BM 1995-09-21 PZMinutes of September 21, 1995
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Coppell met in pre -session at 7 p.m., and
in regular session at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, September 21, 1995, in the Coppell Town Center,
255 Parkway Boulevard, Coppell, Texas 75019. The following members were present:
Chairman George Redford
Commissioner Carl Thompson
Commissioner Stan Lowry
Commissioner Texx Stewart
Commissioner Larry Wheeler
Commissioner Karen Reyher was absent. One seat remains vacant at the present time.
Also present were Planning Director Gary L. Sieb, Assistant City Manager/City Engineer Ken
Griffin, Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen, Planning & Zoning Coordinator Isabelle
Moro, and Administrative Secretary Barbara Jahoda.
PRE -SESSION (Open to the Public)
1. Briefing on the Agenda.
REGULAR SESSION (Oven to the Public)
2. Call to Order
Chairman Redford called the meeting to order.
3. Invocation
Commissioner Stewart gave the invocation.
4. Approval of Minutes dated August 17, 1995
Commissioner Lowry made a motion to approve the minutes of August 17, 1995, as
submitted. Commissioner Thompson seconded the motion; motion carried (4-0) with
Commissioners Lowry, Thompson, Redford and Stewart voting in favor. Commissioner
Wheeler arrived after Item 5. None opposed.
5. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of PD -146.
Estates of DeForest Road, zoning change from A (Agriculture) to PD -SF -12 (Planned
Development, Single Family -12) for Estates of DeForest Road, located on the north
side of DeForest Road; west of Cambridge Manor Lane, at the request of Tipton
Engineering, Inc.
Assistant Director of Planning Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission,
stating that the applicant has withdrawn his application. Staff s recommendation would
be to deny without prejudice.
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to close the Public Hearing and deny without
prejudice PD -146, Estates of DeForest Road, zoning change from A (Agriculture) to PD -
SF -12 (Planned Development, Single Family -12). Commissioner Stewart seconded the
motion. Motion carried (4-0) with Commissioners Lowry, Thompson, Redford, and
Stewart voting in favor. Commissioner Wheeler arrived after this item. None opposed.
6. CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING: To consider the approval of Z -C-
584(CH.), zoning change from O (Office) and R (Retail) to C (Commercial), on
approximately 16 acres of land, located at the northwest corner of Beltline Road and
MacArthur Boulevard; east of the TP&L transmission line.
Planning Director Gary Sieb introduced the item to the Commission stating that this case
was heard on August 17, 1995, and at that Hearing, the Planning Commission asked to
have more definitive information brought to them, if possible, that would give the
Commission a better idea as to what uses might be planned for this property if it were
to be rezoned from Office and Retail to Commercial. A concept plan was included in
the packet of uses that might go on selected parcels, all of which would require a Special
Use Permit in addition to the base commercial zoning. Staff recommends approval of
the zoning change if the Commission is comfortable with the proposed concept plan, and
then each parcel can be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Mark Haas, the realtor handling the site, was present to represent this item before the
Commission and answer any questions. Bob Voelker, C.E.D. Construction, 8445
Freeport, Suite 650, was also present.
Some discussion followed.
Chairman Redford opened the Public Hearing, asking for people present who wanted to
speak in opposition of this proposal to come forward.
There were none.
Chairman Redford then asked for people present who wanted to speak in favor to this
request to come forward.
There were none.
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Commissioner Stewart made a motion to close the Public Hearing and approve Case No.
ZC-584(CH), zoning change from O and R (Office and Retail) to C (Commercial).
Commissioner Lowry seconded the motion. Motion carried (5-0) with Commissioners
Lowry, Wheeler, Thompson, Redford and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
7. To consider the approval of Compass Bank Addition, Preliminary Plat, to allow the
operation of a 4,021 sq. ft. bank with 6 drive-through lanes, located at the southeast
corner of Denton Tap Road and Parkway Blvd., at the request of KPS Group, Inc.
Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, stating
that the site plan submitted shows a highly effective building arrangement and traffic
circulation. The location of the drive-in windows is screened from Parkway Boulevard
by the building and from Denton Tap Road by the existing berm which will be
landscaped. The landscape and irrigation plans are acceptable, with the exception that
cedar elms are not the dominant street tree, as prescribed by the Subdivision Ordinance.
He indicated that the drawings for the monument sign were not included with the
application. Staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat with the condition that
the landscaping plan be changed to show a minimum of 40% of the trees along Denton
Tap Road and Parkway Boulevard be cedar elm and subject to the Engineering
Department's comments. In reviewing the architectural elevations, it was suggested that
some discussion with the applicant might be helpful regarding the possibility of a roof
line which would be more compatible with the other Town Center buildings.
Some discussion followed regarding Town Center Boulevard. Ken Griffin, Assistant City
Manager/City Engineer, apprised the Commission of the plan for this road. Also
discussion was held regarding the recommended trees and landscaping provisions.
Tim Lucy, KPS Group, Architects, 2101 1st Avenue, North, Birmingham, Alabama, was
present to represent this item before the Commission and answer any questions. He
presented a sign package for the Commission's review and apologized for not having
included it previously. He also presented photographs.
Extended discussion followed.
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve Compass Bank, Preliminary Plat,
with the following conditions: (1) All Engineering comments need to be addressed and
approved by staff; i.e.: provide a 10' x 10' easement for water meters located on
Denton Tap Road; show sight visibility triangles for all driveways as per the City's
Subdivision Ordinance; and provide a 10' sidewalk easement along Denton Tap Road,
(2) The signage shall meet City ordinance and needs to be reviewed by City staff, (3)
The monument sign shall be less than 60 square feet; (4) The metal canopy for the drive-
through area shall be masonry; (5) Noise and glare requirements of the Zoning Ordinance
shall be met, and (6) Regarding the landscape plans, 40% of the trees along Denton Tap
Road and Parkway Boulevard shall be cedar elms and as many live oaks as possible shall
be preserved. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion carried (4-1)
with Commissioners Lowry, Wheeler, Thompson, and Redford voting in favor.
Commissioner Stewart opposed.
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8. To consider the approval of Town Center, Lot 3, Block 1, Final Plat, to allow the
operation of Comerica Bank, located on the east side of Denton Tap Road,
approximately 1000 feet north of Sandy Lake Road, at the request of Dowdey,
Anderson and Associates, Inc.
P&Z Coordinator Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, stating that the
Comerica Bank Final Plat meets all City requirements. Staff recommends approval,
subject to Engineering recommendations. Ms. Moro pointed out that the monument sign
#1, as submitted by Plasti-Line, Inc., exceeds our sign ordinance requirements. Staff
also recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission alert the Town Center
Architectural Review Board that the materials proposed for the monument sign are not
compatible with either the proposed building or the character of other construction within
the TC district.
Bill Anderson, Dowdey, Anderson and Associates, Inc. , was present to represent this
item before the Commission and answer any questions. Adena Nichols, Comerica Bank,
was also present.
Discussion followed.
Commissioner Wheeler made a motion to approve Town Center, Lot 3, Block 1, Final
Plat, for Comerica Bank with the following conditions: (1) Visibility triangles at all
ingress/egress points need to be shown on the Plat; (2) a 10' -wide sidewalk easement
adjacent to Denton Tap Road needs to be shown on the Plat, and (3) a recommendation
be sent to the Town Center Architectural Review Board that the monument sign not
exceed 60 square feet. It was also recommended that the applicant work with staff and
the Architectural Review Board as to the use of less plastic in the proposed signage.
Commissioner Lowry seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0) with
Commissioners Lowry, Wheeler, Thompson, Redford and Stewart voting in favor.
None opposed.
A 10 minute break was observed at 9:20 p.m.
