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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPZ 2001-03-22 Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS MARCH 22, 2001 7:00 P.M. 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairman Don Bowen at 7:00 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL PRESENT Chairman Don Bowen James Laubacher Doug Blue Ron Lueck ABSENT Richard Davis Ted Nehring Tim Welch CITY STAFF Director of Development Zoning Administrator Office Coordinator Recording Secretary John Pitstick Cathy Horton Carolyn Huggins Kellie Smith 3. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF MARCH 8,2001 APPROVED Mr. Doug Blue made a motion to approve the minutes of March 8, 2001. Mr. James Laubacher seconded the motion. The motion was approved (3-0-1) with Mr. Ron Lueck abstaining. 4. PZ 2001-03 PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AMENDING ARTICLE 11 OF THE CITY OF NORTH RICHLAND HILLS ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 1100 DEFINITIONS FOR CONVENIENCE STORE AND SERVICE STATION. ORDINANCE #2546. APPROVED John Pitstick opened with a proposal to change the definitions of a convenience store and a service station in the zoning ordinance. The definition of a convenience store is proposed to be a retail store, not a grocery store, where a limited amount of prepackaged food items are primarily sold as a quick service facility. The self service sale of automobile fuel with a maximum of eight (8) fuel service pumps is a typical secondary accessory use of a convenience store". The definition of a service station is proposed as an establishment for the retail sales of petroleum products and automotive accessories that may include minor automotive service and repair only as incidental activity to such retail sales, but not including the overhaul of major automobile components, body work, or repair of heavy trucks. All establishments with more than eight (8) fuel service pumps shall be considered a service station. The Commission members agreed that there should be a maximum total of eight (8) pumps for convenience stores but they requested clarification of the definition/language. Chairman Don Bowen called for comments from the public either for or against the proposal. There were no comments from the public. Chairman Bowen closed the public hearing. Mr. Ron Lueck made a motion to approve PZ 2001-03 with the following stipulation: The definition of a retail store, not a grocery store, where a limited amount of pre-packaged food items are primarily sold and the maximum number of fuel service units to serve no more than eight automobiles simultaneously. All establishments capable of fuel servicing nine or more vehicles simultaneously shall be considered a service station. Mr. James Laubacher seconded. The motion carried (4-0). 5. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER SPACING ORDINANCE. APPROVED John Pitstick discussed the existing ordinance, which states that the distance for a tower from an existing residence or residence zoning is a 3-1 setback ratio. For a 100 square foot tower the setback is 300 feet. John would like towers to locate away from any major arterial and the driving public. He requests that it be included in the ordinance that no towers are allowed in Little Bear Creek Park and there be a 1500-foot buffer around existing towers. He proposed that we identify existing towers and encourage users to put antennas there and/or on existing water towers and tall buildings. He presented a map which shows the areas where potential users could request towers. This would save users time and money from having to survey areas for possible use. He also suggested the deletion of the 100 square foot area for cabinet storage indicting this is not sufficient area especially when colocation is encouraged. We also need to add a special use permit to make it attractive. He would like to ask the Commissioners for input on this request and will return at a later time for adoption of the map as a provision. Chairman Bowen stated that the map defines where towers can go. Mr. Ron Lueck stated that he also likes the map and would like for it to include a key map. He would also like to show antennas on existing utility structures, and to identify the height of towers. The procedure would be to write the ordinance and approve the map. The existing table would go away and the map would be referred to in the ordinance and all other items would remain. Mr. Pitstick confirmed that 3-1 will be removed and the map will be added. Mr. Ron Lueck would like to add that when an unused tower is torn down there should not be a grandfather clause. He would also like to protect the citizens from strobe lights. Mr. James Laubacher states he also likes the map and would like to remove Section C due to 100 square foot because this is not large enough in area for equipment for more than one user. He would encourage users to locate on existing sites and if not to provide proof regarding reasons