2020-10-20 Ex 04Ordinance No. 1219 - Page 1 of 4
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ORDINANCE NO. 1219
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING
CHAPTER 70 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY
OF OKEECHOBEE; AMENDING SECTION 70 -340 , BROADENING THE
APPLICABILITY OF THE FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR GRANTING
PETITIONS ; AMENDING FORM 1 OF APPENDIX A TO CLARIFY THE
PROCE DURES FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT PETITIONS ;
AMENDING FORM 3 OF APPENDIX A TO CLARIFY THE PROCE DURES
FOR ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARY CHANGE PETITIONS; CREATING
FORM 19 IN APPENDIX A TO PROVIDE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES
FOR ADMINISTRATIVELY INITIATED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE
LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT S; CREATING FORM 20 IN APPENDIX A TO
PROVIDE STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR ADMINISTRATIVELY
INITIATED ZONING DISTRICT BOUNDARY C HANGE PETITION S;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY;
PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, has adopted Ordinance
Number 716, as amended, known as the Land Development Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the City of Okeechobee, Florida, has a legitimate interest in periodic review of its
Ordinances and Land Development Regulations in order to address certain
inconsistencies or outdated regulations contained in the Codes; to make amendments to
meet changing community standards, or to accommodate new development; and to
create new ordinance or regulation to better serve the public and to make the Code a
more consistent and easier to understand document; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, acting as the Local
Planning Agency, reviewed and discussed the proposed amendments, also known as
Land Development Regulation Text Amendment Application No. 20 -002-TA, at a duly
advertised Public Hearing held on September 17, 2020, and based on findings of fact by
the Planning Staff, hereby recommends certain changes, amendments or modifications
to the Code of Ordinances, to present to the City Council for ordinance adoption and
codification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, considered the
recommendations by the Planning Board and concludes that enacting such amendments
to be in the best interest of its citizens of said City, that said amendments are necessary
and appropriate to make the Land Development Regulations more consistent and
responsive to the needs of the City and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained before the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida;
presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City
Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for
the City; that:
SECTION 1: Recitals Adopted. Each of the above stated recitals is true and correct and
incorporated herein by this reference:
SECTION 2: Amendment and Adoption to Section 70-340.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, amends herein Part II of the Code of
Ordinances, Subpart B-Land Development Regulations, providing for amendments to Chapter
70-Administration, Article III-Administrative Procedures and Requirements, Division 4-
Application Requirements, Section 70-340 Findings Required for Granting Petitions as follows:
All petitions for change of land development regulations and change of zoning district
boundary shall be considered in relation to the following criteria, where applicable. In
acting upon a petition for a proposed use, the city council, planning board, or board of
adjustment, as appropriate, shall find that:
(1) The userequest is not contrary to comprehensive plan requirements.
(2) The use is specifically authorized under the zoning district regulations applied for.
Ordinance No. 1219 - Page 2 of 4
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(3) The useApproval of the request will not have an adverse effect on the public
interest.
(4) The use is appropriate for the location proposed, is reasonably compatible with
adjacent uses, and is not contrary or detrimental to urbanizing land use patterns.
(5) The useApproval of the request will not adversely affect property values or living
conditions, nor be a deterrent to the improvement or development of adjacent
property.
(6) The use can be suitably buffered from surrounding uses, so as to reduce the
impact of any nuisance or hazard to the neighborhood.
(7) The useApproval of the request will not create a density pattern that would
overburden public facilities such as schools, streets, and utility services.
(8) The useApproval of the request will not create traffic congestion, flooding or
drainage problems, or otherwise affect public safety.
(9) The use has not been inordinately burdened by unnecessary restrictions.
SECTION 3: Amendment and Adoption to Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content
Requirements, Form 1-Comprehensive Plan Amendment Petition.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, amends herein Part II of the Code of
Ordinances, Subpart B-Land Development Regulations, providing for amendments to Appendix
A-Applications Forms and Content Requirements, Form 1-Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Petition as follows:
Appendix A-Application Forms and Content Requirements, Form 1-Comprehensive Plan
Amendment Petition.
