Date:
    11/04/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-280
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Fernando A. Salinas for a nationalization of vehicles business on Lots 1 and 2, Block 72, Western Division, located at 820 Farragut St.; providing for publication and effective date. (As amended) ZC-72-2002
    Initiated by:
    Fernando A. Salinas
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: This item was introduced by Juan Ramirez at the City Council meeting of 10/21/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: VIII - Juan Ramirez
    Proposed use: Commercial (a nationalization of vehicles business)
    Site: The site is currently occupied by a residential type and a small office type structure within which is currently located a nationalization of vehicles business.
    Surrounding land uses: North of the site are, the Falcon Bank complex, Autobuses Americanos, LDF Tax & Duty Free, a Chevron station, El Centro Motel, the City of Laredo Municipal Court complex, Red Fox Taxi's, Rapid Print, Hunan Chinese Restaurant, and El Conejo Buses. West of the site is the Laredo National Bank complex and the Falcon Bank parking lot and I.H. 35 lie to the east. The area south of site is occupied by China Bo Restaurant, a Laredo National Bank complex, Bethany House, Economy Finance and Loans, several offices, a nationalization of vehicles business, UETA, the Laredo Convention Bureau, the 66 Club, and Postal Boxes and More.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Retail/Office.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan does not identify either Farragut St. or Houston St.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 16 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed zone change is inappropriate at this location. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes this area as Retail/Office and the surrounding land uses are primarily retail and office related. The change is also inconsistent with the surrounding area's zoning, as the area has maintained a clear delineation of uses and zoning along Santa Ursula Ave.
      P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
      The P & Z Commission, in a 5 to 3 vote, recommended denial of the proposed zone change.
      STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
      Staff does not support the proposed zone change.

      IMPACT ANALYSIS
      B-3 (Community Business District): The purpose of the B-3 District is to provide for those businesses and services serving a trade area larger than a neighborhood, but smaller than the entire city and located primarily along minor or principal arterial streets, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily abutting minor or principal arterial streets while preserving established residential neighborhoods along such streets.
      Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
      The surrounding area is occupied primarily by B-1 type uses.
      Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
      Yes, the site is completely surrounded by CBD zoned areas.
      Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
      The use is inconsistent with the surrounding land uses which are primarily office and retail related.
      Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accord with existing zoning? No, the current zoning allows for sufficient uses that are compatible with the surrounding area.

    CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-280

    WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owners of Lots 1 and 2, Block 72, Western Division, located at 820 Farragut St., from CBD (Central Business District) to B-3 (Community Business District); and,

    WHEREAS, the required written notices were sent to surrounding property owners at least ten (10) days before the public hearing held before the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 3, 2002; and,

    WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended denial of the proposed zone change; and,

    WHEREAS, notice of the zone change request was advertised in the newspaper at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing held before the City of Laredo City Council on this matter; and,

    WHEREAS, the City Council has held a public hearing on October 21, 2002, on the request and finds a Conditional Use Permit appropriate and consistent with the General Plan of the City of Laredo; and,

    WHEREAS, the City Council does not consider the impact, if any, of private covenants and deed restrictions on the subject property with the adoption of this ordinance; and,

    WHEREAS, all conditions imposed by the Conditional Use Permit shall be met before the activity sanctioned by the Conditional Use Permit may commence; and,

    NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAREDO THAT:

    Section 1: The Zoning Map of the City of Laredo be and is hereby amended by authorizing the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Fernando A. Salinas for a nationalization of vehicles business on Lots 1 and 2, Block 72, Western Division, located at 820 Farragut St.

    Section 2: This Ordinance is further restricted to the following provisions herewith adopted by the City Council:

    Section 3: This ordinance shall be published in a manner provided by Section 2.09 (D) of the Charter of the City of Laredo.

    Section 4: This ordinance shall become effective as and from the date of publication specified in Section 3.

    PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR ON THIS THE __________ DAY OF _________________, 2002.

    _______________________

    ELIZABETH G. FLORES

    MAYOR

    ATTEST:

    ________________________

    GUSTAVO GUEVARA, JR.

    CITY SECRETARY

    APPROVED AS TO FORM:

    JAIME FLORES

    CITY ATTORNEY

    ____________________________

    BY: ALLAN W. MCGRAW

    ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY