HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-10-17 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
OCTOBER 17, 2000
MINUTES
The regular meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by
Vice Chairman Richard McNeese at 6:30 p.m. for consideration of scheduled items in
the Council Chambers in Building "B" of the Municipal Building. Vice Chairman Richard
McNeese stated that four out of seven members of the Planning and Zoning
Commission were present.
MEMBERS AND STAFF PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT
Vice Chairman Richard McNeese Chairman Robert McMillon
John Deithloff Gene Sloan
Bill Tarin Ron Hughes
Mike Grove
Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development
Ron Young, Assistant Director of Public Works / City Engineer
Eric Wilhite, Planning and Development Manager
Kurt Kasson, Building Official
Donna Brown, Administrative Secretary
VISITORS:
Michael Clark John Kelley
W.J. Matthews John Arnett
Charles & Ruth Hunt David Hughes
Carolyn McCasland Danielle Arnett
Virginia Copher Sandra Kelley
Mary Glaston Mary Jurin
Mr. Paul J. Alexander Brooks Allshoose
Barney Swartz Danny Johnson
D. Clark Clarence W. Pence
Jeff& Traci Mountain Wendell Smartt
Prabath Boteju Robert H. Price
Sean Kelly Ralph Borunda
Mark Spurlock Ed Swindlesmart
Terry Sandlin Jackey Fluitt
THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION: The Pledge of Allegiance
was given by Commissioner Tarin, and Invocation was given by Commissioner
Deithloff.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Deithloff made the motion to approve the minutes of October 3, 2000, as
presented. Commissioner Grove seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
1 Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 2
October 17, 2000
The motion carried.
REGULAR AGENDA
ITEM 1 CASE #00-04-PP— CONSIDER A PRELIMINARY PLAT
Consider a request for a preliminary plat changing B. Harrington Survey,
A-808, portion of Tract 3 and L. Franklin Survey, A-513 and a portion of
Tracts 4D, 4F, and 4F1 into Centurion Addition, Block A, Lot 1. This
property is located at 2500 SH 121.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this case.
He stated this preliminary plat submittal meets all the requirements and staff
recommended approval.
There was no discussion among the commissioners.
Commissioner Grove made the motion to approve Case #00-04-PP as presented.
Commissioner Tarin seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
ITEM 2 CASE #00-06-PP— CONSIDER A PRELIMINARY PLAT
Consider a request for a preliminary plat changing Andrew J. Huitt Survey,
A-684, Tract 5G into Bavarian Village Addition, Lot D. This property is
located at 201 S. Industrial Blvd.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this case.
He stated this development was by Office Depot. He stated that as of November 7,
2000, the Commission would see a site plan. He stated this preliminary plat submittal
meets all the requirements and staff recommended approval.
Mr. Michael Clark, Winkelmann and Assoc., 6750 Hillcrest Plaza, Suite 100, Dallas,
Texas, stated he was representing Office Depot and would answer any questions.
Commissioner Deithloff asked Mr. Clark if Office Depot would be the only tenant at this
location. Mr. Clark replied, yes.
Vice Chairman McNeese asked what the proposed square footage would be. Mr. Clark
replied, roughly 20,000 sq.ft.
A citizen asked Mr. Bass to ask Mr. Clark if the parking would be adjoining the Home
Depot parking lot or would there be a curb to divide the two. Mr. Clark stated there
would be an adjoining access from Hwy 183 and a contemplated adjoining access to
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 3
October 17, 2000
the west.
Commissioner Deithloff made the motion to approve Case #00-06-PP as presented.
Commissioner Tarin seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
ITEM 3 CASE #00-15-SP —CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION FOR A SITE
PLAN
Consider a recommendation regarding a request for a Site Plan for retail
proposed to be located at J. Haven Survey, A-685, Tract 1, 1E, 1E1,
1 E1A, 1E2. This property is located at the S/E corner of Glade Road and
east to SH 121.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this case
as a site plan for a retail use. He stated that this site plan is a phase of the auxiliary
development associated with the Super Target. He stated it was a 7.68 acres site, with
two retail pad sites. He stated the site plan does meet the parking and landscape
requirements. He stated lots 2 and 3 would be followed up in the future as they are
leased or sold with a site plan to show what would occur. He stated it meets all site
plan approval and staff recommended approval.
