Date:
    8/19/02
    SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-193
    Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 10.4024 acres, located west of Hwy. 83 and north of Santa Fe Subdivision, Unit V, from AG (Agricultural District) and R-3 (Mixed Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. ZC-39-2002
    Initiated by:
    New Santa Fe, Ltd.
    Staff source:
    Keith Selman, Planning Director
    Cynthia Collazo, Asst. City Manager
    Prior action: This item was introduced by John C. Galo at the City Council meeting of 08/05/02.
    BACKGROUND
    Council District: III - John C. Galo
    Proposed use: Commercial (possibly a gas station, fast food restaurant, or condominiums).
    Site: This site is currently vacant and undeveloped.
    Surrounding land uses: North of this site is vacant land and a mobile home sales business. West is Arndt Elementary School. South of this tract are single family residences. East and across Hwy. 83 is a mental health center, a single family residence, a warehouse, and some vacant lots.
    Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
    Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Hwy. 83 as a Major Arterial and a Truck Route.
    Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 31 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
    STAFF COMMENTS
    The proposed zone change is appropriate at this location. Even though the Comprehensive Plan recognizes this area as Low Density Residential the proposed B-3 zoning is compatible with the surrounding land uses and zoning districts.
    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
    B-3 (Community Business District): The purpose of the B-3 District is to provide for those businesses and services serving a trade area larger than a neighborhood, but smaller than the entire city and located primarily along minor or principal arterial streets, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily abutting minor or principal arterial streets while preserving established residential neighborhoods along such streets.
    Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
    No. The established land use pattern along this corridor is commercial.
    Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
    Yes. The surrounding zoning districts are AG, B-4, R-1MH, M-1, and R-1.
    Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
    No. There is a significant amount of traffic along this corridor. This area is better suited for commercial uses.
    Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accordance with existing zoning? Yes, the existing AG zoning district does not allow for uses that are compatible with the surrounding area.

    CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2002-O-193

    WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owners of 10.4024 acres, located west of Hwy. 83 and north of Santa Fe Subdivision, Unit V, from AG (Agricultural District) and R-3 (Mixed Family Residential 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 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 10.4024 acres, located west of Hwy. 83 and north of Santa Fe Subdivision, Unit V, from AG (Agricultural District) and R-3 (Mixed Family Residential 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