1999-03-23 P&Z Meeting 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING
March 23, 1999
COMMISSION PRESENT: Chairman Ann Creighton; and Commissioners Rob Jones, F. C.
LeVrier, C. D. Peebles, and Mike Sandlin.
COMMISSION ABSENT:Keith Shankland.
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Curtis E. Hawk, City Manager; Greg Last, Community Development
Director; Karen Gandy, Zoning Administrator; Dennis Killough, Senior Comprehensive Planner;
Charlie Thomas, Deputy Director of Public Works; and Lori Farwell, Community Development
Secretary.
There was no Work Session held.
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Creighton at 6:15 p.m.
AGENDA ITEM #2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Chairman Creighton opened discussion of the minutes of the March 4, 1999, Planning and Zoning
Commission meeting.
Motion was made to approve the March 4, 1999, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
minutes, as presented.
Motion: Jones
Second: Sandlin
Ayes: Sandlin, LeVrier, Peebles, Jones, Creighton
Nays: None
Approved: 5-0
Motion carried.
(Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 03-23-99, tape 1, section #0034)
AGENDA ITEM #3. ADMINISTRATIVE COMMENTS:
There were no administrative comments.
AGENDA ITEM #4. ZA 99-025. REZON1NG AND SITE PLAN FOR SOUTHLAKE TOWN
SQUARE. PHASE 2. BLOCK 10:
Zoning Administrator Karen Gandy presented this case during the Joint Meeting with City Council
which is for a Rezoning and Site Plan for Southlake Town Square, Phase 2, Block 10, on property
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 1 of 7
!
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
legally described as a portion of Tract 3 situated in the Richard Eads Survey, Abstract No. 481, and
being approximately 7.932 acres. The property is located on the east side of North Carroll Avenue
across from Ownby Lane. The Current Zoning is "C-3" General Commercial District. The
Requested Zoning is "S-P-1" Detailed Site Plan District with "C-3" General Commercial District
uses including a U.S. Post Office and associated outside storage. The Land Use Category is Mixed
Use. The Owners of the property are The Fechtel Group with general partners: Alicia Marie Fechtel,
Charles Joseph Fechtel, Mary Louise Logan, John Randolph Fechtel, Marguerite Elizabeth Fechtel,
and James Milton Fechtel. The Applicant is Cooper & Stebbins, L.P. Seven (7) written notices were
sent to property owners within the 200' notification area, and no responses were received.
Chairman Creighton said the Public Hearing for this item was opened and closed earlier in the Joint
Meeting with City Council.
Commissioner Sandlin asked staff why they did not intersect the parking lot driveway with Ownby
Lane. Senior Planner Dermis Killough said when the Preliminary Plat was first approved, the
representatives of Southview asked for there not to be an alignment of any roads or drives with
Ownby Lane. Commissioner Sandlin said he foresees it being a problem because the homeowner
on the north side of Ownby Lane is going to have headlights shining into his house.
John Van Son (Southview Homeowners Association) said he is not sure who actually made that
request because their Board of Directors change every year. lie said the neighborhood is okay with
it; it is not a big deal one way or the other. He said they will stick with the previous Boards' request.
He said the owner of that particular house has not moved into it yet.
Commissioner Sandlin asked which direction the house faces. Mr. Van Son said it faces south, and
the garage is in the back on the east side of the house. Commissioner Sandlin said if the bedrooms
are on the west side, then this discussion is really not a factor. Mr. Van Son said it probably will not
be a factor. Mr. Van Son said there is an 8' fence there now, and Carroll Avenue is much lower than
it used to be so he thinks any car lights will shoot into the bottom of the fence.
Brian Stebbins (Cooper & Stebbins, L.P.) said he was present at the meetings two years ago, and it
was very evident the Southview homeowners did not want any line up of the streets. He said their
concerns stemmed from people using Ownby Lane as a cut-through to Town Square.
Commissioner Peebles said he spoke to staff during the break and it was his understanding that if
this piece of property had the same variances and the same zoning as the existing Town Square, all
of the comments would go away with the exception of those the applicant has agreed to. Mr.
Killough said that is correct.
