10-19-99 v MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA
October 19, 1999
7:00 P.M.
CITY HALL
PRESENT : Don Wolfson
Robert Frohwein
Pat Pillmore
Sharette Simpkins
Craig L. Burkhart
AND : Alan Jensen, Esquire
George Worley, Director
Pat Harris, Recording Secretary
ABSENT : Mary Walker
Dezmond Waters
Buzzy Grunthal
Chairman Don Wolfson called the meeting to order and asked for approval of the
minutes of the meeting on September 21, 1999. After correcting two scriveners errors, on
motion made and seconded, the minutes were approved as corrected.
The Chairman welcomed new member Craig Burkhart.
OLD BUSINESS
I. Application for Variance filed by William and Tricia Huggins to construct an
addition to an existing nonconforming residence at property located at 1258 Beach
Avenue.
Mr. Huggins introduced himself and explained that he and his wife desired to
construct an addition to their deck. He stated that he first applied for a variance at the last
meeting and at the board's suggestion the plans were revised indicating no attachment
between the addition and the accessory structure at the rear of the property and thereby
complies with the rear yard setback requirements.
After discussion, Mr. Frohwein moved to grant the variance as amended and Mrs.
Pillmore seconded the motion.
Responding to a question from the Chairman regarding permeable surfaces, Mr.
Worley stated that there is currently no ordinance or standard to operate with and thereby
at present was not applicable in the variance procedures. He added that the board cannot
take the matter into serious account unless there is reason to believe that the addition will
immediately adversely affect the adjacent property owners
After further discussion, the variance was granted unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Application for Use-by-Exception filed by G. G. Stones, Inc. to operate a
business for fabrication of natural stone at property located at 20 West 3rd Street and
owned by Dale Christenson.
Mr. Christenson introduced himself to the board and explained that he owns the
property which will be leased by the applicants for the operation of a stone cutting
business. He stated that the tenants will operate a small showroom as well as finishing
work on surfaces of the products they offer. He stated that he was familiar with the
conditions outlined on the application and staff report.
Gerardo Gonzalez introduced himself to the board and stated that his business
deals with natural stones and ceramic tiles and the storage thereof would be inside the
building. He stated that he is familiar with the staff report and understands the conditions
contained therein. He stated that there are two employees as well as himself and would
comply with all required parking regulations.
Responding to a question from Mr. Frohwein, Mr. Worley stated he merged two
parking requirement regulations as the use is partially a warehouse type use requiring
parking spaces based on the number of employees as well as the square footage of the
display area and assigned parking spaces to that area and the result was four parking
spaces.
Mr. Frohwein voiced his recommendation that five parking spaces be provided for
the business to which the applicant agreed.
Mr. Worley stated that the lot on the west side of the building is not a spare lot but
part of the building site for this building.
After discussion, Mr. Frohwein moved to recommend approval of the use-by-
exception based on staff's recommendation with a modification that five(5) parking spaces
be provided, that no outside storage be permitted, that delivery truck traffic avoid the
nearby residential neighborhood and the exception be granted to the applicant only and
this location only. Mrs. Pillmore seconded the motion and it passed by a unanimous vote.
2. Conceptual Subdivision Plat Review filed by Bestcon, Inc. for property known
as Part of Government Lot 1, Section 18, Township 2 South, Range 29 East.
Jim Lucas introduced himself to the board and stated that he is the architect for the
project and presented to the board a large scale drawing of the proposal. He explained
that the property is located on Main Street north of Kestner and is zoned RG-1. He stated
that the property is bordered on the north by a paved road called Kestner and on the east
side by Main Street and both are swale section roadways.
Mr. Lucas explained that the applicant desires to subdivide the property into lots for
single-family and duplex residential units. The subdivision will create lots that are
substandard by lot dimension but will meet the minimum lot area requirement for the RG-1
district. They propose to create lots measuring 62 feet by 85 feet and create a new street
north of Kestner to provide access to the majority of the new lots.
He stated that the purpose of the plan review is for the Board to consider the overall
concept and indicate to the applicant concerns and suggestions so they may proceed with
a more detailed review by the board regarding the variances which will be required.
Paul Nichols, President of Bestcon, Inc., introduced himself and presented proposed
floor plans of the units. He stated that each unit was approximately 1400 square feet and
will be selling them in the $80,000 range.
Mr. Worley explained to the board that code requires a 60-foot right of way width
with a pavement width of 20 feet.
Mr. Burkhart stated that cul-de-sac regulations also references dead end streets
which require a minimum of 100 feet.
