HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/08
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
ACTING AS THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2008
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman West called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Following a moment of
silent meditation and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, a quorum was declared
present.
PRESENT: Chairman West, Vice Chair Golden, Members Campbell, Conkling,
Dillard, McKey, Morris, Rhodus (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), and Sills. Also
present were City Attorney Rosenthal, City Attorney Palmer,
Community Development Director Wagner, Principal Planner Fabre,
Senior Planner Howell, Principal Planner Rumer, Commissioner
Johnson and Deputy City Clerk Sibbitt.
ABSENT: None
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting held on
Tuesday, February 12, 2008.
Member McKev. seconded bv Member Dillard. moved to accept the Minutes of
the February 12. 2008. Plannina and Zonina Commission meetina. Motion carried
unanimouslv.
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
LAKE BUTLER PROFESSIONAL CAMPUS PRELIMINARY/FINAL
SUBDIVISION PLAN & SITE PLAN
Senior Planner Howell stated the Lake Butler Professional Campus is
approximately 14.11 acres in size and is located at the northeast corner of the
intersection of Maguire Road and Tomyn Boulevard. The Preliminary/Final
Subdivision Plan - Preliminary/Final Site Plan proposes the construction of 7
buildings totaling approximately 165,772 square feet in area. Uses proposed
range from retail, restaurant, professional and medical offices.
Lake Butler Professional Campus will be accessed via two access points that
consist of a right-in/right-out from Maguire Road, and a full access point along
Tomyn Boulevard. The plan details the dedication of 245-feet of right-of-way along
Tomyn Boulevard and 192-feet of right-of-way along Maguire Road. The right-of-
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
way dedicated along Tomyn Boulevard will allow for the construction of a right-turn
lane leading onto Maguire Road, while the right-of-way dedicated along Maguire
Road will allow for the construction of a right-turn lane leading into the
development from points to the south.
The subject property is proposed to be divided into two lots; Lot 1 will contain 6 of
the 7 proposed buildings, and a majority of the on-site parking and common
areas. The uses proposed on Lot 1 will consist of a mix of professional and
medical offices. Lot 2 is proposed in the southwest corner of the property and will
consist of a mix of retail and restaurant uses. The developer has proposed a
central park in the center of the site that will consist of a seating area around
which a variety of trees and associated plant materials will be provided. In addition
to the seating area, the developer has proposed a fountain in the center of the
park. The fountain will serve as a focal point for drivers and pedestrians entering
the development from Maguire Road. Additionally, a boulevard style entrance,
which will be lined with a variety of palm trees and associated groundcover and
shrubs, will be provided as the main point of access leading into the development
from Maguire Road.
In order to proceed with review of the Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan -
Preliminary/Final Site Plan, the applicant has requested seven waivers from the
requirements of the Land Development Code. The City Commission has sole
discretion to approve waivers from Code requirements based upon four criteria's.
The first waiver that is being requested is to Section 6.14.C (1 )(a)(v) of the Land
Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code requires
buildings to be setback at least 50-feet from primary roads. The applicant has
requested a reduction of this requirement to allow the buildings that have frontage
along Tomyn Boulevard to maintain a building setback of 25-feet. The applicant
has justified this request by placing the buildings along Tomyn Boulevard parallel
to the street in order to buffer the parking and service areas that will be provided
on site, and by providing upgraded landscaping standards that are acceptable to
the City.
The second waiver that is being requested is to Section 6.14.C(1)(a)(v) of the
Land Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code requires
buildings to be setback at least 75-feet from the Florida Turnpike. The applicant
has requested a reduction of this setback to allow a 45-foot building setback for a
length of 80-feet along the northeast corner of the subject property. The applicant
has justified this request by placing the buildings perpendicular to Maguire Road
instead of the Turnpike in order to allow flexibility in providing a future City of
Ocoee water main extension, and by providing upgraded landscaping standards
that are acceptable to the City.
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March 11, 2008
The third waiver that is being requested is to Section 6.14.C(2)(b)(i) of the Land
Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code requires a 25-
foot wide landscape buffer along primary and secondary roads. The applicant is
requesting a waiver to this requirement to allow a reduction of this buffer from 25-
feet to 15-feet for approximately 192-feet along the portion of the property that has
frontage along Maguire Road. The applicant has justified this request by providing
a right turn lane leading into the site.
The fourth waiver that is being requested is to Section 6.14.C(2)(b)(i) of the Land
Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code requires a 25-
foot wide landscape buffer along primary and secondary roads. The applicant is
requesting a reduction of this requirement from 25-feet to 15-feet for
approximately 245-feet from the eastern boundary of the Maguire Road / Tomyn
Boulevard intersection southward. The applicant has justified this request by
providing a right turn lane on Tomyn Boulevard leading onto Maguire Road.
The fifth waiver that is being requested is to Table 5-2 from Article V of the Land
Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code requires
buildings in the C-3 (General Commercial) zoning district to maintain a rear
setback of 20-feet. The applicant is requesting a reduction to this requirement
from 20-feet to 5-feet for a length of 460-feet along the eastern property line. The
inclusion of a retail/restaurant outparcel on site has required the site designer to
relocate two of the proposed office buildings along the eastern portion of the
property into an area where they will encroach into the required rear setback.
