Title
Consider and take action on Ordinance No. 2024-41, an ordinance amending Section 125-4.20, entitled “Landscaping and Buffer Yards” of Chapter 125 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City entitled “Unified Development Code” to update various regulations related to the applicability of landscaping requirements - Second Reading (Director of Planning)
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, 7-0-0 with one member absent on September 9, 2024.
City Council approved the first reading, 8-0-0 on October 8, 2024.
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 held a public hearing and approved the first reading, 8-0-0.
October 22, 2024 - The City Council will consider the request on second reading.
Project Summary:
Approval of this request will amend the text of the Unified Development Code revising landscape requirements.
The proposed ordinance amendment aims to allow more flexibility for small businesses expanding in League City, in-line with the goals of the Development Services Strategic Plan. A summary of the proposed change is listed below.
Proposed Changes to Landscaping Requirements
The current regulations require that a site must conform with the landscape provisions of the ordinance if there is an expansion of an existing building or site by 25% or greater. The proposed language will change the threshold that requires compliance with the landscape ordinance to an expansion of a site or building greater than 50%, or the expansion of a site or building by more than 5,000 square feet.
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.
- 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.
On October 8, 2024, the City Council held a public hearing and approved the request on first reading, 8-0-0.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance No. 2024-41
2. Redline Changes
Origination:
Planning Department
Applicant: City of League City
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{X} Addresses Strategic Planning Critical Success Factor # 7, Economic Development and Tourism