HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2007-11-15 MinutesMINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
NOVEMBER 15, 2007
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Randy Shiflet at 7:00 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Chairman
Vice Chairman
Secretary
Ex-Officio
ABSENT
CITY STAFF Chief Planner
Assistant Planner
Assist.Dir. of Public Works
Recording Secretary
Randy Shiflet
Bill Schopper
Don Bowen
Mike Benton
Kelly Gent
Mark Haynes
Dianna Madar
Steven Cooper
Eric Wilhite
Chad VanSteenberg
Greg VanNeiuwenhuize
Teresa Koontz
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Kelly Gent led the pledge of allegiance.
4.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 1, 2007 MEETING
APPROVED
Don Bowen, seconded by Mark Haynes, motioned to approve the minutes of
November 1, 2007. The motion carried unanimously (6-0).
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5.
RP 2007-09
Consideration of a Request from CEI Engineering to Approve a Replat of Lot 1, Block
1, into Lot 1A & Lot 1B, Block 1, Wal-Mart Addition (Located in the 9100 Block of
North Tarrant Pkwy - 25.217 acres).
Clent Raynes, 3030 LBJ Freeway, Ste 1250, Dallas, TX ,with CEI Engineering, came
forward representing Walmart and Murphy Oil. He stated that the replat would create a
new separate lot for the area that the existing fueling station is located on. The new Lot
1A will be the primary Wal-Mart Super Center with parking lot and Lot 1B will be the
fueling station. No changes or construction has occurred on this lease lot and basically
is being replatted for the legal sale to Murphy Oil.
Eric Wilhite stated that this site includes the Wal-Mart and Murphy Fueling Station in
addition to a drainage facility at the Southeast end. CEI has worked with Staff to make
sure there was contiguous connectivity to the entire lot. Staff has reviewed the plat and
determined that it complies with all subdivision rules and regulations and recommends
approval.
APPROVED
Bill Schopper, seconded by Kelly Gent, motioned to approve RP 2007-09. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
6.
PP 2007-08
Consideration of a Request from Compass Realty to Approve a Preliminary Plat of
Lots 1-7, Block 1, Wildwood Business Park (Located on the NE Corner of Mid-Cities
Blvd and Cardinal Lane - 2.77 acres).
John Fegan, 1303 Belafonte Lane, Colleyville, TX with Compass Realty came forward.
He stated the property was purchased to subdivide and put seven office pads on it.
Currently three tenants are looking at leasing. The design includes a tree survey which
will preserve as many trees as possible to the new pad owners.
Eric Wilhite said this 2.77 acre tract on Mid Cities Blvd and Cardinal Lane has various
mutual access easements to serve the proposed separate lots. It meets subdivision
rules and regulations and is recommended for approval.
APPROVED
Mike Benton motioned to approve PP 2007-08, seconded by Mark Haynes. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
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7.
ZC 2007-15
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from Compass Realty to Approve a
Zoning Change from "I-1" Light Industrial to "CS" Community Services (Located
in the 8600 Block of Cardinal Lane-2.77 acres).
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing at 7:08 p.m.
John Fegan, 1303 Belafonte Lane, Colleville, TX came forward requesting a rezone
hoping to better market the property and make the zoning compatible to the land use
plan.
Eric Wilhite stated that there were discussions with the applicant regarding the property
about potential land uses. It is currently zoned Industrial and the current Permitted
Land Use Table has some nuances where some commercial retail type land uses are
permitted in "CS" Community Service but not in Industrial. With those discussions, the
applicant chose to request a zoning change so the property would be more compatible
with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Staff has reviewed and recommends
approval.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:10.
APPROVED
Bill Schopper, seconded by Kelly Gent, motioned to approve ZC 2007-15. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-OJ.
8.
RP 2007-11
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from BHB Engineering & Surveying to
Approve a Replat of Lot 1, Block 1, into Lots 1R & 3, Block 1, McKinney Addition
(Located in the 9500 Block of Kirk Lane - 5.956 acres).
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing at 7:11 p.m.
JC Garcia, 920 S. Main, Grapevine TX with BHB Engineering, came forward. He is
representing the owners who are requesting a replat of Lot 1 to Lot 1 R and Lot 3 for the
sale of the existing house on Lot 3.