9. To consider the approval of Copper Stone, Final Plat, to allow the development of
a 129 -lot residential subdivision, located west of the intersection of Parkway
Boulevard and Cowboy Drive, at the request of Dowdey, Anderson and Associates,
Inc.
Assistant Planning Director Pert Virtanen introduced the item to the Commission, stating
that the Preliminary Plat was approved in June of 1992. On June 8, 1993, City Council
approved a one-year extension of that Preliminary Plat. The Final Plat received Council
approval in March, 1994, but was never recorded. Even though the Final Plat became
null and void on September 8, 1994, the Preliminary Plat, by current regulations, is still
valid. The significant difference between the Final Plat that was approved and the
current one consists of changes to street names, reduction in the number of entrances to
the portion south of Parkway Boulevard to one entrance as opposed to the previous two
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and the proposal that the streets beyond that entrance be private streets. This subdivision
is part of the original 766 acre tract known as Parks of Coppell. As a part of the
purchase contract for City Hall, Council agreed to apply the subdivision regulations
applicable at that time to the balance of the 766 acres. Consequently, the subdivision
regulations that apply to this property are those that basically were established around
1978. Also as part of the contract of sale, there was a provision which stated that the
filing of a Final Plat for an area within that 766 acre tract shall constitute acceptance by
the City of the streets for maintenance. If the City accepts the streets for maintenance,
then they must be public streets since the City would not be able to utilize public funds
to maintain private streets. The City is obligated to approve the Final Plat under the
terms of the old Subdivision Ordinance, but has no obligation to waive alley requirements
in the SF -9 district or cul-de-sac length requirements as it did when the previous Final
Plat was approved. It also has no obligation to accept the park dedication. The street
name of Amherst closely resembles an existing street name of Elmhurst, consequently,
staff recommends that street name be changed. Staff has been on record for years as
opposing private streets, although we understand that the term "private streets" carries
with it a notion of exclusiveness which from a marketing standpoint, seems to have a
certain appeal, but from the standpoint of protection of human life, staff feels it is
important that those streets are accessible quickly and easily without any interruption for
emergency vehicles. If private streets were approved by Council, staff believes that this
would release the City from its obligations under the purchase contract and that the
applicant would be liable for all requirements of the current regulations, such as cash in
lieu of dedication for park facilities; a provision for a Hike and Bike trail and
construction thereof. Staff recommends approval of this Final Plat with the stipulation
that streets be public and compliance with the Engineering requirements.
Bill Anderson, Dowdey, Anderson and Associates, Inc., 16250 Dallas Parkway, Suite
100, Dallas, TX 75248, was present to represent this item before the Commission and
answer any questions. Jim Briscoe, Briscoe Clarke Co., Ltd., 8300 Douglas Avenue,
Suite 800, Dallas, TX 75225, developer of the project, was also present to answer
questions.
Considerable discussion followed.
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve Copper Stone, Final Plat, with the
following conditions: (1) All streets will be public; (2) any cul-de-sac over 600' needs
to be designed for easy access by emergency vehicles. This must have the approval of
the Engineering Department and the Fire Department; (3) provision of sight visibility
triangles at all street intersections; (4) provision of a 20' -wide utility easement for the
proposed water line connection to Parkway Boulevard from the west cul-de-sac of
Amherst Way (as currently named); (5) provision of a detail of the proposed median on
Amherst Way and a note that it is to be maintained by the Homeowners Association; (6)
clarification as to maintenance of any proposed retaining wall along the rear of the lots
on the north edge of the subdivision; (7) provide a 90 o intersection of Copperstone Trail
with Parkway Boulevard; (8) provide a note referencing the lots to be dedicated to the
City; (9) provide permanent erosion protection for Amherst Lane between Lot 7 Block
D and Lot 23 Block E and evaluate the need for erosion protection adjacent to Lots 10-23
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Block E and Lot 7 Block D; (10) relocate the sanitary sewer off of Lots 12-16 Block A
or provide a rear building line which reserves sufficient space for the construction of
swimming pools between the rear building line and the sanitary sewer easement; (11) the
name "Turkey Knob" be incorporated into the subdivision in the southern most common
area, bordered by Cottonwood Creek (Lot 8, Block F), recognizing it with a marker and
working with staff as to its historical significance; (12) the street name of "Amherst" be
renamed "Martel"; and (13) the Homeowners Association documents be defined prior to
the Final Plat being forwarded to City Council for approval. Commissioner Stewart
seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0) with Commissioners Lowry, Wheeler,
Thompson, Redford and Stewart voting in favor. None opposed.
