Date:
    08/19/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-187
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 9.9237 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of McPherson Rd. and south of Ranchway Dr., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. Zc-17c-2002
    Initiated by:
    Vaquillas Development, Ltd.
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: This item was introduced by Gene Belmares at the City Council meeting of 08/05/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: VI - Gene Belmares
    Proposed use: Multifamily - town homes (Note: This item was brought before the Commission on 03/21/02 and 04/04/02. On those occasions the applicant was seeking a B-1 designation for the proposed site. The applicant has since amended the application in favor of an R-2 designation, which has precipitated their current request for a Special Use Permit, for town homes, at this location.)
    Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped.
    Surrounding land uses: The area east, south, and west of the site is vacant and undeveloped. North and adjacent to this site are condominiums. Further north are single family residences.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential and Park. Rec. Open Space.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies McPherson Rd. as a Major Arterial.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 14 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed zone change is appropriate at this location. Both the propose zoning designation and the proposed use are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the surrounding land use pattern.
          P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
          The P & Z Commission, in a 9 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the zone change.
          STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
          Staff supports the proposed zone change.

          IMPACT ANALYSIS
          R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District): The purpose of the R-2 is to provide an area for higher density residential uses and those public and semi-public uses normally considered an integral part of the neighborhood they serve.
          Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
          No. The established land use pattern west and off, of McPherson Rd. is multi-family and single family residential.
          Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
          No, the surrounding zoning districts are R-1, R-2, B-1, and B-3.
          Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
          No, the surrounding land uses are similar in scale and intensity.
          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-187

        WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owners of 9.9237 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of McPherson Rd. and south of Ranchway Dr., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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 June 20, 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 August 5, 2002, on the request and finds the zone change 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,

        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 rezoning 9.9237 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located west of McPherson Rd. and south of Ranchway Dr., from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential 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