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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 2961 ORDINANCE NO. 2961 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. WHEREAS, Article XIV, Section 3 of the Charter of North Richland Hills provides for the preparation of a Master Plan to guide development in the City; and WHEREAS, Section 211.004 of the Texas Local Government Code requires municipalities to adopt zoning regulations which are in accordance with a Comprehensive Plan; and WHEREAS, Chapter 213, Texas Local Government code provides procedures for adopting and amending such plans, including the holding of public hearings; WHEREAS, public hearings have been held by both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council as required by Charter and state law; and WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of North Richland Hills has forwarded a recommendation to the City Council for adoption of a Comprehensive Land Use Master Plan. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS. Section 1: THAT the Comprehensive Plan codified as Part III of the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances is hereby amended to read as set forth in Exhibit A hereto. Section 2: Severability Clause. THAT it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this ordinance shall be declared invalid or unconstitutional by the valid judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without incorporation in this ordinance of any such invalid or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section. Section 3: This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon passage. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 1 of 25 AND IT IS SO ORDAINED. PASSED AND APPROVED this 12th day of November, 2007. CITY OF O TH RI AND HIL `\~``~0~~``1~ ~~nL~~t~n~~~~~~1/,,/ '•yf Oscar Trevino, Mayor ATTE~Tb ' C1 r z' r ~g~s ` ^ Patricia I~~~~;•ity~~retary P~, , y~, `~tii#;~fi{(~131it1411.i1illtiti~`\\~~~ APP D, S TO ORM AND LEGALITY: George A`.JS aple~s, City Attorney APPROVE TO CONTENT: ~ ~ John Pitstick, Planning & Development Director Ordinance No. 2961 Page 2 of 25 Exhibit A 2007 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE CITY COUNCIL Oscar Trevino PE, Mayor Tim Barth, PhD Suzy Compton, Mayor Pro Tem David Whitson John Lewis Scott Turnage Ken Sapp Tim Welch, PE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION. Randy Shiflet- Chairman Steven Cooper Bill Schopper- Vice Chairman Mark Haynes Don Bowen- Secretary Kelly Gent Mike Benton Dianna Madar STAFF Larry J. Cunningham, City Manager Ogden "Bo" Bass AICP, Assistant City Manager John Pitstick, Planning & Development Director Eric Wilhite, Chief Planner Chad Vansteenberg, Assistant Planner Tina Hansen, GIS Analyst Prepared by: The Planning & Zoning Commission, Development Review Committee, Planning Staff, Public Works Staff and Information Services Staff of North Richland Hills November 2007 Ordinance No. 2961 Page 3 of 25 2007 Comprehensive Plan Update I. PURPOSE The primary purposes of North Richland Hills' Comprehensive Plan update are: to guide future development in a manner consistent with the city's objectives, and to determine potential land uses for the City of North Richland Hills. It should be noted that the updated future land use plan does not directly affect existing zoning on any property within the city, but could affect how future zoning requests will be considered based on the updated comprehensive plan. In addition, the future land use plan is intended to be a short term (five-year to seven-year) guideline to help the planning and zoning commission and city council consider various development-related decisions in the future; it is also intended to provide a framework for areas that are in need of special strategic initiatives. The City of North Richland Hills completed its most recent comprehensive land use plan update in 2001 which was prepared by the planning and zoning commission of North Richland Hills, with assistance by Dunkin, Sefko, & Associates. Major Contributing Factors Three major factors have contributed to the need for the 2007 updated elements of the comprehensive plan: 1)the demand for residential housing and resulting infill development occurring as a result of the adoption of the RI-PD (Residential Infill Planned Development) ordinance in 2004, 2)the development of a regional rail plan indicating two future rail stations within North Richland Hills and 3)plans for significantly widening and improving the Loop 820 highway and how the Loop 820 Corridor land uses will transition following massive reconstruction of Loop 820. Residential Infill Development The City of North Richland Hills continues to see residential infill development in several areas throughout the city. The residential infill planned development ordinance has been used as a tool to allow minimal density increases in single family detached housing while providing significant increases in design and open space. The residential infill projects are generally between 5 and 6 units per acre and will be shown on the comprehensive land use plan as a medium density residential land use. Commuter rail Regional planning efforts continue to show two potential rail station sites along the Cotton Belt rail line within North Richland Hills. At the time of this publication the Fort Worth Transportation Authority "The T" was in the process of submitting a draft environmental impact statement for federal transit review to bring commuter rail from southwest Fort Worth to the north end of DFW Airport by 2012. A major section of the SW to NE Rail Corridor runs through North Richland Hills including the Iron Horse and Smithfield rail stations. Land use map changes have been included in the 2007 Comprehensive Land Use Map identifying new mixed use districts to encourage transit oriented development around future commuter rail stations. Continued planning is Ordinance No. 2961 Page 4 of 25 needed to move this effort forward and a legislative push to allow additional sales tax funding if North Richland Hills hopes to have commuter rail in the future. Loop 820 improvements Planning has been underway for several years to widen