10. To consider the approval of Freeport Parkway Right -of -Way, Final Plat, to allow
a 630.32 ft. extension of Freeport Parkway northwest of State Highway 121, within
the limits of the proposed D/FW Trade Center, at the request of Industrial
Developments International, Inc.
P&Z Coordinator Isabelle Moro introduced the item to the Commission, stating that this
plat was prepared for approval by both the cities of Grapevine and Coppell. The
majority of the road right-of-way dedication occurs in Grapevine at a width which meets
that City's requirements. The portion within Coppell provides a 140' diameter
turnaround and capability of extension off-site to the northwest across Denton Creek.
Since the plat name duplicates that of a final plat approved by Council in 1985, staff
recommends approval of this plat and also recommends that the plat name be recorded
as D/FW Trade Center - Freeport Parkway Right -of -Way.
Craig Gum, representing IDI, 4916 Junius Street, was present to represent this item
before the Commission and answer any questions.
Commissioner Lowry made a motion to approve Freeport Parkway Right -of -Way, Final
Plat. Commissioner Wheeler seconded the motion. The motion carried (5-0) with
Commissioners Lowry, Wheeler, Thompson, Redford and Stewart voting in favor. None
opposed.
11. General discussion concerning planning and zoning issues
A. Informational discussion regarding a street name change for Thweatt
Road and a portion of Coppell Road to Sandy Lake Road.
As a matter of information to the Planning Commission, Planning Director Gary Sieb
stated that the City is in the process of requesting a change of name for Thweatt Road
and a portion of Coppell Road to Sandy Lake Road. Since Sandy Lake Road is one of
the major thoroughfares of the City, it would be desirable to have it run from 121 all the
way through to 35E. One of the reasons for this change is that Mr. Thweatt, himself,
has requested that this be done. City Council will be hearing this request on October
10th.
Gary Sieb reminded the Commission about the reception that is planned for the 26th at
5:30 p.m. honoring those Board and Commission members who are not returning and
welcoming the new and reappointed members. He stated that both Larry Wheeler and
Stan Lowry were reappointed, and Madge Cruse and Rick McCaffrey were selected as
new members. He then thanked Carl Thompson, a long standing Planning and Zoning
Commissioner, for his dedication to this community.
Chairman Redford asked about the Sign Ordinance Committee. Gary Sieb stated that
Council is very interested in reviewing the City's Sign Ordinance to see if changes need
to be made to it. The Chamber of Commerce wants representation on the review
committee. Commissioner Redford has given thought as to whom he would like to see
serve on such a committee -- that Commission member being Larry Wheeler.
Commissioner Wheeler accepted the nomination. Commissioner Redford then asked if
anyone else would like to volunteer. No one replied. Pert Virtanen and Gary Sieb will
also serve on this committee.
Chairman Redford mentioned that a meeting may have to be scheduled regarding signage
that is proposed for Town Center, in particular. It was suggested that the Commission
schedule a meeting, or work session, with the Town Center Architectural Review Board.
An evening meeting is preferable. Gary Sieb will try to set up a meeting before our next
scheduled Planning and Zoning Meeting on October 19th. After some discussion, Gary
was asked to attempt to arrange a special meeting on October 5th.*
* As a footnote, a meeting with all the parties could not be scheduled.
With nothing further to discuss, the meeting adjourned at approximately 10:50 p.m.
Redford,
ATTEST:
H. Jahoda,�,Administrative Secretary
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