1. Petition contents. Comprehensive plan amendment petition shall be submitted on
the appropriate application form and comprises the following:
a. Petitioner's name, address, phone number.
b. Reason for requesting the amendment.
c. Details of the requested amendment.
d. Supplementary supporting information.
e. Information and documents requested by city administrator prior to public
hearing.
f. Application fee.
2. Processing. Comprehensive plan amendment petitions are processed as follows:
a. Applicant submits petition to general services department.
b. Administrator reviews petition, initiates processing, issues notice of
firstplanning board public hearing.
c. Planning board holds public hearing, forwards advisory recommendation to
city council.
d. Administrator issues notice of secondcity council public hearing.
e. City council holds public hearing, renders final decision on petition.
SECTION 4: Amendment and Adoption to Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content
Requirements, Form 3-Zoning District Boundary Change Petition.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, amends herein Part II of the Code of
Ordinances, Subpart B-Land Development Regulations, providing for amendments to Appendix
A-Applications Forms and Content Requirements, Form 3-Zoning District Boundary Change
Petition as follows:
Appendix A-Applications Forms and Content Requirements, Form 3-Zoning District Boundary
Change Petition
1. Petition contents. Zoning district boundary change petition shall be submitted on
the appropriate application form and comprises the following:
a. Petitioner's name, address, phone number.
b. Proof of interest in property.
c. Property survey and location map.
d. Property owner's list.
e. Site development plan.
f. Statement of use.
g. Supplementary supporting information.
h. Impact analysis.
i. Application fee.
Ordinance No. 1219 - Page 3 of 4
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2. Processing. Zoning district boundary change petitions are processed as follows:
a. Applicant submits petition to general services department.
b. Administrator reviews petition, initiates processing, issues notice of
firstplanning board public hearing.
c. Planning board holds public hearing, forwards advisory recommendation to
city council.
d. Administrator issues notice of second city council public hearing.
e. City council holds first public hearing, renders decision.
f. If approved, Administrator issues notice of second city council public
hearing.
eg. City council holds second public hearing, renders final decision on petition.
SECTION 5: Addition and Adoption of Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content
Requirements, Form 19-Administratively Initiated Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use
Map Amendment.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, adds herein Part II of the Code of
Ordinances, Subpart B-Land Development Regulations, providing for amendments to Appendix
A-Applications Forms and Content Requirements, Form 19-Administratively Initiated
Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map Amendment as follows:
Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content Requirements, Form 19-Administratively Initiated
comprehensive plan future land use map amendment.
1. Application contents. Comprehensive plan future land use map amendments
initiated by the City of Okeechobee shall be presented by city staff in a report which
includes the following:
a. List of property owners.
b. Location map identifying subject property.
c. Future Land Use Map identifying subject property.
d. Zoning Map identifying subject property.
e. Legal description of subject property.
f. Reason for amendment.
d. Supplementary supporting information.
e. Information and documents requested by city administrator prior to public
hearing.
2. Processing. Administratively initiated comprehensive plan amendment
applications are processed as follows:
a. Staff prepares a report on the proposed map change.
b. Administrator reviews application, initiates processing, issues notice of
public hearing.
c. Planning board holds public hearing, forwards advisory recommendation to
city council.
d. Administrator issues notice of city council public hearing.
e. City council holds public hearing, renders final decision on application.
SECTION 6: Addition and Adoption of Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content
Requirements, Form 20-Administratively Initiated Zoning District Boundary Change
Petition.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, adds herein Part II of the Code of
Ordinances, Subpart B-Land Development Regulations, providing for amendments to Appendix
A-Applications Forms and Content Requirements, Form 20-Administratively Initiated Zoning
District Boundary Change Petition as follows:
Appendix A-Applications, Forms, and Content Requirements, Form 20-Administratively Initiated
zoning district boundary change petition.
