07-06-1999 Regular Meeting` • ~ •
CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 6,1999
The meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission was called to order Tuesday, July 6,
1999 at 7:00 P.M. by Vice Chairwoman Elaine Renick. Members present were Joseph
Janusiak, Charles Forth, Bill Rauch, Michael Floyd and Misty O'Bar. Members Matt
Modica, Robert Smythe and Wanda Andrews were absent. Also in attendence were
Barry Brown, Director of Planning and Mimi Ogden, Planning and Zoning Specilist.
MINUTES of the Planning and zoning Commission meeting held June 1, 1999 were
approved as presented.
Vice-Chairman Elaine Renick noted that Agenda Item #3 IXC Communication Services
would be moved to first on the agenda.
3. REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
APPLICANT: IXC Communications Services, Inc.
OWNER: Mercator Properties, Inc.
LOCATION: Lot 19, Clermont Commons Subdivision
REQUEST: To allow the expansion of a fiber optics regeneration station in the M-1
Light Industrial District.
Planning Director Brown explained that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use
Permit for the expansion of a fiber optics regeneration station at the Clermont
Commons Industrial/ Business Park. The facility is an unmanned building utilized to
monitor and boost the light waves of the fiber optic line. This is one of many such
monitoring and booster facilities in the fiber optic system that extends from Atlanta to
Miami. The permittee is currently approved fora 1,000 sf facility. The requested
expansion of 1,250 sf will bring the total building size to 2,250 square feet. The
applicant will file a separate variance request to address parking requirements.
The Clermont Commons Business Park is a multi-use development that presently
provides industrial distribution warehouse space, manufacturing enterprises, physical
fitness facilities, various types of business offices, temporary church facilities, dance
studios and a temporary Montessori School site.
The subject site is situated on lot 19 of the business park, which is located on the south
side of South Avenue, approximately 700 feet west of the intersection of Mohawk Road
and South Avenue. South Avenue establishes the jurisdictional north boundary
between the cities of Clermont and Minneola at this location.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 6,1999
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Land uses surrounding the site include the business\professional park to the south,
east and west, and a residential subdivision (High Point Subdivision -City of Minneola)
to the north.
Planning Director Brown explained that the applicant will also be requesting a variance
to the parking requirements. The existing facility presently has 5 parking spaces, this
being an unmanned building there is really no need for more parking spaces.
Therefore, based upon consistency with adopted City zoning regulations, conformance
with Comprehensive Plan directives, and compatibility with existing land uses of the
area, Staff recommends approval of the fiber optic regeneration station with the
conditions as outlined in the Commissions packet.
At this time Vice-Chairman Renick asked all those present who wished to speak in
regard to this case to be sworn in.
Persons sworn in were Rick McCoy, Project Engineer, 713 West Montrose Street,
Clermont, Florida.
Member Misty O'Bar noted that one of the concerns the first time this project came
before the Commission was noise and asked if the expansion of the facility would mean
more noise.
Mr. McCoy stated that there would still only be one generator which is only used if
power is out and for testing and servicing the generator.
A motion was made by Charles Forth to recommend approval of this request as presented
by Staff. The motion was seconded by Bill Rauch and approved by a unanimous vote.
1. REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
APPLICANT: Celebration of Praise Church of God
LOCATION: 155 North Highway 27
REQUEST: To allow the operation of a church
ZONING DISTRICT: C-2 General Commercial Business District
Planning Director Brown explained that the applicant is requesting a Conditional Use
Permit for the operation of a Church in the Citrus Tower Centre that is located on the
southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Grand Highway.
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CITY OF CLERMONT
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 6,1999
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The Citrus Tower Centre is a mixed-use commercial and professional office complex
that is zoned C-2 General Commercial. Surrounding zoning is C-2 (General
Commercial District) to the north, south, east, and west. The Future Land Use Map
indicates Commercial land uses to the north, south, east, and west.
Based upon consistency with adopted zoning district regulations, future land use
classifications and district designations, and existing land uses on and adjacent to the
site, staff recommends approval of the church facility with the conditions as outlined in
the Commissions packet.
Planning Director Brown noted that a CUP for another church at the Citrus Tower was
approved last month by the City Council with the addition of the same condition (#5) as
Staff has included in this CUP. Condition #5 which states "Should a business that sells
alcoholic beverages fior onsite consumption wish to locate within 500 feet of the church,
the church would not contest a variance application to allow said use within 500 feet of
the church".
Member Charles Forth stated he could not support condition #5 as every one should be
given a chance to be heard.
Director Brown explained that he felt the City was taking this position that it is the
Churchs that are coming into an existing mixed use commercial area.
A motion was made by Charles Forth to recommend approval of this request as presented
by Staff with condition #5 being omitted. The motion was seconded by Joseph Janusiak and
approved by a unanimous vote.
2. REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
APPLICANT: St. Matthias Episcopal Church
LOCATION: 574 West Montrose Street
REQUEST: To allow the expansion of an existing church
ZONING DISTRICT: R-3 Residential/Professional District
Director Brown explained that the St. Matthias Episcopal Church is located at the
northeast corner of Montrose St. and Lake Avenue; to the east of Cooper Memorial
Library. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow construction of
two new bathrooms and an addition to the existing sanctuary. The project will increase
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CI TY OF CL ERMONT
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JULY 6,1999
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sanctuary seating by 50 persons. The proposed additions will create the need for 13
additional parking spaces, 7 of which will be provided on site, while the remaining 6
spaces will be addressed through a separate variance request.
Existing zoning of the site is R-3 (Residential/ Professional District), the future land use
classification is Institutional and the future land use district is NED-2 (Non-established
district -2).
Surrounding land uses include residential to the north, east, and south, and the Cooper
Memorial Library to the west.
Based upon consistency with adopted City zoning regulations, conformance with
Comprehensive Plan directives, and compatibility with existing land uses of the area,
staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit with the conditions as
outlined in the Commission packet.
A motion was made by Bill Rauch to recommend approval of this request as presented by
Staff. The motion was seconded by Joseph Janusiak and approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Howard Barry, resident of Clermont, asked to address the Commission. Mr. Barry
gave a brief synopsis of Lake Countys regulations for the Planning and Zoning
Commission and suggested that the City should adopt similar regulations which
specifically delineate the Commissions function and duties.
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
Elaine Renick, Vi e-Chairman
ATTEST:
Mi Ogden, Pla Wing and Zoning Specialist