HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2005-07-21 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
JULY 21, 2005
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Richard Davis at 7:12 p.m.
2.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
Chairman
Vice Chair
Secretary
Richard Davis
Bill Schopper
Ken Sapp
Scott Wood
Don Bowen
Randy Shiflet
Brenda Cole
ABSENT
Ex Officio
Mike Benton
CITY STAFF
Director of Planning
Asst. Dir. of Public Works
Planning Assistant
Recording Secretary
Dave Green
Greg Van Nieuwenhuize
Carolyn Huggins
Eliza Margenau
3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF JUNE 16,2005.
APPROVED
Ken Sapp, seconded by Don Bowen, motioned to approve the minutes of June 16,
2005. The motion was approved unanimously (7-0).
5.
AP 2005-01
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CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM TODD A. BARNES AND BETTY C.
RESTREPO TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PLAT OF LOTS 3R & 9R, BLOCK 6
EDEN ADDITION (LOCA rED AT 8959 AND 8963 BRADLEY DRIVE - 0.556 ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green, Chief Planner, explained that this amended plat is to make a correction to
the common property line that separates Lots 3 & 9. The property owners have
redrawn the property line and are asking for approval of the plat to fit the new
configuration. Public Works memo states that all requirements have been met and staff
recommends approval of the amended plat.
Randy Shiflet, seconded by Bill Schopper, motioned to approve AP 2005-01. The
motion carried unanimously (7-0).
6.
PP 2005-08
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM J&J NRH 100 FLP TO APPROVE THE
PRELIMINARY PLAT OF FOREST GLENN WEST PHASE IV ADDITION (LOCATED
IN THE 7900 BLOCK OF SMITHFIELD ROAD - 7.487 ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green explained that this proposal is for a residential subdivision. The new
alignment of Smithfield Road north of Green Valley (road) and Green Valley Elementary
School is already zoned R-2, which is the standard residential for the City of North
Richland Hills. This development is consistent with other portions of residential
properties including other Forest Glenn subdivisions in the area. Public Works has
reviewed the preliminary plat and staff is recommending approval.
Randy Shiflet asked if the old Smithfield Road will still be there and what the future
holds for the road. Mr. Green responded that one portion of the road will be
abandoned and the other portion will be incorporated into the proposed lots.
Randy Shiflet asked if Block 14, Lot 4 and Block 13, Lot 5 will have Smithfield frontage
and be allowed to put a driveway onto Smithfield Road. Mr. Green responded that
Public Works is still discussing the matter. Each property will be unique and each one
will be reviewed based on the impact that it will have on the traffic.
Chairman Davis stated that some kind of review by Public Works should be done on
those two particular lots. Chairman Davis suggested getting a stop sign by Oak Knoll
Dr. and Hielscher Dr. to help with traffic. He thought that possibly a circular drive on the
corner might work. Mr. Green responded that staff will review the safety concerns.
Randy Shiflet, seconded by Don Bowen, motioned to approve PP 2005-08 with the
stipulation that Block 14, Lot 4 and Block 13, Lot 5 driveways be subject to review
by Public Works on the final plat. The motion carried unanimously (7-0).
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7.
FP 2005-11
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM MCCAN DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PLAT OF PLEASANT DREAM STREET
ADDITION (LOCATED NORTH OF THE 8100 BLOCK OF BRIDGE STREET - 3.719
ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green explained that the Commission saw the preliminary plat last month under
the name "Sunset Dream Street Addition". The preliminary plat was approved and upon
final plat submission, staff discovered a name change was necessary to avoid confusion
of streets with similar names. Public Works memo states that all issues have been
resolved and staff recommends approval of the final plat.
Ken Sapp questioned if there were any modifications necessary on the corner of the
north/south section. Greg Van Nieuwenhuize, Assistant Director of Public Works,
stated that the median on Bridge St. would be modified on the north/south section.
Bill Schopper, seconded by Brenda Cole, motioned to approve FP 2005-11. The
motion carried unanimously (7-0).
8.