Mr. Michael Clark, Winkelmann and Assoc., 6750 Hillcrest Plaza, Suite 100, Dallas,
Texas, stated he was representing John Weber, the Target Developer and would
answer any questions.
Commissioner Tarin made the motion to recommend approval of Case #00-15-SP as
presented. Commissioner Grove seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
ITEM 4 CASE #99-07-FP — CONSIDERATION OF A FINAL PLAT
Consider a request for a final plat changing J.P. Halford Survey, Ab. 711,
Tr. 7A4, 7A5, 7A6, 7A7, 7A9, and 9A into Rolling Hills Addition, Block 1
Lot 2. This property is located at 1000 W.Airport Freeway.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this case.
He stated this property would be known as the First Baptist Church, which was
constructed and occupied for quite a long time. He stated there were a series of
documents to be completed, sidewalks to be completed, as far as the construction
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 4
October 17, 2000
plans. He stated there a number of conditions to be considered for approval, and could
be found on the City Engineer's letter of Acceptance of Public Improvements. He
stated staff recommended approval.
Commissioner Grove made the motion to approve Case #99-07-FP with the following
stipulations: 1) receiving a Bills Paid Affidavit; 2) receiving a Consent of Surety; and, 3)
receiving a Release of Liens from the Contractor. Commissioner Deithloff seconded the
motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
Mr. Bass asked the commissioners to take a 14 minute short break to allow citizens to
arrive by 7:00 p.m. due to Case #00-16-SUP letter to property owners going out stating
the meeting would begin at 7:00 p.m. instead of 6:30 p.m.
At 7:00 p.m. Vice Chairman McNeese gave the rules governing a Public Hearing.
ITEM 5 CASE #00-04-ZC — PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A ZONING
CHANGE AND CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION REGARDING
ORDINANCE NO. 1449
Receive public input regarding a request for a Zoning Change of B. F.
Crowley Survey, A-320, Tract 5, and portions of Tracts 3, 5A2, and 5A3B
from R-1 zoning (Single Family Detached Dwelling District) into R-1L
zoning (Single Family Limited Dwelling District) and consider a
recommendation regarding Ordinance No. 1449. This property is located
at the 1800 Block of N. Main Street and east to Fuller Wiser Road.
Vice Chairman McNeese opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this request
for a zoning change from R-1 (Single Family Detached Dwelling District) into R-1 L (Single
Family Limited Dwelling District). He stated the principal difference between R-1 and R-
1 L is the lot size from 7500 sq. ft. to an average of 5500 sq. ft. He stated the 144 single
family detached homes with a maximum or high lot size of 12, 461 sq. ft. and a minimum
lot size of 5500 sq. ft. and an average of 6299 sq. ft. He stated the only two (2) accesses
to the subdivision would be off of Fuller-Wiser Rd. with a gated entrance and off N. Main
St. and a gated entrance across from the Trailwood Addition. He informed the
commissioners and the citizens that Chittam Drive would not have access into the
subdivision unless it was emergency only. He stated that there was an error on the
drawing and that Thornwood does not punch through to Fuller-Wiser Rd. He stated there
was a possibility that the developer would consider giving up 24 acres to be open space
due to the flood plain area. He stated that staff recommended approval.
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 5
October 17, 2000
Mr. Ron Young, City Engineer, stated the applicants engineer is working on a flood
plain study to prove up to the City and to FEMA that the area can be adequately filled to
raise the developable area above the 100 year water surface without affecting the
adjacent properties up stream and down stream creating the erosive velocities in there
and once they do this the City can proceed on with the finalization of the plans. He
stated that once this is complete then the public improvement plans could be completed
for submittal.
