HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2014-08-21 Minutes MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
WORK SESSION
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
August 21, 2014
6:30 PM
A.0
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Randall Shiflet at 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT WERE:
PRESENT Chairman Randall Shiflet
Bill Schopper
Mike Benton
Secretary Don Bowen
Jerry Tyner
ABSENT Vice Chairman Steven Cooper
Mark Haynes
Kathy Luppy
CITY STAFF Director of Planning & Development John Pitstick
Director of Economic Development Craig Hulse
Senior Planner Clayton Comstock
Assistant Planner Chad VanSteenberg
Recording Secretary Cheryl Booth
A.1
Recent City Council Action, Development Activity Report, and General
Announcements
A.2
Briefing of Items on the August 21, 2014 Planning and Zoning Commission
Regular Session Agenda
Clayton Comstock presented staff overview on each of the applications scheduled for
this evening's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.
B.0
Adjournment
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 06:54 P.M.
City of North Richland Hills August 21, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Planning&Zoning Commission Page 1 of 9
Canan
rrrr Secr tary
Randall Shiflet Don Bowen
City of North Richland Hills August 21, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Planning&Zoning Commission Page 2 of 9
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS
AUGUST 21, 2014
7:00 PM
A.0
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Randall Shiflet at 07:00 P M.
A.1
ROLL CALL
PRESENT Chairman Randall Shiflet
Bill Schopper
Mike Benton
Secretary Don Bowen
Jerry Tyner
ABSENT Vice Chairman Steven Cooper
Mark Haynes
Kathy Luppy
CITY STAFF Director of Planning & Development John Pitstick
Director of Economic Development Craig Hulse
Senior Planner Clayton Comstock
Assistant Planner Chad VanSteenberg
Recording Secretary Cheryl Booth
A.2
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Jerry Tyner led the Pledge of Allegiance at 07:02 PM
B.0
Consideration of Minutes
There are no minutes for consideration at this time.
C.0
Consideration of Planning & Zoning Requests
City of North Richland Hills August 21, 2014 Meeting Minutes
Planning&Zoning Commission Page 3 of 9
C.1
PP 2014-07 Consideration of a request from William Sandlin for a Preliminary Plat
of Davis-North Tarrant Parkway Addition; being 6 Commercial Lots on 14.357
acres located at 8450 Davis Blvd.
Chad VanSteenberg came forward to present the staff overview. This is located at the
southeast corner of Davis Boulevard and N Tarrant Parkway. The six (6) commercial
lots are planned to be "pad site ready" including fire lanes and infrastructure This plat
was approved by City Council on Jan 8, 2014. Craig Hulse has not received information
on tenant prospects from William Sandlin. Mr. Sandlin also owns E-Care on the east
side of Davis Boulevard. Staff has requested an easement between this pad site and
the adjacent Kroger property. Discussions with Kroger are that they are in favor with
stipulation that no grocer tenants are permitted in the new pad site Staff recommends
approval of this plat application
Applicant Jimmy Fechter with Adams Engineering and Development Consultants; 910
S. Kimball Avenue, Southlake, came forward to present the application for preliminary
plat. He explained that the applicant, Mr. Sandlin also owns the adjacent E-Care. The
purpose of this application is to firm up the lot lines to get some movement on this
project. Staff has expressed concern that the plan does not include cross-access
easement with the Kroger property. It is our intent to comply with at least one, and
perhaps two access points. At this point it is unclear where Kroger will be connecting
Mr. Sandlin does not have tenants firmed up for these pad sites, but it will likely be more
than one tenant.
APPROVAL
Mike Benton motioned to approve PP 2014-07. The motion was seconded by Bill
Schopper. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
C.2
ZC 2014-13 Public Hearing and Consideration of a request from Graham Partners,
Ltd for a Zoning Change from "AG" Agricultural to "R-2" Single-Family
Residential on 0.1499 acres located along the southern portion of 7000 Hightower
Drive.
C.3
PP 2014-08 Consideration of a request from Graham Partners, Ltd for a
preliminary plat of Graham Ranch Phase Ill; being thirty two (32) single-family
residential lots on 9.40 acres located west of Chisholm Trail.
Chad VanSteenberg came forward to present the staff overview. Applications C.2 and
C 3 are related to the same project. C 2 relates to a sliver of land (0.1499 ac) at the far
end of the Billy Graham homestead. C.3 relates to the final thirty two (32) lots of the
Graham Ranch site west of Chisholm Trail Eight (8) of these lots have already been
set up as "pad ready." The owner plans to connect the existing walk trail along the
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Planning&Zoning Commission Page 4 of 9
south and west side of the property. There is a gas pipeline and existing fifty (50) foot
easement running north and south through the property. The Graham property to the
north will likely remain an estate lot in perpetuity. Staff does recommend approval of
both applications.