SP 2005-06
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM B&B CUSTOM HOMES FOR APPROVAL
OF A SITE PLAN FOR A SKILLED NURSING CENTER AND PROFESSIONAL
OFFICE COMPLEX (LOCATED IN THE 5600 BLOCK OF DAVIS BOULEVARD-
6.601 ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green explained that the tract of land is currently vacant, zoned C-1 Commercial,
and the applicant is requesting site plan approval for a 128 bed skilled nursing facility
and professional office complex. Any new commercial development adjacent to an
existing residential neighborhood requires site plan approval from both the Planning and
Zoning Commission and the City Council.
There are landscape and screening requirements. The applicant's landscape plan
complies with required landscape regulations and there will be a 6-ft. masonry wall
along the sides in addition to the requirement for the 15 ft. landscape setback on the
front of the property line. Also there is interior screening and interior landscaping
required for the parking lot.
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The Landscape Ordinance does not permit parking or maneuvering areas to be located
on the required landscape setback. On this property there is a small encroachment on
the south side involving half of a parking space. There is also an encroachment on the
north side. Both of these were reviewed by staff and there are only minor concerns;
however, the applicant will be requesting a variance from the Landscape Review Board
(City Council). The variance will be placed on the agenda of the August 8 City Council
meeting and be heard prior to the plat.
Note that the site plan indicates office buildings on the remaining lots and they will be
constructed using the same architectural style and materials as shown for lot 5.
Everything else conforms to City requirement and staff recommends approval.
Chairman Davis asked about the three monument signs and if the one in the center is
going to be for the skilled nursing facility. Mr. Green explained that one will be for the
skilled nursing and the other two signs will advertise the offices on the remaining lots.
Ken Sapp asked where the dumpster location will be with residential on three sides. Mr.
Green responded that staff will address the issue and support the idea that the location
be sensitive to the adjacent residential.
The applicant, Breece Higgins, B&B Custom Homes, came forward and pointed out the
proposed location of the dumpsters for the skilled nursing facility. Mr. Sapp disagreed
with the proposed location. Chairman Davis suggested moving the dumpster to the
northeast corner of Lot 2. Mr. Higgins responded that it would encroach on an
easement. He stated that if the Commission agreed with a dumpster encroaching than
he did not foresee any problem relocating the dumpsters. Chairman Davis approved the
relocation of the dumpsters to the northeast corner area.
Mr. Higgins stated that they are working with the skilled nursing facility to have the
exterior walls of brick and stone matching with the office buildings.
Bill Schopper, seconded by Ken Sapp, motioned for approval of SP 2005-06 with
the stipulation that the dumpsters be relocated to the northeast corner of Lot 2.
The motion was approved unanimously (7-0).
9.
PP 2005-09
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM B&B CUSTOM HOMES FOR APPROVAL
OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF EMERALD PLAZA (LOCATED IN THE 5600
BLOCK OF DAVIS BOULEVARD - 6.601 ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green explained that this is the same property that the Commission just gave site
plan approval to and that the lot patterns of the preliminary plat match those seen on the
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site plan. A memo from Public Works states that all issues and concerns have been
addressed. Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat.
Chairman Davis commented that the water line easement should not need to be
reconfigured just to set a dumpster.
Bill Schopper, seconded by Don Bowen, motioned to approve PP 2005-09. The
motion carried unanimously (7-0).
10.
ZC 2005-08
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM JOHNSON
DIVERSIFIED ENTERPRISES FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "C1" COMMERCIAL
TO "RI-PD" RESIDENTIAL INFILL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (LOCATED IN THE
7600 & 7700 BLOCKS OF DAVIS BOULEVARD - 7.5 ACRES).
APPROVED
Dave Green explained that this property is located at the 7600 and 7700 blocks of Davis
Blvd. and is currently vacant. It is immediately south of the recreational fishing pond
property located on Davis Blvd. This request is the first Residential Infill Planned
Development "RI-PD" to be brought before the Commission. RI-PD's are designed for
properties that cannot be developed by a traditional urbanization process. Staff
addressed different concepts and concerns when the RI-PD ordinance was adopted.
The bar has been set high for others to follow as a development. Staff recommends
approval of this project.
Randy Shiflet asked if the applicant's design will be modified to reflect street curbs.
Chairman Davis explained that the applicant's street curb design is "laid down". He
stated that he believes that either design -- laid down or traditional curbing -- would
structurally work. He explained that this plan is a concept plan and that there will be
another hearing for the preliminary and final plats as well as a final site plan.