Mr. Terry Sandlin, 5137 Davis Blvd., N. Richland Hills, Texas, stated he was president
of Terry Sandlin Homes. He stated they had been building home in this area for many
years, since 1957. He stated Fountain Park would have 141 build-able lots on 55 1/2
acres of land. He stated the density would be low 2.54 units per acre. He stated the R-
1L meets the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. He stated the traffic areas would be
Fuller-Wiser Rd. and N. Main Street. He stated the access from Chittam Drive would
be emergency access only, no normal vehicle traffic. He stated the security would be a
gated community. Mr. Sandlin stated the property value would be based on homes
ranging from $160,000 to $220,000 with nice amenities such as cabana, swimming
pool, gated concept and fountains throughout the area. He stated the park that had
been mentioned earlier is something he is discussing with the Parks Department,
Euless Parks Board as to how this may come about. He stated it might be finalized in
the next few of weeks. He stated if the details can be worked out on the park donation
then that would make the City of Euless eligible for a State matching funds grant of up
to $500,000 to improve the parks system. He stated that economics benefits would be
that this one project would generate roughly $400,000 in new permit fees and impact
fees. He stated the tax roll basis would be about $23,000,000, which would translate
into additional $120,000 per year in city taxes, $375,000 in school taxes. He stated the
layout had been given a lot of thought and felt this was the best proposal and highest
and best use for this property. He stated he would answer any questions anyone may
have.
Vice Chairman McNeese asked for proponents/opponents.
Mr. Bob Price, 1713 Chittam Drive, stated he was concerned about the buy out from
D/FW Airport north and south runway being built, and would the property values then
be devalued because of many sales in his subdivision be a result of lower cost.
Mr. Ed Swindelsmart, 402 Thornwood Drive, stated he was concerned with the
easement and tree line behind Thornwood and the access down Chittam, otherwise he
was in full favor of the zoning change.
Ms. Mary Jurin, 1809 Chittam Drive, asked Mr. Sandlin if he would move the houses
north to leave open space between her and the new subdivision. She also stated she
had a concern with Chittam Drive being a public access area. She stated she was
concerned about the high density in the flood plain area, and would Mr. Sandlin
consider a 10-foot easement instead of 5-foot easement designated for the trees at the
south property line. She stated she would like clarity of the fence between the two
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 6
October 17, 2000
developments. She stated she hates to see the quiet, peaceful nature disrupted.
Mr. Brooks Allshouse, 1701 Chittam Drive, stated he was not in favor of the zoning
change. He stated it was too dense per lot for the City of Euless.
Mr. Danny Johnson, 1707 Chittam Drive, stated he opposed this development due to
the fact that the trees are a nice buffer from the airport.
Mr. Sandlin stated the airport noise ordinance that dictates how you can construct the
homes, as far as insulation, roofing, and windows and such. He stated homes would
block more noise than scattered trees. He stated the homes would be $160,000 to
$220,000, 1600 sq. ft. to 2800 sq. ft. with a mix of one and two story homes. He stated
the fencing would be along Fuller-Wiser Rd. and N. Main Street and at the bottom of
the cul-de-sac there would be fencing so that car lights would be eliminated affecting
the people that live behind that area. He stated that his first desire is to save as many
trees as possible because that makes the lot more valuable. He stated his desire to
save the trees, but also the finished pad must meet the FEMA and City requirements
and the lots must drain properly and hopefully the trees would not need to be taken
down. He stated the interest of Chittam Drive would be emergency access drive gate
only and no drive through traffic or construction use. He stated the Trailwood
intersection does not govern a traffic light at this time.
Vice Chairman McNeese closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Tarin asked what the proposal would be to get the northern area out of
the flood plain in order to get a mortgage company to hold a lien. Mr. Sandlin stated
every lot would be brought up and out of the flood plain. He stated the dirt out of the
ponds would be used to build up the lots. He stated none of the lots or streets would be
in the flood plain according to FEMA. Mr. Tarin asked how many lots would be big and
small. Mr. Sandlin stated the larger lots would be in the cul-de-sacs and the smaller
lots would be the straight a ways.
Commissioner Deithloff asked the number of lots per sq. footage. Mr. Sandlin stated he
would have to sit down and figure it out. He informed the commissioners that each lot
is actually deeper than the standard lot size. He stated that the potential buyer would
like to see the smaller lot with open space adjacent to his lot. Mr. Deithloff stated the
difference between R-1 and R-1 L is roughly 1200 sq. ft. per lot. Mr. Sandlin agreed.
Commissioner Tarin asked Mr. Sandlin for clarification on the fence issue. Mr. Sandlin
stated it is solid masonry at the designated areas and does not propose to place
fencing completely around the property.
