Date:
    04/01/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-062
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 0.9980 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of Mines Rd. and south of River Bank Dr., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. ZC-13-2002
    Initiated by:
    James and Justo Leyendecker
    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 03/25/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: VII - Jose A. Valdez, Jr.
    Proposed use: Commercial (truck stop)
    Site: The site is currently vacant.
    Surrounding land uses: The areas immediately to the east, north and west of the site are vacant land. Further to the west of the site is Roadway Express. Immediately south of the site is the Xpress truck wash with a vacant tract and an area of single family residential dwellings further south.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Retail/Office.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare identifies Mines Road as a Truck Route and a Super Street at this location, and it identifies River Bank Road as a Truck Route and a Freeway.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 4 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed zone change is appropriate for this location. The proposed use is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and the area lends itself towards more intensively commercial uses. In addition, the site meets all the lot location, size, and width requirements.
    P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
    The P & Z Commission, in a 6 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the 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?
    No. The established land use pattern along this section of Mines Rd leans toward intensively commercial uses.
    Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
    No. The adjoining zoning districts are B-4, M-1, and B-1.
    Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
    No. The residential areas in the area are sufficiently distant as to be adequately buffered.
    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-062

WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owner of 0.9980 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of Mines Rd. and south of River Bank Dr., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial 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 February 21, 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 March 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 0.9980 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of Mines Rd. and south of River Bank Dr., from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial 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