03-16-1998 (Planning & Zoning) Minutes PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
The Planning and Zoning Commission met in Regular Business Meeting on March 16,
1998 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Wylie Municipal Complex, located at
2000 State Highway 78 North, Wylie, Texas. A quorum was present and a notice was
posted in the time and manner required by law.
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Eric Hogue, Richard Eckman, Mark Clark, Ray Capley, Sharon Dowdy and Cecilia Wood.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Tobin Maples, Planning Director, Mindy Manson, Assistant to the City Manager and
Barbara Salinas, City Secretary.
PRESENTATION
1. Chairman Eckman introduced Sharon Dowdy as the newly appointed member of the
Planning and Zoning Commission. She will fill the unexpired term of Mr. Tim Owen
who recently resigned from the Commission. Sharon was appointed by City Council
at the March 10, 1998 meeting.
2. Presentation by Mindy Manson, Assistant to the City Manager, regarding the Street
Impact Fee Committee.
Ms. Manson presented the Commission with a brief background of the Impact Fee
Committee development and history. A committee was appointed over a year ago,
however, it has been difficult for the committee to form a quorum. She stated the
State law allows the appointment of a Committee or use of the Planning and Zoning
Commission with representatives from the Real Estate or Development community.
Ms. Manson proposed utilizing the regularly scheduled meetings of the Planning
and Zoning Commission for review of the Street Impact Fees and for making a
recommendation to City Council at their conclusion of their review.
Recommendation would include adoption or not, and if adoption was the
recommendation, an amount as well.
Ms. Manson referred to a handout provided including a proposed time line, which
was obviously now behind schedule. She expressed to the Commission that this
process was not a quick process and that State Law would dictate the schedule with
public hearing and publication requirements. Ms. Manson stated that this would be
a three to four month process and that in addition to the review, State Law requires
a periodic review of existing fees. City Staff will bring forward to the Commission
information on Water and Sewer fees including what has been collected and
projects identified on the Master Plan. This review will satisfy the State Law
requirement and from this point the Commission can move on to the review the
possibility of Street Impact Fees.
Minutes-Planning &Zoning Commission
March 16, 1998
Page 2
PRESENTATION - continued
Ms. Manson stated that a schedule will be made available at the next Planning and
Zoning meeting, stating further that we will work with the existing Planning and
Zoning schedule and Impact Fee issues would not be included at each meeting.
Ms. Manson provided a copy of the Land Use Assumptions which were reviewed
and adopted by committee last January, stating that this is the starting place with
any impact fee in that It is a way to deal with the impact that different developments
have on our infrastructure.
Ms. Manson stated that the projections with regard to population growth last year
was based on the number of housing permits issued and will need to be
reevaluated and brought before the Commission. Ms. Manson stated that Mr. Greg
MacLean will also be attending the meetings.
Cecilia Wood asked if she could be provided with a larger map. Ms. Manson
assured Ms. Wood that this would be provided.
With no further questions from the Commission Ms. Manson concluded her
presentation.
PUBLIC HEARING
1. ZC No. 98-02: Hold a Public Hearing and consider a recommendation to the City
Council for a request from Pat Atkins for approval of a zone change from R (Retail),
B-1 (Business) and MF (Multifamily) to PD (Planned Development) for single family
residential uses for the property generally located along the east side of McCreary
Road just south of Southfork Mobile Home Park.
Chairman Eckman asked Mr. Maples if there was a need to update the Commission
prior to opening the Public Hearing. Mr. Maples offered to give a brief summary of
the proposal. Mr. Maples stated the location and current zoning (MF/R/B1) of said
property. The proposal is for a Master Planned Single Family community with
several variances to the Single Family regulations. Variances include a minimum
lot size of 6,000 square feet; variances to side, rear, and front set backs; and the
dedication of a 1.6 acre park to the City. Mr. Maples was then available for
questions from the Commission.