Commissioner Grove asked questions about the lot sizes. He stated there would be 88
of the 141 lots are 6000 sq. ft. or less, and it looks like a few big lots dragging the
average. He stated he was disappointed that there was not a breakdown as to number
of lots by sq. footage. He stated that would have helped him to make more of an
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 7
October 17, 2000
informed decision about this change in use. He stated there was a 16 percent
reduction from the R-1 to R-1L use. He asked Mr. Sandlin if a straight up R-1
development was out of the question. He stated that with his fuzzy math it appeared
that the 23 houses he would loose, he could raise the price of the houses and range
them according to $260,000 to $280,000 to make up the difference. Mr. Sandlin stated
that was his first possibility. Mr. Sandlin expressed his concern with the tremendous
cost to be able to get this out of the flood plain. He stated it still makes for a very
expensive lot at 50 x 110 or 50 x 120. He stated all the marketing studies show that if it
were a R-1 it would not be economically feasible. Commissioner Grove asked if the
Euless Parks District had any planned pedestrian access so the citizens from the
surrounding neighborhood could benefit from it. Mr. Sandlin stated there had not been
a discussion on that issue. Mr. Grove stated the park land would be more benefit to the
City of Euless if more than just the residents of this neighborhood could use it. Mr.
Sandlin stated that if it were private no access would be given, but if it is public then
citizens could access it along Fuller-Wiser Rd. Mr. Grove stated there was no parking
in that area. Mr. Sandlin stated that could be discussed with the Park Board. Mr.
Grove stated he would recommend access through the gates. Mr. Sandlin said he was
not opposed. Mr. Grove clarified that there would not be construction traffic through
Chittam Drive. Mr. Sandlin said yes. Mr. Grove asked Mr. Sandlin to make a
commitment to the sq. footage of the homes, and larger homes would be the
preference.
Vice Chairman McNeese stated he would like to clarify that the traffic on Chittam Drive
will be for emergency only. Mr. Sandlin said that was correct. Mr. McNeese asked Mr.
Sandlin to explain why he cannot feasibly move the project to the north. Mr. Sandlin
stated the trees they would save would be the ones on the far south of the property. He
stated the lots on the north are right at the flood plain line and cannot be moved to the
north any further than they are right now. He stated he did make the lots deeper on the
south property line to make more of a buffer.
Mr. Bass stated that the drawing does clearly say emergency access easement at
Chittam Drive. He asked Mr. Young to mention the FEMA flood studies the city has
dealt with in the past. Mr. Young informed the commissioners that the Engineering
Department had not received anything final from the engineer yet to prove up their
point. He stated they would submit all their information to FEMA through the City,
which they have to get our concurrence before it even goes to FEMA and if FEMA does
not concur with it, it will stop there. He stated they could make some other kind of
arrangements, but the City is not committed to this because the flood plain study has
not gone through FEMA. He stated the Engineering Department is still waiting to see
what the engineer provides. He stated the signalization on Main Street is not close to
the warranting of a signal as of yet. Mr. Bass stated he would like for the
commissioners to specify conditions to the SUP approval, hours of operation, and traffic
flow for construction trucks. He stated there might be value issues.
A citizen expressed concerns with % of this property being in the noise mitigation and
would like to know if the homeowners would be informed that their property is in this
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 8
October 17, 2000
area. Mr. Bass stated he was of the understanding that it just clipped it on the eastern
portion.
Commissioner Grove stated that the deeds of trust should clearly specify if it is in the
noise mitigation.
Mr. Bass stated the City of Euless has had a long time relationship with D/FW Airport
and had made a rule many years ago that there would be no single family residency
east of Fuller-Wiser Rd. and has proved up to be successful over time. He stated in the
last five years the City has had four or five single-family projects come to town. He
stated every one of them has been R-1 L. He stated all but one went for the minimum of
5500 sq. ft. lots. He stated this is the only one he has seen that really pushes upward
in the terms of sq. footage. He stated he was not saying the City of Euless should
desire or deserves these smaller lots, but the surrounding areas such as Grapevine and
Bedford are also seeing these smaller lots. He stated this subdivision would be a
reasonably decent good quality, high quality single-family subdivision. He stated the
staff was pleased with these price ranges. He stated he had talked to Mr. Sandlin
about a possibility of trying to create some type of easement or mechanism by which to
save the existing trees abutting next to the existing lots along the south side. Mr.
