SUBJECT
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Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot 1, Block 1, Pena Plat and approximately 0.40 acre tract, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit A, located at 8207 and 8209 San Lorenzo Drive, from R-2 (Multi-Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District).
ZC-028-2025
District VII
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
None.
BACKGROUND
Initiated By: Juan Alfonso Pena, Owner; Francisco Ramos, Applicant/Representative
Council District: VII - Cm. Vanessa Perez
Proposed use: The proposed use is commercial (small office building).
Site: The site is currently occupied by vehicles and tractor trailers.
Surrounding land uses: To the north of the site is San Lorenzo Drive and industrial uses including Jumex, Vilore Food Co., and La Costena. To the east of the site is residential uses and industrial uses, including Vilore 2. To the south of the site is undeveloped land. To the west of the site is a parking lot, open space, and Trash Co.
Comprehensive Plan: The Future Land Use Map recognizes this area as Low Density Residential.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/LaredoPlanning/wp-content/uploads/
2021/03/viva-laredo-city-of-laredo-comprehensive-plan.pdf#page=39
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan identifies San Lorenzo Drive as an industrial collector.
https://www.cityoflaredo.com/home/showpublisheddocument
/17680/638703100333370000
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 12 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 use is not in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan's designation as Medium Density Residential (R-1, R-O, R-2, B-1R, R1-B), which does not allow B-3 zoning districts.
2. The proposed zone change does not meet the Laredo Land Development Code location requirement, stating that B-3 districts should be located along minor or principal arterial streets. San Lorenzo Drive is identified as an industrial collector in the Thoroughfare Plan.
3. The proposed zone will create an isolated zoning district.
General Comments:
1. The approval of the zone change does not guarantee the issuance of the building permit.
2. The use authorized by the zone change is required to abide by all relevant municipal codes.
IMPACT ANALYSIS
B-3. 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 use pattern?
Yes. The area is predominately industrial uses.
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 neighborhood?
Possibly
Are there substantial reasons why the property cannot be used in accordance with existing zoning?
Yes. The existing R-2 does not allow for commercial uses intended by the applicant.
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