TOWN STAFF REPORT RECCOMENDATIONS
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Conduct a public hearing and consider a recommendation approving proposed amendments to Ordinance 693, approving the zoning and concept plan for the PD1-3 zoning district (Granada), in order to allow for the construction of a guard house at the main entry gate into the development.
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STAFF: Ron Ruthven, Director of Development and Planning
Executive Summary (Including Applicable Organizational History)
The Granada Homeowner’s Association (HOA) is requesting an amendment to the Granada concept plan in order to allow for the construction of a guard house at the main entrance into the development on Granada Trail approximately 400 south of the intersection with Solana Boulevard and Cortes Drive. The guard house would be 304 square feet in size and be staffed with security personnel.
Existing Conditions and Zoning
The Granada development is currently gated with private streets, which are maintained by the HOA. The development is currently served by three entrances: (1) the main entrance on Granada Trail, (2) an emergency access only entrance on Dove Road, and (3) a temporary construction entrance on Solana Boulevard. The main gate on Granada Trail currently operates automatically using a remote-control system. Only 5% of the total residential lots in the Granada development remain vacant and, therefore, the temporary construction entrance, which was approved administratively, must be closed by the end of 2023 barring further amendment to the zoning and concept plan.
The Granada development was approved by Ordinance 693 <https://weblink.westlake-tx.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=5040&dbid=0&repo=WESTLAKE> in 2013. Exhibit 2, of Ordinance 693 includes the approved concept plan for the development. A guard house was not proposed by the developer of Granada at the time the zoning was approved and was, therefore, not shown on the concept plan. However, any change to the concept plan requires an amendment to Ordinance 693.
Proposal Details
According to the attached letter provided by the applicant, they are requesting to “allow for the addition of a manned guard house for the Granada development. The site is approximately 1.5 acres in the median along Granada Trail, north of Solana Blvd. As part of the Granada Development, there is an existing median located along Granada Trail that we are intending to alter to construct a guard shack and the associated parking spots. There will be two entry armed gates to allow for emergency bypass as well as a refuse turn around located before the guard shack. One ADA and one standard parking space will be added to allow the shack to be manned at all times.”
The guard house will be composed of masonry material and the attached designs have been approved by the Granada Architectural Control Committee (ACC). Landscaping will be added to the entry area around the guard house per the attached landscape plans. Granada Trail is private beginning at Solana Boulevard and the proposed guard house and improvements will be located completely on HOA property and maintained by the HOA.
Summary and Recommendation
The proposed guard house requires an amendment to the Granada concept plan. The guard house design has been approved by the Granada ACC and has been reviewed by the Town development review committee for compliance with applicable Town ordinances. Based on these conditions, staff recommends approval of the concept plan amendment as proposed.
Attachments
1. Location Map
2. Approved Granada Concept Plan
3. Applicant’s Narrative
4. Proposed Guard House Plans and Designs
Planning and Zoning Commission Options:
1. Motion to recommend approval
2. Motion to recommend an amendment with the following stipulations (please state stipulations in motion)
3. Motion to table
4. Motion to recommend denial