1. Petition contents. Zoning district boundary changes initiated by the City of
Okeechobee shall be presented by city staff in a report which includes the
following:
a. List of property owners.
b. Location map identifying subject property.
c. Future land use map identifying subject property.
d. Zoning map identifying subject property.
e. Legal description of subject property
f. Reason for rezoning
Ordinance No. 1219 - Page 4 of 4
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g. Supplementary supporting information.
h. Information and documents requested by city administrator prior to public
hearing.
2. Processing. Administratively initiated zoning district boundary change petitions are
processed as follows:
a. Staff prepares a report on the proposed map change.
b. Administrator reviews staff report, initiates processing, issues notice of
planning board hearing.
c. Planning board holds public hearing, forwards advisory recommendation to
city council.
d. Administrator issues notice of first city council public hearing.
e. City council holds first public hearing, renders decision.
f. If approved, Administrator issues notice of second city council public
hearing.
g. City council holds second public hearing, renders final decision.
SECTION 7: Conflict. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 8: Severability. If any provision or portion of this Ordinance is declared by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be void, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, then all
remaining provisions and portions of this ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 9: Inclusion in the Code. It is the intention of the City Council, and it is hereby
ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code
of the City of Okeechobee.
SECTION 10: Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its
passage.
INTRODUCED for First Reading and set for Final Public Hearing on this 20th day of October,
2020.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
PASSED AND ADOPTED after Second and Final Public Hearing this 17th day of November,
2020.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John Fumero, City Attorney
City of Okeechobee
Date: d-c'I'D Petition No. aC)-00d-TP
General Services Department
Fee Paid: Nk Jurisdiction:
55 S.E. 3 d Avenue, Room 101
nd
1T T Hearing: C1 2 Hearing: n
Okeechobee, Florida 39974-2903
Publication Dates:
Phone: (863) 763-3372, ext. 218
Notices Mailed: NIP
Fax: (863) 763-1686 i
APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
APPLICANT INFORMATION
I
Name of Applicant: 4
2
Mailing address:}
3
E-mail address: Tz 4
4
Daytime phone(s):
Do you own residential property within the City? Yes No
If yes, provide address(es)
5
Do you own nonresidential property within the City? O Yes No
If yes, provide address(es)
6
REQUEST INFORMATION
Request is for: Text change to an existing section of the LDRs
Addition of a permitted use Deletion of a permitted use
7
Addition of a special exception use Deletion of a special exception use
Addition of an accessory use Deletion of an accessory use
Provide a detailed description of text changes to existing section(s) showing deletions in strikeout and
additions in underline format. (This description may be provided on separate sheets if necessary.)
8
LDR Amendment Application Page 1 of 3
Staff Report
Land Development Code Text Amendment
Applicant: The City of Okeechobee
Petition No.: 20-002-TA
Staff Report Applicant: City of Okeechobee
LDC Amendment Petition No. 20-002-TA
1
Based on direction from the Board at the July workshop and discussion of this issue at the August
Workshop, the attached proposed Ordinance presents land development code amendments that
will allow the City of Okeechobee to initiate zoning map changes and future land use map
changes with less requirements than are currently required for map changes requested by
property owners. As staff confirmed with other local governments, no survey is required for a
city initiated rezoning or a city initiated future land use map amendment. Identifying the subject
property on maps and providing a legal description is sufficient. Minor changes to the processing
procedures of applicant-initiated map changes are also proposed in order to more clearly ali gn
with the manner in which requests are actually processed.
In addition to new application requirements proposed in Appendix A, some minor revisions are
also proposed to Section 70-340 in order to broaden the applicability of the required findings for
zoning map changes and land development code changes.