Commissioner Peebles asked if that is tree with respect to Items #6.a. 1 and #6.a.2 (driveway throat
depth). Mr. Killough said no; those items would need to be addressed.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 2 of 7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3O
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Commissioner Peebles asked Mr. Killough to show him where they are out of compliance regarding
those two (2) items (#6.a. 1 and #6.a.2). Mr. Killough showed the Commission where the plan is out
of compliance. He said there was some confusion as to the location of the right-of-way line on
Carroll Avenue and upon further analysis, it was determined the right-in/right-out driveway was out
of compliance with stacking approximately 10' and there would need to be a comment added to that
effect.
Commissioner Peebles said if this phase had the same zoning as the first phase, then the only
comments left to address are Items #4, #6, and #15.
Chairman Creighton asked for a straw pole of the Commission to see if they are in general agreement
for granting the variances that would be consistent with the zoning on the remainder of the P.U.D.
Commissioner Peebles said he is okay giving the variances requested, but he would leave Items #4,
#6, and #15 up to City Council.
Chairman Creighton said she would like for the Commission to make a specific recommendation
on Item #15 because she feels there needs to be a sidewalk on this side of the street, whether or not
there is also one on the opposite side of the street. She thinks one of the nicest features of the Town
Square is the fact that they have encouraged pedestrian traffic.
Regarding sidewalks, Mr. Stebbins said their concern stemmed from people crossing the street at
mid-block and not at a designated crosswalk. He said it depends on where the City wants to put a
crosswalk. He said they wanted to encourage people to come all the way down Carroll Avenue and
cross at Ownby Lane or at a crosswalk. He also said meandering sidewalks and downtowns do not
go together; if the sidewalk goes in, he thinks it would be inconsistent to have it meandering. He
just thinks it would be more consistent to be on the side where most of the residences are currently
located.
Chairman Creighton said she agrees that it should be a straight sidewalk.
Mr. Stebbins encouraged the City to make sure there are crosswalks, and they would be happy to put
the sidewalk on their side.
Commissioner LeVrier asked if chain link fencing is allowed under the City's ordinances. Mr.
Killough said it is allowed. Commissioner LeVrier asked if there is any chain link fencing in this
development. Mr. Killough said not that he is aware of.
Regarding the 10' masonry wall, Commissioner LeVrier said the elevations show the masonry fence
with some fenestrations and pilasters, and then it comes to a stop; he asked what the remainder is
made from. Mr. Stebbins said they would like to continue with brick columns with a 20' spacing and
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 3 of 7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
then wrought iron in between with a thick row of landscaping in front of the wrought iron or behind
the wrought iron.
Mr. Stebbins said they have talked to the landowners about a land swap between some land at the
intersection of Carroll Avenue and F.M. 1709 and some land on State Highway 114. He said they
would like to have the ability to get out of the site and use the access ramp onto State Highway 114
without having to go all the way down to Kimball Avenue. He said they have a verbal agreement
and are in the process of finalizing it legally. He said if that does occur, it will make State Street
more prominent and make this wall more important which is why he feels it would look better if they
varied it with wrought iron, brick columns, and landscaping.
Commissioner LeVrier asked why they have so much landscaping inside the site behind the 10' wall.
Mr. Stebbins said if and when the Post Office expands and needs to expand their parking, the parking
will expand out to the fence. Commissioner LeVfier asked if these green areas are included in their
interior landscaping calculations. Mr. Stebbins said they are included so when the Post Office
expansion occurs, they will need to add more parking which will increase the impervious coverage.
He said it is possible that if the Post Office expands, they will expand large enough and will build
another Post Office in another part of town.
Commissioner LeVrier asked if the Post Office would be receptive to changing the 10' masonry wall
to something that has more architectural quality to it and sharing the green space with the public
area.
Mr. Stebbins said in every discussion they have had the Post Office has cooperated with them
architecturally. He said the Post Office does not want to openly admit it, but this is one of the most
expensive Post Offices in the country right now, if not the most expensive. He said yes, the Post
Office would be receptive.
Commissioner LeVrier said when he goes to the current Post Office, he has been the fifth or sixth
car in line at the mail drop off box. He said he does not see how this mail drop is going to work if
the current one does not work. Mr. Stebbins said the Post Office's back lot does not have access to
the public, so their space is limited.
Commissioner Peebles suggested moving the driveway to the east and moving the island with the
mail drop to the west creating a larger stacking space for the mail drop.
Chairman Creighton asked if they could move the mail drop to State Street. Mr. Stebbins said that
would be a good idea.