and improve Loop 820 through North Richland Hills. Current plans for the "North Tarrant Express" include 6 freeway lanes and 4 managed lanes with highway construction beginning in 2012 or beyond. The Texas Department of Transportation is currently undergoing a competitive selection for developing, financing, constructing and maintaining Loop 820 from I-35W to the Northeast Interchange under a Comprehensive Development Agreement. The City of North Richland Hills seeks to reinvent this corridor in a manner that meets the demands of the market head-on following the massive reconstruction of this important gateway with the community. The Loop 820 Corridor Plan was completed in 2005 to develop a set of strategies to encourage private investment that is crucial to the redevelopment of Loop 820. Continued planning and coordination is needed to assure the successful transition of land use types along the Loop 820 corridor. Please see specific guidelines and implementation strategies outlined in following sections regarding Loop 820 as a strategic planning area. II. THE FUTURE LAND USE PLAN A critical part of the Comprehensive Plan Update includes map updates to the Comprehensive Land Use Map, Thoroughfare Map, Strategic Planning Area Map and the Transit Concept Map. The future land use plan and thoroughfare plan elements are perhaps the most important comprehensive plan elements, due to the fact that they are intended to provide overall guidance to areas that are vacant, as well as to areas that have already developed and need specific enhancement action. It is, therefore, essential to clearly identify areas of the city wherein the different types of future land uses are most appropriate and best suited, the amount of land that should be allocated for each type, and the means by which people are able to access these land uses. Several existing characteristics of the city have been outlined for the purpose of creating a context for the updated future land use plan as are areas identified as being strategic in nature. Specific recommendations regarding the thoroughfare plan are also included. The land uses that develop in the future, as well as the maintenance and viability of those that currently exist, will shape the character and feel of North Richland Hills as it reaches its ultimate capacity. The future land use plan is graphically depicted with an enclosed map, and the number of acres and percentage of land allocated for each proposed land use is shown in Table 1. The recommendations made herein regarding future land use are the result of previous studies, workshops, meetings and public hearings before the city council and the planning and zoning commission. Several key elements have been used to determine the land use configuration recommended within this future land use plan, including compatibility with existing land uses, compatibility with proposed land uses, locational criteria, and aesthetic criteria. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 5 of 25 V wry 2C4~.~ A000 66J~ E~OW 1G:~'v erl N' ..r L ~u~tdrlbK~WZ1AN.~..~.~s~~ ~ 1 _ ~ 1 ~ „~4 - ' ! s ~ courRdnlalv~Lwoun rl~w ~ ~,f, , ~ ° °'i ~ - . ~ 1 ' 1 ~ ~ 1 E r ~ ~ ;1sa i~~~-~~ . ~ ~ .Yx'\; 1 , t , . ~ ~ i , ~ aun[~wr _ , ~ ° T ~ __w _ . M. : ~ f i ~ r i 1 a E : s t 1v iy,+~ . ~ ~ d-- - s` i/hOJ\PML .~iY r_. ~r ry. %T.1 ~ Y ' rats t~~ Mi1F x Irn a~a ~ _ ~ r ~ ` 1 1 ,,.a.,.. ~ _ a...~.......... ~ ~ ....a. r - t h~fi i _ .~~.~a . «r:. . - 1 ~ - • . ` r r ~ ~ k i ~ K ~ w - , Gs . ~ z; COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE ~ ~ _ PLAN ~ °:;~1~ rS ' Adoption llrte: No~•ember l2, 2007 ~ 1 Ordinance No. 2961 r~ dIINOV OT rufvelWw NOYW_tl~ll.:md 31wtlaA M~pvLs:Jew Ordinance No. 2961 Page 6 of 25 TABLE 1 Future Land Use City of North Richland Hills, Texas TABLE INSET: Land Use Category Acres Percent of Total Land Residential Use 5,283.8 45.2 percent Low density 4,706.9 40.3 percent Medium density 194.1 1.7 percent High density 351.7 3.0 percent Manufactured home 31.1 0.3 percent Parks/open space (1) 1,241.7 10.6 percent Public/semipublic 565.6 4.8 percent Office 170.8 1.5 percent Neighborhood service 179.6 1.5 percent Retail 908.0 7.8 percent Town center 237.9 2.0 percent Mixed Use One 193.1 1.7 percent Mixed Use Two 463.1 4.0 percent Commercial 267.0 2.3 percent Industrial 23.3 0.2 percent Right-of-way, Easements, Railroads (2) 2,152.1 18.4 percent Total Acreage Within the City 11,686.0 100.00 percent (1) Includes approximately 81 acres of golf course, theme park, and Little Bear Creek Corridor. (2) Estimated at the same amount as currently exists; this is likely to increase slightly as development occurs. Source: City of North Richland Hills Geographic Information Systems The following discussion outlines the different types of land uses that are recommended for North Richland Hills' updated future land use plan. It should be noted that there is a new designation for mixed use land uses added with the 2007 update. The following discussion is intended to give North Richland Hills more specific guidance as it reaches its build-out configuration. All of the land uses discussed, especially nonresidential land uses, should have design standards attached to them to ensure that new development makes a positive contribution to the character of the city; these standards should be Ordinance No. 2961 Page 7 of 25 implemented through the zoning ordinance and adopted policy. The 1992 Comprehensive Land Use Plan utilized four residential and four nonresidential land use types; the 2001 updated future land use plan utilized four residential and eight nonresidential land use types. The 2007 updated future land use plan utilizes four residential, eight nonresidential and two mixed use types. Residential Land Uses 5, 283.8 acres • 45.2 percent of total acreage Residential land use designates areas used for residential dwelling units and related accessory buildings. Residential land use is the predominate use within the city currently, and this is expected to continue. This type of land use can be further delineated into the following residential categories: Low Density Residential 4, 706 acres • 40.3 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for traditional, low