Eric Wilhite stated the site is currently zoned R-1 SFR and Ag (portion of Lot 1 R and all
of Lot 3) and meets all the subdivision rules and regulations.
Don Bowen asked if the current house is on the lot zoned AG?
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Eric Wilhite said yes it was.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:13 p.m.
APPROVED
Mark Haynes, seconded by Mike Benton, motioned to approve RP 2007-11. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
9.
ZC 2007-11
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from Deborah Chambers to Approve a
Zoning Change from "AG" Agricultural to "CS" Community Services (Located in
the 7800 Block of Davis Blvd - 1.409 acres).
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing at 7:14.
Ernest Hedgcoth, 5701 C. Midway Road, Ft Worth, TX, with Ernest Hedgcoth
Engineers, came forward representing the applicant. This is an existing structure that
has been vacant for several years and is being proposed to convert into a wellness spa.
He is aware of site planning, parking and remodeling that need to occur to comply with
city requirements and ADA codes.
Eric Wilhite stated is has been zoned AG for some time now and the Comprehensive
Land Use Plan does show it going commercial. Staff will meet with the applicant later to
discuss issues with site plan process and assist them at that time. This zoning plan is
consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and recommends approval.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:17 p.m.
APPROVED
Mike Benton, seconded by Mark Haynes, motioned to approve ZC 2007-11. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
10.
SUP 2007-02
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from Carter & Burgess to
Approve a Special Use Permit for the expansion of an existing restaurant and
indoor amusement arcade (Located in the 7900 Block of Boulevard 26 - 1.118 acres).
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing at 7:18 p.m.
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Les Lehner, 303 Atascosa ,Keller, TX ,Director of Real Estate for Chuck E. Cheese
came forward. He stated this request for expansion is more complicated due to Texas
Department of Transportation (TXDOT) right of way acquisition.
There is a proposal to purchase the property already on the table with TXDOT that is
very close to acceptable with Chuck E. Cheese. The problem is with the landscaping,
sidewalks and sprinkler system required by the city which will create an asset for Chuck
E. Cheese as a publicly traded company on the balance sheet. He further stated that
an asset cannot be created and be disposed of at the decision making power of a third
party. Not to mention that by the time Chuck E. Cheese draws a permit they will not
own the property.
Mr. Lehner states he would like the commission to consider that Chuck E. Cheese
genuinely wants to improve their business and has already made several improvements
totaling over $800,000 for the past 18 months. They want to make the facility bigger to
house more guests. The core strategy of Chuck E. Cheese is a family entertainment
restaurant so guests typically stay longer than traditional casual dining. Parking spaces
are very critical to housing more guests so the landscaping would create an issue. He
stated that the landscaping will unfortunately not be performed by Chuck E Cheese due
to several reasons. They are on the drawings because they were told landscaping was
needed to get a recommendation of approval. He commented that Carter Burgess has
been very complementary towards the NRH staff while working on this project. He
commented that TXDOT has sent a mixed message in regard to what their intentions
are and the municipality of North Richland Hills cannot be asked to completely
accommodate this indecisive nature of TXDOT, but unfortunately it has put Chuck E.
Cheese right in the middle. He cannot accept an offer to sell the property which they
are going to proceed with condemnation unless it is going to dissolve the existing plans,
but no one will give approval on the plans unless Chuck E. Cheese owns the property.
He states he would like approval of the plans without the landscaping on Boulevard 26.
Bill Schopper asked what they would do after the taking. Would landscaping be put in
then?
Mr. Lehner stated some landscaping has already been added but is very limited
because the property is so tight already. Removing parking would be the only way to
create landscaping and removing the parking would hurt the business.
Bill Schopper stated that he appreciates Mr. Lehner's forthrightness and honesty, but by
getting the plan approved today ,then after the condemnation, if it is nonconforming
now, it would be nonconforming then.
Mr. Lehner states he is in complete agreement and would go one step further to say Bill
Schopper is right. He is asking as a business owner, in order to grow the business
along this property and operate at the level needed to operate, he needs to grow the
size of the location.
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There was a discussion between Bill Schopper and Chairman Shiflet for clarification on
the request as it relates to landscaping. Eric Wilhite commented that the issue was
discussed in the pre-session as shown on the exhibit and that any items illustrated on
the exhibit become part of the ordinance for the SUP.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the decision to approve the SUP with the
TXDOT acquisions. Eric Wilhite stated that staff went through the site plan to enhance
the area and stay consistent with what was done in the past.