FrankBliss (Cooper & Stebbins, L.P.) said if there was a queue problem at the mall drop, it would
be worse on State Street since it will be a busier street.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 4 of 7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
,-21
2
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Commissioner Jones agreed with Commissioner LeVrier that there needs to be room for more
vehicles in the mail drop queue.
Mr. Stebbins agreed with Commissioner Peebles' idea of moving the driveway to the east and
moving the island to the west in order to give vehicles more room to queue.
Regarding the chain link fence, Mr. Stebbins proposed to plant Carolina Jasmine or some other vine
next to it which would enhance the view. He said the govemment requires the chain link fence for
security.
Commissioner Peebles asked if the chain link would be black. Mr. Stebbins said it could be if that
is what the Commission wants.
Motion was made to approve ZA 99-025 subject to Site Plan Review Summary No. 1, dated March
12, 1999, accepting Item gl with respect to the dumpsters being screened with a gated 8' masonry
wall; on Item #2 allowing setbacks as proposed; on Item #3.b, allowing articulation as proposed; on
Items #5.a and #5.b, accepting the bufferyards and landscaping as proposed; on Items #7.c and #7.d,
allowing the parking as proposed; allowing Item #10 as proposed (variations proposed to the City
of Southlake ordinances); eliminating the meandering requirement in Item gl 5; requiring the chain
link fence to be black; reconfigure mail drop off to provide better stacking, service and safety;
requiring the same zoning restrictions that are in place on their NR-PUD; adding Item #6.a.4
("Driveway intersecting North Carroll Avenue from Lot 1 must provide a minimum stacking depth
of 50'. The provided depth is 40'."); and recommending that City Council consider Mr. Stebbins'
solution for the masonry wall which consists of masonry columns approximately 20' on center with
possible wrought iron fence in between each column.
Motion: Peebles
Second: Sandlin
Ayes: LeVrier, Peebles, Jones, Sandlin, Creighton
Nays: None
Approved: 5-0
Motion carried.
(Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 03-23-99, tape 1, section #1533)
AGENDA ITEM #5. ZA 99-026. REVISED PRELIMINARY PLAT FOR BLOCKS 10 AND 11.
SOUTHLAKE TOWN SOUARE:
Zoning Administrator Karen Gandy presented this case during the Joint Meeting with City Council
which is for a Revised Preliminary Plat for Blocks 10 and 11, Southlake Town Square, on property
legally described as being a portion of Tract 3 situated in the Richard Eads Survey, Abstract No. 481,
and being approximately 11.8 acres. The property is located on the east side of North Carroll
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 5 of 7
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
40
41
42
Avenue across from Ownby Lane. The Current Zoning is "C-3" General Commercial District. The
Land Use Category is Mixed Use. The Owners of the property are The Fechtel Group with general
parmers: Alicia Marie Fechtel, Charles Joseph Fechtel, Mary Louise Logan, John Randolph Fechtel,
Marguerite Elizabeth Fechtel, and James Milton Fechtel. The Applicant is Cooper & Stebbins, L.P.
Eight (8) written notices were sent to property owners within the 200' notification area, and no
responses were received.
Chairman Creighton said the Public Hearing for this item was opened and closed earlier in the Joint
Meeting with City Council.
Regarding Item #8.c, Commissioner Peebles said he is not sure he wants to make the applicant
change the street name, Post Avenue.
Chairman Creighton said maybe they could make the recommendation that the new street name have
a postal theme.
Motion was made to approve ZA 99-026 subject to Preliminary Plat Review Summary No. 1, dated
March 12, 1999, accepting Items #8.b (spacing standards for streets intersecting arterials ) and #8.c
(change street name) as proposed.
Motion: Peebles
Second: Jones
Ayes: Peebles, Jones, Sandlin, LeVrier, Creighton
Nays: None
Approved: 5-0
Motion carried.
(Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 03-23-99, tape 1, section # 1672)
AGENDA ITEM #6. MEETING ADJOURNMENT:
Chairman Creighton adjourned the meeting at 7:09 p.m. on March 23, 1999.
(Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, 03-23-99, tape 1, section #1677)
A~n Creighto, a
Chairman
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 6 of 7
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
ATTEST:
Lori A. Farwell
Community Development Secretary
L:\COMDEV~WPoFILESWITG~I/N\ 1999\03 -23 -99 .WPD
~-' Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes on March 23, 1999 Page 7 of 7