SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block 810, Western Division, located at 3013 San Dario Avenue, from B-3 (Community Business District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
ZC-077-2026
District VIII
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: Francisco Jaime and Idania S. Jaime, Owners; Christopher J. Jaime, Applicant/Representative.
Council District: VIII - Cm. Alyssa Cigarroa
Proposed Use: The proposed use is for Heavy Machinery Rental (Outdoor Display).
Site: The site is currently occupied by the proposed use, Creed Equipment Rentals.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north of the site is More’s Car Audio, Power Car Wash and Detail, and Blair Street. To the east of the site is residential uses and San Eduardo Avenue. To the south of the site is a residential use, a vacant commercial structure, and Jackson Street. To the west of the site is San Dario Avenue and Highway I-35.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Neighborhood Mixed Use.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies San Dario as a Freeway.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 24 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning and Zoning Commission in a ___ to ___ vote recommended ___ of the proposed zone change.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff does not support the proposed zone change for the following reasons:
1. The proposed zone change is not in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan’s designation as Neighborhood Mixed Use (ALL EXCEPT M-1, M-2, B-4, AH, AN, FH, OG, FiH), which does not allow B-4 zoning districts.
2. The proposed use involves the outdoor display and storage of large construction equipment. Due to the property's proximity to residential uses, this may result in increased visual, traffic, noise, lighting, and activity impacts that are not appropriate for the surrounding residential area.
3. The proposed B-4 zoning would introduce a higher-intensity commercial zoning district directly adjacent to residential areas and would not provide an appropriate transition between the proposed commercial intensity and the existing residential.
4. Although San Dario Avenue is identified as a freeway on the City's Thoroughfare Plan, the subject property directly abuts existing residential uses.
5. Any uses that would require a zoning higher than a B-3 zone, may apply for a conditional use permit. However, a conditional use permit is not guaranteed.
Notice to the owner/applicant:
1. The approval of the zone change does not guarantee the issuance of a building permit and requires full compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
B-4. The purpose of the B-4 District (Highway Commercial District) is to provide for those businesses and services serving a regional area which are to be located primarily along principal (major) arterial streets or the freeway, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily along principal arterial streets or the freeway and to impose site development regulations to ensure adequate access of all uses within this classification.
Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
Yes. The surrounding area is predominantly residential, with the subject property directly abutting single-family residential uses. The proposed B-4 zoning would introduce a higher-intensity commercial zoning district and allow uses that may be inconsistent with the established residential character of the area.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
Yes. There are no B-4 zoning districts in the immediate vicinity of the subject property. The proposed zone change would create an isolated B-4 zoning district that is not consistent with the surrounding zoning pattern.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhoods?
The proposed zone change may be anticipated to have a negative impact with the surrounding area or neighborhoods.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing zone does not allow for Heavy Machinery Rental (Outdoor Display) as intended by the applicant.
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