Presenter
Presenter
Christopher J. Looney, Director of Planning & Community Development
Contact Info
clooney@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
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Public hearing and consideration of the first reading of an ordinance regarding proposed amendments to the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 144, Zoning, amending: Section 5.10, Temporary Uses to include Special Events, Section 1.3, Definitions to include a definition; and deleting Section 5.23-18, Special Events.
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Case No.: CS-17-016
Council District: All
Applicant: City of New Braunfels
Staff Contact: Stacy A.M. Snell, Assistant Director
(830) 221-4051
ssnell@nbtexas.org
The current regulations for Special Events are found in the Temporary Vending Operations section of the Zoning Ordinance. This limited section gives imprecise guidelines for hosting a special event, including that the event must have a minimum of 10 vendors. Special event gatherings in New Braunfels vary dramatically in size and activities. The purpose can range from promotional business event to non-profit fundraiser to community celebration. With such a wide spectrum, the community has difficulty meeting the existing restrictions and the City has very little authority to protect neighborhoods from any unwanted side effects of a special event (such as noise).
The proposed ordinance makes the following changes to Chapter 144, Zoning to provide clearer standards and streamline the review process while protecting the general public health, safety, and welfare.
• Deletes Sec. 5.23-18, Special Events, from Sec. 5.23, Temporary Vending Operations
• Adds a definition for “special events”
• Creates a new section for Special Events under Sec. 5.10, Temporary Uses, including objective criteria for review and approval
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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Yes |
City Plan/Council Priority: 2006 Comprehensive Plan Pros and Cons Based on Policies Plan |
Pros: |
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Goal 6: Refine or add zoning requirements to be compatible with the community's overall intentions and the best interests of the community as a whole. Objective A: Review existing zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations and make appropriate and timely recommendations. Goal 16: Update and streamline regulations to reduce regulatory complexity, to encourage both economic development and quality of life, and to control administrative and development costs. |
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Cons: |
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None. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
A varying amount of revenue dependent upon the number of special events held. The revenue will cover the cost of staff time to review the applications.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning Commission met on September 12, 2017, and recommended approval of the ordinance with changes recommended to the wording regarding "exemptions". The vote was unanimous (7-0-0) with Commissioner Sonier absent.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval. The proposed changes will facilitate special events within the community, and add clear guidelines for reviewing and approving such events while protecting nearby residents.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Changes
2. Draft Planning Commission Minutes - September 12, 2017
3. Ordinance