SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning approximately 756 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit A, located east of Port Texas Drive and east of Peoples Boulevard, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District), R-1-MH (Single Family Manufactured Housing District) and AG (Agricultural District) to M-1 (Light Manufacturing District).
ZC-004-2027
District VII
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: ND Hachar Trust, Owner; Victor J. Linares, P.E., Applicant/Representative.
Council District: VII - Cm. Vanessa Perez
Proposed Use: The proposed use is Industrial.
Site: The site is currently vacant undeveloped land.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north, east, and south of the site is predominantly vacant undeveloped land. To the west of the site is residential uses.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Institutional, Low Density Residential, and Neighborhood Mixed-Use.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Port Texas Drive and Peoples Boulevard as local streets
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 16 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning & Zoning Commission in a ___ to ___ vote recommended ___ of the 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 Institutional, Low Density Residential, and Neighborhood Mixed-Use. The requested M-1 zoning district is not included among the zoning districts identified under these land use categories.
2. The proposed M-1 zoning district would allow industrial uses that may generate increased truck traffic, noise, and other operational impacts. These activities may be incompatible with the existing residential uses located west of the subject property.
3. The introduction of industrial traffic, particularly tractor-trailers and heavy equipment, could create conflicts with regular passenger vehicle traffic and negatively affect neighborhood circulation and residential living conditions.
4. The proposed Hachar/Reuthinger Road connection is anticipated to provide additional roadway access to the area. However, completion is currently projected for Spring 2027, potentially extending into Fall 2027. Until this connection is completed, industrial traffic would continue to rely on the existing roadways serving the residential neighborhood.
5. The proposed zone change would establish an isolated industrial zoning district within an area that does not have an established pattern of industrial zoning, potentially creating land use compatibility concerns with the surrounding properties.
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.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
Yes. The proposed M-1 zoning is not consistent with the surrounding residential uses and the established land use pattern. The introduction of industrial uses would create potential compatibility concerns with the existing neighborhood.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
Yes. The proposed zone creates an isolated zoning district.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhoods?
Yes. The proposed M-1 zoning may adversely affect nearby residential areas due to increased truck traffic, noise, and other impacts associated with industrial activities. Additionally, existing roadway access requires vehicles to travel through residential areas, potentially creating conflicts between industrial traffic and regular passenger vehicle traffic.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing zone does not allow for industrial uses as intended by the applicant.
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