Sandlin stated he was willing to work something out. Mr. Bass stated that his
commitment to the commission is that by the time this case goes to City Council that
there would be an option available. He stated his concern with a 15-foot easement that
if a homeowner would like to put in a pool the easement may be a problem at that time
and he asked the commissioners to consider this thought. Mr. Bass stated that 1600
sq. ft. to 2800 sq. ft. looks pretty good, because even a R-1 use would be 1500
minimum sq. ft. He stated he would recommend the 1600 sq. ft. be increased to 1700
to 1750 sq. ft. on the SUP.
Commissioner Tarin asked what would happen if the engineers found that the flood
plain issues could not be taken care of. Mr. Young stated this case would come back to
the commissioners if there were a major change in the development.
Vice Chairman McNeese stated that for the record two letters were received by mail
from Mr. Charles and Ruth Hunt and Hsi Ching Teng stating they were in favor of this
zoning change request.
Commissioner Grove said he was torn with so many small lots. Vice-Chairman
McNeese stated he was torn as well, but yet agrees that the larger houses are better
than the 1500 sq. ft. homes. He stated he felt the product Mr. Sandlin would build
would be a quality home. He stated the overall use is appropriate.
Commissioner Tarin stated they were not dealing with someone they didn't know,
because Sandlin Homes have been around a long time therefore, he was in favor of the
project. Commissioner Tarin made the motion to recommend approval of Case #00-04-
ZC.
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 9
October 17, 2000
Commissioner Deithloff stated he was in favor of this project even though he didn't like
the lot size or density, but felt residential was a good use for this piece of property.
Commissioner Grove seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
ITEM 6 CASE #00-16-SUP — HOLD PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING A
SPECIFIC USE PERMIT AND CONSIDER A RECOMMENDATION FOR
ORDINANCE NO. 1450
Receive public input regarding a request for a Specific Use Permit on B.
F. Crowley Survey, A-320, Tract 5, and portions of Tracts 3, 5A2, and
5A3B for a gated residential community, and consider a recommendation
regarding Ordinance No. 1450. This property is located on 1800 Block of
North Main Street and east to Fuller Wiser.
Vice Chairman McNeese opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Bo Bass, Director of Planning and Development, gave a brief overview of this case
and stated this SUP was for a gated community. He stated now was the time to put
conditions on the project such as lot line back on Thornwood at Fuller-Wiser Rd., tree
resource, access point, construction truck access, quantity of lots, etc. He asked the
commissioners to be reasonable and practical adjacent to the homes on Thornwood
and Chittam Drive. He stated staff recommended approval.
Mr. Terry Sandlin, Sandlin Homes, N. Richland Hills, stated that without the SUP it
would be non-gated and as it has always been intended to be public access to Chittam
Drive. He stated his desire is to have a gated community. He stated his desire on the
south side would be limited access for emergency vehicles only. He stated the gated
concept is what more and more people like now-days for security reasons. He stated
the gates would be located on Fuller-Wiser Rd. and N. Main Street.
Mr. Joe Matthews, 100 Trailwood Drive, stated he was in favor of the single-family
development and pleased that it is not apartments. He stated single-family homes
would be better for the City of Euless. He stated he had two requests, that the car
lights not shine into his bedroom window, and the second concern, was that the
intersection of Trailwood, Main Street and Fountainview, needs to have a traffic light.
He stated there are blind spots and he expressed how he thought this location might
become very hazardous without the traffic light.
Mr. Paul Alexander, 1915 N. Main Street, stated he liked the idea of homes being built
there instead of apartments. He also stated concerns with the traffic at the intersection
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 10
October 17, 2000
on N. Main Street. He asked if the fence could be 8 feet instead of 6 feet on N. Main
Street to cut down on the car lights shining onto his property. He stated that he would
like to see an access through the park from Hwy. 360, all the way to Hwy. 121. He
stated the park should not be private so that the Parks Department Master Plan for the
greenbelt continues from Hwy. 121 to Hwy. 360 and were full access for the taxpayers.
