HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-14MINUTES OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
ACTING AS THE LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Campbell 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 Campbell, Vice - Chairman McKey, Members de la Portilla, Dunn,
Keethler, Marcotte, Sills, and West. Also present were City Planner Rumer,
Principal Planner Fabre, Assistant City Attorney Drage and Recording ClerkTurner
ABSENT: Member(s): Dillard (A/E)
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting held on Tuesday, December 10,2013.
Vice - Chairman McKey, seconded by Member Dunn, moved to accept the minutes of
the December 10, 2013, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. Motion carried
unanimously.
Member Keethler arrived to the meeting at 7:03 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS - none
NEW BUSINESS
Ocoee Pines PUD (FKA Whispering Pines) — Public Hearing
City Planner Rumer explained that the applicant wishes to revise the plan; therefore, the
item is cancelled and will be re- advertised for a later date.
Ocoee Elementary School Annexation & Rezoning — Public Hearing
Principal Planner Fabre gave a brief presentation with exhibits of the proposed project.
The subject parcel is the expansion site for the existing Ocoee Elementary School. The
parcel is located on the northeast corner of East Orlando Avenue and South Lakewood
Avenue. The property size is 6.42 acres.
City staff has requested a City of Ocoee zoning designation of A -1 (Agriculture) which is
consistent with the zoning of adjacent properties, and is intended for areas shown on the
Future Land Use Map as "Low Density Residential ".
The public hearing was opened.
Julie Salvo, Orange County Public Schools representative, attended the meeting toexpressherconcurrencewithCitystaff's recommendation.
The public hearing was closed.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 14, 2014
DISCUSSION
Member West stated that this item poses a conflict of interest; therefore, he will abstain
from voting (completed Form 88).
Vice - Chairman McKey asked if this project will cause an additional expense to the City.
Principal Planner Fabre stated that City staff reviewed the site plan and they do not find
any issues with the project. Vice - Chairman McKey asked if the traffic Toad will cause
additional traffic issues in the area. City Planner Rumer explained that the school board
worked with the City to resolve traffic issues. He continued by saying that the serpentine
student drop -off is larger than the present school. Additionally, the City is acquiring an
easement on Bluford Avenue as part of a stormwater drainage project that will serve as a
designated lane. Board discussion ensued regarding the traffic issues in that area.
Member Keethler asked if the City is paying for the easement. City Planner Rumer
stated that the City is purchasing the land for a stormwater drainage project.
Member Sills, seconded by Vice - Chairman McKey, moved that the Planning and
Zoning Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, recommend to the
Ocoee City Commission approval of the Annexation of the +/- 6.42 parcel of land
known as the Ocoee Elementary School Expansion Site (Project No. AX- 11- 13 -42)with an Initial Zoning classification of "A -1" (Project No. RZ- 13- 11 -10). Motion
carried unanimously.
Spring Lake Reserve — Public Hearing
Principal Planner Fabre gave a brief presentation with exhibits of the proposed project.
The subject property is located on the south side of A.D. Mims Road directly across from
the City's Jim Beech Recreation Center. The subject site is approximately 43.21 acres in
size, of which 17.56 acres are uplands and 25.65 acres are wetlands /surface water. The
site is comprised of two parcels and is currently undeveloped with a variety of trees,
wetlands and 100 -year floodplain areas. The Future Land Use designation for the site is
High Density Residential" which allows up to 16 dwelling units per acre. To the south
there is a "Conservation /Floodplains" future land use designation that is associated with
the Spring Lake basin. The rezoning would be from "R -3" (Multiple - Family Dwelling) toPUD" (Planned Unit Development) with a corresponding Land Use Plan.
The Spring Lake Reserve PUD is a planned residential subdivision that proposes a total of
99 single - family detached residential Tots with a requested net density of 5.59 units per
acre. The PUD is proposed to have a neo- traditional neighborhood design with on- street
parallel parking, park muse, reduced setback requirements and residential Tots with rear
loading alleys.