The sixth waiver that is being requested is to Table 5-2 from Article V of the Land
Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code allows a
maximum impervious surface ratio of 70-percent for all development within the C-
3 zoning district. The applicant is requesting to increase the maximum allowable
impervious surface area to an 80-percent ratio for the overall site area.
The seventh waiver that is being requested is to Table 5-2 from Article V of the
Land Development Code. This section of the Land Development Code allows a
maximum impervious surface ratio of 70-percent for all development within the C-
3 (General Commercial) zoning district. The applicant is requesting to increase the
maximum allowable impervious surface area to an 80-percent ratio for the
retail/restaurant parcel. The applicant has justified the request by including a
retail/restaurant parcel within the site, and by dedicating right-of-way to allow for
the construction of the turn lanes on Maguire Road and Tomyn Boulevard in
addition to providing upgraded landscaping standards that are acceptable to the
City and the dedication of a City of Ocoee utility easement.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend
approval of the Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan - Preliminary/Final Site Plan for
Lake Butler Professional Campus, and all seven waiver requests, subject to the
satisfaction of the outstanding concerns prior to the plans being presented to the
City Commission.
DISCUSSION
Vice Chair Golden inquired if any of the waivers would have a problem as far as
variances from the code. Senior Planner Howell stated staff is recommending in
favor of all the waivers and feels in order to make the project a viable project the
waivers will need to be granted. In addition, the developer is making some off-site
transportation improvements. Vice Chair Golden inquired about the traffic study
and the architectural enhancements that would be facing Maguire Road. Senior
Planner Howell answered that a traffic study was done by their traffic consultant
and the front of the retail center will be facing Maguire Road. Vice Chair Golden
inquired about the setback and Senior Planner Howell briefly explained the
setback being requested. Member McKey inquired on the landscaping as to how
many live oaks would be planted.
The Public Hearing was opened for Lake Butler Professional Campus -
Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan & Site Plan.
Mark Rieker, Rieker & Associates, stated he is available for questions. Member
Mckey addressed the question regarding the live oaks to Mr. Rieker. Mr. Rieker
stated he is not sure of the exact quantity of live oaks that will be on the site. He
stated he has been through a number of meetings with staff and will be providing
a number of understory and overstory trees. Senior Planner Howell briefly
explained the code on tree requirements. Vice Chair Golden stated there are
some outstanding items on a memorandum attached to the packet and he
wondered if the applicant was going to have any problems meeting the conditions
listed. Mr. Rieker stated they will not have any problems meeting the conditions
listed in the staff report, but they do have clarifications that they wanted to make
and his civil engineer will discuss them. He briefly added that as for the
landscaping they are actually increasing the landscaping on the project and
mentioned other projects he has done in other cities. Brief discussion ensued
regarding the landscaping for the project.
The Public Hearing was closed for Lake Butler Professional Campus -
Preliminary/Final Subdivision Plan & Site Plan.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
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Member CamlJbell. seconded bv Member McKev. moved to recommend
approval of the Preliminarv/Final Subdivision Plan - Preliminarv/Final Site Plan for
Lake Butler Professional Campus. and all seven waiver requests. subiect to the
satisfaction of the outstandina concerns prior to the plans beina presented to the
Citv Commission. Motion carried unanimouslv.
ORANGE COUNTY BELMERE PD - ANNEXATION. PARCEL H &
SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE TO LAND USE PLAN
Principal Planner Rumer stated the subject property is located on the southwest
corner of the intersection of Roberson Road and Maguire Road. The parcel is
currently under development with a master stormwater pond and two retail
commercial buildings under an Orange County development permit. The item
before the board is for the annexation of the property within the boundaries of tract
"H". Earlier this year the owner and applicant came before the City seeking
voluntarily annexation under Florida Statutes.
The subject property was originally approved by the Orange County Board of
County Commissioners on May 21, 1985, as the Lake Whitney PD. A subsequent
non substantial amendment in 1999 carved out Tract H from Tract G. Tract H is
the property that is now owned by the Unicorp entities. The 1999 LUP delineates
Tract H as (1) Commercial totaling 42,960 s.f. and 5 acres maximum (2) Multi-
family totaling 180 units and (3) Adult Care living Facility (ACLF) or Adult Living
Facility (ALF) totaling 130 units.
On February 21, 2006, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
approved another Substantial Change to the LUP when it approved a conversion
of 180 multi-family and 130 ACLF units approved in Tract H to 202 attached
single-family dwelling units. The Orange County Board of County Commissioners
only struck through the transfer of the unused units from the other tracts within
Belmere PD. The 202 units were to be 18 ft. wide with a one car garage which left
very limited amount of guest parking spaces. Also located on the tract is a CVS
and retail unit. The only improvement that would have been done under the
Orange County plan was a left turn lane into the site from Roberson Road and
one right turn lane into the site from Maguire Road. Currently under the Orange
County plan the stormwater pond, CVS and retail site are being constructed.
Principal Planner Rumer stated that if the development is annexed into the City
of Ocoee they will keep the Orange County PD zoning on the site since they have
many approvals that date back to 1980. The current proposal before them today
is to develop 216 multi-family units, 85 ALF units and up to 42,960 s.f. of
commercial on Tract H. The benefits of the new proposed site will be the
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
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modification of the stormwater pond which will now remain in its current location,
the apartment units will be located central to their site with a distance of 180 ft.
from the apartment units and the property line, there will be a 25 ft. buffer which
includes an existing wall and a landscape buffer which will be above what the LDC
requires for planting, and the project will be gated on both entrances. The
proposed ALF is located on Maguire Road and will maintain a 100 ft. setback from
the new right-of-way line.
