October 15, 2012 - City of Laredo

Date:
1011 5/12
Initiated by:
Andalay Ltd.
Prior action: None.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing a Conditional
Use Permit for an amusement redemption machine establishment on Lots 1 and 10 and a
portion of Lots 2, 8 and 9, Block 28 1, Western Division, located at One South Main Ave-
nue, 1 5th Floor; providing for publication and effective date. Staff is in support of the ap-
plication and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommends approval. ZC-2 1-20 12
BACKGROUND
Council District: VIII - The Honorable Cindy Liendo Espinoza
Proposed use: Amusement redemption machine establishment
Site: Rio Grande Plaza Hotel
Staff source:
Horacio De Leon, Asst. City Manager
Nathan R. Bratton, Planning Director
Surrounding land uses: The property to the south includes vacant land, a park and the Rio Grande
River. East of the property includes parking areas for River Drive Mall. West of the property are va-
cant land, and a rail road bridge. North of the property are River Drive Mall, a vacant warehouse, ho-
tel parking lot, single-family residences and Miller Financial Services.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan identifies this area as Light Commercial.
Transportation Plan: The Long Range Thoroughfare Plan does not identify Main Avenue.
Letters sent to surrounding property owners: 7 In Favor: 0 Opposed: 1
STAFF COMMENTS
Staff supports the issuance of the proposed Conditional Use Permit at this location. An amusement re-
demption machine establishment requires a B-4 designation, rather than the current B-3 zoning district.
Staff suggests the following conditions:
1. The C.U.P. shall be issued to Andalay Ltd. and Sky Amusement, and is nontransferable.
2. The C.U.P. is restricted to the activities described in letter, Exhibit "A", which is made part hereof
for all purposes.
3. The C.U.P. is restricted to the site plan, Exhibit "B", which is made part hereof for all purposes.
4. No building permits, occupancy permits or amusement redemption machine fee permits will be
issued until a signed contract or agreement for use of additional parking is submitted to the Plan-
ning Department.
5. Signage is limited to that allowed in a B-3 District.
6. Strobe lights, flashing lights, and any other outdoor lighting designed to attract attention are pro-
hibited.
P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The P & Z Commission, in an 8 to 1 vote, recommended
approval of the conditional use permit.
(Continued on next page.. .)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff supports the proposed conditional use
permit.