The 100 -year flood plains will not be disturbed, and approximately 6.01 acres of wetlands
will not be developed and will be a conservation area. There is a small wetland area that is
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January 14, 2014
programed to be disturbed. The applicant has proposed an onsite mitigation program
which will serve as an additional buffer area.
The subdivision will have one main access from A.D. Mims Road with a designated left-
turn lane. There is a proposed internal street stub -out for the potential future cross - access
to the west, and a 6 -foot high privacy wall with landscaping along A.D. Mims Road. The
proposed buffer abutting the Reflections Subdivision is a PVC vinyl fence. Along the
frontage of A.D. Mims will be a brick wall, and along the open areas is a proposed brick
column and decorative fencing.
The applicant has requested one waiver from the Land Development Code. The request is
to have two trees on lots that are 33.7 feet wide instead of the three -tree per lot
requirement. He continued by saying that the required third tree will be planted in the
common areas of the subdivision.
The DRC met on January 8, 2014, and voted unanimously to recommend approval of the
project subject to the resolution of the remaining staff comments.
DISCUSSION
Vice - Chairman McKey asked if the required third tree will be planted in the common area.
Principal Planner Fabre answered in the affirmative. Board discussion ensued regarding
the existing trees on the land. Principal Planner Fabre explained that they will try to keep
as many of the existing trees. He also reminded the board that what is presented at the
meeting is only a PUD plan, and more details will be offered upon the presentation of the
final engineering plan. Vice - Chairman McKey asked if there will be a trail or boardwalk
around the lake area. Principal Planner Fabre explained that it is not offered in the plan,
but this is something that can be looked into.
Principal Planner Fabre informed the board that the City's Transportation Planners have
concluded that the proposed development will not adversely impact the City of Ocoee's
roadway network or intersections. School capacity for the development has been
determined to be available by Orange County Public Schools.
Vice - Chairman McKey inquired if there will be a flashing light for people to cross A.D.
Mims Road. Principal Planner Fabre stated the City could look into that.
Member de la Portilla asked if PVC privacy fencing is considered to be a standard buffer
for the City. Principal Planner Fabre explained that the City does not have a buffer
requirement for the separation of residential subdivisions.
The public hearing was opened.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 14, 2014
The applicant, Richard Wohlfarth, approached the podium and asked to address any
issues the residents may have once the board has heard their concerns. The chairman
conceded.
The following residents voiced their concerns regarding the Spring Lake Reserve project:
Jeff Santeler, 1731 Sparkling Water Circle
Debi Kerkhoff, 1744 Sparkling Water Circle
Polly Rorbeck, 1719 Sparkling Water Circle
Laura Gleason, 1433 Spring Lake Terrace
Frances Brender, 1305 Ridgefield Avenue
Dwayne Depaiva, 1388 Century Oak Drive
Mark Davis, 1688 Sparkling Water Circle
Dan Daly, 1732 Sparkling Water Circle
Some of the shared concerns and requests from the residents included:
The quality and security of the proposed PVC vinyl fence
Extending the fence to the entire length of the subdivision on the east side (abutting
the Reflections Subdivision's common recreational area)
Preservation of the wildlife in the area
A fence higher than 6 feet to divide the neighborhoods
More space between the new development and the Reflections Subdivision
Encroachment into the wetlands and the floodplains
Drainage into Spring Lake
Pollution of Spring Lake
Increase in the noise level
Emergency and sanitation vehicles getting through the neighborhood
Board discussion ensued regarding approval from the St. Johns Water Management
District due to the wetlands on the property. Principal Planner Fabre stated that initial
contact has been made with the agency by the developer. He continued by saying that the
City has regulations similar to the agency, and the project complies with the City's
requirements. Additionally, the agency does concur with the preliminary environmental
report conducted. He continued by saying that Bio -Tech Consulting provided a report that
addressed the wildlife in the area. The results showed that the observed species were not
managed species.