In addition to the increased building setbacks and buffering, the developer will
provide the City with the following benefits:
1. The design of the Roberson Road improvements and engineer cost
estimate for the improvements.
2. The developer will construct all of the Roberson Road improvements while
it is making the improvements stipulated in the previously approved PD
LUP from Orange County for the City of Ocoee. The City will repay the
developer for all costs associated with the Roberson Road improvements
that are above what is required from the Orange County approved Belmere
PD LUP from the impact fees received for the project.
3. The developer has requested and received permission to delay paying the
impact fees for the CVS and other commercial building to Orange County
and will pay them to the City of Ocoee.
4. The developer has agreed to maintain the existing stormwater pond on the
corner of Maguire Road and Via Andiamo Drive.
5. The City will realize $1.5 million :f: in impact fees that will directly benefit
Roberson Road, Police, Fire, and Parks and Recreation Departments.
Principal Planner Rumer briefly gave an overview of traffic generation within
single family residences, apartment complexes, and town home communities
based out of the ih Edition ITE Manual. He also briefly stated that he had
received feedback through e-mails that many residents were not notified correctly
or in a timely manner; however, the City did follow the Planning & Zoning process.
The City provided the required legal advertisements in the Orlando Sentinel for the
Annexation and the Substantial Change, they sent out notices to those residents
within 300 ft. of the project, the property was posted on both Roberson and
Maguire Road, a certified letter was sent to the Orange County Planning
Department as part of the JPA, and he sent a certified letter out to the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners.
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Principal Planner Rumer stated the applicant is specifically requesting a
Substantial Change to the LUP regarding the following items:
a. Remove the restriction of Tract H to be limited to a maximum of 202
attached or detached single-family residential units and 42,960 s.f.
(maximum of 5 acres) of commercial use that would revert back to the
previous approved condition that permitted multi-family and ACLF or ALF
units and 42,960 s.f. (maximum of 5 acres) of commercial use.
b. Revise the condition that prohibits the transfer of unused residential units
from Tracts A-F to Tract H.
c. Revise the 35 ft. maximum height limitation for the Multi-family and ALF to
45 feet.
Please note that the request to increase the maximum height to 45 feet is the only
"new" condition requested for the PD LUP. The development will be
architecturally cohesive in that the multi-family, ALF and the commercial buildings
will have a similar architectural appearance.
DISCUSSION
Member McKey asked Principal Planner Rumer to restate the buffers, in which he
did.
Chairman West inquired if this Public Hearing was being handled as two separate
votes. City Attorney Rosenthal stated they can take public comments for both
issues, but they will need to make two separate votes. The public comments
would be carried over.
Member McKey inquired if this would be the only time they would see this project
before them. Principal Planner Rumer stated if they annex the development into
the City they will see this project before them as a Final Site Plan. Vice Chair
Golden inquired about the traffic generation that would take place per day for the
total development including the retail. Nick Lepp, Renaissance Planning Group,
stated an average retail trip rate per day is 42 trips per 1,000 square feet or
roughly 1,700 trips per day. Principal Planner Rumer added that because the
use is permitted, the trips are vested. City Attorney Rosenthal briefly explained
that the developer has a certificate of vesting from Orange County for the project,
which means they are entitled as a matter of right in Orange County to proceed
with the project. He further stated there will be an annexation agreement that will
be presented to the City Commission, which will recognize the Orange County
vested rights upon annexation into the City of Ocoee, so they will not lose any of
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their vested rights by virtue of the annexation. Brief discussion ensued regarding
the annexation.
The Public Hearing was opened for Orange County Belmere PO -
Annexation, Parcel H & Substantial Change to Land Use Plan.
Chuck Whittall, President of Unicorp., briefly explained the history of the Belmere
purchase and property, the quality he puts into his development, and the many
benefits that would be made to the roads should they be annexed into the City.
Member Mckey inquired if they are designed far enough to know the size of the
units. Mr. Whittall stated the apartment units will have 1-3 bedrooms and the
average unit size will be 1,200 square feet. He stated the units will also include
some enclosed parking garages. Member Dillard inquired about the costs for the
road improvements. Community Development Director Wagner stated the
main improvements would be the spending of $1.3 million dollars of impact fees
that they would generate plus additional contribution from the developer to
improve Roberson Road by extending the left turn lane, putting in right turn lanes,
and adding two through lanes in both directions which will match up with their
improvements on Moore Road. The City is already underway with putting in a new
traffic signal at this location. He stated none of this will be been done if the impact
fees go to Orange County. He further stated this project was already approved in
Orange County and what they are trying to do is make this a better project.
Member Mckey inquired if the designs of the buildings were done and if there was
enough space between the buildings in case of a fire. Principal Planner Rumer
stated the Fire Department has met with them and there is enough space
provided between each building. Vice Chair Golden stated with the height issues
he understands why they want to go higher but inquired as to what additional
visual screening would be used near the residential areas on the West. Mr.
