June 21, 2010 - City of Laredo

COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
Date:
06/21/10
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING AND INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE
Amending the City of Laredo's Land Development Code to reflect the creation of an
Arts and Entertainment Zoning District by: Amending Article IV, Section 24.62. 1 (a)
Land Use Zoning District Establishment; amending Section 24.62.2 Zoning District
Purpose; amending Section 24.63.2 Permitted Land Uses; amending Section 24.65 Supplementary
Zoning District Regulations; amending Section 24.77 Dimensional Standards;
amending Section 24.78 Off-Street Parking & Loading Requirements; amending
Appendix "A", Definitions; and providing for publication and effective date.
Initiated by:
City Council
Staff source:
Keith Selman, Planning Director
Prior action: None.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting of May 4,2009, the Council made a motion directing the Planning and Zoning
Department, Community Development, and Laredo Main Street, including representatives from the
Laredo Center for the Arts and the Webb County Heritage Foundation, to meet and initiate a plan for creating
an arts and entertainment district in downtown Laredo. The group began meeting in June 2009; a
plan was fonnulated and revised during late summer and fall 2009. Subsequently, staff began writing the
ordinance amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
The arts and entertainment zoning district is designed to support existing arts and entertainment venues
and promote the creation of additional venues and supporting uses. The intent is to establish a district
which would:
1) be economically viable for local merchants,
2) create jobs,
3) attract people from los dos Laredos, as well as tourists, and
4) improve the quality oflife.
The Arts and Entertainment District facilitates infill development and redevelopment by creating a consistent
pattern of zoning, creating certainty about the form and function of future development, and creating
an identity that may be utilized to attract investment. The Arts and Entertainment District would be a
pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use environment requiring quality building design and materials.
Additionally, an amendment is being written to the City of Laredo Code o/Ordinances, Chapter 28,
Article V Commercial Use of Streets, Sidewalks, and other Public Places, which would permit sidewalk
cafes, display of goods in the public rights-of-way, as well as provide for permitting performances and
creative events within public spaces.
P&Z COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
The P & Z Commission, in an ~ to !! vote, recommended
approval of the amendment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff supports the proposed amendment.
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