Mike Benton asked, if this is approved tonight, then would they be obligated to this site
plan?
Eric Wilhite said yes, this would be taken to City Council for recommendation. If Texas
Department of Transportation acquires the land after this, we will contact the City
Attorney and find out how to proceed next.
Alton Sadler, 7912 Birchwood, NRH, TX came forward to protest the expansion until
they address some of the flooding issues that have been ongoing.
Ophelia Sadler, 7913 Birchwood, NRH, TX came forward to protest the expansion until
the flooding and other issues are addressed. She stated they have made numerous
attempts to contact Chuck E. Cheese regarding their complaints but they have been
unable to contact anyone in management.
Greg VanNeiuwenhuize came forward to discuss the flooding issues. Based on the
initial site investigation, the parking lot appeared to be graded and had an inverted
crown to capture water and take it out to Birchwood. It now appears that now the crown
is non existent and flat. There will be a meeting in the morning to discuss these issues.
Chairman Shiflet asked if the Sadlers would be notified at the outcome of this meeting?
Greg VanNeiuwenhuize said yes, they would be notified by email or phone.
Chairman Shiflet read the email sent in by Mr. Sadler.
Eric Wilhite came forward and stated that up to this point, he was unaware of any crime
issues but would inform Captain Hamlin and Chief Purdue. He commented that during
the construction phase if any noise violations occur, they should be directed to Code
Enforcement.
David Steffen, 1420 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX, with Carter and Burgess came
forward to further discuss the plans with this proposed site. He stated he has been in
contact with TXDOT for coordination of the preliminary plans.
Mr. Lehner addressed Mr. and Mrs. Sadler's complaints and gave them assurance he
would get the correct contact information for Chuck E. Cheese.
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Chairman Shiflet closed the Public Hearing at 8:09 p.m.
APPROVED
Don Bowen motioned to approve SUP 2007-02 with the architectural variance as
presented and would include the requirement for landscaping as presented on
the SUP exhibit. The motion was seconded by Bill Schopper. Mike Benton
opposed the motion. The motion was carried 5-1.
11.
ZC 2007-16
Public Hearing and Consideration of a Request from Phifer / Hogan Partners to Approve
a Zoning Change from "AG" Agricultural to "R-2" Single Family Residential
(Located in the 6700 Block of Crane Road - 5.464 acres).
Chairman Shiflet opened the Public Hearing at 8:11 p.m.
Don Phifer with Phifer/Hogan Partners, 7952 Davis Blvd, NRH, TX came forward with a
request for zoning change from AG to R2 Single Family Residential to rezone the 5.5
acre tract to a 15 lot single family subdivision.
Eric Wilhite stated this site currently has a residential structure on it which will be
removed when the subdivision goes in. The next case is a preliminary plat for the
subdivision and is being requested for R2 and meets zoning change regulations. Staff
has reviewed and it is consistent with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan which
indicates low density residential and recommends approval.
Kate Young, 6720 Crane Road, NRH, TX came forward with several questions. She
asked what was the average lot size?
Randy Shiflet asked what was the minimum on R-2?
Eric Wilhite answered 9000 sq. ft. for the lot and 2000 sq. ft. with certain setbacks
required.
Ms. Young asked what would be the market value per home? Where would the
placement of the entrance street to the subdivision? What kind of destruction to the
surrounding property can be expected?
Bill Schopper told Ms.Young that she was welcome to look at the plans .
Jim Wallace, 8841 Main St, NRH, TX came forward complaining about continuous
flooding on his property. He also stated that the other adjoining neighbors have had
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flooding issues and have asked the city for assistance but nothing has been resolved.
He is very interested in finding out if the developer will be able to assist in this problem.
He stated he has installed storm drains, upgraded gutters, french drains and two
manually dug ditches to divert water on to the street. He is requesting proper storm
drains with the new development to eliminate the flooding to these five homes affected
and cause it to drain to Crane Road.
Paul Bellwood, 6704 Crane Road, NRH, TX came forward with concerns of traffic on
"Crane Raceway." He states that since the redevelopment of this road there has been
excessive high speed traffic and by increasing the section by 15 residences it would
only get worse.