The applicant, Richard Wohlfarth, addressed the concerns and suggestions by offeringtheinformationbelow.
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January 14, 2014
The proposed rezoning to "PUD" will decrease the density of the development,
compared to the current zoning, "R -3 ". Additionally, under the "R -3" zoning, the
developer has the option to construct three -story buildings; however, the proposed
project will only have two -story homes.
A two -day wildlife study was conducted, and it concluded that there are no
endangered species inhabiting the area.
The developer is very aware of the wetlands, and is providing buffers as required by
the City.
Trees will be planted that are close in grade to the existing trees. The intent is to
keep the area green, and to save as many of the existing trees as possible.
Offered to increase the diameter of the trees (4 -inch caliper trees instead of 2 -inch
caliper trees) along the PVC vinyl fence adjacent to the internal roadway, in order to
provide a larger buffer.
The proposed PVC vinyl fence is beyond what is required by the City.
Offered to extend the fence on the east side of the subdivision (abutting the
Reflections Subdivision's common recreational area)
Member Keethler cautioned the applicant from planting oak trees as the roots often
damage sidewalks and streets. Mr. Wohlfarth stated the trees will be planted at least 5
feet from the curbing, so this should not happen.
Mr. Wohlfarth addressed the concern of emergency and sanitation vehicles travelling in
the subdivision through the use of AutoTURN software; some adjustments were made
based on the results. He continued by saying extensive studies and surveys have found
that the development will provide for proper drainage. Additionally, the developer has
extended the distance of the homes from the floodplain. Mr. Wohlfarth agreed to look into
providing a boardwalk or observation deck by the lake.
Member Keethler asked if the developer can offer alternative barriers to PVC vinyl
fencing. The applicant stated there are other options, but very expensive ones. He offered
to look into ways to reinforce the proposed fence. He continued by saying that the
subdivision will have a Homeowners' Association (HOA) that will maintain the fence.
Member McKey asked if the vinyl fence will meet hurricane codes. The applicant stated
that all requirements will be met. Member de la Portilla asked if the board could condition
the approval requiring the applicant to provide something other than a PVC vinyl fence.
City Planner Rumer answered in the affirmative. Mr. Wohlfarth stated that he will look
into alternatives that will work for everyone.
Harry Lipton, 1684 Sparkling Water Circle, approached the podium and suggested
modeling the proposed fence to the one for the subdivision on State Road 50. He
continued by saying the fence he is referring to is a PVC fence with brick mountingbrackets, and it has insets for trees or shrubs.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
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Gary Fowler, 1305 Richfield Drive, approached the podium and voiced his concerns with
the project.
Mr. Wohlfarth approached the podium and readdressed the residents' concerns and
suggestions. He stated that he will look into Mr. Lipton's suggested fence idea.
Chris Haliday, 1725 Sparking Water Circle, approached the podium and voiced his
concerns with the project.
The public hearing was closed.
Vice - Chairman McKey inquired regarding the drainage of the water entering the lake and
wanted to know what would be done to mitigate any issues. City Planner Rumer stated
that the City engineer and staff will look into this. He reminded the board that the
development will not move forward without first receiving a permit from the St. Johns
Management District.
Chairman Campbell asked City Planner Rumer to explain the project development
approval process for the attending residents. City Planner Rumer explained that the first
step is to set the zoning designation for the property. The next step is the preliminary
subdivision plan, and the last step is the final subdivision plan with a development plan.
The final step will contain hard facts on the drainage system.
Member West stated the applicant has addressed many of the residents' concerns. He
continued by saying that the development is nice, and will better serve the area than a
multi -unit project.
Member Marcotte inquired regarding the lot sizes of the proposed Spring Lake Reserve
development as compared to the lots of the Reflections Subdivision. Discussion ensued,
and it was determined that the lot sizes for the proposed development are 37.5 feet
compared to the 75 -foot lot sizes of the Reflections Subdivision. Member Marcotte also
asked if the right -of -ways will be dedicated to the City for maintenance. Principal Planner
Fabre confirmed, and added that the development's alleys will be maintained by the HOA.