Whittall stated they can put in more trees and shrubbery to create screening. He
stated within the 25 ft. buffer they are doubling the required tree count per the City
code. The landscape engineer for the project stated they have not designed the
landscape at this point and everything is premature. He further stated the intent is
to create a screen and they have focused on doubling the tree canopy. Chairman
West inquired if they had stayed within the original plan that was presented to
Orange County would they have been able to screen. In the original plan the two-
story unit would be 25 ft. from the existing wall, whereas in the proposed plan the
unit will be a minimum 140 ft. away. Vice Chair West inquired as to what other
security measures were being proposed, other than the gates. Principal Planner
Rumer stated the area is a low crime area and briefly had the Ocoee Police Chief
give an overview of the crime in that area and answer questions addressing the
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
crime issues. Mr. Whittall briefly explained the high end style of the apartments
and the many upgrades they will be providing.
Richard Montgomery, HOA Board Member for Belmere Village and resident of
1147 Algare Loop, applauded what Unicorp. has presented before them today
which is much better than the original plan. He stated the reason they are present
tonight is not to argue with what is being proposed by Unicorp. but instead to ask
them to delay the process so that their neighborhood may have an opportunity to
work more closely with the Unicorp. staff. Mr. Montgomery briefly explained his
concerns with the notification letters and statements that were made in the past
that high end apartments and adult care would not be built on that property. He
stated the plan originally had 150 single family town homes and he does not know
how it went up to 212 units packed in like sardines. He briefly explained his
concerns with the traffic issues on Roberson and Windermere which is becoming
a nightmare. He stated he feels that the first opportunity the developer has to sell
this to another company to manage the apartment that they will. Vice Chair
Golden inquired if they had discussed the height addition. Mr. Montgomery
stated that is one of their concerns especially for the bordering homes along the
wall. Vice Chair Golden stated that it seems they will have a community meeting
on Thursday and inquired if that would satisfy the community before it goes to the
City Commission. Mr. Montgomery stated he feels that the community meeting is
an opportunity for residents to express their concern, but if the action is already
taken by this board prior to the community meeting then they will not have the
opportunity to try to influence what they are actually proposing. Chairman West
informed Mr. Montgomery that the Planning & Zoning Board only makes a
recommendation to the City Commission and the residents still have the
opportunity to work with Unicorp. to make changes before it goes to the City
Commission. Mr. Montgomery stated he feels this board is more focused on
planning and zoning where the City Commission is more focused on other aspects
of City business. Member McKey inquired when this project would be before the
City Commission. Principal Planner Rumer stated the first reading would be on
March 18th and the second reading and the public hearing is scheduled for April
1 st.
Terry DiCastro, 11420 Vicolo Loop, stated that she wanted to add some
additional points. They looked at the situation of rental vacancies and Key Isle
currently has 282 units that are complete with an additional 155 units that are still
under construction; of those 437 apartments, less than half are currently occupied.
She further stated her concern is what it is going to take to fill those units as far as
the monthly rate they will charge. Ms. DiCastro stated that many of the
communities in the surrounding area also have a high number of rental homes
that are sitting empty and some of which are going into foreclosure. She stated
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
she would much rather see town homes built with one resident than an apartment
complex with many renters.
Bobby Corsello, 1122 Algare Loop, stated that luxury apartments mean nothing if
they are not rented. He stated that if apartments do not do well the rates are
lowered and it does not matter if they are gated the quality will come down. He
briefly spoke of experiences he encountered with luxury apartments going down
and stated he did not know about the apartments being proposed until a couple of
days ago.
Roderick Mathis, 11608 Vicolo Loop, stated his comment is to Mr. Whittall who
stated he had more invested in this community then anyone else in the room. As
far as a monetary basis he does but the residents tonight have families and if
crime comes into their neighborhood it would affect irreplaceable things. What is
being seen tonight is the manifestation of a lot of the frustration that the good
people are exhibiting because they were not informed.
Bill Berg, 2165 Blackjack Oaks St., stated that on Maguire Road there is a main
entry and he was inquiring if that would have an access from northbound. John
Townsend, Civil Engineer, stated they will have a full access. He further briefly
explained the proposed improvements on Maguire Road. Further discussion
ensued regarding the improvements on Roberson Road, morning traffic
congestion due to the school, and signalization on Roberson Road
Jason Lawrence, 11304 Rapallo Lane, inquired about the main entrance to the
Belmere Subdivision. He further stated the main conduit to go to the Winter
Garden Groves is Roberson Road and he does not understand why the road
would not be widened. Community Development Director Wagner stated they
have thought about it but he believes their last traffic count done by the engineer
showed that the road is not over capacity on a daily trip basis. Mr. Lawrence
briefly explained his experience with apartments that turned into a crime area.
Joe Mrochko, 3113 Kentshire Blvd., stated he represents the Windsor Landing
Subdivision and his biggest concern is the height of the building.
Paul Manutes, 11258 Rapallo Lane, stated he lived in an apartment complex for
6 years in Orlando and he decided it was time for him and his family to not live in
an apartment complex because the quality of life that came around it. He feels
many moved into the area they are now to take their lives to the next step and a
rental community of that size is a really bad idea and brings a serious concern to
their community.