Mr. John Kelley, 507 Thornwood Drive, stated he and his wife Sandy also own 401
Thornwood, and a house on Tealwood, and a couple of houses on the other side. He
stated he was in favor of this project and his concern is the density. He stated he was
concerned that this is a gated community and not totally fenced. He stated security is
important because children cut across this property at Chittam Drive and something
would need to be done about that situation. He stated that the city and the citizens can
come out of this a winner, if everyone will remain calm and think things through.
Mr. Bob Price, 1713 Chittam Drive, stated he was in favor of this request over a multi-
family development. He stated he would like to echo Commissioner Grove's comments
regarding the gate at Chittam Drive. He asked if that would be vehicular and pedestrian
or vehicle only emergency access gate.
Mr. Mark Spurlock, 415 Thornwood, stated he was torn between for or against this
request. He stated he had questions on the fencing. He stated the fence should
E continue all along the back of Thornwood Drive. He stated he would prefer the trees as
a noise barrier rather than two story houses. He stated he would like to see the rear
adjoining properties to match up with the existing lot lines, so that he would not have
three rear property neighbors. He expressed concerns with the trees along the back of
his property on Thornwood Drive and he would be in favor of a tree easement.
Ms. Mary Jurin, 1809 Chittam Drive, stated she was also torn and would have to admit
that this would be better than apartments that were going in all around her. She
informed the commissioners that she would like to see Chittam Drive closed off and
used as emergency access only. She stated she would like to see more open space on
the south end of the development.
Ms. Traci Mountain, 421 Thornwood Drive, stated she was concerned with the removal
of trees and over crowding the school system. She asked how long the construction
would take before people would start buying and moving in. She stated concerns with
the flood plain and Main Street traffic.
Vice-Chairman McNeese stated he was totally empathetic, and understands the
concern with the school system, but the school system would work. He stated they
have a way of estimating the growth.
Mr. Jeff Mountain, 421 Thornwood Drive, stated he was concerned with the drainage
e during the construction and he would like to have assurance that he would not have
water running in his house after completion. Mr. McNeese stated the developer has to
prove up to FEMA that flooding will not happen. He stated there are rules and
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 11
October 17, 2000
regulations, and a Engineer on Staff that will be involved in the proving up. Mr.
Mountain stated he was concerned with the removal of large trees and hates to see the
noise barrier go away. He stated he could see a considerable difference between the
summer and the winter. He stated in the wintertime he could hear the planes idle on
the ramp.
Mr. Shawn Kelley, 502 Thornwood Drive stated he was concerned about the drainage
near Thornwood Drive. He informed the commissioners that when it rains between lots
4 and 5 water backs up when the drain is full and asked that there be another drain
near that area. He asked that pedestrians be able to get through the new
neighborhood to access the proposed park area. He asked that the easement to lots 4
and 5 be for the pedestrians to access the park and also serve as drainage when the
drain fills up on Thornwood. He stated he also had concerns regarding the
maintenance of the fences five years down the road.
Ms. Danielle Arnett, 413 Thornwood Drive, stated she was for the single-family use.
She stated she had lived in the area almost 5 years. She stated she had concerns
regarding the lot sizes. She asked for one to one lots, and realized Mr. Sandlin would
lose a little bit of income. She stated she was at an 8-foot grade from where they would
be building. She stated that she would be looking over a 6-foot fence, causing the
neighbor to look up at her on her deck. She asked why have a gated community
without a fence around the complete project. She stated she would like to keep her
privacy. She asked that there be a tree easement to be deeded to the new
homeowners so that they cannot cut them down. She asked for an 8-foot masonry
fence but would hate that the large oak trees would need to be cut down. She stated
she loves the privacy with the trees and would hate they be cut down for a fence along
her rear property line. She asked what the time line would be. Vice Chairman
McNeese asked her if she had a fence now. She stated they had a chain link fence
but it cannot be seen because of all the trees, and vines that are growing on it.
