1. City Council July 19, 2011

2. Discussion – Accessory Building Size Section 402 allows greater of 50% or 600 sq ft; R&E district distinctions: Agricultural feel, intent to create rural/suburban setting; Narrower street network;

3. Timeline Discussed by Planning Commission on April 18th and May 16th; Discussed by Zoning Board of Adjustment on June 6th; Both groups unanimously recommended approval of the modifications as proposed by staff; Both groups unanimously recommended approval of the modifications to process as proposed;

4. Other Information Out of all variance requests, the most routine by far is a request from this requirement; Generally, these are for individuals wanting barns or other types of accessory buildings in rural, low-density areas; Exception already exists for bona fide farm and agricultural buildings;

5. Process Change Proposed City staff recommends change to allow Planning Manager 10% for administrative approvals; This would require anything requested over the minimum 10% to be heard by the board; Standards to be met & decision be made by a group rather than an individual; Staff has worked up a draft ordinance based on this preference with help of legal staff.

6. VII. Vision Plan Amendment Sign variance at March meeting at NE corner of N Bell & Houston Harte sparked discussion about current nearby RS-1 zoning on north side of freeway; Property owner at the NE corner of N Montague & Houston Harte has requested confirmation on whether or not the Commission would consider a change to the Vision Map along the south side of freeway; April 25th meeting – Commission had a consensus of interest in modifying the map;

7. Vision Plan Amendment Planning Commission became interested in this area as result of variance request in the vicinity and noted large amounts of residential zoning along Loop 306; Commission discussed this area at meetings on April 25th & May 16th; Based on their comments, staff drafted proposed modification; Modification was approved at May 16th meeting;

8. Key Ideas in Commission Discussion Limitation of commercial and interest in transitional – to allow higher density residential & appropriate commercial types; Zoning in this area is varied: CH, CG, CG/CH, OW, ML, MHS, and RS-1; The growth of the nearby PaulAnn area, pulling residential growth towards the northeastern part of the city;

9. Key Ideas in Commission Discussion The advantage and exposure of Houston Harte Expressway; The access to the Expressway being indirect, rather than direct, thus suitable for types of commercial not dependent on visibility; The importance of keeping the Vision Plan map in line with the changes in the city, in order to help promote growth and development;

10. Key Ideas in Commission Discussion Respecting and offering protection to residential enclaves, some of which predate the Expressway; Recognition that all types of commercial are not equal and not all would be appropriate; Recognition that zoning changes or alterations should wait until the map itself can be finalized to guide these changes;

14. City Council July 19, 2011