HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 6839: WORKFORCE HOUSING P.O. No. 6839
3/27/20 vt
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AMENDING
CHAPTER 22 (BUSINESSES) BY ADDING A NEW ARTICLE XII
(WORKFORCE HOUSING)TO REGULATE THE CONSTRUCTION AND
MAINTENANCE OF WORKFORCE HOUSING WITHIN CITY LIMITS;
VIOLATIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE ARE PUNISHABLE AS PROVIDED
IN SECTION 1-13 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES AS AMENDED
BY FINE NOT EXCEEDING TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS [$2,000]; AND
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF
THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR AND EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER PUBLICATION DATE.
WORKFORCE HOUSING
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur is a Home Rule municipality acting under its Charter
adopted by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter
9 of the Texas Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Texas, including those found in Chapter 51 of the
Texas Local Government Code and the Port Arthur City Charter, provide the City authority to
adopt ordinances for the good,peace, order, and welfare of the municipality; and
WHEREAS,pursuant to Section 1202 of Texas Occupations Code,the City of Port Arthur
has the power to regulate industrialized housing and buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Port Arthur wishes to regulate the construction and maintenance
workforce housing within City limits, as amended in Exhibit"A"; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the passage of this Ordinance will protect public
health, safety,property, and the general welfare of the public.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PORT ARTHUR:
SECTION 1. That the findings and recitations set out in the preamble to this Ordinance
are found to be true and correct and they are hereby adopted by the City Council and made a part
hereof for all purposes.
SECTION 2. That Chapter 22 (Businesses) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Port
Arthur, be amended by adding a new Article XII entitled "Workforce Housing" in substantially
the same form as Exhibit"A."
SECTION 3. That it is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the
sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Ordinance are severable and, if any
phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance should be declared invalid by the
final judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction,such invalidity shall not affect any
of the remaining phrases, clause, sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. That all ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 5. That any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this
Ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding Two
Thousand Dollars ($2,000) as provided in Section 1-13 of the Code of Ordinances, and each day
such violation shall be permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance or its caption and penalty shall be published at least one
(1) time within ten (10) days after formal passage hereof in the official newspaper of the City of
Port Arthur. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately after the date of such publication.
SECTION 7. That a copy of the caption of this Ordinance shall be spread upon the
Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of March A.D.,2020 at a Regular
Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas by the following votes: AYES:
MAYOR:
COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES:
Thurman"Bill"Bartie, Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard, TRMC, City Secretary
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Valecia"Val"Tizeno ` Attorney
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald"Ron"Burton, City Manager
Pamela Langford
Director of Development Services
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EXHIBIT "A"
CHAPTER 22. —BUSINESSES; ARTICLE XII. WORKFORCE HOUSING
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EXHIBIT "A"
CHAPTER 22.—BUSINESSES; ARTICLE XII. WORKFORCE HOUSING
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Article XII—Workforce Housing
Section 22-636—Definitions.
Words and phrases used in this Article shall have the meanings set forth in this section. Terms
that are not defined below, but are defined elsewhere in the Code of Ordinances, shall be given
the meanings set forth in the Code. Words and phrases not defined in the Code of Ordinances
shall be given their common, ordinary meaning unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense shall include the future
tense; words in the plural number shall include the singular number(and vice versa); and words
in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender(and vice versa). The word"shall"is
always mandatory, while the word"may" is merely directory. Headings and captions are for
reference purposes only.
Site Restoration means that upon revocation or expiration of the Specific Use Permit, or
termination of use of the property for Workforce Housing, if earlier,the applicant shall restore
the site to pre-development condition or a more pristine state in accordance with an approved
Site Restoration Plan. Site restoration shall include the removal of all Workforce Housing units
and temporary buildings. Utility services, fences, and roads may be allowed to remain on the
property if they can be used for a permanent development in the future. The site will require re-
grading, weed control,planting, and fertilization necessary to restore the site to pre-development
or more pristine condition.
Workforce Housing means a conglomerate of five (5) or more industrial housing units or
buildings, or any other movable structure(s) serving as housing exclusively or primarily for
construction, industrial, or oilfield related workers and which provide accessory units for one of
the following: common restroom/showering facilities and eating facilities. Recreational vehicles,
mobile homes, motor homes, or any other similar type, shall not be used as portable housing
units, portable building/structures, or common areas in Workforce Housing.