Chairman Davis opened the public hearing. He asked the applicant to come forward.
The applicant, Ben Johnson, 1712 Oak Knoll Drive, Colleyville, is the owner and
president of Johnson Diversified Enterprises, Inc. He has submitted a conceptual plan
and a narrative outlining the basic development. He stated that this site has been
vacant for over 25 years and he believes development of the site will attract additional
development in the area. He stated that the "RI-PD" District has nine requirements and
this property meets eight of those requirements.
Chairman Davis asked the applicant to address the issue of the entrance on Gary Drive
and hopefully calm some of the neighbor's fears. Mr. Johnson stated that Gary Drive will
be a gated emergency fire department access entrance only. It will be equipped with
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sensors with bi-directional capability and the only vehicles allowed through this gate will
be emergency-type vehicles.
Chairman Davis opened the public hearing.
Tom Connor, 14175 Proton Road, Dallas, is a trustee of the property to the south of Mr.
Johnson's site. Mr. Conner is concerned about drainage onto his property. Mr. Connor
commended Mr. Johnson for trying to develop the property and is not opposed but has
concerns regarding drainage. Chairman Davis explained that at this point only a
concept plan has been submitted but that all engineering and drainage analyses will be
required during the preliminary and final plat stages. Chairman Davis advised Mr.
Connor to visit with Assistant Director Greg Van Nieuwenhuize for more information.
The applicant, Ben Johnson, returned to the podium to address Mr. Connor's concerns.
He stated that the City requires both under and above ground drainage. Mr. Johnson
explained that the water will go underground to Gary Street, and to the corner of
Northfield and Gary Streets.
As there were no others wishing to speak, the Chairman closed the public hearing.
Ken Sapp, seconded by Scott Wood, motioned to approve ZC 2005-08. The
motion was approved unanimously (7-0).
11.
ZC 2005-11
PUBLIC HEARING AND CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM COZY WATER
PROPERTIES, INC. FOR A ZONING CHANGE FROM "AG" AGRICULTURAL TO
"R2" SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (LOCATED IN THE 6900 BLOCK OF CLIFT
STREET - 1.906 ACRES).
APPROVED
Mr. Green explained that this property is less than two acres in size (1.9 acres) and the
applicant is proposing six lots on the property. This zoning request will be followed by a
preliminary plat request. The applicant is asking for a change in zoning from "AG"
Agricultural district to "R2" Residential district. Staff recommends approval of the
rezoning request.
The Chairman opened the public hearing for ZC 2005-11.
The applicant, David Cole, 808 Tradonna Lane, Hurst, came forward and stated his
request. He purchased two properties that were not marketable and wants to build
houses on six lots. The first property is narrow and did not have the lot depth to do
anything other than a potential house on each end. The second property was too
narrow to have the required frontage. Cozy Water Properties was willing to buy both
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properties and combine them. A house and pool were demolished from one of the
properties and the proposed plan was put together.
Chairman Davis called any others to the podium who wished to speak for or against this
case.
Alison Moseley, 6925 Clift Street, owns an acre lot. She is against the number of lots
proposed by the applicant on his rezoning and plat requests. She would like for the
area to remain agricultural and retain the same life style as everyone else's with nice
large lots, beautiful trees, greenery, and rabbits. She does not want the face of the
property to change.
Robert Moseley, 6925 Clift Street, stated that he is also against the number of lots for
the same reasons as stated by his wife (Alison Moseley). He feels that it is not right to
put six additional homes in the area and change the area to a cookie cutter look.
Kathryn Akers, 6826 Clift Street, stated that her home was built in 1997 and that a
minimum 2,500 square feet, with 75% brick and sides, and rear entry garage was
required. She would like to see the same specifications be required for this
development. She stated that Clift Street is a small street and adding six more homes
in the area would cause traffic problems getting in and out of Amundson. She would
like to see this property developed as two or four lots, but not six.
Randy Burton, 6921 Clift Street, stated that when his property was rezoned R-1 and
platted about sixteen years ago the word "consistent" was used a lot. There are one- to
two-acre lots in the surrounding area and he feels this development would be very
"inconsistent" with the 1.9 acres split into six lots. He appreciates the rural setting; the
street cannot stand heavy traffic. He would prefer R-1 as the minimum zoning for this
development.
