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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/77 P&Z MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THE CITY OF THE COLONY JULY 25, 1977 THE STATE OF TEXAS ) ) COUNTY OF DENTON ) The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of The Colony, Denton County, Texas, convened in regular session, open to the public, at the office of the City Hall of the City of The Colony, Denton County, Texas, at 6:30 p.m., Monday, July 25, 1977 and the roll was called of the members of the Commission to wit: Mike Mansfield Chairman Cathy Bock Member Bob Brown Member Harry Hunsicker Member Art Welty Member Harry Hunsicker was not in attendance; however, a quorum was present. Also present were the Mayor, Luis Guerrero; the Council Members, Linda Adams, Dave Dall, Joe Gaulden, and Dick Weaver; Janice Carroll, City Secretary and Fox and Jacobs representatives, Frank Graham and Ron Morris. The first item on the agenda was a slide presentation by Ron Morris and Frank Graham of Fox and Jacobs. Fox and Jacobs presented to the Commis- sion and the Council members a slide presentation of some of the newer concepts in community planning with an emphasis on design. Ron Morris showed how natural landscaping can be used to "soften" commercial buildings and "screen" the necessary eyesores of a community. Examples were shown of how uniform designs and sign control can be used to create a rustic setting for shopping centers and other businesses within a community. Several approaches to landscaping beautification were illus- trated--the possible use of the natural water runoff to form small lakes, creation of small neighborhood parks, bicycle trails, parking courts, and construction methods that make the best use of the natural settings. After the slide presentation, Ron Morris introduced to the Commission and the Council an idea for possible immediate use in the Colony. To mini- mize speeding in residential areas he suggested a narrowing of the roadway from twenty-seven feet (27) to sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) feet approximately every three to four houses. The would also create the effect of shorter blocks and give a "grouping" area for the use of the residents. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that when the Council and Commission was assured of the structural soundness of this concept, it would be considered approved. Alderman Weaver made the motion that the plan be approved contingent on the opinion of Austin Paving as to the structural soundness of the concept. Alderman Adams seconded the motion. The motion was passed by the following vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None The floor was then given to Alderman Adams who opened the discussion of the building code ordinance. Mike Mansfield, Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, went over the proposed ordinance pointing out the major changes to the Commission members and the Council members. The departments of building and zoning will be handled by one administrator, and he will submit monthly reports rather than yearly to the Council. There was general discussion of the duties and jurisdiction of this depart- ment. -1- A second major change presented by Chairman Mansfield was the combination of the Board of Adjustments and the Board of Appeals. This board allows the city some flexibility in interpretation of our zoning laws. It is a higher authority than the Planning and Zoning Commission, with the power to call witnesses; however, a majority of four out of the five board members must be in agreement and if only four are present, the decision must be carried by a unanimous vote. A lengthy discussion regarding the authority of this board, the appealing procedure and its relationship with the City Council then followed. It was decided that The Colony's Board of Adjustment and Appeals would be set up according to standard procedures, and the diagram prepared by the Council of Governments showing the authority flow would be inlcuded in this ordinance. At this point, Alderman Dall commented that Section 201 should define both positions, zoning as well as building, separately for future clarifi- cation even though they will be administered by one person. Item three was a general discussion of the Uniform Building Code. The first point brought out was that the building permit fees will be paid to the City Secretary/Treasurer rather than the Building official. Frank Graham, Fox and Jacobs, reminded them that they should have on file every style of house plan built in The Colony. A general discussion followed regarding the standard filing fee for houses; what inspections must be made on a house (foundation inspections, building inspections, and final inspections); other permits (pools, fences, etc.); reinspection fees, and Certificates of Occupancy inspections. Frank Graham advised the Commission that all of this must be coordinated with MUD's require- ments. The fee amounts were not finalized at this time; however, it was generally agreed that $15.00 was a reasonable fee for fences and could possibly be the minimum city fee covering permits issued for $100.00 to $5,000.00 values. The rate per $1,000.00 based on this figure would be computed and apply to all permits issued for the construction of items valued over $5,000.00. Alderman Adams brought up the need to begin advertising to fill the position of Building Official. It was briefly discussed as to where ads should be placed and if The Colony should hire a full time city em- ployee or use a consultant. It was generally agreed that it would be ideal if this person could live in The Colony but not a requirement. Item four was a discussion of an Interim Zoning Ordinance by the Commission and the Council members introduced by Alderman Adams. She explained that this would simply zone everything as it is presently being used until the Master Plan can be completed. Frank Graham felt that this ordinance could present problems and that this temporary situation could be handled simply by talking with the people involved. Alderman Dall replied that the city would still work with those that would be affected by this interim zoning. After a lengthy discussion, it was agreed that this ordinance would be only temporary; it would be dated; and it would be void when the Master Plan is approved. Alderman Dall made the motion to go ahead with the procedure for an Interim Zoning Ordinance to be effective until the establishment of our zoning map. Alderman Adams seconded the motion. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: Ail members present voted aye Noes: None Alderman Dall then asked if a Planning and Zoning Progress report could be prepared for the Council for their use. Alderman Dall stressed that they needed this so that the Council and Planning and Zoning can coordi- nate their work. Frank Graham suggested that they also coordinate their schedule with Schrickel, Rollins, who is developing the Master Plan for Fox and Jacobs. -2- Chairman Mansfield advised that a procedure ordinance is now being set up. Alderman Adams suggested that Bob Wegner, Council of Governments, could help in setting up guidelines. It is the Council's concern that more meetings should be scheduled and possibly subcommittees formed to expedite the matters at hand more rapidly. Chairman Mansfield then asked the Council to prepare a priority list for the Planning and Zoning Commission. It was agreed that one would be prepared at the Council work session on July 27, 1977. This will be posted on the agenda. There being no further action to be taken, Alderman Dall moved that the meeting be adjourned. Alderman Adams seconded the motion. The motion was carried by the following vote: Ayes: All members present voted aye Noes: None The meeting was adjourned. Janice Carroll, Secretary -3-