7-19-16 CDB Minutes *t V41
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD
July 19, 2016
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL.
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm. Chair Paul verified that all
board members are present, except Mr. Stratton and Mr. Elmore as well as
alternate Mr. Mandelbaum. Also present were Planner, Derek Reeves and
representing the firm Lewis, Longman and Walker, Mrs. Brenna Durden.
Mrs. Paul asked alternate, Mrs. Workman, to fill one of the vacant seats.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.
A. Minutes of April 19, 2016
Mrs. Lanier motioned to approve the minutes of the April 19th meeting.
Mrs. Simmons seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Minutes of June 21, 2016
Mrs. Simmons motioned to amend the minutes of the June 21St meeting
on page 3 to correct her comments at the start of discussion. Mr. Reichler
seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
3. OLD BUSINESS.
A. 16-ZVAR-109 (PUBLIC HEARING)
Request for a variance as permitted by Section 24-64, to reduce a
two-way drive aisle width from 22 feet as required by Section 24-
161(g)(3) to 14 feet to allow a new parking design while maintain
existing buildings at Saltair Section 1 Lots 762 to 766 (aka 625
Atlantic Boulevard).
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Mrs. Paul closed the public hearing that had been opened the previous
meeting as the application had been withdrawn.
4. NEW BUSINESS.
A. 16-SFPA-125 (PUBLIC HEARING)
Request for plat approval as required by Chapter 24, Article 4 of
the Code of Ordinances at RE# 172147-0000 and 172150-0000
(previously known as 115 and 125 Donner Road).
Staff Report
Planner Reeves introduced the item and explained that the applicant is
seeking to plat approval for townhouse style development in the
Residential General, Multi-Family(RG-M)zoning district.The proposed plat
is for a total of 7 lots and 7 dwelling units. Four of the units have already
been built on the western portion of the plat with a two unit building facing
Donner Road and another two unit building facing Ardella Road. The final
three units are permitted for the eastern portion of the plat. The existing
and under construction units have all been built to townhouse standards
with regards to firewall separation and other similar requirements.
Planner Reeves addressed relevant codes and stated that multi-family,
including townhouses,are allowed within the RG-M zoning district and that
the minimum lot area per unit is 2,175 square feet with smallest being
more than 3,450 square feet. The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use
designation for the property is Residential High (RH),which allows 20 units
per acre. At 0.66 acres, the property could have up to 13 units. The
applicant is requesting a plat for 7 units.
Planner Reeves showed where some minor text changes have occurred to
the plat documents since the agenda packet was released. There is one
outstanding issue where Public Works is requesting a deed restriction for
stormwater system maintenance. They are basically asking for a deed
restriction that will protect the stormwater system on the property so that
each unit is protected from work done by their neighbors.This issue should
be resolved soon. Staff recommended approval with the condition that the
stormwater and associated deed restriction be finalized to the satisfaction
of staff prior to the plat being taken to Commission.
Ms. Workman asked about the recent variance that had been on the
agenda for this property. Planner Reeves stated that there was a code
interpretation that was worked out with the City Attorney where the side
yard setback was different for townhomes and multi-family buildings.
Ultimately it was decided that to be considered townhouses, they must be
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fee simple ownership, which is where the platting comes in today. The
variance was withdrawn based on this determination. Mrs. Lanier asked
about the outstanding stormwater issue and how it would be resolved.
Planner Reeves stated that the deed restriction would prohibit an owner
from altering the flow of stormwater as it moves from the backyard to the
street so that every unit is protected. This is especially critical for the
middle unit that has no way to move water from its rear to front without
flowing around the outer units.
Applicant Comment
Chris Lambertson, 355 11th Street, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233,
introduced himself as the owner and developer of the property. He stated
that they are trying to keep in tune with the neighborhood by having two
story townhomes with garages that are less dense than a three story
apartment building. He added that these are intended to be rental
properties until he decides to sell them individually and always planned on
platting the property. After some discussion about townhouses, Mrs.
Durden read the definition of townhouse from the code.
Tim Franklin, 60 Ocean Boulevard, Ste 10, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
introduced himself as the applicant's attorney. He stated that this a routine
platting and not a time for development conditions. He added that the
stormwater deed restriction is to protect the future owners and is really
just a small part of the covenants that Mr. Lambertson wanted as part of
the development. Mrs. Paul asked if a grading plan could be included as
part of the covenants. Mr. Franklin stated that can be done. Mr.
Lambertson added that a post construction topographic survey is provided
to the City for all projects as well.
Public Comment
Mrs. Paul opened the floor to public comment. With no speakers, public
comment was closed by Mrs. Paul.
Board Discussion
After no other comments, Mrs. Paul stated that this is a fairly routine plat
that meets code so a lot of discussion is probably not necessary.