Jane Munoz, 6901 Clift Street, stated that there are signs on these lots advertising
homes to be built by Sassy Homes. She stated that Sassy is advertising a rural area
and lay-out like the existing homes. The reason she bought her home was the rural area
country-like setting. She believes this rural area would be destroyed if six houses are
built on this site.
Lori Sullivan, 6829 Clift Street, has two acres in the area. She is against the
development of six lots. She would like to see two or three lots only to keep the rural,
unique, setting.
Eric Anderson, 6828 Clift Street, stated that his home was built in the 1940's. The area
has grown with many improvements from NRH20 to the recent addition of Liberty Park.
Reflecting on why this project is irritating, he believes it is because it has taken away the
continuity, margin, space, simplicity, and integrity of the rural country setting. He
believes six homes will not allow enough margins and that everyone needs more
margins.
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Chairman Davis announced that Ginger Burton was present but did not wish to speak
and that she is against the development.
Chairman Davis asked if anyone else wished to speak.
Mike Brackney, 6900 Walter Street, has lived here for 35 years and was not notified by
the city about this development. [His residence is beyond the 200-ft. notification area.]
He is against the development of the property because he does not want six houses on
1.9 acres. He strongly opposes that much density.
Melissa Holland, 6832 Clift Street, is strongly against this development. The house she
lives in was built in 1968. They sit on a little over two acres. Their acreage is located in
the rear of the proposed development. Since the property began to be advertised, they
have had problems with people coming down the street and turning around in their field
and driveway. Litter has increased. She would like the lots limited to two houses of
one-acre each, which would fit into the setting of the community. Ms. Holland was
concerned that residents further than 200-ft. from this development were not allowed a
say in this matter.
Sue Ann Sullivan, 8915 Rumfield, is the daughter of Eric Anderson, 6828 Clift Street.
She believes there will be a major street problem since the street is asphalt and no
major road improvements are being proposed. She stated that the area feels like you
are way out there in the country. She stated that having that feeling in the middle of the
city is special and she would "hate for some city slicker to come in there and tear it all
apart".
Chairman Davis called the applicant back to the podium to give him a chance to answer
questions and make a statement.
The applicant, David Cole, 808 Tradonna Lane, Hurst, returned to the podium and
stated that he had received a letter from Randy Burton, 6921 Clift Street, mentioning the
rural integrity of the area. Mr. Cole agreed that the area does have a rural feel but it is
within and surrounded by developed areas. Mr. Cole gave a PowerPoint presentation
that showed pictures of the properties surrounding his proposed development. He
stated that four of the seven properties directly adjacent to his development are less
than an acre in size. He stated that the usage of his development matches the
Comprehensive Plan. He then explained some of the history of the property - that it
was for sale for a while before he bought it. He spent $110,000 to purchase the
property, $40,000 in improvements, and $15,000 to bulldoze the house on the property
that was unlivable and needed to be demolished.
He explained to the Commission that if he were required to rezone to R-1 he would
combine lots five and six to make one lot and the remaining lots would meet the R-1
minimums so the only thing gained would be the elimination of one house on Walter
Street. He stated that the request for two or three lots cannot be done. Mr. Cole
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explained that he chose Sassy Homes to build the homes on the lots because they do
not build cookie cutter homes. He has commissioned a survey of the trees and only two
trees will have to be removed. He will be improving the drainage of the entire area. As
much as possible will be done to minimize street disruption during construction of the
homes.
Ken Sapp asked if Mr. Cole had plans to increase the setbacks to maintain a rural
setting. Mr. Cole responded that the lots are deep and the homes will be setback "a
good ways". Lot one is the only lot that does not offer as much depth.
As there were no others wishing to speak, Chairman Davis closed the public hearing.
