City rof West University Place  Public Works Department  Zoning & Planning Commission MUNICIPAL BUILDING 3800 UNIVERSITY BOULEVARD MEETING MINUTES September 12, 2024  MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT:  John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu,  Myrenda Takashima and John Howard  Bob Powell  Legal Counsel Philip Boedeker, Asst. Public Works Director, Brett Cast, Administrative Coordinator Josie Hayes, Permit Technician, Trina Tribble and Zoning Councilmember, Clay Brett and Alida Drewes  Official Joe Newton  GUEST:  1. Notices, Rules, Etc. John Cutrer, Presiding Officer, called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. John Cutrer asked staff to confirm that appropriate notices were given. Josie Hayes stated notices were posted per state and local laws. John Cutrer asked commission 2. Public Comments. Clay Brett provided an update regarding the 2025 budget that was recently approved, Phase II of the interviewing process for Fire Chief, Police Chief's upcoming retirement, Facilities Master Plan, the Comp Study Plan and the West Side Drainage project. Alida Drewes, 6112 Fordham stated the city needed to grandfather driveways for older homes within the city and allow alternate materials for them.  members and stafft to introduce themselves.  3. Discussion Items from City Council.  Lighting Ordinance There are currently defined times in the ordinance for decorative lights for Halloween and Christmas. The lighting survey provided in the meeting packets that BBG performed, who is now SafeBuilt, was done in four phases. Initial one was a control plan, one was done during the Christmas time, a third during Halloween, and a final phase done after. January 30 to see whether those decorations were being removed ini the defined time. The report revealed that, in general, there is no significant potential lighting issue in the city. One of  3826. Amherst St. West University Place, TX77005 713-662-5830  ut.testutx.gou    Cityof West University Place  Public Works Department  the minor issues was predominantly minor glare and overspill from security lighting. There was general discussion ift the current ordinance should be widened toa allow for flashing decorative lighting since the current ordinance only covers Christmas. Also discussed was ifthe dates should be expanded of when lights are permitted and the existing issue of casting glare outside of property lines. Staff stated there have been a few complaints concerning glare. There was general discussion pertaining to the current lighting ordinance that addresses these concerns. After deliberation, Sam Mazzu made a motion to send a recommendation. to City Council that no changes be made. Second by John Howard. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. Noise Ordinance - Brett Cast provided the number of generators permits that have been issued ini the previous years. There was general discussion the setbacks of where generators are allowed tol bei installed, ifar noise dampening cabinet should be required to dampen the decibel output. Ifthe manufacturer's: specifications show their model is under the levels that is stipulated in the noise ordinance, a cabinet would not be required. The cost oft the cabinets and ift they expand the space requirement for a generator was also discussed. After discussion, ZPC asked staff to provide additional information regarding the drop in decibel levels and the cost of the cabinet at the next meeting with aj proposed draft ordinance. Quiet Hours - Joel Newton stated the focus ofthis item is to prevent construction going on during those quiet hours and complaints for neighbors who are having a party in their backyard that are violating the quiet hours. Staff was asked ifthe existing ordinance needed to be amended to add some clarifying language or make an exception for residents that are gathering in a small gathering in their own backyard. After discussion, Dick Yehle made a motion to send a recommendation to City Council that no changes be made. Second by Doug Rephlo. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. HVAC unit Location - Joe Newton explained this also would include generators. The current setbacks were discussed, and that the existing ordinance does not specify a minimum requirement for the unit to the home or structure to where the equipment is set. The city currently goes by manufacturer's s specifications which is normally 12". After discussion, ZPC: asked stafft to provide a draft proposed Driveway Length from Garage Door and Materials - Joe Newton stated this item was briefly discussed at last month's meeting. Specifically for side street entry garages that are not your typical interior lot, front-facing garages. The issue is predominantly for corner lots that have a sidewalk approach to their door on the front ofthe street, and a garage approach on their side street. The current code  ordinance change at the next meeting for review.  3826. Amherst St. West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830  .zuestuta.gou    Cityof West University Place  Public Works Department  specifies that from the property line to the garage door must be a minimum of18 feet. Given the length ofmany modern vehicle models there have been concerns raised that this regulation might not be sufficient. It has been observed that many vehicles overhang by a foot or two into the sidewalk. This can create some life safety issues for pedestrian traffic, as they must divert temporarily into the street to get around the vehicle. There was general discussion ifthe 18-foot requirement should be raised to something slightly higher. Joe Newton stated there have been lawsuits that have been filed in other cities for not enforcing encroachment on the sidewalk from vehicles because it is an ADA issue. After discussion, John Howard made a motion to recommend to City Council that no changes be made. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Basketball Goal Location - Joe Newton stated this item was discussed in length at the last meeting. There were questions as to ifbasketball goals should be considered a structure. There was general discussion ifal basketball goal could be viewed the same as a canopy or similar object designed or used to shelter a motor vehicle. The question was asked as to whether or not portable basketball goals remain int the same place for more than 10 days, can the city considered that a structure and therefore enforce it as such and ifaj permit should be required for them. After discussion, Sam Mazzu made ai motion to recommend to City Council that no changes be made. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. Definition of Structure Brett Cast indicated that there is some ambiguity about the definition ofa structure. The group discussed when a retaining wall should be considered a structure. Based on the language in the building code a bench, waterfall, or nearly anything could be considered a structure. There is existing language in the code that has a line item specially for retaining walls and it notes expressly that it cannot be higher than 6" in height. Joe Newton states there is some ambiguity in the definition that gives the city flexibility on a case-by-case basis and where and how is that height measured. Staffwas asked toj provide a  Motion carried.  NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried.  draft ofr requirements concerning retaining walls.  4. Meeting Minutes. Sam Mazzu made a motion to approve the March 21, 2024, minutes. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu,  3826Amherst St. West University Place, TX 77005 713-662-5830  .testutx.gor    - Cityof West University Place  Public Works Department  Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion carried. Dick Yehle made a motion to approve the August 8, 2024, minutes as amended. Second by Sam Mazzu. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard. NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Motion  carried. Adjournment  Myrenda Takashima made a motion to adjourn. Second by Dick Yehle. AYES: John Cutrer, Dick Yehle, Doug Rephlo, Sam Mazzu, Myrenda Takashima and John Howard.  NOES: None. ABSTAIN: None. Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.  PASSED  DAYOF OCtOoo  2024.  John Cutrer, Chajrman ATTEST:  7222  0G0 M.HELLos  Ms. Josie M. Hayes, Administrative Coordinator  3826. Amherst St. West University Place, TX: 77005 713-662-5830  vtestulx.gov