Minutes - 08.06.2024 - Planning and ZoningCITY OF CLERMONT
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 6, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Vice -Chair Niemiec called the meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order on
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice -Chair Niemiec, Member Bain, Member Colby, Member Grube,
and Member Norton
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Krzyminski and Member Guerrero
ALSO PRESENT: Development Services Director Henschel, Planning Manager Kruse, Senior
Planner McGruder, City Attorney Mantzaris, and Planning Coordinator Heard
MOMENT OF SILENCE — In Honor of Fallen Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES
MOTION TO APPROVE the July 2. 2024 Minutes of the Plannine and Zoning Commission
meetinp- made by Commissioner Grube. seconded by Commissioner Bain. Motion vassed 5-0 with
Chair Krzvminski and Member Guerrero absent.
NEW BUSINESS
Item 1 — Resolution No. 2024-027R The Dream Academv Conditional Use Permit
Senior Planner McGruder presented as follows:
The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a private school in the C-2
General Commercial Zoning District as required by the Land Development Code, Section 125-
337. The private school will be located at 102 South US Highway 27, an existing vacant building
previously used for a retail establishment. The Dream Academy currently operates at another
location in Clermont and would like to relocate to expand and increase the student enrollment for
the school. The private school maximum enrollment shall not exceed 80 special needs students per
academic year. The Dream Academy is a therapeutic school servicing students from Kindergarten
to 8th grade. The school currently has 15 employees and will be required to ensure parking is
sufficient for any future growth. A Trip Generation Analysis was conducted by Traffic Planning
and Design, Inc., which concludes that the previous use of retail generates a total PM Peak Hour
Trips of 82 trips and the private school total PM Peak Hour generates 26 trips. Therefore, the
applicant is requesting an exemption from the required Traffic Impact Analysis.
The hours of operation will be 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The students will be
transported by their parents and utilize the existing onsite parking. The parents will be required to
park their vehicles and safely walk the students to the building. The academy will operate on a
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Planning & Zoning Commission
August 6, 2024
calendar which is consistent with the Lake County Public Schools. The applicant will be required
to obtain all local, state, and federal permits required for the private school.
Staff has reviewed the application and finds that the proposed use will not be detrimental to the
health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity and the proposed
use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified. Therefore, staff recommends
approval of the Conditional Use Permit to allow for a private school facility in the C-2 General
Commercial zoning district with the conditions contained in Resolution No. 2024-027R.
Luzel Garcia, Applicant, The Dream Academy, 2400 S. Hwy 27, Suite 4111, stated their school
serves children with moderate to severe autism and neurological disorders. They have been
servicing the community since 2017, and they want to continue providing for children with
disabilities.
The floor was opened, for public comments.
Auston Pownall, 665 Villa Court, asked questions with regard to the age of the children, the
location of pick up/drop off, and the vicinity of the outdoor recess area. He stated his primary
concerns are the noise level and traffic on Bloxam Avenue.
With no further speakers present, the floor was closed.
Luzel Garcia answered the age range of the students are kindergarten through eighth grade, the
parents normally drop off and pick up which creates no traffic, and the recess will be indoors.
Commissioner Colby had no questions, and stated this is a really good project needed in the
community.
Commissioner Grube asked staff how many parking spaces there currently are. Senior Planner
McGruder stated 40 to 45 spaces. Commissioner Grube indicated he sees no problems.
Commissioner Bain asked the applicant what their current enrollment numbers are for students
and staff, and what the anticipated count will be if the enrollment number goes up to 80 students.
Luzel Garcia said currently they have 52 students enrolled with 15 staff members. If they reach
the maximum 80 students, they would anticipate a total of 20 staff members. Discussion ensued
regarding the access points.
Commissioner Norton asked about the cross -access points. Dale Ladd, 1135 East Avenue, said
he is the current owner of this property and the adjacent property. He explained the frontage road
on US Hwy 27 does not have an access to US Hwy 27. However, in the future US Hwy 27 is
planned to intersect with Hunt Street, which will provide access to US Hwy 27. He further clarified
that there are 62 parking spaces. Commissioner Norton discussed the frontage road and whether
there is a way to regulate it in the future. Dale Ladd clarified the back part of the building is 5,000
square feet with elevated ceilings, which is compatible for an indoor playground.