Chairman Randall Shiftlet opened Public Hearing for Zoning Change ZC 2014-13 and
Preliminary Plat change PP 2014-08 at 07:10 P.M
Mark Wood, representing Graham Ranch Partners, Ltd, 6617 Precinct Line Road; Suite
200; North Richland Hills; came forward to present his zoning change request for
Graham Partners, Ltd. This is Graham Ranch Phase IIIA and Phase IIIB. C.2 is a
portion of property to be sold to expand Phase III lots. As part of the sale of this
property, a very large covered shed attached to the back of his barn protects grazing
cattle. With elimination of the shed, the cattle would go away Lots would remain 10
feet away from the remaining barn. Eight (8) lots have been developed in Phase I. The
remaining twenty four (24) lots are starting from scratch The plan crosses the fifty (50)
foot gas easement two (2) times. The former stock pond has been filled in and properly
compacted, filled and tested. Existing channel is separately platted land. The existing
sidewalk will become a loop into the north end of the neighborhood. Phase IIIA is for
eight (8) lots. Phase IIIB is for twenty four (24) lots. Our Country Homes will build a
model home on the south end. Pipeline easements will be separate lots owned by the
HOA. There will be a nice greenbelt in the middle of the development.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Randall Shiftlet closed Public Hearing for
Zoning Change ZC 2014-13 at 0716 P.M.
APPROVAL
Mike Benton motioned to approve ZC 2014-13. The motion was seconded by Bill
Schopper. The motion passed (4-0).
APPROVAL
Don Bowen motioned to approve PP 2014-08. The motion was seconded by Bill
Schopper. The motion passed (4-0).
C.4
SUP 2014-09 Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for Green Ox Energy
Solutions for a Special Use Permit for a Ground-Mounted Solar Installation on
2.064 acres located at 7820 Douglas Lane.
Clayton Comstock came forward to present the staff overview of application SUP 2014-
09 solar panel request. At the current time, the city has no zoning ordinances regarding
installation of solar panels. Rooftop solar systems are permitted as an electric permit
and inspected according to appropriate building code. Ground mounted solar systems
are processed as accessory structures for areas under five hundred (500) square feet.
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Planning&Zoning Commission Page 5 of 9
Ground mounted solar systems exceeding 500 square feet require a Special Use Permit
(SUP) Green Ox Energy Solutions is proposing a five hundred sixty (560) square foot
solar panel system. This is located just south of Bursey Road and north of Cross
Timbers Park. The panel is proposed to be located ten (10) feet from the property line.
The property owner proposes two (2) panels now with the opportunity to install an
additional six (6) panels at a later date The structure has three (3) feet clearance on
the bottom with a maximum height of seven (7) feet. The structure has aluminum
framing. Staff recommends approval of this application because of its low profile design
and minimal impact to adjacent properties.
Chairman Randall Shiftlet opened Public Hearing for SUP 2014-09 at 07.17 P.M.
Don Bowen asked if there are zoning ordinances requiring underground cabling from
the structure to the house.
Clayton Comstock replied that there is no easement involved in this SUP and that this
will be underground. This is all on private property. There are specific code
requirements for the pipes that are located underground per building codes.
Don Bowen stated that he wished to ensure that these cables are located underground.
Clayton agreed that we should consider if there are requirements for underground
cables for future projects.
Justin Godsey, representing Green Ox Energy; 13725 Hickory Creek Drive; Haslet
came forward to present. There is existing power in 200 amp service behind the panel
to which the solar panel will tie in. It would be a short run. A landscaping rock liner is
planned underneath the panel to prevent plant growth. Power usage will pull from the
panel before converting to the solar power Regarding line loss, there would be loss if
running the distance to the house. This short distance will result in minimal loss The
line will be underground.
Chairman Randall Shiftlet closed Public Hearing for SUP 2014-09 at 07.27 P.M.
APPROVAL
Bill Schopper motioned to approve SUP 2014-09 as proposed. The motion was
seconded by Mike Benton. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
C.5
SUP 2014-10 Public Hearing and Consideration of a request for Air Wind & Solar
for a Special Use Permit for a Ground-Mounted Solar Installation on 1.61 acres
located at 8636 Stonecrest Trail.
Clayton Comstock, came forward to present the staff overview of application SUP 2014-
10 solar panel request. This applicant is proposing an eleven hundred (1,100) square
foot, sixteen (16) foot high solar panel at the north end of the horse pasture, directly
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behind their neighbor's house. Because of the proposed sixteen (16) foot height, the
setback of only ten (10) feet off an adjacent property owner's six (6) foot rear yard
fence, and the overall size of the structure, staff recommends denial, and encourages
the applicant to relocate and/or reduce the height of the proposed structure to not be as
imposing on adjacent property owners.
