An Ordinance of the City of Laredo, Texas, amending the Zoning Ordinance (Map) of the City of Laredo by authorizing the issuance of a conditional use permit for a baseball bat manufacturing (woodworking shop) on the west 83 feet of Lots 7 and 8, Block 765, Western Division, as further described by metes and bounds in attached Exhibit A, located at 2819 Flores Avenue. (AS AMENDED) ZC-022-2026 District VIII

The City Council of Laredo, Texas, is considering an ordinance (ZC-022-2026) to authorize a conditional use permit (CUP) for a baseball bat manufacturing business, Americas' Bat Company, at 2819 Flores Avenue. The property is currently zoned R-3 (Mixed Residential District) and the proposed use, a woodworking shop, typically requires an M-1 (Light Manufacturing District) zoning. This item is classified as CONSEQUENTIAL due to its zoning implications and potential impact on a mixed-use neighborhood.

Key Provisions:

• The CUP allows for baseball bat manufacturing (woodworking shop) on the west 83 feet of Lots 7 and 8, Block 765, Western Division.
• The permit is for a term of three (3) years.
• Operational conditions include:
  • Hours limited to Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with potential weekend flexibility for tournaments.
  • Prohibition of outdoor storage or manufacturing.
  • Mandatory on-site parking and maneuvering spaces.
  • Requirement for proper ventilation and filtration systems for dust and painting areas, with these rooms enclosed.
  • Prohibition of hazardous materials storage and hazardous occupancy.
  • Proper storage and disposal of paints and solvents.
  • No outdoor dumping or burning of wood waste.
  • Loading/unloading must occur on-site.
  • Restrictions on commercial vehicle parking (over 1-ton GVWR or more than two axles) and no tractor-trailer parking or idling.
  • Screened lighting to avoid impacting adjacent residential areas.
  • Mandatory landscaping: approximately 7 trees and 28 shrubs.
  • A 7-foot opaque fence or wall along property lines adjacent to residential uses.
  • Measures to minimize litter and prevent it from blowing onto adjacent properties.
  • Signage must comply with the City's Sign Ordinance.
  • On-site parking must meet Land Development Code requirements.
  • Prohibition of ground vibrations perceptible without instruments at adjacent properties.
  • Compliance with Certificate of Occupancy and annual Fire Inspections.
  • Compliance with all applicable building, health, safety, fire, and environmental codes.
  • Operating characteristics must not create a nuisance, minimizing noise, odors, vibrations, and glare.

Context and Rationale:

• The applicant, Americas' Bat Company, aims to relocate to Laredo to leverage its port of entry, culture, and baseball community. They plan to offer community outreach, school field trips, and a retail component with batting cages.
• The Comprehensive Plan notes moderate alignment, supporting infill development and redevelopment but acknowledges the introduction of a light industrial component into a predominantly residential area.
• The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval with an 8-0 vote.
• Staff supports the CUP, citing it as an infill opportunity consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and noting compliance with parking requirements. They anticipate no significant negative impact on traffic.
• One property owner expressed opposition.
• The City Council previously moved to introduce the item on March 16, 2026, with an amendment to include the three-year expiration date.