Title:
Consideration of and action on a referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission to request amending the zoning ordinance to allow heliports or helistops as an accessory use for medical facilities in commercial districts via a specific use permit.
Body
Summary:
This item follows a discussion Council held at the September 19, 2017 City Council Workshop. At that time, Council heard from Mr. Randy Stockwell who desires to open a short-term emergency care clinic in Deer Park. He and his business partners had planned to include a heliport or helistop as an accessory use to this facility. However, at present City Code does not allow heliports or helistops in commercial zoning districts. Rather, the City’s Zoning Ordinance allows heliports and helistops only by specific use permit in the M-1 or M-2 zoning districts. At the conclusion of the discussion, Council indicated a desire to assist with establishing this Zoning Ordinance change, provided any helistop or heliport allowed in a commercial zoning district be permitted only as an accessory use, and only with a specific use permit. With this action, Council is referring this matter to the Planning & Zoning Commission for their recommendation. The Commission will give its recommendation, which then will be followed by having the Commission and City Council hold a Joint Public Hearing on the matter. Afterward, Council may take action to decide final disposition of the request. Below is the proposed schedule of events for this matter:
10/3/17 City Council makes referral to Planning Zoning
10/16/17 Planning Zoning schedules a Public Hearing
11/6/17 Planning Zoning conducts Public Hearing & referral to City Council
11/20/17 City Council calls for Joint Public Hearing
12/19/17 Joint Public Hearing.
Fiscal/Budgetary Impact:
N/A
Recommended action:
Approve the referral to the Planning and Zoning Commission.