Member Keethler opined that development of the sanctuary-type land may be shocking to
the residents; however, the land is private property and will be eventually developed.
Additionally, the developer has tried to mitigate many of the residents' concerns as
possible.
Member West, seconded by Member Keethler, moved that the Planning and Zoning
Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, recommend to the Ocoee City
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 14, 2014
Commission approval of the Spring Lake Reserve PUD Rezoning/ Land Use Plan
Project No. RZ- 13- 11 -09).
Member de la Portilla asked Member West to consider an amendment to the motion
requiring the developer to upgrade the proposed PVC vinyl fence to something other than
PVC. Member West stated he would not consider amending the motion as requiring the
developer to upgrade the fence would hurt the project. He continued by saying that the
developer did say he would look into the fence.
After board discussion, the motion carried (7 -1), with Member Marcotte opposing.
Casa Mirella at Belmere PD — Public Hearing
18 Amendment to Ocoee - Orange County Joint Planning Area Agreement
City Planner Rumer gave a brief presentation of Casa Mirella at Belmere PD. He stated
that this an applicant- initiated amendment of the Joint Planning Area Agreement (JPA)
changing the JPA future Land Use designation on 2.7 acres from Low DensityResidential" to "High Density Residential ". The subject property is Lot 3 of Casa Mirella
and is located on the west side of Maguire Road and south of Roberson Road. The parcel
of land has a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning designation within Belmere PD.
This lot has been set aside for 85 Adult Living Facility (ALF) units. The applicant is
proposing to covert the 85 ALF units to 12 residential units and add 48 more units to the
PUD in order to construct 60 multi - family units.
The Belmere PD was originally approved by the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners on May 21, 1985. The northern portion of the PD was set aside as Tract
G, which consisted of 177 acres. In 1995, the PD Land Use Plan was amended to permit
708 dwelling units in Tract G. A subsequent amendment in 1999 carved out Tract H from
Tract G. The property has retained the Orange County Citrus Rural land use designation.
The DRC met on January 8, 2014, and voted unanimously to recommend approval.
DISCUSSION
The public hearing was opened.
James Johnston, Shutts & Bowen, LLP, attended on behalf of the applicant to supportCitystaffsdecision.
Vice - Chairman McKey asked what the proposed density of the project is. Mr. Johnston
stated that the overall density will be 12.75 units per acre. He continued by saying that this
project is a continuation of the existing project.
The public hearing was closed.
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 14, 2014
Member West, seconded by Member Sills, moved that the Planning and Zoning
Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, recommend to the Ocoee City
Commission approval of the 18 Amendment to the Joint Planning Area Agreement
between the City of Ocoee and Orange County providing for an amendment to the
JPA Future Land Use Map to change the future land use designation on 2.7 +/- acres
from Low Density Residential (LDR) to High Density Residential (HDR) for properties
located in the Belmere PUD. Motion carried unanimously.
Small -Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment
The public hearing was opened.
The public hearing was closed.
DISCUSSION
Member de la Portilla inquired what type of buffer divides the Belmere Subdivision and
this apartment project. City Planner Rumer answered that a 6 -foot brick wall divides the
properties.
Member West, seconded by Member Sills, moved that the Planning and Zoning
Commission, acting as the Local Planning Agency, recommend to the Ocoee City
Commission approval of the Casa Mirella at Belmere PUD Small -Scale
Comprehensive Plan Amendment (Project No. CPA - 2013 -004). Motion carried
unanimously.
Member Dunn asked if Oakland Avenue will be repaved or resurfaced. City Planner
Rumer stated he will look into this.
MISCELLANEOUS
Project Status Report
None
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:57 p.m.
Attest:APPROVED:
Diana Turner, Recording Clerk Bradley Campbell, Chairman
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