SUBJECT
title
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a Planned Unit Development for apartments for approximately 3.08 acre tract of land, as further described by metes and bounds in Exhibit A, located south of Cerralvo Drive and west of Riverbank Drive, from R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District) to R-2 P.U.D. (Multi-Family Residential District - Planned Unit Development).
ZC-056-2026
District VII
body
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated by: Deerfield Land Development, LC., Owners; Madhouse Development, Inc., Applicant; Alyssa Flores, Representative.
Council District: VII - Cm. Vanessa Perez
Proposed Use: The proposed use is Multi-Family Residential (Apartments).
- The applicant is requesting approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) overlay to facilitate a variance from the standard parking requirements.
- The applicant proposes 111 parking spaces where 150 spaces would otherwise be required for the proposed 72-unit multifamily development.
- The requested modification is intended to address site-specific constraints, including floodplain areas and limited developable land, while allowing the project to maintain open space, landscaping, pedestrian circulation, and resident amenities.
Site: The site is currently vacant undeveloped land.
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north of the site is vacant land and single family residential uses. To the east of the site is Riverbank Drive and single family residential uses. To the south of the site is George Washington Middle School. To the west of the site is vacant land and Barbara Fasken Recreation Center.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Medium Density Residential.
https://www.openlaredo.com/planning/
2017_Comprehensive_Plan-Viva_Laredo.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies Riverbank Drive a minor arterial.
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 planned unit development.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff supports the proposed zone change for the following reasons:
1. The proposed development is consistent with the intent and purpose of the Planned Unit Development regulations by providing flexibility in site design while achieving a coordinated and functional residential development.
2. The PUD process provides a mechanism for evaluating such modifications and determining whether alternative development standards can achieve a functional site design while advancing the City of Laredo housing objectives.
3. The proposed multifamily residential use is compatible with the surrounding residential development pattern and serves as an appropriate residential land use that complements the character of the area while supporting the City of Laredo goals of accommodating future population growth and expanding housing choices for residents.
Notice to the owner/applicant:
1. The approval of the zone change or planned unit development overlay does not guarantee the issuance of a 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?
No. There are multi-family uses within the vicinity of the purposed site.
Would this change create an isolated zoning district unrelated to surrounding districts?
The zone is not changing. The applicant is requesting a zoning overlay.
Will change adversely influence living conditions in the neighborhood?
The proposed zone change is not anticipated to have a negative impact with the surrounding area or neighborhoods.
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
The property is currently zoned R-1A, which does not permit the proposed multifamily residential use. To accommodate the proposed use, the applicant has submitted a request to rezone the property from R-1A to R-2, which allows multifamily residential uses. Please refer to ZC-037-2026.
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