Mr. Sandlin stated deed restrictions would be that the homeowners install and maintain
the fences. He stated a masonry fence would not be recommended because it would
block the drainage, and was not in favor of having mixed fencing material such as
masonry and wood for the homeowners. He stated masonry would be on N. Main
Street to block the headlights from the vehicles. He stated the school districts plan
ahead for growth and that should not be a concern for over crowding. He stated there
was concern about the animals on the vacant land and he said the animals such as
possums, raccoons, etc. would most likely come back when the development is
complete. He stated they would try to leave as many trees alone as they can and the
area around the ponds they would try to leave as natural as they can. He stated the
flood study would increase the citizens flood area from 15 ft. to 500 ft. away from the
flood plain due to adding fill dirt to the north. He expressed concerns with the cost of
lots compared to the size of houses that he would need to build on each particular lot to
re-coop his investment because only half the land is buildable. He stated what dictates
the price of home is the cost of the lot, and the deed restrictions required for the area as
to what type of home goes in there. Mr. Sandlin stated there was an issue about the
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 12
October 17, 2000
park, and would have to address it two ways, because if it becomes a private park a lot
of concerns and issues would not apply, and if it is a public park, there would be access
along Fuller-Wiser Rd. He suggested the residents along Thornwood install an opening
into the fence that is now blocked off and that would give them access to the dedicated
sidewalk to the potentially future public park. He suggested there would also be access
off Chittam if it became a public park.
Mr. Jackey Fluitt, Washington and Assoc., 500 Grapevine Hwy, Hurst, TX, informed the
commissioners the drainage issues are currently being processed as a drainage study
on Little Bear Creek in accordance with the FEMA requirements that are also based on
the drainage study that was prepared for the City of Euless by Teague, Nall, and
Perkins. He stated they had to evaluate not only FEMA but evaluate the ultimate
drainage study which basically takes into consideration the total urban development
above this development throughout the other cities, which gives them the ultimate flood
elevations that they are governed by, and regarding the gentlemen that has the two
large lots currently in place is a 66 inch reinforced concrete pipe, which basically takes
care of the 25 year storm frequency. He stated there was a drainage easement
between the two houses that takes care of the 100 year overflow once the storm drain
system gets past it runs across this lot and down into their area. He stated they would
be required by the City Engineer to enclose that to a minimum 25-year storm frequency
and they would probably enlarge it more than that because of the runoff that will be
created also. He stated that regarding the turn-a-rounds, they had looked at the turn-a-
rounds on both ends, Fuller-Wiser Rd. and N. Main Street and the turning radius meets
the requirements of the Fire Department and the adequate stacking has been applied.
Vice-Chairman McNeese closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Tarin asked Mr. Sandlin what the possibility would be to install an 8-foot
fence from Fuller-Wiser Rd. all the way to Chittam Drive. Mr. Sandlin stated the
masonry would stop at Lot 1, Block E, and the 6-foot wood fence would be the
preference of the future homeowners. He stated most homeowners feel an 8-foot fence
is too large.
Commissioner Deithloff reiterated what Commissioner Tarin had asked. He stated he
would like to be shown where the masonry fence actually stops. Mr. Bass informed the
commissioners where the masonry stops and pointed out on the drawing the note that
specifies masonry fencing. He stated that the understanding in Pre-Session was that
masonry would extend all along the south property to Chittam Drive. Mr. Bass asked if
that was a graphic error. Mr. Sandlin stated no, the intention was that the 6-foot
masonry fence was developed in the meetings with city staff because of concerns with
past zoning cases where the issue of headlights shining into the end of the cul-de-sac
came up. Mr. Bass asked if the deed restrictions would be that each individual lot have
a fence and be built as they are constructed. Mr. Sandlin said yes. Commissioner
Deithloff stated he was still concerned as to who was going to use the park. Mr.
Sandlin stated he was not sure yet if it would be private or public. Commissioner
Deithloff asked if the three ponds were detention ponds. Mr. Fluitt stated they are
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 13
October 17, 2000
basically detention ponds and explained how they will be utilized as detention ponds.