density single-family detached dwelling units. Of the residential categories, the low density category accounts for a majority of the residential acres in North Richland Hills at the present time. The future land use plan proposes that this trend continue, with much of the remaining vacant land recommended for this use. Medium Densitv Residential 194.1 acres • 1.7 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for medium density attached dwelling units such as duplex units and townhomes. This plan also recognizes land use changes to residential infill planned development uses that do include some single family detached products. There are currently few areas of the city that are used for medium density residential land use. The future land use plan recommends that the city maintain its existing percentage of land allocated for this type of land use; in situations where office uses are shown as buffering elements to low density residential areas, or where retail uses serve as transition elements to low density residential areas, additional medium density uses or residential infill planned development products may be considered as a part of a mixed-use development proposal. It should also be noted that opportunities for this type of use including townhomes and row houses within the areas designated for the town center and the mixed use districts. Hiah Densitv Residential 351.7 acres • 3.0 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide for high density residential development, such as traditional apartment-type units with multiple-family attached living complexes. As with medium density uses, it is recommended that the city maintain its existing percentage of high density residential land uses. New high density residential development in the future should be incorporated within a larger development plan as part of a mixed use development or follow development guidelines within a strategic planning area. Manufactured Housing 31.1 acres • 0.3 percent of total acreage This use is intended to provide areas for moderately high-density development of HUD Code manufactured homes, constructed to a standard recognized by the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act, V.T.C.A., Occupations Code § 1201.001 et seq. Areas for this type of land use are located in North Richland Hills. ' Ordinance No. 2961 Page 8 of 25 Office Land Uses 170.8 acres • 1.5 percent of total acreage Office land use designates areas used for professional and organizational office needs, e.g., administrative, doctors, dentists, real estate, architects, accountants, secretarial service, etc.; office uses are intended to be designed in a manner that is compatible with residential land uses. The future land use plan recommends areas for new office land uses along several major roadways within North Richland Hills (Davis Boulevard, Precinct Line Road, etc.), and proposes office uses for buffering purposes to protect the integrity of residential land uses, especially where residential land uses are located in close proximity to major roadways. Neighborhood Service Land Uses 179.6 acres • 1.5 percent of total acreage Neighborhood service land use designates areas used for limited or light retail activity, such as service establishments and small stores, at specified major roadway intersections near residential areas to serve neighborhoods in close proximity. Also office land uses and neighborhood service uses are intended to be designed in a manner that is compatible with residential land uses. Uses that may be appropriate in such areas include small grocery stores, pharmacies, personal service shops (e.g., hair salons, dry cleaners, tailors, florists, etc.), day care centers, medical/dental and general offices, banks/financial institutions, small restaurants and cafes, a convenience store, and related establishments. Similar to office uses, the future land use plan recommends that neighborhood service uses be utilized as buffer areas for residential land uses located close to major roadways. Retail Land Uses 908.0 acres ~ 7.8 percent of total acreage Retail land use areas are intended to provide for a variety of retail trade, personal and business services and establishments. The future land use plan recommends that these types of land uses are located along the frontage of major thoroughfares, primarily for easy accessibility and good visibility. These thoroughfares include Loop 820, Rufe Snow Drive, Davis Boulevard, Precinct Line Road, Boulevard 26 and North Tarrant Parkway. Town Center District 237.9 acres • 2.0 percent of total acreage The town center land use designation directly relates to the town center zoning district. The town center is intended to establish development standards to promote a sustainable, high quality, mixed use development scenario that provides the opportunity for many uses typically associated with a city's town center. The town center is comprised of the neighborhood edge. neighborhood general. neighborhood center and neighborhood core. Each subzone provides for a gradient of development and use intensity. The edge zone is comprised almost exclusively of single-family houses. The general zone primarily consists of single-family with the opportunity for limited office use in a house. The neighborhood center and neighborhood core zones allow for a mix of uses, including residential and nonresidential uses in the same building. All the components of each zone -the buildings, the streets, and the public spaces -are scaled for that zone in an effort to create and sustain an integrated living environment. