SUBJECT
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Public hearing and discussion of an ordinance concerning a voluntary annexation request by Jose Edmundo Ramirez, Jr., on behalf of Consolidated Towne East Holdings, Ltd., altering and extending the boundary limits of the City of Laredo to annex approximately 17.68-acres, more or less, tract of land located north of State Highway 359 and east of Serrano Road; providing for the effective date of the ordinance; authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract adopting a service plan for the annexed territory; and establishing the initial zoning of B-3 (High Commercial District) for approximately 3.03 acres of land, more or less, and R-1B (Single-Family High-Density District) for approximately 14.65 acres of land, more or less, as described by metes and bounds in the attached Exhibit A.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the proposed annexation and the initial zoning of R-1B (Single Family High-Density District) and B-3 (Community Business District), as amended by the petitioner from the originally requested B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
Staff supports the proposed annexation and the amended initial zoning for R-1B (Single Family High-Density District) and B-3 (Community Business District).
THIS ITEM IS FOR PUBLIC HEARING AND DISCUSSION ONLY. NO ACTION IS REQUIRED AT THIS TIME.
AN-005-2026
District III - Cm. Melissa Cigarroa
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
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BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Section 43.0673 of the Texas Local Government Code, a public hearing before the City Council is required for the proposed annexation. Following the public hearing scheduled on October 19, 2026, the petition will return to the City Council for the introduction of an annexation ordinance schedule for November 16, 2026.
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Annexation Type: Voluntary annexation
Petitioner: Jose Edmundo Ramirez, Jr., on behalf of Consolidated Towne East Holdings, Ltd.
Tract: Approximately 17.688-acres, more or less
Location: North of State Highway 359 and east of Serrano Road.
Site: The site is vacant and undeveloped. The tract is undergoing the platting process.
Council District: District III - Cm. Melissa Cigarroa
Proposed Use: B-3 (Community Business District) for approximately 3.03 acres of land, more or less, and R-1B (Single-Family High-Density District) for approximately 14.65 acres of land, more or less, as described by metes and bounds in the attached Exhibit A.
SURROUNDING LAND USES:
To the north, across Enlace Road, are Colonia Los Altos and Phoenix Village Subdivision, consisting of residential use (mobile homes). To the east are residential and commercial uses, including commercial recreational uses and event venues. To the south is a fireworks stand and across State 359 is vacant and undeveloped land. To the west are a mix of residential and commercial uses, truck yards, and vacant land.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
The Future Land Use Map identifies this tract as Low Density Residential.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
TRANSPORTATION PLAN:
The Future Transportation Plan identifies State Highway 359 as expressway.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument/21421/638941324987500000
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION:
Letters sent to surrounding property owners within 200 feet: (41)
In Favor: (0) Opposed: (0)
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The petition for annexation was considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission on October 1, 2026.
The P&Z Commission, in a 5 to 0 vote, recommended approval of the annexation and the initial zoning of R-1B (Single Family High-Density District) and B-3 (Community Business District), as amended by the petitioner from the originally requested B-4 (Highway Commercial District).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
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Staff supports the proposed annexation.
Staff supports the initial zoning of R-1B (Single Family High-Density District) and B-3 (Community Business District), as amended by the petitioner from the originally requested B-4 (Highway Commercial District), based on the following considerations:
Comprehensive Plan Alignment:
The Comprehensive Plan’s Future Land Use Map identifies the subject tract as Low Density Residential. The proposed R-1B zoning is consistent with this designation and supports the proposed residential development of the subject tract.
Land Use Compatibility & Transition:
The amended B-3 district provides a lower-intensity commercial designation along the expressway frontage, creating a more appropriate transition to the proposed R-1B residential component than the originally requested B-4 district.
Growth Pattern & Future Development:
The proposed annexation provides an opportunity to establish a development pattern that integrates commercial and residential uses within the subject tract. B-3 would allow for community-serving commercial uses along the expressway frontage that can provide services and amenities to support future residential development within the tract.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
R-1B (Single-Family High-Density District):
The purpose of the R-1B (single-family high-density district) is to provide for residential uses and those public uses normally considered an integral part of the residential neighborhood they serve. In addition, this district provides for the subdivision of single-family residential lots with a minimum of three thousand (3,000) square feet.
B-3 (Community Business District):
The purpose of the B-3 District (community business district) is to provide for those businesses and services serving a trade area larger than a neighborhood, but smaller than the entire City and located primarily along minor or principal arterial streets, as classified in the Transportation Plan of the City of Laredo. It is intended for this zoning classification to exist primarily abutting minor or principal arterial streets while preserving established residential neighborhoods along such streets.
Is this change contrary to the established land pattern?
No. The proposed R-1B zoning is consistent with the established residential development in the vicinity, including the Phoenix Village Subdivision located immediately north of the subject tract. The proposed B-3 portion fronts the expressway, where commercial and more intensive land uses are established, although these uses are primarily located outside the City limits.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
The proposed R-1B zoning and B-4 districts are not unrelated to the overall development pattern in the vicinity. Residential development is established to the north and east, while commercial and more intensive land uses are present along the expressway frontage and surrounding area.
Will this change adversely influence living condition in the neighborhood?
No. The proposed R-1B zoning is not anticipated to adversely affect living conditions in the surrounding area. The amended B-3 district provides a less intensive commercial designation than the originally requested B-4 district and provides a more appropriate transition between the commercial frontage and proposed R-1B residential development.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
N/A
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