Workforce Housing Permit means a revocable Specific Use Permit allowing for the
construction and/or operation of workforce housing within City limits.
Workforce Housing Site means a parcel of land under single ownership upon which Workforce
Housing is located.
Section 22-637—Approval of Plans and Plats Required.
No Workforce Housing shall be developed on an unplatted lot. Prior to development, the
developer, owner, or their designee shall meet the standards for platting as set forth in Chapter
98, Article III of the City of Port Arthur, Texas Code of Ordinances.
Section 22-638—Specific Use Permit for Workforce Housing.
No Workforce Housing shall be placed on any tract of land which is not properly zoned for
such use. Prior to the initiation of Workforce Housing in an approved zoning district, a person
must make an application for a Workforce Housing Permit.
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A Workforce Housing Permit may be issued only after review and approval by the Planning
and Zoning Commission and the City Council in accordance with Section 21 of the Zoning
Ordinance of the City of Port Arthur and the posting of a reclamation bond or its equivalent (as
approved by the City Attorney) for the removal of the moveable housing, the grading, and
revegetation of the property, and the filling of any subsurface pools or basins, to the
satisfaction of the City Manager upon expiration of the Workforce Housing Permit.
Section 22-639—Application for Specific Use Permit.
(a) A person desiring to construct, operate or maintain Workforce Housing shall file a
written application for a Workforce Housing Permit with the Planning & Development
Department.
(b) The application must be on a form provided by the City and the following information
is required in the application:
1. Name and address of the applicant. If the applicant is a corporation or other
business association, the applicant shall provide the names of the managers and
directors of the corporation, satisfactory proof of the authority of the signatory
to the application to bind the corporation, and the name and address of the agent
for service of process in the State of Texas;
2. Name and address of property owner, current use of the property, and copy of
landowner's permission for the location of the Workforce Housing;
3. Statement indicating the projected duration of use;
4. Statement indicating the total number of projected employees;
5. Statement indicating the total number of beds the Workforce Housing Site will
contain;
6. Site plan drawn to scale;
7. Date upon which the occupancy and use of the Workforce Housing will
commence;
8. Legal description of the property;
9. A copy of the applicant's deed and/or lease to the real property on which
Workforce Housing will be located;
10. Provision for solid waste collection and disposal, water, and sewage, including
the location of service buildings, sanitary stations, and any other proposed
structures;
11. A copy of the approved sewage disposal plans and State permits;
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12. Plans and specifications of all buildings constructed or to be constructed;
13. The location and details of lighting and electrical systems;
14. Plans and specifications of the water supply, refuse, and sewage disposal
facilities, including the location of water and sewer lines and riser pipes; and a
filed copy of water supply plans and applicable permits;
15. Site Restoration plan and a timetable for completion of all phases of grading,
revegetation, and the filling of any subsurface pools, basins, or anything that
collects debris present as a result of the Workforce Housing;
16. Plans for security, fire, and emergency evacuation;
17. List of rules and regulations applicable to Workforce Housing Site; and
18. Policies on drug and alcohol use, noise, and weapons at Workforce Housing
Site.
Section 22-640 —Site Plan.
The site plan for Workforce Housing, drawn to scale, shall include at a minimum, the
following:
(a) The location of all housing units, structures, and common areas with the occupancy
capacity of each;
(b) All building setbacks to property line/fence;
(c) Ingress and egress to property and proposed structures;
(d) Utilities, with reference to location, availability and compatibility;
(e) Preliminary drainage plan;
(f) The location of Improved Surface Parking Areas. "Improved Surface Parking Area" is
defined as an all-weather surface, such as concrete, asphalt and gravel, which is clearly
delineated by curbs, landscaping, or similar features to distinguish the parking area from
the remainder of the yard;
(g) The location of usable open space;
(h) The location of street lamps and/or lighting equipment for all Workforce Housing units,
structures, common areas, appurtenances, and roads within the Workforce Housing
development;
(i) Refuse areas;
(j) Proposed screened, buffered and fenced areas indicating which type of material is to be
used;
(k) The location of emergency service roads (fire lane) in accordance with the City's adopted
codes;
(1) The location of fire protection equipment;
(m)The names of adjacent streets;
(n) The street number assigned to each housing unit, structure, or common area for
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identification and emergency response purposes; and
(o) Such other information as requested by the Planning and Zoning Commission or the
City Council as conditioned with the approval of the Specific Use Permit.