Motion
Mrs. Lanier made a motion to recommend approval of the plat to the City
Commission with the condition that the stormwater and associated deed
restriction be finalized to the satisfaction of staff prior to the plat being
taken to Commission. Mrs. Simmons seconded the motion. The motion
carried unanimously.
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B. 16-UBEX-129 (PUBLIC HEARING)
Request for a use-by-exception as permitted by Section 24-
111(c)(8),to allow a woodworking shop at 33 W 6th Street.
Staff Report
Planner Reeves introduced the item and explained that the applicant
would like to open a woodworking shop in the Commercial General zoning
district. It was shown that proposed property is in the middle of other
commercial uses with residential down the street and separated by other
commercial uses. The proposed business would be a woodworking shop
that specializes in the repair of standalone furniture such as dressers and
tables. Customer interaction is typically handled through appointments so
there is minimal walk in traffic or multiple customers there at one time.
The building is 1,500 square feet and insulated on 5,100 square foot lot.
Current hours of operation are from around 10 AM to 6 PM. There is also
a trailer related to the business that will be stored behind a fence on the
property.
There are a couple of existing codes that limit businesses like these that
prohibit the outside sale, display and storage of furniture; and that require
activities be performed within an enclosed building. There are some other
potential issues to consider. There are the residential homes 150 feet to
the west. Parking and access will remain the same.The business donates it
wood scraps and saw dust and will use household style cans for other
waste. The saw dust that is donated is collected with a dust collection
system that keeps the building clean.
There are also a couple of Comprehensive Plan provisions that come into
play for businesses like these. Policy A.1.10.4 calls for development and
redevelopment that serves the neighborhood while also being
aesthetically pleasing. In this case, the exterior of the building is not
changing. Policy A.1.10.5 calls for an elimination of light industrial type
uses within commercial areas along Mayport Road in favor retail and
service uses.This business does have elements that are industrial in nature
like the production of furniture. However the business is also service
oriented by repairing furniture.
Due to the nature of the proposed business and its location,staff presented
two possible conditions for the board to consider.The first is to limit hours
of operation in consideration to the nearby residential. The second is to
limit the number of commercial vehicles to one,which would be consistent
with the requirements placed on other uses in the zoning district.
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Mrs. Paul asked for some examples of businesses that would be allowed in
this zoning district. Planner Reeves read off a partial list from the code. Mrs.
Paul clarified that it is the manufacturing aspect that makes this a use-by-
exception. Planner Reeves confirmed that it is the woodworking
manufacturing aspect. Mrs. Lanier asked if this was similar to the stained
glass place on Mayport Road. Planner Reeves said yes, except that
woodworking has the potential for more noise.
Applicant Comment
Adam Rowley, 111 Levy Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233, introduced
himself as the owner of the business. He started by asking for clarity on
what would be considered a commercial vehicle related to the possible
condition. Planner Reeves stated that it would be any vehicle routinely
used to carry out business. He then stated that he would be ok with that.
He followed that by stating that he has no plans to change his hours at this
time. He then added that he feels like he is a good fit for the neighborhood.
Mr. Reichler asked for more detail on the aspects that make this a use-by-
exception, being noise and dust. Mr. Rowley stated that he uses a dust
collection system that keeps everything inside the building and that the
building is insulated so little noise gets out.
Public Comment
Mrs. Paul opened the floor to public comment.
Chris Jorgensen, 92 W 3rd Street, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 stated that he is
in favor of the business and that the codes need to be revised.
With no more speakers, public comment was closed by Mrs. Paul.
Board Discussion
Mr. Parkes stated that woodworking doesn't make that much noise and
that this is what this area has developed to be. Mr. Reichler agreed and
questioned if the codes need to be reviewed. Mrs. Paul also agreed. Mrs.
Lanier agreed stating this business is more of craftsman than anything.
Discussion ensued about the need for conditions on this business. Mr.
Parkes felt that conditions were not necessary for this business.
Motion
Mrs. Lanier made a motion to recommend approval of the use-by-
exception to the City Commission. Ms. Workman seconded the motion.
The motion carried unanimously.
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5. REPORTS.
Informal Update on Staffing
Planner Reeves informed the board that Jeremy Hubsch had resigned from
his role as the Building and Zoning Director and that he had been named
the Interim Director. It was explained that Building Department had been
split off and is its own department under the City's Building Official. The
planning and code enforcement activities has been made its own
Community Development Department. Administrative duties are shared
with the Building Department for planning work and with the Clerk's Office
for Code Board duties. At this time the City is reviewing applications for a
new Director and Code Enforcement Officer. Planner Reeves reminded the
board that part of their role is to recommend staffing changes to ensure
that the board is able to operate effectively.
6. ADJOURNMENT.
Mr. Parkes motioned to adjourn the meeting. Mrs. Simmons seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously and the meeting was adjourned
at 7:08 pm.
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Brea Paul, Chair
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Attest
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