Vice -Chair Niemiec asked where their current location is, and how long they have been there.
Luzel Garcia answered they are currently in Hillside Terrace and have been there since 2017.
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MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Resolution No. 2024-027R The Dream
Academy Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Moved by Commissioner Colbv. Seconded by
Commissioner Grube. Motion passed 5-0 with Chair Krzvminski and Member Guerrero absent.
REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSION — Vice -Chair Niemiec stated he missed the reports
at the beginning of the agenda and asked the commissioners whether they have any reports. No
reports were stated.
Item 2 — Ordinance No. 2024-031 Old Hishwav 50 LSCPA for Transmittal
Planning Manager Kruse presented as follows:
The applicant, Daly Design Group, is requesting an amendment to the Future Land Use Map as
part of the annexation process into the City of Clermont. This will go along with a rezoning request
to the R-3 zoning designation. The property, 123 +/- acres, is located entirely within the Clermont
Utility Service Area and is adjacent to the City limits. The project is located within the City's Joint
Planning Area (JPA) and Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement (ISBA). The City can provide
adequate public facilities and services, with water and wastewater service being available at the
end of the fourth quarter of 2025.
The applicant previously proposed several different development layouts with increased intensities
and densities, which did not meet the City's requirements or the requirements within the JPA with
Lake County. These proposals did not receive approval within Lake County or the City. The
applicant has revised the development plan and has submitted for annexation, a large scale
comprehensive plan amendment and a rezoning for the property that is located south of the Florida
Turnpike and is bisected by Old Highway 50, just north of Plaza Collina.
The applicant is requesting the City to designate the property with a future land use of Clermont
Low Density Residential, which permits up to 3 dwelling units per acre (3 du/ac). The property
currently is designated as Urban Low Density within Lake County, which permits up to 4 dwelling
units per acre (4 du/ac). This amendment would be an overall reduction in density.
The property has historically been used for agricultural purposes. The applicant has provided a
conceptual site layout showing the lots would conform to the R-3 Residential/Professional
District. The lots will be a minimum of 75 feet wide and 100 feet deep, with a minimum square
footage of 7,500 square feet per lot. Since the property consists of approximately 53 acres of
wetlands and 70 acres of uplands, the total number of lots will be 130 single-family lots, with a
density of 1.85 dwelling units per acre within the upland portion. The applicant is not requesting
any variance requests as part of the proposed development.
Due to the required review by the State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)
for the amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, this application is being presented to the Planning
and Zoning Commission and the City Council to make a recommendation for transmittal. If
transmitted, then DEO and other State agencies will review and provide comments prior to a public
hearing on the adoption of this amendment. The anticipated adoption hearing will be in November
of 2024.
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Planning & Zoning Conunission
August 6, 2024
The development proposal for this parcel does not conflict with the Low Density Residential future
land use within the City's Comprehensive Plan. The application is consistent with Objective l .1,
Policy 1.6.1, 1.12.3, and 1.16.2 of the City of Clermont Comprehensive Plan. The property is
within the City's service area, and the City is able to provide services. Staff supports the
applicant's request for a change from Lake County Urban Low Density to City of Clermont Low
Density Residential and recommends approval of Ordinance 2024-031.
Tom Daly, Applicant, Daly Design Group, 913 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Winter Park, stated this is
the initial step to process a land use change to be consistent with the City's designation, and said
he is present to answer any questions.
The floor was opened for public coininents.
Doug Richter, 17351 Winter- Road, Montverde, asked questions regarding the following: Traffic
impacts for the three villages, turn lanes, increased water usage, impervious surface areas and
retention, open space, and further inquired who will maintain the roads.
Tom Daly answered a Traffic Impact Analysis was submitted, which has three points of access
off of Old Hwy 50. The stormwater system will meet all requirements. At this point no
homebuilder has been selected. He is not aware if this proposed development will be gated for
private road maintenance or not.
With no_ further speakers present, the floor was closed.
