12-03-2019 P&Z MinutesCITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
December 3, 2019
The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order on
Tuesday, January 3, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. by Chairman, Herb Smith. Members
present were: Herb Smith, Max Krzyminski, Tony Hubbard, Tim Murry and Ebo
Entsuah. Also present for City staff was City Attorney, Daniel Mantzaris, Esq.,
Development Services Director Curt Henschel and Senior Planner, Regina
McGruder.
REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSION:
Commissioner Krzyminski mentioned Light up Clermont and the parade this
coming weekend.
Commissioner Murry invited everyone to attend next Friday the 131 at the
Clermont Elementary school, the basketball game between Clermont Police
Department and Lake County Sheriff's Department to benefit Christmas gifts of
toys to the less fortunate kids in the community.
REPORT FROM THE CITY: None
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM #1 - Ordinance No. 2020-01 Karma Housing Rezoning
REQUEST: Consider ordinance for rezoning from C1 Light Commercial to
Planned Unit Development (PUD) for vacant property located at the corner of
State Road 50 and East Avenue.
Senior Planner Regina McGruder presented the staff report and advised that this
application was received prior to the City's moratorium on multi -family
developments going into effect.
December 3, 2019 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page -1
The Applicant, GatorSKtch Inc., is requesting to rezone the subject parcel from C-
1 Light Commercial District to Planned Unit Development (PUD). The property is
located at the southwest corner of SR 50 and East Avenue and is approximately
3.04 acres, with a Commercial Future Land Use Designation. The property
contains three parcels that will be combined to allow for development. The
applicant would Iike to construct a 36-unit multifamily apartment development and
use the existing commercial building, in conjunction with the apartments, for the
leasing office, laundry room, gym, and retail store for the tenants of the multi-
family development.
Staff has reviewed the application as submitted and finds the proposed use will not
be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or
working in the vicinity. The request to change the zoning from C-1 Light
Commercial to Planned Unit Development is consistent with the development
pattern for the surrounding areas. Therefore, staff recommends approval to rezone
the subject property to a PUD with the conditions contained in Ordinance No.
2020-01.
Chairman Smith turned it over to the Applicant. Mike Latham, from GatorSKtch
Inc. agrees with City's recommendation and available to answer any questions.
Chairman Smith turned it over to the audience, there being no one in the audience
to speak, so he turned it over to the Board.
Commissioner Entsuah asked about the exemption the Applicant is seeking.
Senior Planner MGruder explained that Staff has not yet determined if the
Applicant meets the qualifications for a Tier One traffic study, as the Traffic
Engineering will have to review it first. He also asked if there's a specific reason
for the change in use, as the location was previously a restaurant.
Jean Tirri, of 8022 Lake Nellie Road, said they have not had much success with
restaurants at the location after several attempts, and they also tried to put a 7-
Eleven there, but that proposal was denied because of traffic issues and other
concerns. She thinks there's a need for affordable housing in Clermont, and since
this project will not consist of luxury apartments, it will accommodate that need.
Chairman Smith brought it back to the Board and entertained a motion. Motion
made by Commissioner Entsuah to approve Ordinance No. 2020-01, seconded by
Commissioner Hubbard. Motion passed unanimously, with everyone voting yes.
December 3, 2019 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page - 2
ITEM #2 — Ordinance No. 202002 Victory Pointe
REQUEST: Consider ordinance to amend (Ordinance 201825) Planned Unit
Development (PUD) for vacant parcel located northwest of the intersection of
Montrose Street and 1 Oth Street.
Senior Planner McGruder presented the Staff Report.
The owner, Mark Graff is requesting to amend the Planned Unit Development
(PUD) Ordinance 2018-25 to allow for construction of eleven (11) residential
townhomes at the subject property. The parcel is located northwest of the
intersection of Montrose Street and 1 Oth Street. On June 26, 2018, the City Council
approved Ordinance No. 2018- 25, rezoning the property from R-3
Residential/Professional District and CBD Central Business District to a Planned
Unit Development (PUD). The property is approximately 0.62 +/- acre in size and
is currently vacant. The existing PUD allows 17 residential condominiums; the
applicant was also able to utilize the recent density bonus in the Downtown Mixed
Use future land use for development of the lot.
The project as proposed will provide (11) eleven residential townhome units
instead of the approved 17 units. The propose development will provide less
density than previously approved. The project shall be developed in a manner to
promote walkability and increased residential opportunities in the downtown area.
One of the key elements of the Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan is to
maximize the number of people who live, work and visit downtown, the proposed
project is consistent with that concept. The project will connect into the City's
Victory Pointe Master Stormwater System for the drainage and retention
requirements. The project will be required to comply with the Land Development
Regulations and Architectural Design Standards. Staff has reviewed the application
as submitted and finds the proposed use is compatible with the surrounding areas.
Staff finds the project is in accordance with the vision of the Downtown and
Waterfront Master Plan and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The
application as submitted meets the provisions of Section 122-315, Review Criteria
for a PUD. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2020-02.
December 3, 2019 P&Z Meeting Minutes Page - 3
Chairman Smith turned it over to the Applicant.
Mark Graff of 1944 Brantley Circle, Clermont, owner - Stated he originally wanted
to build condos on the site but when he started the project years ago, it had to be
annexed into the city's CBD and get a density approval. Because it was a long
process in getting these things, during that time, the cost of construction and
materials increased. The pro -forma at that time allowed him to build and sell at a
reasonable price, but due to the increases during the waiting period, he would have
to sell a 1,500 square -foot condo in Downtown Clermont for over $500,000. That
was not feasible so he went back to the drawing board and explored several options
before coming up with this project, which would allow him to market and the sell
the project at a reasonable price point.
Chairman Smith turned it over to the audience. There being no one in the audience
to speak, he turned it back over to the Board.
Chairman Smith mentioned that this is a unique situation as it's the first time in his
experience on the Board that someone has come before the Board with a
downsized project. Commissioner Murry echoed the same thoughts.
He turned it back over to the Board and entertained a motion. Motion made by
Commissioner Hubbard to approve Ordinance No. 2020-02, seconded by
Commissioner Entsuah. Motion passed unanimously, with everyone voting yes.
December 3, 2019 PW Meeting Minutes Page - 4
City of Clermont
Minutes
Planning & Zoning Commission
December 3, 2019
With no further comments, Chairman Smith adjourned the meeting at 7:47 P.M.
ATTES:
Curt Henschel, Development Services Director
December 3, 2019 PU Meeting Minutes Page - 5