Submitted by:
Benjamin L. Smith, AICP
Sr. Planner
LaRue Planning
September 8, 2020
Planning Board Meeting: September 17, 2020
City Council 1st Reading: (tentative) October 20, 2020
City Council 2nd Reading and Public Hearing: (tentative) November 17, 2020
DRAFT September 17, 2020 Planning Board & Workshop Meeting Page 1 of 5
CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA
PLANNING BOARD & WORKSHOP MEETING
SEPTEMBER 17, 2020
DRAFT SUMMARY OF BOARD ACTION
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Hoover called the regular Planning Board and Workshop meeting for the City of
Okeechobee to order on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at 6:03 P.M. in the City Council
Chambers, located at 55 Southeast Third Avenue, Room 200, Okeechobee, Florida. Pursuant
to Executive Order No. 20-69 issued by Governor DeSantis on March 20, 2020, and extended
by Executive Order No. 20-193 effective August 7, 2020, the meeting was conducted utilizing
communications media technology as provided by Florida Statutes 120.54(5)(b)2, by means of
Zoom.com Meeting ID 2459713294. The Host computer was operated by Executive Assistant
Brock. The video, audio, and other digital comments are recorded and retained as a permanent
record.
A. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chairperson Hoover.
II. ATTENDANCE
Planning Board Secretary Patty Burnette called the roll. Chairperson Dawn Hoover, Vice
Chairperson Doug McCoy, Board Members Phil Baughman, Karyne Brass and Mac Jonassaint
were present. Alternate Board Members Joe Papasso and Jim Shaw were present. Board
Members Rick Chartier and Felix Granados were absent with consent.
CITY STAFF: City Planning Consultant Ben Smith, General Services Secretary Yesica Montoya,
and Executive Assistant Robin Brock were present. City Attorney John Fumero was absent with
consent.
Chairperson Hoover moved Alternate Board Members Papasso and Shaw to voting position.
III. AGENDA
A. Chairperson Hoover asked whether there were any agenda items to be added, deferred,
or withdrawn. To dispense with the reading and approve the August 20, 2020 Workshop
Minutes was added as Item IV.B.
B. A motion was made by Vice Chairperson McCoy to adopt the agenda as presented and
amended; seconded by Board Member Jonassaint.
Chairperson Hoover, Vice Chairperson McCoy, Board Members Baughman, Brass,
Jonassaint, Papasso and Shaw voted: Aye. Nays: None. Absent: Board Members Chartier
and Granados. Motion Carried.
IV. MINUTES
A. A motion was made by Board Member Brass to dispense with the reading and approve
the July 16, 2020 Regular Meeting minutes; seconded by Vice Chairperson McCoy.
Chairperson Hoover, Vice Chairperson McCoy, Board Members Baughman, Brass,
Jonassaint, Papasso and Shaw voted: Aye. Nays: None. Absent: Board Members Chartier
and Granados. Motion Carried.
B. A motion was made by Vice Chairperson McCoy to dispense with the reading and
approve the August 20, 2020 Workshop Meeting minutes; seconded by Board Member
Jonassaint.
Chairperson Hoover, Vice Chairperson McCoy, Board Members Baughman, Brass,
Jonassaint, Papasso and Shaw voted: Aye. Nays: None. Absent: Board Members Chartier
and Granados. Motion Carried.
V. CHAIRPERSON HOOVER OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:06 P.M.
A. City Planning Consultant Ben Smith of LaRue Planning and Management Services who
briefly reviewed the Planning Staff Report for Land Development Regulations (LDR) Text
Amendment Application No. 20-001-TA, which proposes to amend Section 90-162
revising permitted uses, and Section 90-165 revising the minimum lot and structure
requirements within the Residential Mobile Home (RMH) Zoning District.