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 9 of 25 Mixed-Use Land Uses Mixed-Use One 193.1 acres • 1.7 percent of total acreage The mixed-use one land use delineates the core development area generally within '/4 mile walking distance around a future commuter rail station or a unique public or private land use that has a significant regional attraction and encourages multi-modal access. This district is intended for a variety of higher density mixed-use building types that accommodate retail, offices, row houses and apartments above or connected to nonresidential uses. Higher intensity development is encouraged in this district by allowing vertical and horizontal mixes of development with neighborhood-serving retail, service and other uses on the ground floor and residential units adjacent to the nonresidential space. Development in this area should have a tight network of streets, with wide sidewalks and buildings set close to the street frontage. On-street parking is allowed and parking lots or parking structures should be located behind primary buildings. Public open space areas, tree-lined streets and attractive vistas should also be incorporated into planning and design efforts for this district. Special design standards for streetscapes and form based building facade plans should be required in approving development in the mixed-use one district to address the relationship between building facades and the public realm, the form and mass of buildings in relation to one another, and the scale and type of streets and blocks which encourages intensity of uses but fosters pedestrian activity and a sense of place. Mixed-Use Two 463.1 acres • 4.0 percent of total acreage The mixed-use two land use delineates a transitional land use area directly adjacent to the mixed-use one area and is intended to accommodate a variety of uses from office, retail, technical and information industries to medium density housing. Special design standards should be required in approving development in the mixed-use two district supporting compatibility with the mixed-use one district and linkages to the broader community. Commercial Land Uses 267 acres • 2.3 percent of total acreage The commercial land use designation delineates areas intended for a variety of commercial uses including automobile related services, retail trade, and business services establishments with outside storage, display and sales. Outside uses/storage areas are required to be buffered from residential uses and public views. The future land use plan recommends that commercial land uses are concentrated within the most heavily traveled corridors of the city, specifically along Loop 820, Davis Boulevard (in close proximity to Loop 820), Iron Horse Boulevard (in close proximity to Rufe Snow Drive), and near Boulevard 26 (in the southern portion of North Richland Hills). Industrial Land Uses 23.3 acres • 0.2 percent of total acreage Industrial land use designates areas intended fora range of heavy commercial, assembly, warehousing, manufacturing and service-type uses. The primary concentration of industrial uses is recommended on the north side of the Cotton Belt Rail line off of Browning and Wuliger Way, in the western area of North Richland Hills. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 10 of 25 Public/Semipublic Land Use 565.6 acres ~ 4.8 percent of total acreage The public/semipublic land use designation is intended to permit nonprofit activities of an educational, religious, governmental or institutional nature. Schools, churches, hospitals, governmental buildings, fire stations and water towers would be considered public/semipublic areas. Notable areas used for public/semipublic purposes include the North Richland Hills City Hall/Police Station, the two high schools, Richland High School and Birdville High School, and Tarrant County College. Parks/Open Space Land Use 1,241.7 acres • 10.6 percent of total acreage The parks/open space land use designation is provided to identify all public parks, golf courses, trail systems, open spaces and flood prone areas. The City of North Richland Hills has an exceptional park system that is key to the quality of life its residents are able to enjoy. The 2007 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan focuses on creating a park system that will meet the ultimate recreational needs and desires of the community, improve the physical form and appearance of the City and preserve and enhance open space and natural resources. The Plan includes recommendations for providing additional parkland to meet build-out needs, new park development priorities and renovation of existing parks. The Master Plan is supported by the comprehensive plan update in terms of encouraging additional neighborhood, and community parks, as well as preservation of open space and completion of the trail system. Future Land Use Plan Interpretation Policies The city should utilize the future land use plan update and the associated policies in this report to further establish the general pattern of development within North Richland Hills. This pattern of development should be implemented through adopted policies, enacted ordinances, and recognized guidelines (as appropriate). This future land use plan provides a context for this pattern through a general description of land use categories and explanation of key components of the plan. It is important to note that the future land use plan is not the city's official zoning map. Rather, it is a guide to decision making in the context of the city's future land use patterns. The future land use plan should be used consistently and updated as needed, as North Richland Hills continues in its tradition of coordinated, quality development over time. III. THE THOROUGHFARE PLAN The following list of amendments has been added to the city's thoroughfare plan. For detailed information regarding the streets in the town center area, refer to the North Richland Hills' Town Center Master Plan. 1. The 2001 Thoroughfare Plan included streets from a portion of the City of Watauga on the Thoroughfare Plan's illustration. Streets outside the city limits of North Richland Hills are proposed to no longer be included on the 2007 Thoroughfare Plan's illustration. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 11 of 25 2. The 2001 Plan indicated Bursey Road west of Davis Boulevard and the realignment of Smithfield Road as future improvements. Both of these sections of street have been constructed and are now proposed to be indicated in the appropriate manner as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) on the 2007 Plan. 3. The 2001 Plan indicated the Loop 820/SH 121 /SH 183 interchange as future improvements. This interchange has been reconstructed and the "future improvements indication" is proposed to be removed from the 2007 Plan. 4. Harwood Road east of Boulevard 26 is indicated as an M4U (Minor 4 Lane Undivided Collector) on the 2001 Plan. While this designation is correct west of Boulevard 26 -east of Boulevard 26, Harwood Road is a six lane divided road. As such, Harwood Road east of Boulevard 26 is proposed to be indicated as an M6D (Minor 6 Lane Divided Collector) on the 2007 Plan. 5. The 2007 Plan proposes changing the designation of Main Street between Smithfield Road and Davis Boulevard from C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) to C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 6. The 2001 Plan indicated Windhaven as a future C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) street between Chapman Road and Hightower Drive. This street would lie within property that is now platted as the Graham Ranch Addition, Phases I and II, and as such Windhaven is proposed to be removed from the 2007 Plan. 7. The 2001 Plan indicated Susan Lee Lane between Loop 820 and North Richland Boulevard as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). However, with the additions to Huggins Honda, the section of Susan Lee Lane between Loop 820 and Maplewood Avenue is proposed to be changed to a residential 2 lane undivided street. 8. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Amundson Drive between Main Street and Amundson Road as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector). 9. The 2007 Plan shows the re-naming of Simmons Drive south of Mid-Cities Boulevard as Hawk Avenue per recent City Council action. Further, the section of this street between Mid-Cities Boulevard and Ice House Drive is proposed as C4U (Major 4 Lane Undivided Collector) and the section of Hawk Drive between Ice House Drive and the "curve" located between the new library and Walker Creek Elementary School is proposed as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 10. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Weyland Drive between the Access Road on the north side of SH 183 and Harwood Road as C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). Ordinance No. 2961 Page 12 of 25 11. In the Martin Drive and Simmons Road area, the 2007 Plan proposes to remove the C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) designation from Simmons Road south of Main Street and to extend the C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector) designation of Martin Drive to Mid-Cities Boulevard such that Martin Drive between Mid-Cities Boulevard and Precinct Line Road will be designated as a C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). 12. The 2007 Plan proposes to establish Combs Road between Boulder Drive and Rufe Snow Drive as a C2U (Minor 2 Lane Undivided Collector). Ordinance No. 2961 Page 13 of 25 T _CCti~ a9C(J 6r!G} arnY; TOOTXJ r ,.1 w ~ r. ~ _ MNMRA GEOMETRIC STREET DESIGII ETAIgARDS a OEYON LL[MlMT w ~ uu ~ >r , ,,.,.t d,....< k.. i~ e ~ N -irirni rGm ~ I. - e..ol dcica.n _ -JM. ~ . o,.rd ao.IT I..,I. ..I..I a1 YCI I[En . ~ r aale~anae~.laA.w ~D r- •un - K4UY1uxC YII q~. i u . +w. 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Same WCN aM1rat ar ea.ar.M4aM.i } 4 ~ / y ~ Ill`1' 71211 Nt)IYf~( M ~ • ,,ti'`^~,•, ~ x ~ a i ~ I t s 1r1'j` I . i- c u ~ r ~''Y---~ - ~ ~ 1, '~I....ir~/i 4 C2U ~ I._.~.~+_I I ~ ~ :',,_~°t 'j~~l,rw c",`s'+ ~ ~ it ~ ~ ~ ~ V~~ 4 ! ~ 1 . J F~ w +Ir` C'U C2,_ • Ida ~ ~ n~~. s' ~ r ~j-~ 1. P afata/~! i r a ~ ~ i u J- '3 C2U ~ i1~,Ff4'~w~ i _ g ` ~ C4 "+y~ ~ _ ~ ~ ( r ~ g J i~ ! J ~ I ! t I~ N ~H ~ ~ I c~211 ~ # j THOROUGHFARE PLAN • • •r+~ - Adoption Date: No~•ember 12, 20071 _ li I ~ ( Urdinance No. 2W 1 oc.HOV a' ;.oD~Tna.augww .an_Itkl~m.e s..a.e ~Iw•~rwaynrr F+an Ordinance No. 2961 Page 14 of 25 IV. PROPOSED STRATEGIC PLANNING AREAS The strategic planning areas include properties that may have specific issues or more detailed planning needs and may be appropriate for land use changes under certain guidelines or strategies. Additional studies have been completed and will continue to be updated that may affect future development in these areas. The planning and zoning commission and city council will develop strategies and implementation efforts in these areas for long term decisions not specifically identified on the future land use plan map. These areas include: • Loop 820 Corridor • Boulevard 26 Corridor • Home Town • Smithfield Conservation District • Iron Horse Transit District Loop 820 Corridor City leaders recognize that with the major improvements of Loop 820 and Airport Freeway and the growth and development of the Metroplex will come a more dense and urban use of land along these major freeways. The Loop 820 Corridor Plan was completed in 2005 by Kimley-Horn and Associates and Townscape Inc. The primary emphasis of the Loop 820 Plan includes a corridor wide theme with four distinct districts including Iron Horse district, Civic district, Cross Roads district and the Design district. These districts were created to visually clue the travelling public that they were in a unique area. The 820 Plan introduced variety and human scale into the corridor to break up the sameness of its auto-dominated character and the Plan also suggested aiding wayfinding signage by highlighting key routes to important destinations in the corridor. The Loop 820 Corridor should include a transition plan for promoting changes in this area to mid-rise offices, entertainment, hotels and large retail and service facilities serving a regional customer base. Traditional residential uses directly adjacent to denser commercial growth should be screened and buffered with significant landscaping and masonry walls. The transition of land uses along the freeway should require a minimum commitment of 10 acres of land in order to: minimize curb cuts, provide for shared access, and provide logical geographic development of the area. This is also encouraged in order to avoid piecemeal development patterns and negative impacts on existing neighborhoods. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 15 of 25 ` Corridor Image and Districts Plan 0 i _ . ; ~ ~ _ . ~ ~ _ sH"Oriented Development` I ~ i - the Iron Horae District i ~ Y;.7_ "tron Hone Drlwlnt~nectlon - - " " , k~" ~ r ~ S ry Intersection Hode Elements Consiatenfl:onidor Elements ~ ~ ~ 3-...