SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots 5, 6, 7, and 8, Block 911, Western Division, located at 2001 Baltimore Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Business District).
ZC-045-2026
District VIII
body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: Fernando Galvan, Owner and Applicant; George J. Algelt, Representative
Council District: VIII - Cm. Alyssa Cigarroa
Proposed Use: The proposed use is for a plant nursery.
Site: The site is currently occupied with the plant nursery and a single family residential home.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north of the site is Baltimore Street, Imperial Equipment Industries, Inc. (forklift dealer), Union Pacific Railroad, and single family residential uses. To the east of the site is Vidaurri Avenue, single family residential uses, vacant developed land, and a grocery store. To the south of the site is Lafayette Street, single family residential use, and vacant developed land. To the west of the site is Union Pacific Railroad, Santa Isabel Avenue, single family residential uses, and manufactured homes.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as High Density Residential.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Baltimore 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
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Planning & Zoning Commission in a ___ to ___ vote recommended ___ of the zone change.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff supports the proposed zone change for the following reasons:
1. The proposed zone change is in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan’s designation as High Density Residential (R-3, R-2, B-1R, B-1, R-O), which allows B-1 zoning districts.
2. The proposed zone change is appropriate at this location since there are MXD zoning districts to the north of the site, which is a higher intensive zone.
3. The proposed use of a plant nursery is appropriate at this location since the site is abutting the Union Pacific Railroad, which is a higher intensive use.
4. The proposed use is more suitable at this location than residential uses since the site is adjacent to the Union Pacific Railroad, which causes concerns due to the noise nuisance, safety, and freight movement.
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
B-1. The purpose of the B-1 Limited Business District is to provide for business and commercial development serving a limited geographic area or neighborhood.
Is this change contrary to the established land use pattern?
The site is surrounded by residential uses and Imperial Equipment Industries, Inc. (forklift dealer).
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
Yes, the proposed zone will create an isolated zoning district.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhoods?
The proposed zone change is not anticipated to negatively impact the surrounding area, as the site directly abuts the Union Pacific Railroad.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing zone does not allow for a plant nursery as intended by the applicant.
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