Terry and Georgene Doversberger, 6805 Crane, NRH, TX came forward. Mrs.
Doversberger stated they were concerned with the development going in on both sides
of their property. They are concerned that the new developer will come in cut down
trees and eliminate existing wildlife. They have concerns about the pink ribbons on
existing trees. She commented that the speeding problem after the widening of Crane
Road is now worse than before.
Ron Seamster, 8816 Royal Oaks Dr, NRH, TX came forward asking what kind of fence
would be put on the property to protect their privacy and how many trees would be
taken down ? He commented on issues with rodents after the land begins to clear as
they already have problems with scorpions.
Don Bowen answered that since this is residential backing up to residential there is no
fence requirement. Also, he believes the developer will keep all the trees he can to add
value to the lots.
Don Phifer came forward to address these questions. Regarding lots and home sizes,
the smallest lot 80ft min width by 130-140 sq ft. Corner lots are 16,000 ft approximately.
We have to configure the property in such a way with the road to accommodate the hill,
since you build to the hill and try to maximize the number of lots. Most homes in this
subdivision will be a minimum of 3500 sq ft to 4200 sq ft. to accommodate the lot sizes.
The prices of these homes will be approximately $ 475,000 to $ 575,000 based upon
today's numbers.
Mr. Phifer stated that he was unaware of any drainage problems that existed before
today but had envisioned that they did. He stated there have been numerous
conversations and meetings with the city regarding this issue and he is awaiting an
opinion from the City Engineer regarding several matters. One of the biggest issues for
this development is the existing drainage infrastructure in the Crane area and how to
coordinate the drainage. He commented on the water line that services the property is
on the east side and going to have to be bored into Crane Road underground. Sewer
will be limited on the property. Storm sewer is still under planning. One of the plans for
the drainage is to take the northern half of property and drain to the street and redirect
the drainage from the street to Crane Road, if possible. The property to the south is still
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under planning, possibly to contain in a flume or redirect it or defer to other points.
Padding up some of the sides might be needed to direct the drainage which might
require removing existing trees and that is not what is desired. If trees are required to
be removed, it would only be for adequate drainage. The tree ribbons are only
indicators for tree surveyors. By looking at other subdivisions such as High Point and
Country Place, as many trees as possible will be preserved and the city will be asked
for a variance not to pad the sites. The entrance to the subdivision will be either lined
up or spaced out so many feet from other entrances as required by city requirements.
David Young, 6720 Crane Road, NRH, TX came forward and asked the developer
about the ribbons and two open space lots.
Randy Shiflet answered this case is only for the rezoning, those questions will be
answered in the platting case.
The Public Hearing was closed at 8:30 p.m.
APPROVED
Bill Schopper motioned to approve ZC 2007-16, seconded by Mike Benton. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
12.
PP 2007-12
Consideration of a Request from Phifer / Hogan Partners to Approve a Preliminary Plat
of Lot A, Block 1; Lots 1-15, Block 2; and Lot A, Block 3 (Located in the 6700 Block
of Crane Road- 5.508 acres).
Don Phifer with Phifer/Hogan Partners, 7952 Davis Blvd, NRH, TX came forward to
request a preliminary plat for Smithfield Terrace. This is a 15 lot single family
subdivision with two homeowner's association lots in the front approximately 10 ft in
width. The purpose for those said lots is for the saving and preservation of the trees
existing along Crane Road. There will be a landscape buffer from the street to the
subdivision and masonry fence to further buffer the house from the neighborhood. The
neighbors across the street will have the same view with trees and walls behind that. In
addition, Mr. Phifer wanted to expand on the fences in these subdivisions. Typically 6
ft. stockade fences with caps and treated will be installed.
Eric Wilhite commented that staff has reviewed this case and it is consistent with
subdivision rules and regulations, all these lots meet or exceed the lot width and depth.
Staff recommends approval.
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Mark Haynes asked if the drainage issues would be resolved and approved by the City
Engineer?
Eric Wilhite said yes, but they are in the very preliminary stages of being reviewed.
Based on what has been presented, it looks as if it would improve the existing drainage.
APPROVED
Bill Schopper motioned to approve PP 2007-12, seconded by Kelly Gent. The
motion was carried unanimously (6-0).
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
Chairman Secretary
//~~ ~ ~,-`~
Randy Shiflet
Don Bowen
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