DRAFT September 17, 2020 Planning Board & Workshop Meeting Page 2 of 5
A previous workshop meeting was held on August 20, 2020, with the final consensus of
the Planning Board being to revise the current code as follows: the 20 foot minimum yard
setback required in Section 90-165(3)(a) should be removed; redevelopment of lots in the
RMH district with single family dwellings to replace mobile homes should be permitted
and encouraged; the maximum densities allowed by the Single Family (SF) Residential
FLU Category should remain unchanged; and no new subdivisions or lot splitting should
be permitted which is inconsistent with the maximum densities allowed by the
comprehensive plan; and that the permitted uses and lot area requirements of the RMH
district should be amended to achieve this.
1. Chairperson Hoover opened the floor for public comment. Mr. Steven Dobbs
commented he currently is working with a client on a possible new mobile home
subdivision and wanted to confirm should this ordinance be adopted it would now
be required to have 10,000 square feet for a single-family home instead of the
current 5,000 square feet. Planner Smith replied yes as this will then bring the
zoning district’s minimum lot size into consistency with the density listed in the
Comprehensive Plan. Board Member Baughman voiced concerns feeling this
change would be penalizing someone wishing to build a good structure-built home
as they would be held to more area than what would be required for a mobile home.
If one had a lot and placed a mobile home on it and then wanted to change it to a
single-family home later in the future, they would not be able to. He further inquired
about an existing mobile home subdivision, River Run Mobile Home Park and if
the property owners with lots there would be able to change out their mobile homes
to single family homes in the future. Planner Smith replied yes as the mobile homes
were in existence on those undersized lots since 2007. Vice Chairperson McCoy
offered information regarding policies the State has in regard to protecting mobile
homes in parks. Should one not wish to upgrade to a single-family home and wish
to keep their mobile home they are protected, and one cannot force them to make
the change.
2. No disclosures of Ex-Parte were offered from Board Members.
3. A motion was offered by Board Member Jonassaint to recommend approval to the
City Council for LDR Text Amendment Application No. 20-001-TA, which proposes
to amend Section 90-162 revising permitted uses, and Section 90-165 revising the
minimum lot and structure requirements within the Residential Mobile Home
(RMH) Zoning District as follows:
Amend Section 90-162(2) to read mobile home park, with one mobile home per
site (each site meeting the lot structure requirements of Section 90-165(2)(a).
Amend Section 90-162(8) to read site-built or modular single-family homes and
add (9) to read Mobile homes and single-family homes on undersized lots that
have existed since August 1, 2007.
Amend Section 90-165(2) to read minimum lot/site area.
Amend Section 90-165 (2) (a) to read Mobile home with an area of 7,620 square
feet.
Add Section 90-165 (2) (b) to read Single Family Home with an area of 10,000
square feet and a width of 50 feet.
Delete Section 90-165 (3)(a); second by Board Member Brass.
a) The Board offered no further discussion.
b) Chairperson Hoover, Vice Chairperson McCoy, Board Members
Baughman, Brass, Jonassaint, Papasso and Shaw voted: Aye.
Nays: None. Absent: Board Members Chartier and Granados.
Motion Carried. The recommendation will be forwarded to the City
Council for consideration at Public Hearings, tentatively scheduled
for October 20, 2020 and November 17, 2020, 6:00 P.M.
DRAFT September 17, 2020 Planning Board & Workshop Meeting Page 3 of 5
B. City Planning Consultant Smith briefly reviewed the Planning Staff Report for LDR Text
Amendment Application No. 20-002-TA, which proposes to amend Section 70-340
broadening the applicability of the findings required for granting petitions; Appendix A;
Form 1 to clarify the procedures for Comprehensive Plan Amendment Applications; Form
3 to clarify the procedures for Zoning District Boundary Change Petitions; creating Form
19 to provide standards and procedures for administratively initiated Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Amendments; and creating Form 20 to provide standards
and procedures for administratively initiated Zoning District Boundary Change Petitions.
