Date:
    06/03/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-109
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage facility on Lots 1 through 6, Block 1175, Eastern Division, and Lots 1 through 6, Block 1176, Eastern Division, and Lot 1, Block 1176-A, Eastern Division, located at the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Urbahn Ave.; providing for publication and effective date. ZC-24-2002
    Initiated by:
    G. G. Salinas
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: This item was introduced by Alfredo Agredano at the City Council meeting of 05/20/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: I - Alfredo Agredano
    Proposed use: Mini-storage warehouses
    Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped. (present zoning B-3)
    Surrounding land uses: The area west of the site is occupied by vacant land and Hwy. 83. South and east of the site is more vacant land and residential type uses. North of the site along Palo Blanco St. is the R. & S. Drive-In, and the Freddie Benavides Recreational Complex.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan does not identify Urbahn Ave.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 52 In Favor: 1 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed Special Use Permit is appropriate at this location. Although the Comprehensive Plan recognizes this area a Low Density Residential, the area lends itself toward this commercial use. Therefore, Staff will support the S.U.P. for the proposed use with the following conditions:
    1. Five percent (5%) of the total area to be developed shall be landscaped. The landscaped area shall include a 6 foot landscape buffer to be placed at the eastern boundary of the site with canopy trees planted at 15 foot intervals.
    2. Provide only low impact ground lighting of the facility.
    3. Opaque fencing, consistent with Laredo Land Development Code, shall be employed at the site's northern and eastern borders.
    A Special Use Permit is used for those type uses that warrant individual attention on a case by case basis and should not be categorized into a specific zoning district. A Special Use Permit is basically an overlay on top of the existing zoning designation and can be limited in many respects such as time, fencing, setbacks, landscaping, etc.
    P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
    The P & Z Commission, in a 8 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the S.U.P with conditions.
    STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
    Staff supports the proposed Special Use Permit with conditions.

    IMPACT ANALYSIS
    A Special Use Permit is used for those type uses that warrant individual attention on a case by case basis and should not be categorized into a specific zoning district. A Special Use Permit is basically an overlay on top of the existing zoning designation and can be limited in many respects such as time, fencing, setbacks, landscaping, etc.
    Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
    The established land use pattern on the Comprehensive Plan recognizes this area as Warehouse/Light Industrial. The adjacent areas are mostly vacant land.
    Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
    No, the Future Land Use Map recognizes this area to be Warehouse/Light Manufacturing.
    Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
    No, with the exception of the Post Office the area surrounding to this site is mostly vacant land.
    Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accord with existing zoning? No, the property can used with its existing zoning but a SUP is needed to allow the use of mini storage warehouses in a B-3 zoning designation.

CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-109

WHEREAS, there has been a request to amend the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Special Use Permit for a mini-storage facility on Lots 1 through 6, Block 1175, Eastern Division, and Lots 1 through 6, Block 1176, Eastern Division, and Lot 1, Block 1176-A, Eastern Division, located at the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Urbahn Ave.; 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 April 18, 2002; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended approval of the proposed Special Use Permit with conditions; and,

WHEREAS, notice of the Special Use Permit 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 May 20, 2002, on the request and finds the Special Use Permit appropriate and consistent with the General Plan of the City of Laredo; and,

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

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 Special Use Permit for a mini-storage facility on Lots 1 through 6, Block 1175, Eastern Division, and Lots 1 through 6, Block 1176, Eastern Division, and Lot 1, Block 1176-A, Eastern Division, located at the 2800 and 2900 blocks of Urbahn Ave.

Section 2: The Special Use Permit 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