File #: 22-0039SP    Name: Hidden Villas Site Plan Variance
Type: Agenda Item Status: Approved
In control: Planning & Zoning Commission
On agenda: 12/13/2022 Final action: 12/13/2022
Title: Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Site Plan for Hidden Villas Townhomes, Located on the Southeast Corner of Bush Drive and El Lago Drive
Attachments: 1. Standard Conditions Checklist, 2. Location Map and Aerial Exhibit, 3. Letter of Intent, 4. Ex. PD Ord. No. 1997-04-17, 5. Proposed Site Plan, 6. Proposed Landscape Plan, 7. Presentation

Title

Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Site Plan for Hidden Villas Townhomes, Located on the Southeast Corner of Bush Drive and El Lago Drive

 

Summary

 

COUNCIL GOAL:                     Direction for Strategic and Economic Growth

(1C: Provide a strong city economy by facilitating a balance between industrial, commercial, residential, and open space)

 

MEETING DATE:                     December 13, 2022

 

DEPARTMENT:                      Development Services - Planning Department

 

CONTACT:                       Jake Bennett, Planner I

                     Caitlyn Strickland, Planning Manager

                     Jennifer Arnold, AICP, Director of Planning

                     

APPLICATION SUBMITTAL DATE:                     April 4, 2022 (Original Application)

                                                                                                                              August 16, 2022 (Revised Submittal)

                                                                                                                              September 27, 2022 (Revised Submittal)

                                                                                                                              October 18, 2022 (Revised Submittal)

                                                                                                                              October 31, 2022 (Revised Submittal)

 

APPROVAL PROCESS:  The action of the Planning and Zoning Commission for the proposed site plan may be appealed to the City Council.

 

STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed site plan with the following conditions:

 

1.                     The applicant receive a variance to Section 146-132 (3)b. in order to not provide a 6’ tall masonry screening wall along the northwest section of the site.

 

2.                     The applicant revise the site plan to shift a canopy tree a minimum of 8’ from a public utility line on the southeast portion of the site.

 

Prior to issuance of a building permit:

 

1.                     The applicant satisfy the conditions as shown on the Standard Conditions for Site Plan Approval Checklist, attached.

 

 

 

ITEM SUMMARY: The applicant is proposing to construct a 108-unit multiple-family residential development. The development is proposed to be constructed as a townhome product that will be for-rent. As part of the application, the applicant is requesting a variance to not provide a 6’ tall masonry screening wall along the northwest section of the site.

 

Typically, site plans can be approved at the staff level; however, the applicant has requested a variance, which requires consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval.

 

PLATTING STATUS:  The subject property is currently unplatted. A final plat of the subject property must be approved prior to the commencement of any development activity on the subject property.

 

EXISTING ZONING AND LAND USES:

 

Location

Zoning District (Permitted Land Uses)

Existing Land Use

Subject Property

PD 1997-04-017 (Multiple Family Residential Uses)

Undeveloped Land

North

PD 2002-05-047, PD 2007-02-019, PD 1999-10-082 (Office Uses)

Smile McKinney Dental, Blue Steel Production, dataVoice International

South

PD 1997-04-017 (Multiple Family Residential Uses)

El Lago Apartments

East

PD 1997-04-017, PD 2006-05-056 (Commercial Uses)

Social Security Administration Office, Holiday Inn and Suites

West

PD 1994-06-018 (Residential Uses)

Single Family Residential/ Common Area

 

ACCESS/CIRCULATION:                      

 

Adjacent Streets:

Bush Drive, 60’ Right-of-Way

PARKING: The applicant has satisfied the minimum parking requirements as specified within Section 146-130 (Vehicle Parking) of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

LOADING SPACES: The applicant has satisfied the minimum loading space requirements as specified within Section 146-131 (Off-Street Loading) of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

SOLID WASTE CONTAINERS:  The sanitation container screening walls will be brick, stone masonry or other architectural masonry finish, including a metal gate, primed and painted, and the sanitation container screening walls, gate, and pad site will be constructed in accordance with the City of McKinney Design Specifications.  The applicant has provided the required notation on the proposed site plan.