Section 22-641 —Subject to City Codes.
All Workforce Housing and all improvements required therein are subject to all city permits,
codes, and regulations, and state regulations including but not limited to the following: the Port
Arthur Zoning Ordinance, the International Fire Code, the International Building Code, the
National Electrical Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Fuel Gas Code,
and the International Mechanical Code.
Section 22-642—Building Permit Required.
No person shall erect, install, or construct, or proceed to erect, install, or construct, add to,
enlarge, improve, alter, repair, convert, extend, or demolish any housing unit, building,
structure, fence, or any part of the same, or install any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical
equipment as a part of the Workforce Housing unit, building, or structure, or may make any
other improvements to any Workforce Housing Site, or cause the same to be done within a
Workforce Housing Site without obtaining a building permit.
Section 22-643 —Application for Workforce Housing License Required; duration; fee.
Upon approval of the site plan submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission, the person
intending to establish a Workforce Housing Site must abide by the following:
(a) Application for license. An application for the initial license to operate a Workforce
Housing Site shall be made to the City Council of the City of Port Arthur. Such
applications shall state the name and address of the person desiring to engage in such
business, and if the applicant is a partnership or corporation,the names and addresses of
the respective partners and/or directors, and a description of the property, including street
address of the premises where such Workforce Housing Site is to be operated so that it
can be easily identified. It shall also give the name of the owner of such premises, and
such other and further information as may be required by the City.
(b) Required; duration. It shall be unlawful for any person to establish, maintain, conduct, or
operate any Workforce Housing Site within the limits of the City without first obtaining a
license from the City. Such license shall be for the calendar year or any part of such year,
ending on December 31 of each year. Application for the renewal of a license shall be
made to the building official or designee.
(c) Fee. The annual fee for each license or renewal to operate a Workforce Housing Site
shall be as follows:
For Workforce Housing Sites with one (1)to fifty (50) workforce housing units:
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License Fee $300.00
Annual Renewal $150.00
License Transfer $100.00
For Workforce Housing Sites with more than fifty (50)housing units:
License Fee $550.00
Annual Renewal $250.00
License Transfer $150.00
Section 22-644 —Standards for Workforce Housing Sites.
Workforce housing shall be designed, installed, and constructed in compliance with all
applicable City ordinances, codes, and regulations, and with all applicable state and federal laws,
rules, and regulations. The following minimum standards shall be required:
(a) That no garbage,junk, litter, debris, unused construction materials, or refuse shall be
allowed to accumulate or remain on the Workforce Housing premises;
(b) Storage of equipment or materials that are not directly related to the purposes of housing
or maintenance of the Workforce Housing is prohibited;
(c) That no "Home Business" or"Home Occupation" shall be conducted or allowed to be
conducted on the Workforce Housing Site in a manner that causes a public or private
nuisance, or in any manner that violates City ordinances;
(d) A solid fence at least eight(8) feet in height must be placed on the property line so that
the Workforce Housing Site will be buffered from view. The fence will be installed on
all sides and at the rear of the property. The fence must be a solid,permanent screening
fence or wall made of masonry,metal, or galvanized material. No wood fences are
allowed;
(e) The maximum density for a Workforce Housing development shall be thirty(30)housing
units per one (1) acre;
(f) Occupancy shall be limited to two (2)persons per unit at the same time;
(g) Each housing unit shall be spaced a minimum of twenty (20) feet apart. Clear access
shall be maintained around the perimeter of the housing structures, with no storage,
vehicles or other structures permitted between individual housing units. All accessory
structures shall be shown on the site plan;
(h) The front setback for the housing units shall be a minimum of fifteen(15) feet from the
private internal street, or from the fire lane;
(i) It is the City of Port Arthur's policy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations
to individuals with disabilities. Workforce Housing units shall provide accommodations
for persons with disabilities according to the Federal and State ADA requirements;
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(j) All Private streets shall be constructed of a minimum of asphalt and shall be well drained
under normal use and at storm event weather conditions. The private streets shall also be
constructed to be able to handle fire truck traffic loads of 33,500 pounds minimum, as
well as all proper turn radii, and meet fire lane requirements as outlined in the City's
adopted fire code;
(k) The area designated for the placement of Workforce Housing shall be graded and
designed to drain all storm water, surface water in a safe efficient manner. Drainage
analysis shall be performed by a licensed professional engineer in accordance to City and
Drainage District No. 7 regulations and ordinances and easements for the conveyance of
surface water off-site shall be obtained, if necessary. Post development of Workforce
Housing Sites shall not impact stormwater pre-development discharges;
(1) The water supply system, fixtures, and other equipment must be installed in accordance
with applicable codes adopted by the City. A master water meter shall be installed to
serve the Workforce Housing Site. Sub-metering or re-metering is not permitted;
(m)A backflow prevention assembly will be required in accordance with Chapter 110 Article
II, Section 110-36 of the City of Port Arthur, Texas Code of Ordinances;
(n) All proposed wastewater service lines shall be connected to the city wastewater system.