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Bobby Kidd, 977 Lascala Drive, commented on the Arial view of the project that
was projected on to the screen. He stated that if he was told in 2002 when he
purchased his home that there would be a 3-story building in his backyard he
would not have purchased in that location. There will be no sunlight in the back of
his yard and he has a pool.
Heather Stevenson, 11217 Rapallo Lane, stated she is upset about the height of
the building and was wondering about the possibility of adding to the height of
their current wall. She also expressed her concern with the widening of the road
leading into Windermere and if any traffic study had been done for that road.
Chairman West stated he is sure a traffic study has been done since it is required
bylaw.
Michael Sofer, 1005 Lascala Drive, stated he would like to see elevated pictures
of the project so everyone can see the true picture of what is going on. He further
inquired if the road entering the apartment complex had been studied and if there
were any stats on how many cars will exit that driveway. Principal Planner
Rumer informed the residents present that the original approval was done through
Orange County and they are welcome to go to the Orange County Services
Building to view the traffic study that was done.
City Attorney Rosenthal stated that in response to the date of the Orange
County vested right certificate for all the traffic impact is a 1992 approval. He
further stated what it means that the County approved the entire PUD and all the
traffic impact from the entire PUD and they issued the certificate in 1992,
presumably based on the 1985 approval. Once the first house is put in there, it is
an entitlement of the developer to build out the last house. Mr. Whittall stated
that they are actually building less then what is entitled, which means there will be
less trips than what they originally had proposed. He further stated the traffic
study is recent and the vested right just means he has the right to build on the
property. Mr. Whittall stated he heard a lot of people say they never knew that
there would be apartments on that land; however, that land has been zoned for
apartments for over 20 years. He stated he does have a work session set up to
listen to their concerns on Thursday night and he would be happy to meet with
anyone present. He further stated the majority of the crime in Metrowest is not the
apartments it is the surrounding community. Mr. Whittall briefly discussed the
quality of work he builds, the road improvements that will take place if they are
annexed, and landscaping for visual screening.
The Public Hearing was closed for Orange County Belmere PO - Annexation,
Parcel H & Substantial Change to Land Use Plan.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
Vice Chair Golden inquired how the development would be affected if they
brought more units into the tract. Principal Planner Rumer stated that under the
conversion that is allowed on the existing PD plan one multi-family equals one
single-family. So they can convert the 202 town home units to 202 apartment
units. Under the transfer of unused units they are asking for fourteen more units.
Vice Chair Golden inquired what the opacity requirement between residential and
the use for a building that has a height like they are proposing would be.
Principal Planner Rumer stated in the open space criteria in the LDC it simply
requires a buffer of 25ft and the planting that is required. Community
Development Director Wagner stated the main aspect of the landscape buffer is
the height and density of the planting materials. He stated the 25ft is up against
the parking lot or garage and not the unit so there is a lot more flexibility as to how
much landscaping they can put in there. Vice Chair Golden stated he would like
to see language from staff that there will be some visual buffer before he votes on
a 10ft higher building. Community Development Director Wagner stated he
does not see any problem adding that in as a condition and they can work with the
landscape architect to be sure that it is a buffer the surrounding residents are
looking for.
Member Dillard again inquired if the plans would be coming back to the board.
Community Development Director Wagner stated they would see the final site
plan. He informed the board that they will also be available at the meeting
Thursday night to answer concerns the residents may have. Member Conkling
inquired if there would be something in the covenants dictating that the cars would
have to be put in the garage units or would that be used as a second storage. Mr.
Whittall stated that they would not have a problem putting a condition in the
covenants regarding the garage. Member McKey stated that an HOA was
mentioned and he was wondering if that would run with the land if they do sell the
property at some point. Mr. Whittall stated it would. A brief discussion ensued
regarding the LOS (Level of Service) and what it is projected to be. Member Sills
stated that some of the residents asked that the vote be postponed but he has
noticed that the developer is still proceeding with the development and does not
see any purpose to not take any action tonight. Member McKey inquired as to
what the response time is for that area. Police Chief Reffett stated their
response time for non-emergency to emergency can be 4-8mins. As for the
Sheriffs Department he can not answer for them. Principal Planner Rumer
stated that he failed to mention before in his presentation that if the property is
annexed they will retain their Windermere address. A brief discussion ensued
regarding the mailing address for the development.
Vice Chair Golden inquired as to who on the board lives in that area and how
they felt about the height waiver that is being requested. Member Conkling
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11,2008
stated he lives in that area and feels that with the buildings being setback 180ft
from the perimeter and the front of the building facing the Belmere backyard as
well as most of the existing homes in Belmere having screen enclosures and
palms and he is not as concerned with the visibility of seeing into a neighboring
yard. He stated this development fits in with what is going on in the area.
Member Conkling stated the development is much more of an upgrade then what
was presented to Orange County and it will be coming in anyway so the best
solution is to work with the developer and find a happy medium. Member
Rhodus commented that she has lived in her home for over 30 yrs. and she did
not know that being a renter carried such a stigma. She stated everyone wants
the American dream and to own a home but 99% of the people she knows who
are honest people, are renters. Chairman West stated he understands the
residents concerns and he hopes things can be worked out before it goes before
the Commission.
Vice Chair Golden stated he would like to add a condition for an additional buffer
consistent with what the City has done in the past. Community Development
Director Wagner stated he understands what is being asked but feels they
should have some time to work with the developer and the residents to come up
with a plan on what they would like to see.