 

LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS: The applicant has satisfied nearly all of the landscaping requirements. As part of the of the listed conditions, the applicant shall shift a proposed canopy tree to be a minimum of 8 feet from a public utility line on the southeast portion of the site.

 

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS: The applicant has provided the required notation stating that all mechanical, heating, and air conditioning equipment shall be screened from the public right-of-way and from adjacent residential properties.  The applicant has properly screened the sanitation container and has satisfied the minimum requirements as specified in Section 146-132 (Fences, Walls, and Screening Requirements) of the Zoning Ordinance.

 

The applicant is requesting a variance to Section 146-132 (3)b in order to not provide the 6’ tall masonry screening device along the northwest side of the property. The rest of the required side and rear property screening, including all areas adjacent to single-family residential lots, is provided, as required per the ordinance. The area that is proposed to not be screened is not adjacent to any single-family residential homes, but rather a common area with mature trees and flood plain.

 

Section 146-132 (4) allows applicants to request variances to screening requirements and seek approval from the Planning and Zoning Commission. A variance may be granted if the Commission finds that:

 

a.                     Unique circumstances exist on the property that make application of specific items in this section unduly burdensome on the applicant;

b.                     The variance will have no adverse impact on current or future development;

c.                     The variance is in keeping with the spirit of the zoning regulations, and will have a minimal impact, if any, on the surrounding land uses; or

d.                     The variance will have no adverse impact on the public health, safety and general welfare. A financial hardship shall not be considered a basis for the granting of a variance.

 

It is Staff’s opinion that the proposed variance will not be detrimental to this site or the adjacent residential property and meets the intent of the screening variance section. As such, Staff is recommending approval of the variance.

 

LIGHTING AND GLARE REGULATIONS:  The applicant will be responsible for complying with Chapter 58 (Lighting and Glare Regulations) of the City of McKinney Code of Ordinances.  The applicant has provided the required notation stating that the lighting will be in conformance to the requirements of the City of McKinney Code of Ordinances on the site plan.

 

ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS:  The applicant will be responsible for meeting all applicable requirements of Section 146-139 (Architectural and Site Standards) of the City of McKinney Zoning Ordinance.  Architectural building elevations are subject to review and approval by the Chief Building Official, prior to issuance of a building permit. 

 

TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE:  The applicant will be responsible for complying with the Tree Preservation Ordinance.  The applicant has submitted a tree survey, subject to review and approval of the City’s Landscape Architect.

 

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS: 

 

Sidewalks:

Not Required

Hike and Bike Trails:

Not Required

Road Improvements:

All road improvements necessary for this development, and as determined by the City Engineer

Utilities:

All utilities necessary for this development, and as determined by the City Engineer

Discussion: Under the requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance, the applicant will be required to construct all necessary public improvements prior to filing the accompanying plat, unless otherwise specified in an approved facilities agreement.

 

DRAINAGE:  The applicant will be responsible for all drainage associated with the subject property, and for compliance with the Storm Water Ordinance, which may require on-site detention.  Grading and drainage plans are subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to issuance of a building permit. 

 

FEES:

 

Roadway Impact Fees:

Applicable (Ordinance No. 2020-12-091)

Utility Impact Fees:

Applicable (Ordinance No. 2020-12-092)

Median Landscape Fees:

Not Applicable  

Park Land Dedication Fees:

Applicable

Pro-Rata:

As determined by the City Engineer

 

OPPOSITION TO OR SUPPORT OF REQUEST:  Staff has not received any letters in support of or in opposition to this request. This does not include emails or letters that may have been sent directly to members of the Council. Staff has not received any citizen comments through the online citizen portal.