Penny Luker; 8626 Stonecrest Trail; North Richland Hills, TX, came forward to present
Ms. Luker is the homeowner. The contractor, Air, Wind and Solar are not present. Ms.
Luker stated that she and her husband are willing to put in large trees to provide barrier
between the panel and their neighbor's house. She has a number of concerns, one of
which being that the exhibit that is being presented this evening is not located where
they had agreed to on the signed contract with the contractor. They have had
challenges receiving information from this contractor. Clayton Comstock also had been
challenged in reaching Air, Wind and Solar. Ms. Luker discussed closing the structure
on three (3) sides to create a loafing shed for their horses. The contractor had stated
that he could enclose, not that he would. Air, Wind and Solar has a $15,000 deposit
from Ms. Luker and her husband The Lukers believe in solar and want to support the
technology. At this point, they have already torn down one shed. They do not wish to
tear down another shed. If the contractor gets a permit and we refuse to put it there, we
lose our deposit.
Chairman Randall Shiflet suggested that this application could be continued to a future
meeting to get these vendor issues resolved
Clayton Comstock stepped in to provide direction to the Commission. There has been
an assumption by Air, Wind and Solar regarding the placement of this structure.
Originally the structure was proposed in the front yard. Zoning ordinance does not allow
for variance of placement in the front yard. Such a request would require a Zoning
Board of Adjustments hardship approval Next, reconsideration was made to the north
end of the horse pasture. Original request was twenty six (26) feet in height. Staff was
in support of lowering it and putting it in the back yard. That's why Paul Gaff brought it
to the pasture, but the height was still at sixteen (16) feet. The size and scope was just
too large for the Development and Review Committee to recommend. Staff
recommends continuation to a future Planning and Zoning Meeting.
Bill Schopper stated that it was insightful of the homeowner to consider seeking a
different vendor.
Penny Luker has paid the contractor fifteen thousand ($15,000) down payment. Her
contract states that if the permit is denied, the deposit will be returned within five (5)
days Filing fees for the SUP were five hundred sixty ($567), which was paid by the
contractor. If you deny the permit, then we can get our money back.
Chairman Randall Shiftlet opened Public Hearing for SUP 2014-10 at 07.43 P.M.
City of North Richland Hills August 21, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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Maxine Shields; 7300 Stonecrest Drive, North Richland Hills, 76182; spoke in favor.
Ms. Shields owns the home at the far south behind this solar panel's proposed location.
Her only concern is if the panel were located right up next to their home, that the
property value could be affected.
Mark Woods; 617 Precinct Line Road; Suite 200 , North Richland Hills; spoke neither in
favor or opposition, just providing information only. The adjacent housing development
is to be built up directly adjacent to this property. As part of their due diligence, state
laws were compared to HOA's ability to pass regulation on many things, including solar
panels. Based upon state law, proposals were presented to Graham Ranch project.
These proposals may be useful for the city when proposing solar panel regulations An
example is that you can regulate design and height as well as how the panel affects
neighboring properties. These regulations are well worth consideration of what HOAs,
such as Harmon Farms could allow.
Chairman Randall Shiftlet closed Public Hearing for SUP 2014-10 at 07:49 P.M.
DENIAL
Bill Schopper motioned to deny SUP 2014-10 as proposed. The motion was
seconded by Mike Benton. The motion to deny was approved unanimously (4-0).
C.6
TR 2014-04 Public Hearing and Consideration of amendments to Chapter 118 of
the North Richland Hills Code of Ordinances (Zoning Ordinance) regarding
townhomes in Tract 3a & 3b of the Town Center Zoning District; special use
permits for businesses with more thant 75% alcohol revenues, smoking shops,
telemarketing offices and after hours emergency clinics; and defining
thoroughfare types in Transit Oriented Development Zoning District.
John Pitstick came forward to present the staff overview of application TR 2014-04
amendments request. Hometown townhomes are scheduled to be limitd to ninety four
(94). We are proposing to expand thoroughfare types to allow the same standards in
the Transit Oriented District (TOD) as are required in Hometown. We are proposing a
Special Use Permit (SUP) application for after-hours emergency clinics and telemarking
businesses. We are proposing a Special Use Permit (SUP) for businesses with more
than seventy five percent (75%) alcohol revenue, adult bars, in the Transit Oriented
Development District (TOD).
Chairman Randall Shiftlet opened Public Hearing for TR 2014-04 at 07:54 P.M.
Chairman Randall Shift let closed Public Hearing for TR 2014-04 at 07:54 P.M.
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APPROVAL
Don Bowen motioned to approve TR 2014-04 as proposed. The motion was
seconded by Bill Schopper. The motion passed unanimously (4-0).
D.0
ADJOURNMENT
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 7:58 P.M.
Ch an Secretary
Randall Shiflet owen
City of North Richland Hills August 21, 2014 Meeting Minutes
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