~ r _ - - ,r Map Legend TxDOT ~r~d~i EnAsenm~nt • ' y YNlow brick road • •.:•.•c $CYIe A Hoiid~y Lated'Intsr:eetfon ' ~ ~ ` Study Team ti ~ - ~ KMq^Han sa AUaawec, YC. ' Bedford ~ulees Intersection' t ~ nmq~~wt ~W HI hw 26 Intersaetlon" Mar zoos Ordinance No. 2961 Page 16 of 25 Overall Loop 820 Corridor design elements should include: • Black color for metal sign frames, traffic arms, sign and light poles • Themed directional signage • Smaller scaled pedestrian wayfinding markers • Decorative black traffic signal poles and arms to match those used on Rufe Snow Road. • Special unit pavers in wide crosswalks • Special decorative, pedestrian-scaled lighting standards with interchangeable banners • Matching deciduous canopy street trees in strong, geometric designs characterized by even spacing that creates visual rhythm and repetition. • Low limestone planter walls • District logo on directional signage • District name on directional signage Loop 820 Corridor Traffic and Transportations elements should include: • Getting concurrence on the Corridor Access Plan from TXDOT • Incorporation of needed intersection construction improvements with TXDOT • Gaining approval for bridge, retaining walls, and landscape elements • Promoting secondary access and routing plan for Loop 820 during the highway construction period Looq 820 Corridor district recommendations Iron Horse District (Please see specific recommendations for Iron Horse Transit District below.) Civic District • Develop a detailed parking/site plan for City Hall redevelopment area • Develop a plan to acquire properties east and north of City Hall • Re-align Maplewood in anticipation of the TXDOT widening of Loop 820 • Market redevelopment from Residential to Retail for southeast corner of Holiday Lane and Loop 820 • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Holiday Lane Cross Roads District • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Boulevard 26 and Loop 820 • Develop specific way finding signs • Develop an access and cross access plan for car dealerships adjacent to Loop 820 Design District • Develop specific way finding signs Ordinance No. 2961 Page 17 of 25 • Incorporate intersection urban design concepts for Bedford Euless Road • Develop a specific access and circulation plan in the home furnishing area • Develop specific urban design plans for Bedford Euless Road (Restaurant row) Boulevard 26 Corridor Boulevard 26 and the previously named Grapevine Highway served as one of the original highways in the area linking communities and serving as the primary retail and commercial support in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Much of the major retail and commercial businesses moved out of the area in the 1980s and 1990s. Growth and redevelopment are beginning to occur in this area. However, some vacant and transitional commercial areas are in need of enhanced programs for bringing about basic building code and aesthetic compliance. The South Grapevine Highway Corridor Strategy which included potential development areas, an economic study and implementation plan was performed in 2003 by The Leland Group and HNTB. This study showed a 20 year potential market demand for residential absorption equating to approximately 50 to 75 units per year, while nonresidential absorption equates to between 20,000 and 45,000 square feet per year. In 2005 a market study was completed which created the Boulevard 26 name and identified future streetscape guidelines. Ongoing efforts are needed to stimulate and enhance this area. The transition of existing land uses should require a minimum commitment of five acres of land for a zoning request to be considered in order to: minimize curb cuts, provide for shared access, and provide logical geographic development of the area. The minimum commitment of five acres is also encouraged to avoid piecemeal development patterns and negative impacts on existing neighborhoods. To date a number of initiatives have been undertaken including an interlocal agreement between Richland Hills and North Richland Hills that brought about a joint oversight committee, a number of real estate forums have been held, the Corridor 26 Business Association has been formed and a regulatory "diagnosis" has been undertaken to determine if current codes between the cities accommodate consistent development. Joint public improvement plans that include unique streetscape design are also underway to enhance major intersections along Boulevard 26. The Boulevard 26 area should be considered a reinvestment zone with incentives for encouraging redevelopment. The redevelopment of the former North Hills Mall should act as a catalyst for future development in the area and should set a quality standard for such development. The Boulevard 26 Corridor also interfaces with the City of Richland Hills to the east and is a major entrance into the city. Continued efforts to revitalize the Boulevard 26 area outlined in previous studies should be made in the following areas: • Develop a primary redevelopment strategy for the North Hills Mall/Hospital area Ordinance No. 2961 Page 18 of 25 • Ongoing joint public improvement plans for gateways and intersections • Active coordination with TXDOT for establishing needed access and design improvements • Establishment of specific urban design standards including parking, sidewalk, streetscape and landscape standards outlined in marketing study • Development of creative funding options for urban revitalization of Boulevard 26 • Consistent code enforcement by both cities throughout the corridor • Consistent storefront improvement program to encourage property owners to upgrade their properties • Continued regulatory analysis to assure consistent development standards for both cities • Support and coordination with Corridor 26 Business Association • Promotion of branding efforts established in 2005 market study • Formulate an Urban Housing Initiative to address housing opportunities in the corridor • Develop a joint economic development incentives package for target marketing the corridor • Participate with developers