Cecilia Wood asked whether the City needed any more park land. Mr. Maples
responded by stating that the City did need park land. Subdivision regulations do
make it a requirement.
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March 16, 1998
Page 3
PUBLIC HEARING -continued
With no further questions, Chairman Eckman opened the Public Hearing. Chairman
Eckman then asked those in favor of the zone change to come forward and state
their name and address for the record.
Mr. Pat Atkins, Tipton Engineering came forward representing the owner of the
property, Paramount Development. Mr. Atkins gave a brief description of the
property with regard to location and an explanation of the current zoning. He stated
that the 45-acre tract is connected to the 273-acre tract recently rezoned and
approved by Council. It was indicated at time of approval that the 45-acre tract of
land would be brought before Council as well.
Mr. Atkins explained that their intentions are to eliminate the Multi-Family (MF)
zoning, the Retail (R) tract and the 7.6 acres zoned Business-1 (B-1). The
applicant wishes to eliminate this type of land use and present a proposal
consistent with the adjoining 273 acre tract that Council has previously approved.
Mr. Atkins did not feel that Commercial and Retail uses would be appropriate or
consistent with the adjoining property.
Mr. Atkins stated that current minimum lot size is 7,200 with a house size minimum
of 1,100 square feet. The proposal now calls for a 6,000 square foot minimum lot
size with a 1,600 square foot house size restriction for a total of 192 lots. Mr. Atkins
then advised the Commission that since this proposal was submitted, they have
been in contact with the Wylie Independent School District (WISD) and the School
District has agreed to purchase a 10-acre school site for the construction of a future
elementary school.
Cecilia Wood asked for clarification, in light of the development between the
property owner and the WISD. Mr. Atkins stated that the City has concerns
regarding open space requirements and the applicant did commit to additional open
space. Since this time the WISD has come in and stated that they want the
property and applicant is willing make the following commitment. An elementary
school will be constructed within 2-3 years per zoning and the working out of all
financial details. The second commitment is that 10 acres will be reserved for a
school site location. Mr. Atkins stated that this is important to the Community,
WISD and the City of Wylie.
Mark Clark asked Mr. Atkins who from the WISD made the commitment for the 10-
acre site. Mr. Atkins responded that he met with Dr. Fuller and that these plans
have been discussed over the last three or four months. He further stated that two
things could happen. The property owner could donate the land and the WISD
could build a school or the WISD could purchase at a price that was offered and
discussed with the school board. The first option was discussed only and the
second is agreeable to the property owner.
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March 16, 1998
Page 4
PUBLIC HEARING -continued
Mr. Atkins stated that from a practical stand point, to eliminate the open space
agreement subsequent to the addition of a school site location, and ask for the
minimum requirements in a Single Family PD uses.
Ray Capley asked Mr. Atkins how this effected the number of lots reserving a 10
acre school site. Mr. Atkins responded that it would decrease the number of lots
to 142 on 45 acres. Sharon Dowdy questioned the number of acres. Cecilia Wood
understood that with the 10 acre school site, the tract would be 35 acres.
Mr. Atkins stated that he was presenting facts as they are developing and regretted
that this was not done at the same time as the previous 273 acre tract. He stated
that they are attempting to integrate with the PD to the East and have been working
with WISD since the development of 273 tract. He restated that they are now
presenting a 10 acre tract reserved for future school site through the WISD with a
6,000 square foot minimum lot size and 1600 square foot minimum homes and
integrate to the development to the East.
Mr. Capley asked for an explanation of the orange colored housing as noted on the
displayed design. Mr. Atkins stated that it represented 7,200 square foot lots with
a minimum 1,600 square foot home.
Mr. Atkins stated that what Ashton Wood is developing in Flower Mound is 5,000
square foot lots with housing types identified. The first phase of this development
is 7,200 and they are now creating a different product type with 6,000 with 1600 sq
ft homes. Mr. Atkins stated that they are creating a mirror image to what has
already been done with the addition of school site and increasing house site.
