Planning and Zoning Committee proposes new Bellaire Makers District to City Council

A new zoning district that could serve as a “destination development” was presented to Bellaire City Council by the Planning and Zoning Committee at an April 20 meeting.

The details

If approved by City Council, the Bellaire Makers District would serve several purposes, city consultant Gary Mitchell said.

The district would create a unique area on the edge of Bellaire's city limits, encourage reinvestment in the city and create a green area that is less auto-oriented, according to the presentation.

“There's potential for a ‘destination use’ because this is not a typical area for retail [due to] low visibility,” Mitchell said. “It would potentially have to be near an area where you could draw people to the area for certain activities, versus typical retail.”

Diving deeper

The creation of the new district would mean the removal of the Urban Village District and the addition of several new regulations. However, Director of Development Services Travis Tanner said the new regulations would be “less intense than what is allowed under the current code.”

Drive-thru restaurants, manufacturing, commercial surface parking lots and commercial businesses, such as tattoo shops and mini-storage facilities, would not be permitted in the district.

Additionally, residences would not be permitted, but live-work units may be allowed.

“A live-work unit is where the work aspect is technically accessory; it's not the main use, it's a place you live,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell also said the units can have different appearances, with some looking like luxury townhomes.

One more thing

The proposal also stated that three newly defined establishments could be allowed in the zoning regulations without requiring a hearing or City Council approval: artisan workshops, special event venues and horticultural production sites.

The amendments are anticipated to be considered by City Council on May 18, following a public hearing, according to the agenda item.