Date:
    03/11/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-040
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 4.06 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located south of Mines Road and approximately 5 miles west of La Bota Ranch Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District); providing for publication and effective date. ZC-07-2002
    Initiated by:
    Flores-Lozoya Investments
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: This item was introduced by Jose A. Valdez, Jr. at the City Council meeting of 02/25/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: VII - Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
    Proposed use: Industrial (a warehouse)
    Site: The site is currently occupied by an unfinished warehouse.
    Surrounding land uses: The areas surrounding the site are mostly vacant and undeveloped, with the exceptions of a scattering of residential dwelling and industrial uses including International Trailer Connections and Enlaces Logisticos to the north, and TEI Truckers to the west along Mines Road.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Mines Road as a Truck Route.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 18 In Favor: 2 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed zone change is appropriate this location. Although the Comprehensive Plan recognizes this area as Low Density Residential, the proposed zone change will unify this tract under one zoning designation, as the southern portion of this tract was recently annexed with an initial M-1 designation.
      P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
      The P & Z Commission, in a 7 to 1 vote, recommended approval of the proposed zone change.
      STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
      Staff supports the proposed zone change.

      IMPACT ANALYSIS
      M-1 (Light Manufacturing District): The purpose of the M-1 is to encourage the development of manufacturing and wholesale business establishments which are clean, quiet and free of hazardous or objectionable elements such as noise, odor, dust, smoke or glare. Research activities are encouraged. This district is further designed to act as a transitional use between heavy industrial uses and other less intense and residential uses.
      Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
      The established land use pattern is a mixture of industrial and residential uses.
      Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
      Yes, the site is surrounded by agriculturally zoned areas.
      Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
      Although there are some scattered dwellings, an industrial use is more appropriate at this location.
      Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accord with existing zoning? No, the existing zoning allows for sufficient uses that are compatible with the surrounding area.

    CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-040

    WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owner of 4.06 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located south of Mines Road and approximately 5 miles west of La Bota Ranch Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing 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 January 17, 2002; and,

    WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended approval 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 February 25, 2002, on the request and finds the proposed zone appropriate and consistent with the General Plan of the City of Laredo.

    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

    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 to change the current zoning designation of 4.06 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located south of Mines Road and approximately 5 miles west of La Bota Ranch Subdivision, from AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).

    Section 2: This ordinance shall be published in a manner provided by Section 2.09 (D) of the Charter of the City of Laredo.

    Section 3: This ordinance shall become effective as and from the date of publication specified in Section 2.

    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