Minutes - 11.01.2022 - Planning & Zoning CommissionCity of Clermont
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
November 1, 2022
Chairman Krzyminski called the meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission to order on
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Members present were: Chairman Max Krzyminski,
Lavonte Rogers, David Colby, Vincent Niemiec, Michael Gonzalez, Chuck Seaver, and Jane
McAllister. Also, present for City staff was City Attorney Dan Mantzaris, Curt Henschel,
Planning Director, Planning Manager John Kruse, Senior Planner Regina McGruder, and
Planning Coordinator Rae Chidlow.
MINUTES:
MOTION TO APPROVE the October 4, 2022 minutes of the Planning & Zoning
Commission made by Commissioner Rogers; seconded by Commissioner Niemiec.
Passed unanimously.
REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSION:
Commissioner Niemiec reminded everyone of the upcoming election and to use your right to
vote.
Commissioner Gonzalez stated that he too would like to remind everyone to go out and vote. He
also stated that the City now has the new website live and for everyone to check it out.
Commissioner Seaver stated that he would not be returning to the Planning & Zoning
Commission next year.
Director Curt Henschel reminded the Commission members who are up for renewal to apply if
interested in an opportunity to continue on the Commission. He stated that the deadline to apply
is November 18, 2022.
NEW BUSINESS
Item #1: Resolution No. 2022-038R — ClermontVet
Planning Manager John Kruse presented as follows:
The applicant, ClermontVet LLC, is requesting a Conditional Use Permit for a veterinary clinic
to be established at 1670 East Highway 50, in the Home Depot/Publix Plaza. The property is
zoned C-2 General Commercial and this proposed use is required to obtain a Conditional Use
Permit, as required by section 122-224 of the Land Development Code. The applicant intends on
leasing Suite E within the building. The suite is approximately 1,500 square feet and the
applicant is proposing to renovate the interior.
The clinic will mainly provide preventative care and standard medical treatment for small
animals, including but not limited to vaccinations, routine testing, dentistry, standard surgeries
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and treatment for illness and injury. No grooming, boarding, or overnight stays will be done on
the premises. The clinic is expected to be open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and
Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. The practice would be limited exclusively to serve
dogs and cats.
The proposed interior renovations include the installation of an upgraded HVAC system to
provide an acceptable level of indoor air quality to meet a healthcare facility, such as the clinic.
The system will restrict air between sections of the clinic and adjoining suites and remove odor,
dust, and dirt. In addition, sound proofing the suite will be done with materials using a higher
STC (Sound Transmission Class) and NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) materials. This helps
in minimizing sound transfer from one room to another as well as managing the amount of sound
that can be heard from outside the building. The clinic will employ FearFree certified
professionals who are educated on the welfare of animals and pet owners and are trained to look
after the pet's physical and emotional wellbeing.
Staff has reviewed the application and proposed project in regards to Section 86-144, Review
Criteria for a Conditional Use Permit. The applicant has received approval from the property
owner, Lucas Clermont Limited Partnership, for the proposed veterinary clinic and supports the
issuance of the conditional use permit. The surrounding areas are zoned C-2 General
Commercial, with no adjacent residential uses. The property is in close proximity of one major
arterial roadways, SR 50, and collector, Citrus Tower, which offers accessibility to the site and
secondary, may minimize sound due to the background roadway noise. The proposed use will
not be detrimental to the health, safety and general welfare of the community. The applicant is
performing renovations and alterations to the interior of the building that would ensure the
operation would not have a negative impact on the community. The proposed use would
provide a service to the community that appears to be lacking. The Conditional Use Permit will
not be in conflict to the Clermont Comprehensive Plan for the Commercial Future Land Use.
Therefore, staff recommends approval of Resolution 2022-038R.
Dr. Laura Click, 6 Look Out Lane, Ocala, stated that she has been working in Clermont for
several years. She stated that she was present to answer any questions.
Commissioner McAllister asked if Ms. Click would be the veterinary on duty.
Dr. Click stated that she would be the veterinary.
Commissioner Gonzalez asked if the pets will be dropped off and if there would be any over-
night stays.
Dr. Click stated that the owners stay with the animals, they are a fear -free certified practice
where they take their emotion well-being in mind and taking the pet from the owners is stressful
for the pets.
Commissioner Colby asked about where the pets will relieve their selves.
Dr. Click stated that there is some green areas and they will provide poop stations and bags.
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Commissioner Niemiec asked about the groomer adjacent to this location. He asked where there
is space for the animals to relieve themselves.
Dr. Click stated that there is green area behind the building.
Commissioner McAllister asked if they were performing surgery and things did not go well,
what they would do with the pet.
Dr. Click stated that they would move the pet to an emergency clinic or over -night facility.
Chairman Krzyminski asked what type of surgeries would be referred out.
Dr. Click stated that she is skilled in many surgeries but orthopedic surgery she would refer to
another veterinary.
Chairman Krzyminski asked what the difference would be if the applicant had, requested over-
night stays.
Mr. Kruse stated that the City would require over -night staff.
Action:
MOTION TO APPROVE Resolution No. 2022-038R made by Commissioner Niemiec,
seconded by Commissioner Gonzalez. Passed unanimously, 7-0.
With no further comments, Chairman Krzyminski adjourned the meeting at 6:44 P.M.
ATTEST:
Rae Chidlow, Planning Coordinator
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