Commissioner Grove stated he was pleased to see this property as single-family
development. He stated he would like to see the property lines line up with the rear
property owners property lines. He stated he had on his property and 8-foot and 6 foot
fence and agrees that an 8-foot fence is imposing. A citizen spoke up and stated there
was an 8-foot drop behind her home and a 6-foot fence would not be seen. Mr. Sandlin
stated it may need to be designated by a lot-by-lot elevation. Commissioner Grove
stated that wouldn't work because a patchwork of 6 ft. to 8 ft. would not be desirable
either. He stated he would like to see the fences be built behind the homes at the
commencement of this development. Mr. Sandlin stated he would be agreeable to put
up a 6-foot wood fence along the back of the property on Thornwood and 8 foot subject
to elevation changes. Commissioner Grove asked if the project was financed so tight
that he could not give up 3 lots. Mr. Sandlin said yes, because the lots are roughly
$40,000 each and 3 lots are what it will cost to put in the pool and the cabana. He
stated he would have to give up that facility and would rather have the 3 lots. He stated
he had a piece of property that only 50% of it is buildable and had to buy 100% of it to
make it work. Commissioner Grove asked what the private gates add to the price of the
lots. Mr. Sandlin said it was about $500 per lot to provide the gates. Commissioner
Grove suggested giving up the gates and what would the citizens want, lined up
property lines or no gate on Chittam. The citizens opposed that idea by wanting both.
Mr. Sandlin informed the commission that the numbers are extremely tight and they had
been working on it since January. He stated it is not an easy piece of land because of
the flood plain /elevations.
Vice Chairman McNeese stated he had similar views about the fence and felt they
could make that a condition to the SUP and let it go before Council to let them and Mr.
Sandlin work out the fence issue. He asked what the time line would be. Mr. Sandlin
stated that by the time it goes through FEMA and the Army Corp. of Engineers on the
4-0-4 permit. (2126) he stated he had a couple more governmental agencies to go
through before he can even start. He stated time-wise on the streets would be 6 to 8
months, and the build out on the homes would be 3 to 4 months per home.
Vice-Chairman McNeese reiterated to the citizens there may never be a public park and
that the park, cabana, and pool is a trade off as amenities to the $160,000 to $220,000
homebuyer. He stated he was in favor of residential and was totally empathetic with
the lady that has the 8-foot drop in her rear yard. He stated he would like to masonry
fencing but did not see that happening. He stated he would like to see a minimum of 6
foot wood fence, preferably before construction, SUP be conditional that Chittam Drive
emergency access only, and no construction vehicles during the construction of this
property go through Chittam Drive, and the homeowners have a definite interest and
need to be considered as far as having the lots line up. He stated he felt Mr. Sandlin
should be able to reconfigure the lots and still make a sizeable profit on this project. He
stated he was not in favor of the 10 or 15-foot easement because he wouldn't want to
pay $160,000 to $240,000 for a house and have an easement as such. He stated he
was concerned about the headlights shining into the homeowner's bedroom but felt the
Planning and Zoning Agenda Page 14
October 17, 2000
masonry fencing would be sufficient along N. Main Street.
Mr. Bass recommended that staff be given the opportunity to designate the easements
and have it taken care of by the time this recommendation goes to City Council. The
commissioners agreed to let that happen.
Commissioner Grove made the motion to recommend approval of Case #00-16-SUP
with the following conditions:
1. Considering installing a fence prior to construction adjacent to the lots that abut
on the southern boundary.
2. Construction traffic not be allowed to access Chittam Drive under any conditions.
3. That the lots be provided for lining up adjacent to the lots on Thornwood Drive.
4. An 8-foot masonry fence be considered on the west property line adjacent to N.
Main Street.
5. The consideration of some type of mechanism easement or otherwise for the
conservation of trees along Thornwood Drive by rear property line and the new
property being considered for construction.
Vice Chairman McNeese asked if in the event a park is developed to the public, then
some type of public access would be needed. Mr. Bass stated that issue would be
resolved before it gets to Council. He stated that could certainly be a condition.
6. If the park open space resource becomes public then some mechanism by these
existing residents can access the park in the future.
Commissioner Tarin seconded the motion. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: Vice Chairman McNeese, Commissioners Deithloff, Tarin, Grove
Nays: None
The motion carried.
ITEM 7 REPORTS
There were no reports.
ITEM 8 DIRECTOR'S REPORT
There were no reports.
Adjournment: There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
7- dmo
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