Ray Capley asked Mr. Atkins It this was the last piece of land for the Lake Side
Development. Mr. Atkins responded that it was and that the key is getting rid of
land uses that are more dense, burdensome on the infrastructure, and school
district, and to tie into the community. He also stated that this development is
compatible to the adjacent development and recommitted to reserving 10 acres for
school site, stating that they are providing plenty of open space.
Cecilia Wood asked if they intended to do away with the park? Mr. Atkins
responded that they would only because of developments with the WISD.
Homeowners will pay dues to maintain specific areas and facilities.
Cecilia Wood expressed a concern with regard to the design, prior to addition of the
school site. She stated that there is only one entrance on McCreary and with the
addition of a school, it may cause traffic congestion.
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March 16, 1998
Page 5
PUBLIC HEARING -continued
Mr. Atkins stated that the plan has major thoroughfare issues and collector systems
that are wider plus 4 lanes undivided leading to FM544. Multi-Family property
could be 450 units plus a Retail corner and B1 district. This plan will eliminate
traffic with 149 residential units, a school site in addition to accommodating the
thoroughfare plan.
Cecilia Wood asked Mr. Atkins where he lived. Mr. Atkins stated that he lives in
Rockwall. Mrs. Wood asked Mr. Atkins if he lived close to a school. Mr. Atkins
responded that he did live nearby a school that his daughter attends. Ms. Wood
stated that she lives close to a major thoroughfare a few blocks away from a middle
school. Also nearby are two elementary schools and intermediate school. She
stated that is she gets out on the major thoroughfare during school hours, morning
or afternoon, traffic is congested. Mr. Atkins stated that he is trying to work with the
school district out of their need and that the reduced zoning should not create a
concern for increased traffic.
Eric Hogue asked how many lots in the tract. Mr. Atkins responded that there are
1140 lots. Mr. Hogue stated his concern was also that a main exit is closed off
leaving only one access to FM544, unless you travel 20 mph through a school
zone. Mr. Hogue and Ms. Wood both expressed the Commission's concerns
regarding the collector system, school site and entrance and exit points. Mr. Atkins
responded that if this is Commission's concern, they could provide another access
route.
Cecilia Wood asked Mr. Atkins about the side yard variances. She understood a
10 foot side yard variance, between structures and 15 feet variance adjacent to the
street. She expressed concerns as to how this would effect the lot and structure
of the home. Mr. Atkins stated that generally homes would be 60% one story and
40% two story. Ms. Wood also stated her concerns with regard to the variance of
15 ft adjacent to the street and speeding motorists. Mr. Atkins stated that due to the
design of the street, this should not be a concern. He further stated that the curve
is designed to slow traffic down and it is not a straight collector street. The
collectors intent is to feed to the major thoroughfare.
Chairman Eckman asked if there was anyone else present who wished to speak in
favor of the zone change. Having no response, Chairman Eckman then called for
those who wished to speak in oppositon to the zone change to come forward stating
their name and address for the record.
Mrs. B.J. Swanner- 102 Tanglewood. Mrs. Swanner voiced opposition for several
reasons. She was first curious as to the previous commitment of a school site on
FM1378 and that additional sites would require additional bond monies.
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March 16, 1998
Page 6
PUBLIC HEARING -continued
Also she expressed concern as to the 6,000 square foot lots and the possibility of
two story homes due to the 1600 square foot home requirement. Mrs. Swanner
also stated that the access presents some additional problems, as they were with
the first PD that Mr. Atkins presented to Commission. Mrs. Swanner asked of Mr.
Atkins how many of the homes in the development to the South had rear entry
access. Mr. Atkins stated that 380 out of 1,100 had rear entry access. She voiced
opposition to the high density and variances. She mentioned the continued
reference to the road that will tie in north of McMillian and asked when and who will
build the road. Her concerns are that all of the housing be developed before we
have roads constructed to eleviate traffic. She felt that there are too many
unanswered questions and suggested that Commission should reevaluate before
making a commitment.
