1175 Atlantic Boulevard 15-UBEX-1037 Staff Report 05.21.2015AGENDA ITEM 4.B
CASE NO 15-UBEX-1037
Request for an expansion of an existing use-by-exception as permitted by Section 24-111(c)(5), to allow limited wholesale operations at 1175 Atlantic Blvd.
LOCATION 1175 ATLANTIC BLVD
APPLICANT ATLANTIC BEACH URBAN FARMS
DATE MAY 21, 2015
STAFF JEREMY HUBSCH, BUILDING AND ZONING DIRECTOR
STAFF COMMENTS
The applicant is Atlantic Beach Urban Farms. This is a new company utilizing innovative techniques to grow produce inside a greenhouse for retail sale. It is the intent of the applicant
to sell their produce in an on-site retail storefront while also conducting limited wholesale operations. The applicants are required to obtain a Use-By-Exception per Section 24-111
(c) (5), which says one is needed by, “Limited wholesale operations, not involving industrial products or processes or the manufacturing of products of any kind.”
The site was previously a carpet business located on three separate, partially wooded lots. All existing structures have been demolished and the site is being cleaned in preparation
for new construction. While some trees will have to be removed to accommodate the new use, efforts have been made to minimize the number of trees to be removed by placing buildings
and internal roads near the locations of previous structures. A tree removal permit will be necessary prior to construction. The main structure will be a 7,000 square foot greenhouse
where the produce growing aspect of the business will take place. There will also be a small retail and office building, storage and maintenance building, and a packing and distribution
building. All structures meet height and setback requirements.
The site will have two access points. One will be located along the access road to west bound Atlantic Boulevard at the front of the property. The second will be located on West 1st
Street at the rear of the property. Traffic to and from the site is not expected to be more than two 24 foot refrigerated trucks a week for the wholesale use. Loading of trucks will
occur in a dedicated loading zone that is separated from internal traffic flow in accordance with city standards. The area to the north of the property is largely residential. However,
no residential uses directly abut the site. They are separated by West 1st Street. In addition, the site has been designed to place parking and buildings towards the south near Atlantic
Boulevard. Most trees being preserved are located between the residential area and the buildings on the site.
The site is located on Atlantic Boulevard making it is subject to Commercial Corridor Development Standards in Section 24-171. These standards are being met. In addition, Section 24-160
(b) requires dumpsters to be screened by fencing or landscaping and this will be done. The applicants will still be required to submit commercial plans to the city that are required
to meet all codes. The use-by-exception specifically relates to their ability to conduct wholesale operations on site.
SUGGESTED ACTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL
The Community Development Board may consider a motion to recommend approval to the City Commission of a requested Use-by-Exception (File No. 15-UBEX-1037) to permit an expansion of an
existing use-by-exception for limited wholesale operations within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District and located at 1175 Atlantic Boulevard provided:
1. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. Approval of this Use-by-Exception is in compliance with the requirements of Section 24-63, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
3. The requested use is consistent with Section 24-111(c) in that the proposed use is found to be consistent with the uses permitted in the CG zoning districts with respect to intensity
of use, traffic impacts and compatibility with existing commercial uses and any nearby residential uses.
SUGGESTED ACTION TO RECOMMEND DENIAL
The Community Development Board may consider a motion to recommend denial to the City Commission of a requested Use-by-Exception (File No. 15-UBEX-1037) to permit an expansion of an
existing use-by-exception for limited wholesale operations within the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District and located at 1175 Atlantic Boulevard provided
Approval of this Use-by-Exception is not consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
Approval of this Use-by-Exception is not in compliance with the requirements of Section 24-63, Zoning, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations.
The requested use is not consistent with Section 24-111(c) in that the proposed use is found to be inconsistent with the uses permitted in the CG zoning districts with respect to intensity
of use, traffic impacts and compatibility with existing commercial uses and any nearby residential uses.