Previous workshop meetings were held on July 16, 2020 and August 20, 2020, with the
final consensus of the Planning Board being to propose land development code
amendments that will allow the City of Okeechobee to initiate zoning map changes and
(FLUM) changes with less requirements than are currently required for map changes
requested by property owners. As staff confirmed with other local governments, no survey
is required for a city initiated rezoning or a city initiated FLUM Amendment. Identifying the
subject property on maps and providing a legal description is sufficient. Minor changes to
the processing procedures of applicant-initiated map changes are also proposed in order
to more closely align with the manner in which requests are actually processed.
1. Chairperson Hoover opened the floor for public comment. There was none.
2. No disclosures of Ex-Parte were offered from Board Members.
3. A motion was offered by Board Member Brass to recommend approval to
the City Council for LDR Text Amendment Application No. 20-002-TA,
which proposes to amend Section 70-340 broadening the applicability of the
findings required for granting petitions; Appendix A; Form 1 to clarify the
procedures for Comprehensive Plan Amendment Applications; Form 3 to
clarify the procedures for Zoning District Boundary Change Petitions;
creating Form 19 to provide standards and procedures for administratively
initiated Comprehensive Plan FLUM Amendments; and creating Form 20 to
provide standards and procedures for administratively initiated Zoning
District Boundary Change Petitions as follows:
Appendix A, Form 1 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Petition number 2.b.,
to read Administrator reviews petition, initiates processing, issues notice of
Planning Board public hearing.
Amend Appendix A, Form 1 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Petition
number 2.d., to read Administrator issues notice of City Council public
hearing.
Amend Appendix A, Form 3, Zoning district boundary change Petition
number 2.b., to read Administrator reviews petition, initiates processing,
issues notice of Planning Board public hearing.
Amend Appendix A, Form 3, Zoning district boundary change Petition
number 2.d., to read Administrator issues notice of City Council public
hearing.
Amend Appendix A, Form 3, Zoning district boundary change Petition by
adding number 2.e., to read City Council holds first public hearing, renders
decision.
Amend Appendix A, Form 3, Zoning district boundary change Petition by
adding number 2.f., to read if approved, Administrator issues notice of
second City Council public hearing.
Amend Appendix A, Form 3, Zoning district boundary change Petitions
number 2.g., to read City Council holds second public hearing, renders final
decision on petition.
Amend Appendix A by adding Form 19, Administratively Initiated
Comprehensive Plan FLUM Amendment and Form 20, Administratively
Initiated Zoning District Boundary Change petition that list petition contents
and processing information. In addition to new application requirements
proposed in Appendix A, some minor revisions are also proposed to Section
70-340 in order to broaden the applicability of the required findings for
zoning map changes and land development code changes.
DRAFT September 17, 2020 Planning Board & Workshop Meeting Page 4 of 5
Amend the first paragraph to read, All petitions for change of land development
regulations and change of zoning district boundary shall be considered in relation
to the following criteria, where applicable.
In acting upon a petition, the City Council, Planning Board, or Board of Adjustment,
as appropriate, shall find that: (1) amend the word use to request and in (3), (5),
(7), and (8) amend the wording at the beginning of each sentence from The use to
Approval of the request; seconded by Board Member Jonassaint.
a) The Board offered no discussion.
b) Chairperson Hoover, Vice Chairperson McCoy, Board
Members Baughman, Brass, Jonassaint, Papasso and Shaw
voted: Aye. Nays: None. Absent: Board Members Chartier and
Granados. Motion Carried. The recommendation will be
forwarded to the City Council for consideration at Public Hearings,
tentatively scheduled for October 20, 2020 and November 17,
2020, 6:00 P.M.
CHAIRPERSON HOOVER CLOSED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:40 P. M.
VI. CHAIRPERSON HOOVER RECESSED THE REGULAR MEETING AND CONVENED THE
WORKSHOP AT 6:40 P.M.
A. City Planning Consultant Smith briefly reviewed the Staff Report for the Workshop
regarding discussion points for the formulation of a program to incentivize owners of
properties zoned Holding to request rezoning to another zoning district. At one time, the
City’s LDR’s contained regulations for the development of properties zoned Holding.