Mr. Perry Easterling -6808 DeWitt Road, Sachse. Mr. Easterling owns the 43 acre
tract east of the proposed development. Mr. Easterling expressed his concerns
regarding the drainage from the proposed property onto his property; additional
road construction, and utilities.
Mr. Atkins stated that if City Staff has no concerns with the road location, he did not
have a problem with the road way connection, per Mr. Easterling's wishes. Mr.
Atkins further stated that they would be providing water and sewer utilities to the
property. Mr. Atkins stated that because of the regulations associated with the
development of property, they cannot negatively impact any property.
Chairman Eckman suggested that Mr. Easterling contact Mr. Maples for further
discussion of pending issues. Mr. Easterling stated that he would be in contact with
Mr. Maples.
Julie Schmader - 1308 Anchor Drive. Ms. Schmader voiced her opposition,
particularly regarding the school site. She feels that the agreement with the the
school district should be looked into with Dr. Fuller. Ms. Schmader also stated that
she did not see a problem with the Retail zoning on the property. The growth may
require some retail zoning. She also expressed concerns regarding the density.
She stated that she feels that it is too high for future growth.
DISCUSSION
Chairman Eckman then closed the Public Hearing.
Chairman asked for further discussion from the Commission on the zone change.
Cecilia Wood asked for clarification on the present and pending zoning with regard
to number of units. She understood that if the zoning was left at MF that would be
450 units as opposed to 142 SF. Mr. Atkins stated that this was correct.
Minutes-Planning &Zoning Commission
March 16, 1998
Page 7
DISCUSSION -continued
Eric Hogue asked for an explanation of Section 21 of the Comprehensive Zoning
Ordinance 85-23A. Mr. Maples stated that during his two months with the City of
Wylie, it has been brought to the attention of the Commission that the intent of the
PD was not being met. Mr. Maples stated that the intent of the Zoning Ordinance
is to facilitate a mixed use concept among districts and gave as an example a 45
acre tract with some R, SF2, SF1, and MF. Mr. Maples stated that Staffs concern
regarding the zone change request is that it is a blanket variance to the zoning
ordinance. He further stated that the previous PD was reviewed independently
without knowledge of what would develop on the tract being considered this
evening, and that this case would also be reviewed independently.
Mr. Atkins expressed that the 273 acre tract was intended to be a part of the plan,
however, the 45 acres tract was a longer process. He further stated that they do
have a commitment to roadway construction. Mr. Atkins stated that he was aware
that there were issues to address regarding development and school process. Mr.
Atkins stated that with the recent development with the School District and school
site, that he did not have a problem if Commission were to table the request.
Chairman Eckman restated for the record that the Public Hearing was closed.
Chairman Eckman asked if the Commission had further questions.
Sharon Dowdy asked if the discussions with the school will continue regardless of
the decision of the Commission this evening. Mr. Atkins stated that discussion will
continue regarding the two proposals of either donating the land or purchasing the
land for construction of a future school.
Mark Clark asked Mr. Atkins who Paramount was. Mr. Atkins stated that Paramount
is a development company with the home office located in Toronto and have been
in the Dallas market since 1982. The develope primarily residential and have
developed since then 6,000 to 7,000 lots in the metroplex. Some of those named
were Oakdale at Frankfurt and the Tollway and Wellington in Flower Mound. Mr.
