Title
Hold a public hearing on an ordinance amending Chapter 125 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City, entitled, “Unified Development Code”, related to allowable uses (Director of Planning)
Background:
Project Timeline:
August 19, 2024 - Public notice was posted of the proposed ordinance amendments in the Galveston Daily News and at City Hall.
September 9, 2024 - The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval, 7-0-0.
October 8, 2024 - The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and hear the proposed ordinance on first reading.
October 22, 2024 - The City Council will consider the request on second reading.
Project Summary:
A public hearing is required to consider the proposed text amendment to the Unified Development Code.
The proposed ordinance amendment aims to be more permissive and in-line with the goals of the Development Services Strategic Plan. A summary of the proposed change is listed below.
Proposed Changes to Use Chart
Uses Changed from “SUP” or “Not Allowed” to “Permitted”:
Clubs and Lodges - Permitted in “HD-C” District
Cultural Institutions - Permitted in the “OT” District
Day Care - Permitted in the “OT”, “OTT”, “CRC”, and “HD-C” Districts
Hospitals - Permitted in the “IL” District
Animal Sales and Services, no outdoor kennels - Permitted in “CM” and “CRC” Districts
Car Wash - Permitted in the “CG” and “CM” Districts
Banks - Permitted in the "IL”, “OT”, “OTT” and “HD-C” Districts
Catering Businesses - Permitted in the “CN” and “HD-C” Districts
Full Service Restaurants - Permitted in the “CO”, “CRC”, and “HD-C” Districts
Limited Service Restaurants - Permitted in the "CO” and “HD-C” Districts
Restaurants with Live Entertainment - Permitted in the “HD-C” District
Restaurants with outdoor seating - Permitted in the “CN” and “HD-C” Districts
Food and Beverage Sales - Permitted in the “CO” District
Hotel - Permitted in the “CM” District
Commercial Laboratory - Permitted in the "CN”, “OT”, and “HD-C” Districts
Massage Establishments - Permitted in the "OT” and “HD-C” Districts
Microbrewery - Permitted in the “CRC” District
Parking Facilities - Permitted in the “IL” and “HD-C” Districts
Personal Instructional Services - Permitted in the "CO” District
Personal Services - Permitted in the "CO” District
Retail Sales - Permitted in the "CO" District
Artisan Production Industry - Permitted in the “CM” District
Limited Production Industry - Permitted in the “CG” District
Research and Development - Permitted in the "CG“, “CO”, and “CM” Districts
Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Pipelines, and Pumpstations - Permitted in all Districts per HB 40.
Uses Changed from “Not Permitted” to “Permitted with a Special Use Permit”
Dwelling Unit, 2nd Floor or above - SUP Required in “CRC” and “HD-C” Districts
Car Wash - SUP Required in “CO” and “CN” Districts
Restaurant with Drive-Through - SUP Required in “HD-C” District
Microbrewery - SUP Required in "OTT” District
Nurseries and Garden Supply Stores - SUP Required in "OT”, “OTT”, “CRC” and “HD-C” Districts
Parking Facilities - SUP Required in “HD-R” District
Wholesale Nursery - SUP Required in "CG” District
Warehousing and Outdoor Storage - SUP Required in "CG” District
Communication Towers - SUP Required in "CN” District
In addition to the above changes, a use chart imbedded in the Historic District Overlay District (3.12) was removed from the ordinance. The land uses allowed in the Historic District were already referenced in Section 3.13, so this amendment is removing duplicate information from the ordinance.
Development Services Strategic Plan
The proposed ordinance amendments are consistent with several initiatives of the Development Services Strategic Plan, including:
- Regularly review ordinances to flag opportunities for policy improvements.
o The proposed ordinance amendment is a result of staff reviewing the Unified Development Code and finding ways to help streamline development processes.
- Revisit zoning categories and SUP requirements with policy makers to ensure that these represent the direction of the elected body.
o The proposed changes to the use chart are more permissive and will allow for a greater variety of uses in the zoning categories.
- Ensure that new and modified policies and procedures are proactively communicated to all patrons and that reasonable implementation (lead) time is provided.
o Staff met with stakeholders to discuss the proposed ordinance amendment. There were no objections to the proposed changes.
- Utilize Strategic Planning Advisory Committee (SPAC) or a professional group as a sounding board for proposed policies.
o The proposed ordinance was sent to the SPAC for comment prior to City Council consideration.
On September 9, 2024, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed text amendment, 7-0-0 with one member absent.
Attachments:
1. Planning and Zoning Commission Staff Report
2. Excerpt Minutes from the September 9, 2024, P&Z Commission Meeting
3. Proposed Redlines
Origination:
Planning Department
Applicant: City of League City
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # 7, Economic Development and Tourism