Member CamDbell. seconded bv Member Morris. moved to recommend
approval of the annexation of the 26.64 +/- acres of land known as the Belmere
Tract H. subiect to the execution of the annexation aareement and subiect to all
outstandina comments beina resolved prior to the Citv Commission meetina.
Motion carried unanimouslv.
Chairman West opened the Public Hearing for Orange County Belmere PD -
Substantial Change to Land Use Plan and announced that any comments from
the previous public hearing will carry forward. Chairman West closed the Public
Hearing.
Vice Chair Golden. seconded bv Member McKev. moved to recommend
aPDroval of the Substantial Chanae to the Oranae Countv Belmere PO Land Use
Plan to permit 216 multi-familv units and an 85 unit ALF. removal of the condition
prohibitina the transfer of unused residential units from Tracts A-F to Tract H. and
permittina the multi-familv and ALF to have a maximum heiaht of 45 feet. and
further subiect to the Annexation of the propertv and the execution of the
Annexation and Development Aareement. In addition. the landscape buffer must
provide a sianificant visual buffer from the development to the residential area and
a communitv meetina must be held prior to the Citv Commission meetina. Motion
carried unanimouslv.
13
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
Recess 9:32pm - 9:39pm
SHOPPES OF WEST OAKS - PRELIMINARY/FINAL SITE PLAN
Principal Planner Fabre stated the subject site is approximately 8.46 acres in
size and is located on the south side of W. Colonial Drive (SR 50) approximately
580 feet west of Good Homes Road and just east of Vizcaya Lake Road. The
Future Land Use designation for the site is Commercial. The property is zoned
Community Commercial (C-2), which permits development and construction of the
proposed use. The properties to the east, west, and south are in unincorporated
Orange County.
The Preliminary/Final Site Plan is proposed to be constructed in four phases.
Phase I is programmed to be a one-story Grocery Store (Aldi Supermarket)
consisting of 16,527 square feet. Phase II is proposed to be a Retail Building
consisting of 27,363 square feet that will be attached to the Grocery Store. Both
the Grocery Store and Retail Building will be setback from SR 50. All
infrastructures needed for Phase I & II will be developed atthe same time. Phase
III & IV will consist of two commercial establishments that are proposed to front
along SR 50. Both developments will be reviewed and approved as small-scale
site plans. One establishment is projected to be a 4,052 square feet financial bank
with a drive-thru. The other is designed as a Restaurant with a drive-thru
consisting of approximately 3,870 square feet.
The developer/owner has requested that the main entrance to his site be a full
access with an additional access on the eastern boundary of the site that will be a
right-in/right-out only. Both access driveways are proposed to connect to SR 50.
The full access into the site is inconsistent with the adopted '~ccess Management
and Intersection Operations Study" for SR 50.
The Applicant has submitted a copy of a Notice of Intent to issue a connection
permit from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the subject
driveways. It should be noted that the NOI is a conditional connection permit and
subject to City development plan approval. This permit is also in conflict with the
future widening/median improvements planned by FDOT.
State Road 50 is programmed to be widened to 6 lanes in the future. The FDOT
widening Construction Plans for SR50 has planned an uncut divided median along
the entire subject site frontage. Therefore, this median will limit the future access
to the subject site as right-in right-out only. The closest full access planned will be
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
at the Vizcaya Lake Road intersection. The FDOT widening improvements
(currently unfunded) are projected in the 5 to 6 years capital improvement plans.
The representatives of the development site are aware of the FDOT future
widening median plans.
Member Rhodus inquired if the Vizcaya Lake Road intersection would have
signalization. Nick Lepp, Renaissance Planning Group, stated that the
intersection can not be signalized according to the current code even though he
believes at one point it may have been proposed to be signalized. He further
stated it is too close to the current intersection of Good Homes Road and West
Colonial Drive. Mr. Lepp stated the applicant is proposing a full access opening
with no signalization at this time.
Principal Planner Fabre stated the applicant/developer is requesting one waiver
from the Land Development Code which states a commercial large-scale project
of this size requires a water feature such as a fountain (LDC, Art. VI, Sec. 6-14, C,
(1), (I), ii). There is no off-setting public benefit proposed for this waiver request.
The Applicant was made aware that Staff will not support an amendment to the
LDC's '~ccess Management and Intersection Operations Study" for SR 50.
However, Staff can recommend approval for the Site Plan with proper median
separators and turn lanes for the directional lefts consistent with the Access
Management Plan. Ultimately, the plans will need to be revised to show the
median separators and turnlanes for the directional lefts.
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
The Development Review Committee (DRC) met on February 28, 2008, and
reviewed the Preliminary/Final Site Plan. The City Attorney advised that the City
Commission cannot approve a Site Plan that is inconsistent with the SR 50
Access Plan since it is part of the Land Development Code. The Applicant asked
about the City Commission changing the LDC Access Management Plan. The
Applicant was informed that any changes to the LDC must be initiated by the City
Commission and ultimately amended by an Ordinance. The Applicant asked if
Good Homes Plaza was built prior to the Access Management Plan. The answer
was, yes. At the DRC the Deputy Police Chief spoke about the current vehicular
problems (2 fatalities) that have occurred in this segment of SR 50.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Based upon the recommendation of the DRC, Staff recommends that the
Planning & Zoning Commission recommend approval of the Preliminary/Final Site
Plan for Shoppes at West Oaks, subject to the following conditions:
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
a. Approval of the Waiver pertaining to the required Water Feature;
b. Completion of Staff's comments, mentioned in this staff report, before
City Commission action;
c. Incorporating proper raised median separators and turnlanes for the
directional lefts consistent with the adopted "Access Management and
Intersection Operations Study" for SR 50.