in design and conceptual planning for implementation plans for key parcels in the corridor Home Town Strategically positioned on 320 acres between Boulevard 26, Mid-Cities Boulevard, and Davis Boulevard, Home Town embraces new urbanism concepts based on classic American neighborhoods. The plans for Home Town call for amixed-use development made-up of single family residences, villas, town homes, restaurants, retail shops, doctor's offices, and other professional services built around a vibrant town center. An essential element of the Home Town development plan includes a tax increment financing district to finance major public improvements including a municipal library, recreation center and conference center that will provide a focus for the commercial core of Home Town. Other key features of Home Town include wider sidewalks encouraging a pedestrian friendly environment and streets designed to eliminate high speed corridors. Designed by Duany, Plater-Zyberk and Company and developed by Arcadia Realty Corporation, North Richland Hills Home Town is expected at full development to have 650 custom homes, 800 multi-family dwellings, 160,000 square feet of retail and 650,000 square feet of office space. All of Home Town is regulated through the Town Center zoning district. As development continues in the commercial core areas, updates to the Home Town regulating plan and thoroughfare plan are needed to meet current market conditions and ensure a sustainable, upscale living environment in this important development in the center of the community. The city should also continue to work closely in the design and timely construction of the library and recreation center to promote and stimulate high class sustainable development in Home Town. Upon completion, Home Town is expected to be a gathering place for the entire community. Ordinance No. 2961 Page 19 of 25 Smithfield Conservation District The Smithfield Conservation District includes properties along Smithfield Road and Main Street both north and south of the railroad tracks. This area includes future development within the Mixed Use One and Mixed Use Two proposed districts. Specific guidelines should be developed to encourage a particular development theme to conserve the identity of this area. Differing building materials, antique lighting and varying streetscapes should be promoted. City standards for building materials, signs, lighting and landscaping could be altered to create a separate image and focus for the Smithfield Area. Specifically, the city should take the following initiatives: • Continue to encourage mixed use transit oriented development in this area with a unique historic sense of place. • Work closely with transit agencies for commuter rail station planning • Consider land banking parcels for future rail station improvements • Develop a marketing plan and special economic incentives for the redevelopment of the Smithfield Conservation Area. • Perform a survey of historic resources in this area. • Develop urban design standards for this district including parking, sidewalk, streetscape and landscape standards. Preserve the unique character of this area. • Continue a proactive code enforcement program in this area. • Minimize conflicts between residential and nonresidential land uses in order to protect property values and the interests of both. • Encourage and promote pedestrian traffic in this area. • Encourage maintenance and upgrading of businesses as well as historical significant residential and nonresidential structures. • Encourage neighborhoods to participate in improving the look of their neighborhood. Iron Horse Transit District The Iron Horse district was created out of the Loop 820 Corridor study following a desire and need for a future commuter rail station on the Cotton Belt line directly adjacent to Loop 820. The availability of vacant land with access to future toll lanes off of the Iron Horse bridge gives this area great potential for becoming a park and ride area and offering good accessibility to the traveling public. To support this change from industrial uses to a mix of land uses the city renamed Industrial Park Boulevard to Iron Horse Boulevard in 2005. Increasing the amount of mixed use development will require urban design standards that bring buildings out to the street with improved landscaping and a more pedestrian friendly district. Continued efforts to reinvent the Iron Horse district outlined in the Loop 820 Plan should be made in the following areas: • Prepare a circulation and cross access plan for the commercial property east of Rufe Snow • Coordinate with TXDOT regarding Iron Horse Boulevard bridge design • Develop form-based zoning for Iron Horse transit oriented development area Ordinance No. 2961 Page 20 of 25 • Work with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority to share rail station planning at Iron Horse • Work with TXDOT to ensure site access at the Church of Christ to 5-Star Ford to plan for potential commercial development in this area • Develop a specific streetscape plan for Iron Horse Boulevard • Develop wayfinding signs • Consider extending Hilltop to Iron Horse Boulevard to ease traffic and increase access • Clarify internal circulation routes for big box parking areas and require cross access agreements to establish future pedestrian urban block grid system Ordinance No. 2961 Page 21 of 25 rlrr•\~n r••r•1r•~+•? ~ ~y 2CY:G dCNNJ :,U:'~ •?(N:,C~ 1!Y,'{tom .~~~IIr\srurl\ra\r1\r\\/33 r~ M ~r j ' yIADY GROVE ~Fb r~ I NURTN TARRANT PKIh!7~' S t f f~; I ~ ~ ~3 ~ NONTHTP I , ``••r••rslrlar•\r\\r••rr ~ i ' K1HTH TARRANT VK'•VY , - t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 1 M T•\r••r••r•ir11r••r•Ir•r~RI1R5EY Rb ~ y ~ GREEN VALIfY OR i, C S7~ r t{( t, W I ..KIRK IN ~ S LL ~ ~ I - JOIMIAUTHY RD= ~ ~ yaRK LN ' I RUB RUMFIFIDRD u~. n ~ - ..I PQ.. ~ ~ «t STARNE$Rb ~ tl a zi i m _ x ck . ! ~ ~ w N ~ LL °'i ~ z i0 f,[OWLR UR, ~ ~ HIGH. ~ "g ~ ~ _ SMITHFIELD ~ DISTRICT ~HTOYJ~R DR ~ AMUN05ON DR- . ~ Smithfield " ~ ~ w • ~ Conservation ...t"Z.~:..~.~~ &1 ' i - District ~ ~ ~ s ~ CHAPl.IAN RD ~ ~ f; AtAIkS ~ ui I.- ;r 3 ~ bwftTINDR III Y O ` _ j _ ~ YESSWa.~~.~ Aflb~Gl?IE59LY'U j `YS .r..-- ~wr...