Mr. Shiflet had questions and comments regarding Clift Street which he believes is a
city street that has not been brought up to city standards. Assistant Director of Public
Works, Greg Van Nieuwenhuize, stated that the street is a non-improved street that
doesn't have the R-O-W to meet the criteria for a residential street. With the platting of
the property, the applicant is willing to dedicate the necessary amount of R-O-W. The
applicant is not required by regulations to reconstruct the whole street. However, he is
required to escrow the appropriate funds to do his portion and that will be handled
during the platting process. Mr. Shiflet was concerned that adding more than two homes
would cause street problems. Mr. Van Nieuwenhuize wasn't sure of the status of this
street in regard to the capital improvement plan. Mr. Shiflet questioned whether or not
the street coufd support the weight of a 75,000 pound fire truck. He believed there was
a house built on Clift Street in 1997 that required the property owner to sign a waiver for
fire protection since the street wouldn't support a fire truck.
Scott Wood stated that he is opposed to the development. He lives on two acres and
would not want this development in his area.
Don Bowen suggested an alternative of R-1 zoning. Chairman Davis responded that the
request would have to come from the developer.
Ken Sapp stated that if R-2 zoning is approved he doesn't believe the Commission
could impose any restrictions on lot size. Chairman Davis disagreed, stating that the
Commission may deem six lots inappropriate due to traffic and fire protection concerns.
Bill Schopper, seconded by Scott Wood, motioned to deny ZC 2005-11.
Chairman Davis asked for discussion. He stated that the neighborhood is unique and a
reasonable lot size is one-third to one-half acre in size in that area. He stated that there
are one-acre and larger lots but by the evidence presented to the Board there are also
1 ,100 square foot homes on those acreages. A big lot does not always guarantee that it
is going to be wonderful and great. Chairman Davis stated that it makes sense for R-2
zoning because of the comparison of the homes around it. He stated that the Board can
control how many lots are on the preliminary plat. He explained that he will be voting
against the motion to deny.
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The Chairman called for the vote and the motion did not pass by a vote of 3-4-0
(Bill Schopper, Scott Wood and Don Bowen voted for the denial and Chairman
Davis, Ken Sapp, Brenda Cole and Randy Shiflet voted against the denial).
Randy Shiflet, seconded by Ken Sapp, motioned to approve ZC 2005-11. The
motion carried by a vote of 4-3-0 with Chairman Davis, Ken Sapp, Brenda Cole
and Randy Shiflet voting for approval and Bill Schopper, Scott Wood and Don
Bowen voting against.
Chairman Davis explained that a petition of opposition has no legal bearing before this
Board. He explained that a copy will given to the City Secretary, who will confirm
whether or not the petitioners represent 20% of the land ownership within 200-ft. of this
development. If so, a super-majority vote by the Council will be required for approval of
this zoning case.
12.
PP 2005-10
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM COZY WATER PROPERTIES, INC. FOR
APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF CLIFT ADDITION (LOCATED IN THE
6900 BLOCK OF CLIFT STREET - 1.906 ACRES).
APPROVED
Mr. Green explained that this is the preliminary plat of the zoning case just heard by the
Commission. The applicant is proposing a 6-lot residential subdivision. The plat has
gone through staff review and a memo from Public Works states that all requirements
have been met. Staff recommends approval.
Chairman Davis mentioned that the applicant previously stated that he could make it a
five lot subdivision. The Chairman stated that the Commission has the ability to
determine if six lots are feasible.
Randy Shiflet asked if a condition to repair half the road can be added to the motion.
Mr. Van Nieuwenhuize stated that City ordinance does not allow that. The ordinance
only allows the City to escrow for curb, gutter, sidewalk and drainage.
Ken Sapp, seconded by Scott Wood, motioned to approve PP 2005-10 with the
stipulation that the number of lots be reduced to 4.
The Commission discussed the reduction of the number of lots and the applicant, David
Cole, came forward to respond to Mr. Shiftlet's question. Mr. Cole stated that a bar
ditch will be built to maintain curb and gutter and the rural feel of the area. Mr. Cole
also stated that more trees will be lost if he considers four lots. He stated that a five lot
subdivision would be more supportable than four lots.
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The Chairman then called for the vote and the motion passed 4-3-0 with Chairman
Davis, Ken Sapp, Brenda Cole and Randy Shiflet voting for approval and Bill
Schopper, Scott Wood and Don Bowen voting against.
13.
ADJOURNMENT
As there was no other business, the Chairman adjoumed the regular meeting at 9:08
p.m.
Chairman
Secretary
C';RI'~'J)~tJ
Richard Davis
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