The city must approve all proposed wastewater plans prior to construction;
(o) All Workforce Housing Sites shall be provided with safe and acceptable facilities for the
collection and removal of waste and garbage. Storage, collection, and handling will be
conducted so as to minimize accidents, health hazards,rodent harborage, insect breeding
areas, or fire hazards;
(p) Fire hydrants must be located such that each Workforce Housing unit is within six
hundred(600) feet from one;
(q) The Workforce Housing Site shall meet all code requirements of the International Fire
Code, 2015 edition with amendments, as adopted by the City Council of the City of
Port Arthur, Texas. This includes but is not limited to fire lane access to the site, as well
as providing adequate fire flow; and
(r) All housing units and structures in the Workforce Housing Site shall be provided with
electrical service. All electrical service shall be underground and installed in
accordance with the National Electrical Code. A master electric meter shall be installed
to serve the Workforce Housing Site. Sub-metering or re-metering is not permitted.
Section 22-645—Filing name of supervisor of Workforce Housing with city building
official.
The owner or operator of a Workforce Housing Site, before allowing any individuals to reside
therein, shall file with the city building official the name of the person who will be managing
the Workforce Housing, and who is authorized to act on behalf of the owner or operator. The
owner, operator, or designee shall immediately provide written notice to the city building
official of any change of the supervisor of Workforce Housing.
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Section 22-646 — Duties of supervisor of Workforce Housing.
It shall be the duty of the owner, operator, or Workforce Housing supervisor:
(a) To keep at all times a register of all persons staying in Workforce Housing, which
register shall be at all times open to inspection by city, state, and federal officers. Such
register shall record the names and home addresses of all persons staying in the
Workforce Housing,the date of their arrival, date of their departure,the license number
of all trailers and automobiles in the Workforce Housing,the name of the state and
county in which they are registered, and the trailer unit on which each is located;
(b) To maintain the Workforce Housing in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition at all
times including, but not limited to, maintenance of landscaping, fences, or barriers;
(c) To require every plumbing fixture in the Workforce Housing to be connected to the sewer
during its entire stay in the Workforce Housing;
(d) To see that all required lights are kept lighted as provided for in the City of Port Arthur
Code of Ordinances;
(e) To see that garbage and trash is deposited in trash receptacles and see that all such trash
receptacles are collected, cleaned, and redistributed as required by the city code;
(1) Not to permit any domestic animal in the Workforce Housing Site unless they meet the
requirements of the provisions of the city code pertaining to such animals; and
(g) To report promptly to the proper authorities any violation of law which may come to their
attention.
Section 22-647— Office building required; Workforce Housing register required.
A Workforce Housing Site shall maintain an office building in which the Workforce Housing
supervisor shall be located. The Workforce Housing register shall be kept in such office at all
times. The license required by Section 22-643 shall be conspicuously displayed in the office at
all times.
Section 22-648—City's Authority to Inspect.
The City of Port Arthur, its officials, employees, and designees, including but not limited to the
Chief of Police and their designees and the City Engineer and their designees, shall be allowed to
enter and inspect the Workforce Housing Site and its facilities at reasonable times for purposes
of determining the total number of beds and compliance with this Article and any other law.
Section 22-649—Prohibited Housing Types.
Recreational vehicles, motor homes, or any other similar type, are prohibited and shall not be
used as Workforce Housing units,portable building/structures, or common areas in a Workforce
Housing.
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