~ . r11D~CITIES ULVD nl~r...~au~.~•..~y /u~,~~ ~ # f o ~ ! ~ 1 IRON HORSE ~ ~ ~ ~ _ rr : DISTRICT i a ~ ~ , r ~ `'~A r. ~HnR,E sLw ~ cy cE'r~ ~ f r'f{J i ~ f~ r~ ~ ~ur. ~ I..rp.r ~ ¢ ~'P , NrJftTH RICHLANU Bl, v,7 ~M e ~r ~ g 4 . 7RNJIDA * ia, 1 j ~C~ L.l)O~ 820 i 3 ~R ~ ~ : Cor _ ridor ~ I~:'~`'FRALOHiL~s ~ Home Town Ir i~< . ' MARYagW RD lO r NIN.rn rn ' I~:. . ~ ' --°.rKrs, . I ~ ~ ~ 1 , I "1 ~ , i _ S RU ~ 4 RrdrtRnbpx ~\•r 11 ~ ~ r I~C"~. 1 y 6~ TwentySix :,•r1\~.\r1,• ~1lIt2E~t~~.rz.z',:. P ~ , District ~ ~ " ~ ~ : ~ c ~ i ~ " `~i R. _ g~ pz ~ ~ GLENYIEW DR a~r~ ~ °a R t ~ ~i" _ n.11r••r\~~ iw. s.w~ X' ~ ? Uit 'LS 01 ' py . W. y ~~EY ST~I,~ r f 7 ~ }f~l rim, ~n1M\. ~"""""r' - STRATEGIC PLANNING AREAS ~ ~ ` ~.f Adoption Date: November 12, 2007 w 6` _ Ordinance No. 2961 ~Yarl_\C. >LP NPVU_II•I~mrtl :••M~E NI pa'L\nAnM.`.~L.~ Ordinance No. 2961 Page 22 of 25 ~r N ~ ~ r--MIGMIAWER-0R IiNDSENI D TRANSIT CONCEPT i SMITHFIELD Is-~ ~ j DISTRICT ~ ~ MAP ~ ~ ..h , ~ ~ { a Rail Station VJclnities ~ 3 ~ 4 s z ter,,...,. W, .4,r i ^MAPMAN•R- S~_ MAIN•5•Trr. ~ ua ffi - . ~ Z ~ „•,t ~ ~ MARTIN y. r lsg~nd ~ Myor Empieytrwnl ' Q ~ ~ ~ r ~g-8k ~ aIID•A~T.IES•BEW-..,......_a tlpm~iem ' ..7,~.,:,..~,.,, . G trap smarm - ~ r,~ , i °-MID~CITiFS~BL- Mapr Mbratrt3bnt ° Rat StNgn Vr~Mks ~ ~ ~ r~ •L \ r„~ r ~ H ~ TowN ialwwa »tM tt~mik rWitgl I i g~ H~a~E-s~~' * c OH,y10RSE 8LV^ ~rRfH ~ F,~ta IRON HORSE ~ NoRx.M.~tI~a~Anoa4y~ DISTRICT ~ * * \3 ~ ~ a "'tIbIUAU.U" W 3 rc dd~ ?j OWNING DR ~ ~ H 2 ~~~30 Br3GSMN1 LL , f~ERALD MILLS 7 ~ O..pp~~ N 'Y' * o~' ~ ,r¢ s o~ J-,'' j ~ * MAPLE' OOD AV a RWYI a \~f r: ~OR O fir. ~?7'K\'!~ • ~ * ~P I:ILQ YJfA JDOC ~PIB .5E00 b ~ e 0 Ordinance No. 2961 Page 23 of 25 V. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Following formal adoption of the updated comprehensive land use plan, a series of steps will need to be taken to ensure proper implementation. The following steps, studies and recommendations are included as a general guideline for ongoing implementation of the comprehensive plan. Zoning Ordinance Conformance with the Comprehensive Plan The new future land use plan map has a more detailed delineation of land use types than the previous plan including land use designations for potential mixed use transit oriented development near the Iron Horse and Smithfield rail sites. Bringing the existing zoning ordinance into conformance with the comprehensive plan will require changes to the existing zoning ordinance with the adoption of a new mixed use zoning district. Strategy for Zoning Inconsistencies The adoption of the new comprehensive plan creates some inconsistencies between the future land use plan map and existing zoning map. Ongoing discussions and dialogue will be required to determine strategies for dealing with zoning inconsistencies. The City of North Richland Hills should consider initiating zoning changes for inconsistencies relating to Public, Church and Institutional uses that currently do not conform to the future land use plan. Major Land Use Issues As part of the comprehensive plan update, several major land use issues are being adopted following previous study recommendations. Following are current issues that will require ongoing coordination and further studies. Gateway, Corridor and Image Studies The city council continues to encourage improvement of the city's image and enhancement of development standards throughout the city. An effective means for presenting the city's image is to build or require aesthetic improvements to city gateways and corridors. The continued development for improving gateways and corridors will continue to be a high priority for the City of North Richland Hills. These efforts should encourage participation by private interest groups on adjacent properties in highly visible areas of the city. Commuter Rail Service The city council continues to be interested in pursuing efforts for promoting commuter rail service with two formal rail stations within North Richland Hills. While these efforts may be a few years away, continued efforts for commuter rail service on the Cotton Belt railroad should be encouraged. Open Space and Trails A key component of the comprehensive master land use plan is the identification of future open space within the community. Ongoing efforts have been made to Ordinance No. 2961 Page 24 of 25 coordinate elements of the master park plan with the comprehensive master land use plan with emphasis on the Little Bear Creek Corridor. Thoroughfare Plan Improvements The City of North Richland Hills will experience dramatic changes with the freeway improvements to N.E. Loop 820. An important aspect in bringing about a successful transition will be the proper coordination and timing of freeway improvements with affected properties and dealing with the traveling public. Continued efforts to implement recommendations from the Loop 820 Corridor Study will assure an effective transition of the N.E. Loop 820 improvements. Ongoing traffic and access studies should continue within the community, including the construction of the Davis Boulevard and Mid-Cities Boulevard intersection improvements and the widening and improvements along North Tarrant Parkway. Ongoing Studies to Complement Strategic Planning Areas The adoption of the Strategic Planning Areas provides guidelines for long-term decisions not specifically identified on the Future Land Use Plan Map. Ongoing studies will be needed to give specific direction for encouraging and targeting development in these areas. Priorities for future studies include: • ongoing implementation of the Loop 820 Corridor Study recommendations • continued development of branding and public improvement efforts along Boulevard 26 • updating the Home Town (Town Center) thoroughfare plan and development strategies with continued efforts to finalize public improvements in the Library, Recreation Center and Conference Center • adoption of specific zoning and development regulations for mixed use transit oriented development around the proposed Iron Horse and Smithfield commuter rail station sites • development of rail station area plans for the Iron Horse and Smithfield station sites Ordinance No. 2961 Page 25 of 25