Mr. Worley stated that dead end streets require cul-de-sac right-of-way width
diameter of 100 feet at the property line and the City may permit a Y or T design at those
locations rather than a cul-de-sac turn around.
Responding to a question from Mr. Burkhart, Mr. Worley stated that after the
conceptual review and recommendations by the board the designers will resubmit at a staff
level an engineered design which is reviewed by the Public Works Department.
Responding to the Chairman, Mr. Worley explained that the board could determine
during platting process which road will be the front of the property. He stated that at this
point the board is providing input to the developer on matters that are appropriate to
platting of the area the developer would then prepare a preliminary plat showing more
detail and individual lot dimensions which will be reviewed before returning to the board.
Mr. Wolfson stated his inclination to go back to 22 lots for density purposes as well
as being more conforming to related setbacks.
Mr. Burkhart stated that he had no problem with the 50-foot right-of-way but would
like to see 24 feet of paving. He also voiced his concern with addressing the code issues
of the cul-de-sac and would like to see them abandon Lot 9 and make it a loop road.
Responding to questions from Mr. Frohwein, Mr. Lucas explained that everything
that the City will require regarding the streets and sewer will have to meet rigorous tests
before acceptance. He added that putting sewers in the street will have to be inspected
prior to being turned over to the city and the city would be supervising the installation.
The Chairman stated that he liked the lower density of 22 lots with 44 families as
opposed to 26 lots and 52 families; the idea of the 24 feet of paving and 60 foot right of
way as well as eliminating the cul-de-sacs and putting in a loop road or the cul de sacs
being reviewed by the Public Safety Department for emergency vehicular turn around. He
added that with the 60 foot right of way there would be room for the swales and would like
to see through lots.
Mr. Frohwein stated that conceptually he concurs with the Chairman regarding
limiting density and creating larger lots with the alternate plan of 22 lots.
Responding to a question regarding fencing from Mrs. Simpkins, the Chairman
stated that fences on through lots or double fronted lots are limited to four feet in height in
the front yard but lots with a rear lot could have six foot fences.
Thereafter, the Chairman wished the applicants luck with their proposals and will
look forward to reviewing their revised concept.
6. Application for Variance to Minimum Lot Dimensions for duplex construction on
Lot 6, Block 160, Section "H" and zoned RG-1A.
There being no one in attendance to address this application the matter was
deferred until the next meeting.
DISCUSSION
1. Establishing a Central District Zoning Classification and Café' style outdoor
seating.
Mr. Worley explained that a central business type district zoning district would allow
for more flexible use of certain types of property, specifically, the Town Center area which
unique in the City and may lend itself to a more liberal approach to zoning such as a
reduction to required parking, allowance for use of public right of way for seating or other
activities and possibly the reduction of the required minimum pavings.
Mr. Worley stated the City Commission addressed a request for the exception by
Ragtime and the use of the public right of way came up in their discussion and they chose
to defer action on the exception and defer action on the use of public right of way pending
some recommendation by the Community Development Board as to whether they wanted
to proceed with the ordinance and if so would await a recommended ordinance change
from the board before proceeding with the request. He suggested that the board submit
their recommendation regarding the separate ordinance along with their review of the
proposed revision to the zoning code.
The consensus of the board was to put together a checklist of issues that need to
be addressed and incorporate them in their recommendation to the commission. They
specifically addressed the issue of notifying adjacent property owners and businesses prior
to any public hearings on the proposal.
2. Traffic problems created by the Mayport Flyover
Mr. Worley explained that the Mayport Flyover will split Mayport Road in half
between West 1St Street and approximately West 7th and nowhere in between will residents
and business owners be able to cross Mayport Road. He stated there will be additional
traffic flow in the residential neighborhoods to get to signalized intersections.
Mrs. Pillmore stated that the potential of closing access to the community and the
level of income of the area will eventually create a slum as there will be no interest in the
community. She stated that one would have to travel North to a lighted intersection and
then south on Mayport Road to be able to cross. She stated that the only lighted
intersections were Plaza, Levy and Church Roads.
Mr. Wolfson stated that the flyover would not be at grade level until West 8th Street
and the only streets available for crossing are Levy and Church Roads. Traffic will increase
in the residential community in order to get to other areas in the City. He suggested that
the Public Safety Director or his designee be requested for his input on the matter. He
stated that Orchid Street should be limited to non-truck traffic.
Mr. Worley stated he would request input from the Police Department on the traffic
problems being created and possible solutions.
There being no further business to come before the board the meeting was
adjourned. r
SIGNED: , 1 .,
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