. Reminder of the March 2, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission teleconference
meeting starting at 6:00pm.
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Warren. Second by Commissioner McMichael. Motion
Approved (6-0).
Adjourned at 8:23p.m.
Special Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 7
February 22, 2021
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Special Planning & Zoning Commission Minutes Page 7 of 7
February 22, 2021