DISCUSSION
City Attorney Palmer briefly spoke about the Access Management Plan and
stated a full access point at that intersection can be accomplished in one of two
ways: 1) amend the actual Access Plan, which would require an ordinance and
would not be supported by City staff at this time but would have to go before the
City Commission for direction, or 2) the City Commission could grant a waiver
from the requirements of the Access Plan. Member Conkling inquired if the
residents of the apartment complex were able to turn left out onto the intersection.
It was stated that they do have full access and residents can turn left. City
Attorney Rosenthal advised Member Conkling that the apartments are in
unincorporated Orange County and the City did oppose the left turn out of that
apartment complex. Vice Chair Golden inquired about the water feature and
asked if it was a requirement based on the square footage of the retail. Principal
Planner Fabre stated it is a requirement for any large scale development over
50,000 square feet. He further stated that they are open and would work with the
developer on a water feature that would meet the code. Brief discussion ensued
regarding the FDOT future plans for West Colonial Drive.
The Public Hearing was opened for Shoppes of West Oaks -
Preliminary/Final Site Plan.
Scott Glass, representative for the applicant, stated that before they make a
motion he would like to state his side of the story. He stated the fountain is not an
issue the applicant has agreed to the fountain so that has been resolved. Mr.
Glass briefly touched on the subject of the two ways the developer could go about
to get the full access point as mentioned before by City Attorney Palmer. He
stated they are proposing to seek a waiver but only on a temporary basis to allow
for the full access. He further stated their clients have been in the process of
negotiating with Vizcaya Apartments and with the church toward the goal of
essentially combining Vizcaya Lakes Road and Cemetery Road into one and get a
signal there. Mr. Glass stated their traffic consultant feels that with the three
properties that would be served by that access point a signal is going to be
16
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
warranted and they are fairly confident that they are going to be able to get a
signal there. He further stated they are asking for the board to give them a time
frame to get the signal and for now allow the full access. If they can not get the
signal in the time frame they were given then shut them down and they will comply
with the directional lefts. Chairman West inquired if they did get the light if the
main entrance to his project would remain where it is right now. Member
Campbell inquired as to who owns Cemetery Road. Mr. Glass stated it is in the
County. Member Campbell stated given the government constraints the County
is facing that the likelihood of them improving Cemetery Road is unlikely. Mr.
Glass stated his client has negotiated a cost sharing arrangement between the
three entities for the improvements. A brief discussion ensued regarding the lift
station and the improvements of Cemetery Road.
The Public Hearing was closed for Shoppes of West Oaks -
Preliminary/Final Site Plan.
Vice Chairman Golden stated he does not really understand the traffic study
since it is not in front of him but inquired if the temporary signalization would meet
the goal of achieving the alternative waiver issue. Mr. Lepp stated when the
traffic study was done in 1998 there was a lot less traffic on Hwy 50 then there is
now. He further stated, due to location, the topography changes and it starts
going downhill which is the reason why they wanted the directional left. With the
proximity to the other intersection having a full access adds several extra conflict
points for people going out and trying to go westbound. He stated having a
signalization at Vizcaya Lake Road has been looked at and would be ideal but it
would probably have to wait until Hwy 50 improvements go through. Principal
Planner Fabre stated what the developer is proposing is a temporary fix because
once FDOT takes over there will only be one straight median with an access to
Vizcaya Lake. A brief discussion ensued regarding the waiver process.
Ashley Rumble, representative for the owner, stated what they are proposing is a
temporary situation but what it would allow for them to do is get the signalization
much quicker then waiting for FDOT to come in and do their improvements. He
further stated with them funding the signalization they are hoping to make it
possible in the shortest time frame possible. Chairman West inquired if FDOT
has looked at their proposal and if they had given them a letter of intent to give
them a full access at that intersection. Mr. Rumble stated that was correct. Vice
Chair Golden inquired as to what they meant by, "they were funding the
signalization". Mr. Rumble stated what they are proposing is to have the
improvements be developer/property owner funded. They are looking to have the
property owner's that will benefit from the signalization, actually pay to have it
installed. Nick Lepp stated that the only thing he would like to add is that before
17
Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
FDOT will approve a signal at that location a signal warrant will have to be met
and there will have to be enough traffic coming out of that property. A signal will
not get approved based on projections. Mr. Glass disagreed and stated his
transportation consultant has just advised him that FDOT will approve a signal
based on projections and, if desired he could enter his professional credentials
into the record. Principal Planner Fabre stated he would like to clarify a
statement that was made by Mr. Glass that he had told the applicant that a waiver
was not possible; however, in his staff comments it was mentioned that a waiver
had to be approved by the City in order to allow for the project to be approved.