However, several years ago, the Holding district regulations were removed from the
LDR’s. Currently, if any property owner of land zoned Holding is seeking to develop that
property, a rezoning must be performed first.
As members of the City Council and Planning Board have pointed out, the rezoning
process can be an uncertain and cost prohibitive process for some property owners and
prospective property buyers. If the goal of the City is to encourage properties owners of
Holding properties to rezone, then the City may need to consider instituting a temporary
program that provides some incentivization to rezone by reducing the requirements,
lowering the application fee, and providing more certainty to the outcome of the rezoning
process.
At the November 21, 2019 Workshop Meeting, staff received directions to proceed with
a plan for City initiated rezonings of the Holding properties. Planner Smith explained
several tasks would need to be considered.
First, application requirements, including application fees. Currently, Appendix A of the
City’s LDR’s requires the following: petitioner's name, address, phone number; proof of
interest in property; property survey and location map; property owner's list; site
development plan; statement of use; supplementary supporting information; impact
analysis and application fee. As part of the incentivization program, the City could reduce
these rezoning application requirements in a few ways. The City could allow Holding
property owners to submit their application without a survey and location map, instead
requiring only a legal description and parcel number. Additionally, a site development
plan and impact analysis are also not completely necessary. Appendix C of the City’s
LDR’s requires a rezoning application fee of $850 plus $30 per acre.
In addition to the direct costs of advertising and postage, there are other costs the City
has assumed including planning consultant time, administrative staff time, and in some
rezoning situations, attorney time. At this time, these costs are not billed directly back to
the applicant. Ultimately, it must be a City policy and budgeting decision whether to
reduce the fees or set fees differently for any application. Considering the advertising
costs, mailing costs, consultant time and administrative staff time spent on each rezoning
request, reducing the rezoning application fees would likely be a subsidization. However,
reducing fees, even if only moderately, would provide some incentivization for Holding
property owners or prospective buyers to initiate a rezoning.
DRAFT September 17, 2020 Planning Board & Workshop Meeting Page 5 of 5
Secondly, identifying the map changes the City will support. Currently, 55 parcels of land
within the City are zoned Holding. A few are developed, though most are undeveloped
or used for agricultural purposes. Most of the Holding properties are designated as Single
Family Residential (SF) on the FLUM, though there are two with Commercial
designations and one with Mixed Use Residential. Staff has already prepared a report
outlining the existing land use, surrounding land uses, FLUM designation and
recommendations for map changes for nearly every Holding parcel. These
recommendations should be discussed, revised as necessary and formalized by the
Planning Board. Then, should Holding property owners request a rezoning according to
the City’s formally supported map changes, they can have confidence that the request
will be approved.
Thirdly, deciding how the Holding property owners should be notified of the program.
Ideally, a notice would be mailed to each property owner, with the notice being somewhat
specific for each property to describe the map change that is supported by the City for
their property. If phone and/or email contacts are known, staff could also reach out to
property owners through those methods.
Lastly, adopting an ordinance to implement the program. Once the specifics of the
program have been determined, an ordinance can be prepared.
After discussion, the consensus of the Board was to have the City Planner do some
further research on the following items: draft a copy of what the notification letter to
property owners would contain; how advertising costs could be minimalized; and draft an
application with a proposed fee.
CHAIRPERSON HOOVER ADJOURNED THE WORKSHOP AND RECONVENED THE
REGULAR MEETING AT 7:17 P.M.
VII. There be no further items on the agenda, Chairperson Hoover adjourned the meeting at 7:17
P.M.
Dawn T. Hoover, Chairperson
ATTEST:
Patty M. Burnette, Secretary
Please take notice and be advised that when a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning Board/Board of Adjustment
and Appeals with respect to any matter considered at this proceeding, he/she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceeding
is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. General Services’ media are for the
sole purpose of backup for official records.