Atkins stated that the Oakdale development represents 800 lots with homes in the
$250,000 to one million dollar range. The Wellington development in Flower
Moundm, a development that the 43 acre tract was modeled after, includes 2,800
lots. Mr. Clark asked how Ashton Wood is related to Paramount? Mr. Atkins stated
that Great Gulf Group is a subsidary that owns Paramount Development and
Ashton Wood Homes. Mr. Atkins stated there are three principals, the three Risen
brothers all residents of Toronto, Canada. Mr. Clark stated that Ashton Wood is a
part of this entity, therefore that is why Mr. Atkins speaks with certainty that they will
be the builder for this development. Mr. Clark asked who they worked with in
Wellington. Mr. Atkins stated that the builders were Highland, Drees and Ashton
Wood. Mr. Clark asked if Mr. Atkins could name any other development built
similiarly that he was not involved with. Mr. Atkins stated he could not recall any.
Minutes-Planning &Zoning Commission
March 16, 1998
Page 8
DISCUSSION - continued
Chairman Eckman asked if there were any further quesitons from the Commission.
Since there were no further questions, He then asked for a motion.
Cecilia Wood wanted to make a comment. She expressed her desire to see the
request withdrawn and presented to indicate the school site. Also she would prefer
a 7200 square foot lot and 1100 square foot quality homes rather than what is
proposed.
Ray Capley made a motion to approve the zone change from R (Retail), B-1
(Business) and MF (Multifamily) to PD (Planned Development) for single family
residential uses for the property generally located along th east side of McCreary
Road just south of Southfork Mobile Home Park with the understanding that one
part of the PD will be school; do away with the open area; and will have
approximatley 150 lots in the development. Chairman Eckman stated that a motion
had been made with the exceptions noted and called for a second. There was no
second.
Tobin Maples, Planning Director asked to make a comment. Mr. Maples suggested
that it may be appropriate for Commission to table the item and allow the developer
to submit corrected plans to staff. The Commission brought up issues of concern
that staff should have opportunity to review and present to Commission.
Chairman Eckman asked Mr. Maples if he would be in touch with Dr. Fuller from
WISD. Mr. Maples stated that he would. Mr. Maples further explained that if it was
the Commissions desire to table the motion, it has been advertised and will go to
Council in April. Commission would still be able to hear the request at the April 6
regular meeting and still go to Council on April 14 as planned.
Eric Hogue made a motion to table the request for two weeks. Cecilia Wood
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
ACTION ITEM
1. Discuss and Consider a recommendation to the City Council regarding a
Prelimininary Plat/Development Plan for Phase III of Lakeside Estates, proposed
by Pat Atkins for Paramount Development.
Mr. Maples suggested that the Commission may wish to table this item as well.
This item is a Preliminary Plat/Development Plan and because there was no
recommendation concerning the zoning case heard previous, the exisiting plat
would not conform to the existing zoning of the property, therefore staff
recommendation would have to be for denial. Mr. Maples suggested postponement
for two weeks to allow the devleoper to revise the plat accordingly.
Minutes-Planning &Zoning Commission
March 16, 1998
Page 9
ACTION ITEMS - continued
Cecila Wood made a motion to table the item until April 6. Sharon Dowdy
seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.
2. Discuss and Consider approval of the Minutes from the March 2, 1998 Regular
Business Meeting.
Ray Capley made a motion to approve the Minutes from the March 2, 1998 Regular
Business Meeting. Eric Hogue seconded the Motion. A vote was taken and the
motion passed unanimously.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
There was no citizens participation.
Chairman Eckman added that with the resignation of Tim Owen, the Commission
is without a Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman will be elected at the April 6
meeting.
Mr. Maples stated that he is in the process of providing City Staff phone and
extenstion numbers to the Commission and that staff is currently updating that
information to reflect the changes in City Staff and a list will be forwarded at the
April 6 meeting.
Mr. Maples also thanked Barbara Salinas for covering for the vacancy in the
Planning Department and that the new recording Secretary would be present at the
April 6 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ray Capley made a motion to adjourn. Cecilia Wood seconded the motion. A vote
was taken and the motion passed uananimously.
Respectfully Submitted
Richard Eckman, Chairman bara A. Sali