SUBJECT
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Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning approximately 0.47 acres, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit A, Block 914, Eastern Division, located at 1717 and 1719 Mercer Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District).
ZC-085-2026
District II
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: Margarita de la Garza & Mario G. de la Garza, Owners; Howland Engineering & Surveying Company, Applicant/Representative
Council District: II - Cm. Ricardo “Richie” Range, Jr.
Proposed Use: The proposed use is for single family residential uses.
Site: The site is currently occupied by residential structures.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north of the site is Mercer Street, Green Street, Saint Joseph Catholic Church, single-family residential uses, apartments, and manufactured homes. To the east of the site is Tapeyste Avenue, Buena Vista Avenue, single family residential uses, and manufactured homes. To the south of the site is Wooster Street, Marion Street, single-family residential uses, manufactures homes, and vacant land. To the west of the site is Mendiola Avenue, Meadow Avenue, single family residential uses, apartments, manufactured homes, and Saint Joseph’s parking lot.
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 Mercer Street and Tapeyste Avenue as Local Streets.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 38 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 0
Staff supports the proposed zone change for the following reasons:
1. The proposed use 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 R-2 zoning districts
2. The proposed use complements and is in character with the existing surrounding land uses. The area is an established residential area.
3. The applicant is proposing to replat the properties. The proposed zone change would allow the applicant to replat the properties so that the lots meet the required dimensional standards of the R-2 zoning district. Under the current R-3 zoning, the proposed replat of the lots would not meet the required dimensional standards.
4. Although the R-2 zoning district would create an isolated zoning district within the immediate vicinity, the proposed use will introduce uses similar to those currently present in the surrounding area.
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 single-family residential uses surrounding the site.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
Yes. The proposed zone will create an isolated zoning district within the immediate vicinity.
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 there are already existing single-family residential uses surrounding the proposed site.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing zone would not meet the lot dimensions of the proposed replat.
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