Vice Chair Golden stated he commends staff for standing their ground on not
waiving the Access Management Plan. He further inquired as to how they could
shut down a full access if a waiver is put into the development agreement for a
future action that may not happen. City Attorney Rosenthal stated what he is
hearing is that Mr. Glass is requesting a waiver that would go away at a particular
point in time but they would then have the right to come back before the City
Commission to ask them to extend that date if the solution has not happened. He
further stated you can run into practical problems such as you would when you
issue a temporary C.O. City Attorney Rosenthal stated he would point out that
the staff recommendation does not preclude them from moving forward with the
proposed solution of the signalization. In fact it calls for the future cross access
onto the apartment's road, so even if they approve the staff's recommendation
there would still be the option to go forward with the plan of signalization, which
would require an amendment to the Access Management Plan. Member Dillard
inquired what the time frame for the development would be. Mr. Rumble stated
that construction is going to be phased and could be roughly 6 months for the Aldi
portion. Member Dillard inquired if the signalization would be another 12 months
or would it be going in at the same time. Mr. Rumble stated the approvals are
going to be sought at the same time but what is difficult for them to do is commit to
when the other entities are going to get things done. A brief discussion ensued
regarding the signalization and the time frame of it being installed.
Vice Chair Golden. seconded bv Member McKev. moved to recommend
approval of the Preliminarv/Final Site Plan for Shoppes at West Oaks. subiect to
the followina conditions: 1) approval of the Waiver pertainina to the reauired
Water Feature. 2) completion of Staff's comments. mentioned in this staff report.
before Citv Commission action. and 3) incof/Joratina proper raised median
separators and turn lanes for the directional lefts consistent with the adopted
"Access Manaaement and Intersection Operations Studv" for SR 50. Motion
failed 3-6 with Members CamDbell. Conklina. Rhodus. Sills. Dillard. and
Chairman West opposina.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11, 2008
Member Sills, seconded bv Member McKev. moved to recommend approval of
the Preliminarv/Final Site Plan for Shoppes at West Oaks, subiect to the followina
conditions: 1) approval of the Waiver pertainina to the reauired Water Feature. 2)
completion of Staff's comments. mentioned in this staff report. before Citv
Commission action, 3) add a waiver table with iustification to the plans. 4) add a
condition of approval that the full access is temporary and will be removed upon
the sianalization of the Vizcava and Cemetery Road intersection or within (Blank)
months, 5) developer will post a bond with amount to be determined so that if the
deadline for sianalization does not happen then it would convert to the directional
left and riaht in/riaht out. and 6) all mentioned conditions above would be put into
a developer aareement to be sianed bv the developer and approved bv the Citv
Commission. Motion carried 7-2 with Member Conklina and Vice Chair Golden
opposina.
Member Sills, seconded bv Member McKey. moved to recommend a
consideration of chanae to the '~ccess Manaaement and Intersection Operation
Studv" to provide for the full access point. Motion carried unanimouslv.
ORANGE COUNTY OCOEE TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER - SPECIAL
EXCEPTION
Principal Planner Fabre stated the subject property is currently the location of
the Orange County Services Building and accessory uses. The actual lattice tower
will occupy a small portion (75 feet by 75 feet) of the property located on the
southwest corner of the site. The Future Land Use classification for this entire
property is "Public Facilities/Institutional"; current Zoning classification is General
Commercial (C-3). Accordingly, the City adopted Map 5-19 "Telecommunications
Service Facilities Location Map," which is used for permitting the location and
types of telecommunications service facilities within three areas (Areas One, Two,
and Three).
Area Three is the least restrictive of the designated telecommunications areas,
which allows for lattice type antennas with a maximum heioht of 200 feet. The
Applicant is requesting a Waiver from this height restriction (bv 80 feet) due to the
technical feasibility of the proposed radio 911 emergency response systems.
Therefore, the Applicant justification for the height waiver is strictly based on
public safety for the local citizens of this area. The proposed site plan shows the
required landscape buffers, landscaping and setback requirements. The fencing
surrounding the facility will be 6 feet high decorative metal painted black to
properly screen the telecommunications equipment.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting
March 11,2008
The Public Hearing was opened for Orange County Ocoee
Telecommunication Tower - Special Exception. As no one wished to speak
the Public Hearing was closed.
DISCUSSION
Mike Hicks, Representative from Orange County, briefly explained the proposed
Public Safety radio tower and the need for the additional 80 feet. He further
explained the decorative fencing and screening that was originally proposed and
the request for a waiver for both the height and deleting the decorative fence and
landscaping around the tower. The Applicant stated that no one will see the area
and there is already a chain link fence installed. Discussion ensued about
alternate methods of screening.
Member CamDbell. seconded bv Member McKey. moved to recommend
approval of the Oranae Countv Special Exception for Ocoee Telecommunications
Service Facilitv utilizina a lattice tower located in Area Three of the (Map 5-19)
Telecommunications Service Facilities Location Map. subiect to approvina the
heiaht waiver reQuest. and includina a waiver of the landscape reQuirement and a
waiver of the fencina reQuirement to allow a reaular chain link fence. Motion
carried unanimouslv.
MISCELLANEOUS
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11 :05 p.m.
Attest:
.~ AdJ/t
Melanie Sibbitt, Deputy City C erk
AP:'~: iJ~
'i) r L
Milton West, Chalrm n
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