SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 10, Block X6, Southview Replat, Phase II, located at 3502 South Arkansas Avenue, from R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
ZC-038-2026
District II
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: Maria A. Ramon, Owner; Gerardo Ramon, Jr., Applicant
Council District: II - Cm. Ricardo “Richie” Range, Jr.
Proposed Use: The proposed use is for residential (proposed second detached dwelling).
- The applicant was advised about applying for a conditional use permit (CUP), and decided to attempt the zone change instead of applying for the CUP.
Site: The site is currently occupied by a single-family residential structure.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north of the site is Frees Street and predominantly single-family residential uses. To the east of the site is South Arkansas Avenue and multi-family residential uses (duplexes). To the south of the site is primarily single-family residential uses and Lomas del Sur Boulevard. To the west of the site is Louisiana Avenue, Frees Street, and primarily single-family residential uses.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Arkansas Avenue as a Local Street and identifies Frees Street as a Local Street.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 25 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
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 Low Density Residential (R-1, R-1-MH, R-1A, R-1B, R-S, B-1R, and R-O), which does not include R-2 zoning districts.
2. There is a clearly defined distinction between the R-1 and R-2 zoning districts along Arkansas Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, particularly in terms of permitted land uses, with R-1 designated for single-family residences and R-2 allowing multifamily development.
Notice to the owner/applicant:
1. The approval of the zone change does not guarantee the issuance of the building permit and requires full compliance with all applicable municipal codes and regulations.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning & Zoning Commission in a ___ to ___ vote recommended ___ of the zone change.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
IMPACT ANALYSIS
R-2. The purpose of the R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) is to provide an area for higher density residential uses and those public and semi-public uses normally considered an integral part of the neighborhood they serve.
Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
No. There are multi-family residential uses (duplexes) across from the proposed site.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
No. The proposed zone will not create an isolated zoning district. Across South Arkansas Avenue is a large area of R-2 zoning.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhoods?
No. The proposed zone change is not anticipated to have a negative impact with the surrounding area or neighborhoods since multi-family residential uses already exists within the vicinity of the site.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing zone does not allow for a detached second dwelling as intended by the applicant.
end