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Commission approves site-plan amendment for renovation at 109 East Shadow Bend Avenue
Summary
The commission approved a site-plan amendment in the downtown district to raise building ceilings and renovate the structure at 109 East Shadow Bend Avenue, allowing the owner to preserve large existing trees and rely on shared parking arrangements with First Baptist Church.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 9 approved a site-plan amendment for a building renovation and related site improvements at 109 East Shadow Bend Avenue in Friendswood’s downtown district.
Staff said the project will raise the roof and ceilings of an existing structure that was a residence and convert it for commercial use consistent with downtown-district rules that prohibit rebuilding residential uses as residences in that district. Required district improvements include a six-foot sidewalk along street frontages and certain parking arrangements. The applicant noted head-in parking will be used and that shared parking is available through an agreement with First Baptist Church.
The owner requested that the commission accept an alternate landscaping plan that counts the property’s existing large trees toward the landscaping requirement; staff said the existing tree canopy exceeds the requirement and commissioners supported preserving the older trees. Commissioners praised the façade improvements and the plan to install a new perimeter fence with solar lighting; the owner said the interior will be configured to serve a variety of future commercial tenants.
The commission approved the site-plan amendment by voice vote. The owner said the renovation will be professionally finished and is intended to make the property viable for other commercial uses if businesses change in the future.
