Date: 06/02/03	SUBJECT: FINAL READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 2003-O-126 Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 6.07 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located east of Hwy. 83 and north of Cielito Lindo Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended) ZC-27-2003
Initiated by: Joseph Moore		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 05/19/03.
BACKGROUND Council District: I - Alfredo Agredano Proposed use: Commercial (no specific use stated) Site: The site is currently vacant and undeveloped. Surrounding land uses: The area north of the site is occupied by Juan Narvaez Manufactured Home Sales, and the areas east and south are vacant, undeveloped land. To the north west lays U.S. Hwy. 83, a vacant tract, and an area of single family residences further to the northeast. To the southwest also lays U.S. Hwy. 83 and the Laredo Community College’s second campus. Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Retail/Office. Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies U. S. Hwy. 83 as a Major Arterial and a Truck Route. Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 3 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
STAFF COMMENTS The proposed zone change is inappropriate at this location. While not technically inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Retail/Office designation, the proposed zone change would be incongruous with the surrounding predominately lesser intense, commercial land use pattern and zoning designations. Furthermore, though the change does meet the B-4 location, size, and width requirements, the proposed location does not provide adequate separation or transition between itself and the abutting R-1 area to the east.
P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: The P & Z Commission, in a 7 to 1 vote, recommended denial of the proposed B-4 and approval of a B-3 zone change.		STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff does not support the proposed B-4 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 principle (major) arterial streets of the freeway, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily along principle 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? The surrounding area is primarily commercial and vacant. Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts? Yes, the surrounding zoning districts are B-1, M-1 and B-3. Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood? N/A Are there substantial reasons why the property can not be used in accord with existing zoning? No, the current zoning allows for uses that are compatible with the surrounding area.

CITY OF LAREDO ORDINANCE NO. 2003-O-126

Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning 6.07 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located east of Hwy. 83 and north of Cielito Lindo Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. (As Amended)

WHEREAS, a zone change has been requested by the owners of rezoning 6.07 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located east of Hwy. 83 and north of Cielito Lindo Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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 April 21, 2003; and,

WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission, after a public hearing, has recommended denial of the proposed B-4 and approval of a B-3 zone change 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 May 19, 2003, 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 6.07 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit "A", located east of Hwy. 83 and north of Cielito Lindo Blvd., from B-1 (Limited Commercial 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 _________________, 2003.

___________________

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