Date:
    03/25/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-044
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 2.1523 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located southwest of Bob Bullock Loop and west of North Merida Dr., from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. (As amended) ZC-04-2002
    Initiated by:
    Mercy Regional Medical Center
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: Although the applicant originally requested that Lot 1, Block 1, Independence Hill Subdivision, Phase I, be rezoned from AG (Agricultural District) and B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District), the applicant has since amended his request such that the portion of the lot zoned AG be rezoned B-3. This item was introduced by Alfredo Agredano at the City Council meeting of 02/25/02
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: I - Alfredo Agredano
    Proposed use: Commercial (The applicant has cited all of the following as prospective proposed uses: offices and self-storage units, and/or apartments)
    Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped land.
    Surrounding land uses: North of the site the are the South Laredo Industrial Park and El Rancho Subdivision including numerous commercial sites along Bob Bullock Loop. West and east of the site are the Mercy Laredo Medical Group, the Fiesta Fun Ice Company and vacant land. South of the site are the Century City, Independence Hill, and Freedom Park Subdivisions.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Retail/Office.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Bob Bullock Loop as a Major Arterial and a Truck Route.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 43 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 2
    STAFF COMMENTS
    Staff supports this zone change request, as amended. Rezoning of this portion of Lot 1, Block 1, Independence Hill Subdivision, Phase I, from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business District), is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the surrounding established land use pattern.
    P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
    The P & Z Commission, in a 8 to 0 vote, recommended denial of the proposed B-4 and approval of a B-3 zone change.
    STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
    Staff supports the proposed zone change.

    IMPACT ANALYSIS
    B-4 (Highway Commercial District): The purpose of the B-4 District is to provide for those businesses and services serving a regional area which are to be located primarily along principal (major) arterial streets or the freeway, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily along principal arterial streets or the freeway and to impose site development regulations to ensure adequate access of all uses within this classification.
    Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
    Yes, the establishes land use pattern in the immediate vicinity of the site is mostly residential with some commercial uses along Bob Bullock Loop.
    Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
    No, the adjoining zoning designations are R-1, R-3, B-3, and B-4,
    Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
    Yes, a B-4 designation is incompatible with the residential areas abutting the site.
    Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accord with existing zoning? Yes, an agricultural designation and it's allowable uses are incompatible with the surrounding uses.

CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-044

WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owner of 2.1523 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located southwest of Bob Bullock Loop and west of North Merida Dr., from AG (Agricultural 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 January 17, 2002; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended denial of the original proposed zone change and approval of a B-3 (Community Business District) designation; 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 2.1523 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located southwest of Bob Bullock Loop and west of North Merida Dr., from AG (Agricultural District) to B-3 (Community Business 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