they could not operate on existing towers. John Pitstick announced the staff is investigating ways to address that issue and suggested that perhaps a letter on letterhead should state the reasons a user wouldn't be permitted to colocate on a specific tower. Mr. Lueck stated the procedure would be to write the ordinance and approve the map. Section 735B would go away and the map would be referred to in the ordinance and all other items required will remain. Mr. Pitstick says the 3-1 ratio will also be removed and the map will take its place. Mr. Laubacher stated a concern of proof for not being allowed to use existing towers. He suggested we make our questions very clear in the ordinance. Mr. Lueck would like to exclude any economic considerations. He asked that we check with the Legal department. Mr. Blue would like to ask if there is a SUP for over 65 ft. Mr. Pitstick stated that there is a requirement for any towers to have a SUP for the use of microwave or telecommunications. Chairman Bowen agreed with Mr. Pitstick and closed the discussion of communication towers. 6. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN. APPROVED Cathy Horton discussed preparations for the meeting on March 27, 2001, for the update to the Thoroughfare Plan and Land Use. Mayor protem Lyle Welch will introduce the discussion matter and Chairman Don Bowen will lead the meeting. "We have included information that will identify five strategic areas at a later time. Should we receive your favorable vote, we would then move to a public hearing at city council. We are seeking legal advice on strategies to implement the plan at city counciL" "First we will look at changing the districts by renaming the LR, C1, and C2 districts to neighborhood service, retail, and commercial. We are hoping to have ordinance revisions to you in late summer or fall. We are also looking into our industrial districts to make sure they are meeting job creation goals and should also have revisions ready in the summer or fall. We will request budget money for help from consultants for the planning of the South Grapevine Highway Area and North Precinct Line Transition Area." Mr. Laubacher commented although he will be absent for the meeting of March 27,2001, he would like to see that traffic flow addressed and how that impacts intersections at commercial developments. Mr. Pitstick advised that we are also adopting the updated Thoroughfare Plan and we require a formal traffic analysis to be submitted with many zoning proposals. We ask for duel left and right hand lanes at major intersections. Rufe Snow and 820 is another critical intersection in which the state is going to widen the bridge in September 2001. We have sent applications to the State to make intersection improvements through a grant. Sometimes the private sector will be required to help pay for the added signal light. Mr. Lueck is concerned with the criteria for state money. He states that the developer makes a living on the traffic flow at Davis Boulevard and Mid Cities Drive other than the citizens tax money should pay for that additional traffic handling. Mr. Pitstick indicated that the state money is for impact fees and that we are restrictive in making each sector payor help pay for those fees of additional traffic signals along with curb cuts needed. Mr. Lueck stated that he also will not be present for the meeting of March 27, 2001. Cathy Horton stated that she feels the plan is a well-balanced plan with policies that promote business growth and policies that protect residences in the city. Mr. Lueck commented that as we go through the process and go through input from citizens he asked that the staff give their best professional opinion of what is best for the city. Mr. Pitstick agreed with Mr. Lueck that the primary focus is to get the Commission and Council the best information possible in order for decisions to be made. He commented that Council is very supportive of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Laubacher asked about the Wal Mart case that was held two weeks ago and the citizens concerns for the traffic impact to Davis Blvd. He abstained due to not feeling he had adequate information regarding the traffic flow on Davis Boulevard. Mr. Pitstick commented that the ramp to Davis Blvd. opened today. We thought the county was going to pay for North Tarrant Parkway but we might have to pay a large part of that bill. He assured the Planning and Zoning Commission that we are very restrictive in looking at the traffic flow and curb cuts needed, as well as proposed land uses. He also added that should the Commission feel they don't have enough information regarding the traffic flow or anything else they should postpone their vote until further information is received as opposed to voting "no" unless they truly are against the proposal. Chairman Bowen asked for additional comments. None were made. 7. ADJOURNMENT The chairman adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m. ~D~~ 1-;) ¡I/~ Secretary Ted Nehring