06-06-2017 P&Z Minutes City of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
June 6, 2017
Page 1
The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order Tuesday June 6, 2017 at
6:30 p.m. by Chairman Nick Jones. Other members present were Herb Smith, Tony Hubbard,
Carol Thayer, and Cuqui Whitehead . Also in attendance were Barbara Hollerand, Development
Services Director, John Kruse, Senior Planner, Jack Morgeson, Legal Counsel for the City, and
Jane McAllister, Planning Specialist.
Commissioner Whitehead moved to approve the May 2, 2017 minutes as written, Carol Thayer
seconded. The vote was unanimous to approve.
MINUTES of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held May 2, 2017 were approved
as written.
REPORTS
Commissioner Whitehead made an announcement about the upcoming jerk festival. It is a
celebration of Caribbean heritage. She said there will be food, entertainment and a dominos
tournament. She encouraged all to attend and bring their friends.
Development Services Director Barbara Hollerand announced that the June 14 ribbon cutting of
the Victory Pointe project will take place at the boat house at 10:00 a.m.
Ms. Hollerand said that the July meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission falls on the 4th
of July. She asked the commissioners present if it would be convenient for them to meet on
Monday July 10 instead. Ms. Hollerand also asked that the September meeting, which falls on
the day after Labor Day, be moved to Monday, September 11. There were mixed answers from
the commissioners present.
It was decided that all of the commissioners would be polled via email to see if the dates were
convenient, and if there would be a quorum on each of the suggested alternate dates.
1. REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
REQUEST: To allow amend a conditional use permit Resolution No. 2016-09 for a planned
unit development to remove a condition requiring sidewalks along Hartwood Marsh Road.
APPLICANT: Lennar Homes, LLC
John Kruse, Senior Planner, stated that the applicant has asked that this item be postponed until
the July 2017 meeting.
Commissioner Whitehead moved to postpone this matter until the July 2017 meeting; seconded
by Commissioner Hubbard. The vote was unanimous to postpone until the July 2017 meeting.
4 !
City of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
June 6, 2017
Page 2
2. REQUEST FOR A SMALL SCALE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
AMENDMENT
APPLICANT: City of Clermont
Senior Planner Kruse presented the staff report as follows:
On March 23, 2015, the City Council approved the Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan. This
plan identified strategies and projects that would drive development,redevelopment, and infill in
and around the downtown area. A few of the projects, such as the Front Door improvement on 8th
Street and State Road 50 have been completed. Some projects are starting construction,
particularly Victory Pointe(formerly known as the West Lake Wetlands Park). Victory Pointe is
a utility stormwater pond serving the western downtown area. This infrastructure improvement
allows full development and redevelopment in this area without the need for a stormwater system
on the site. City staff has identified an existing City owned and operated stormwater pond
fronting Lake Minneola that will not be necessary once Victory Pointe is completed. The
stormwater from this pond will be conveyed to Victory Pointe for treatment.
City staff has initiated this small scale comprehensive plan amendment to change the Future
Land Use from Parks to Downtown Mixed Use. The Downtown Mixed Use will allow the City
to move forward on using the property for the highest and best use in the future. The extent of
the change encompasses a little over one acre, containing the existing pond and maintenance area
around the pond. The area is directly south of Lake Minneola and north of the West Avenue and
Osceola Street intersection. Future redevelopment of the site will be forthcoming and the land
use change sets the framework for this opportunity. The current zoning is Central Business
District, which is consistent with the requested Downtown Mixed Use future land use.
Since the focus of the Master Plan is to enhance the downtown and waterfront areas, the
redevelopment of the existing stormwater system in important. In order to advance the highest
and best use of the property, staff recommends approval of the small scale comprehensive land
use change from Parks to Downtown Mixed Use.
Chairman Jones opened the floor to the public.
John Keller-Raber, 863 S. Waterview Drive, Clermont, FL asked what kind of height restrictions
are going to be on this property. He said he is worried that the view of the lake from his property
will be obstructed. He also said he has seen the area grow since Osceola Street was a dirt road
and that he thinks the changes occurring are wonderful,but he is worried about what exactly
"mixed use"means. His main concern is a height restriction.
There being no other members of the public who wished to speak, Chairman Jones closed the
public portion of meeting.
City of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
June 6, 2017
Page 3
Mr. Kruse explained that the maximum building height allowed in the Central Business (CBD) is
55 feet. He added that it doesn't necessarily mean that anyone is going to build anything to that
height.
Chairman Jones asked what would be going in on the property.
Mr. Kruse answered that the only issue here is to present the change in the future land use. He
stated that he does not know what is going to be built on the property.
Chairman Jones commented about what a great asset Clermont has with the beach around the
lake.
Carol Thayer asked the meaning of"mixed use".
Mr. Kruse explained that it allows for different uses such as residential and commercial together
in the same area.
Commissioner Whitehead said she has been here for 37 years, and has seen many changes. She
understands that the city wants to expand the facilities for public use and that everyone can enjoy
the benefits of enhancing the downtown and lakefront areas. She added that she doesn't believe
there will be a 55 foot high structure put on that property.
Commissioner Smith asked Mr. Keller-Raber if his property was for sale.
Mr. Keller-Raber replied that it has been for sale, but that he has taken it off the market for now.
He said he is for the enhancement of the beach area, and that his only concern is the height of a
building blocking his view of the lake.
Commissioner Whitehead moved to approve the request; it was seconded by Commissioner
Smith. The vote was unanimous for approval.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
Nic Jones, Chairman dip
ATTEST:
e C. McAllister lanning Specialist