Commissioner Colby stated there are some very valid concerns; however, the project needs to
move to the next steps in order to further develop. He had no questions.
Commissioner Grube stated this should be transmitted to bring it back for further discussion.
Commissioner Bain indicated he believes reducing the size from County, four (4) dwellings per
acre, to City, three (3) dwellings per acre, is beneficial for the city and the community. He pointed
out for the public to look at Page 63 from the Daly Design Group's report for information on the
stormwater report. He had no questions for the applicant.
Commissioner Norton asked for clarification on the dwellings per acre, and if Old Highway 50
would stay within the County. Planning Manager Kruse stated Old Highway 50 will stay within
the County.
Vice -Chair Niemiec stated he likes the three (3) dwellings per acre and is in support of this project.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 2024-031 Old Hichwav 50
LSCPA for Transmittal. Moved br Commissioner Grube. Seconded by Commissioner Bain.
Motion passed 5-0 with Chair Krzvminski and Member Guerrero absent.
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Item 3 — Ordinance No. 2024-035 Hooks Street Self -Storage Phase 2 SSCPA
Item 4 — Ordinance No. 2024-036 Hooks Street Self -Storage Phase 2 Rezoning
Item 5 — Resolution No. 2024-025R Hooks Street Self -Storage Phase 2 Conditional Use
Permit (Items 3 - 5 were heard together.)
Senior Planner McGruder presented as follows:
The applicant is requesting a voluntary annexation, small scale comprehensive plan amendment,
rezoning and Conditional Use Permit for a vacant parcel located east of US Highway 27 and north
of Hooks Street. The subject property is contiguous to the City of Clermont boundaries and is
approximately 2.29 +/- acres, which is located within the City's utility service area, ISBA, and
JPA.
The small scale comprehensive plan amendment would change the Future Land Use designation
from Lake County's Regional Commercial to City Commercial. The proposed development is
consistent with the comprehensive plan goals, objective and policies and the intent of the
Commercial Land Use Category. The Future Land Use Policy 1.9.5 indicates, Residential Self -
Storage Facilities shall be allowed as a Conditional Use Permit and shall be limited to 1.00 Floor
Area Ratio. This shall not include the storage of manufactured or commercial products. The
commercial land use category is established to assure the availability of sufficient office and
commercial sites to serve the needs of the existing and projected population. Staff recommends
approval of Ordinance 2024-035 to change the future land use designation from Lake County
Regional Commercial to City Commercial.
The proposed rezoning request would change the current zoning from Lake County R-6 Urban
Residential District to City C-2 General Commercial zoning. The C-2 Commercial zoning category
is compatible with the uses and improvements of the surrounding area, and is consistent with the
City's Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives and policies. The applicant proposes the rezoning to
allow for a self -storage facility with a Conditional Use Permit. The project will be compatible with
the surrounding development pattern and not out of character with the adjacent properties. The
adjacent parcel zoning located to the north is Planned Unit Development (PUD) with C-2 General
Commercial permitted uses, and R-6 Urban Residential. The project will be required to meet all
the land development regulations, and any buildings must be designed to comply with the
Clermont Architectural Design Standards. Staff recommends approval of Ordinance 2024-036 to
change the zoning from Lake County R-6 Urban Residential District to City C-2 General
Commercial zoning.
The applicant is also requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for a self -storage facility
with more than 20,000 square feet of floor space. The Land Development Code, Section 125-337
requires a Conditional Use Permit for any building structure that occupies more than 20,000 square
feet and to allow for residential storage facilities in the C-2 General Commercial zoning
district. On February 27, 2024, the City Council approved a Conditional Use Permit for a self -
storage facility on the adjacent parcel located to the west. The applicant is requesting to combine
the two parcels and construct a larger building on the properties.
The applicant has requested an exemption to a Tier I Traffic Impact Analysis Report by Walsh
Engineering indicating the proposed self -storage facility is projected to generate 218 daily trips,
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of which 23 trips will occur during the PM Peak Hour. The proposed development will provide an
enclosed three-story building that will be up to 150,000 square feet with approximately 1,150 units
for the collective lots. The building will be designed to comply with the Clermont Architectural
Design Standards. The proposed self -storage facility will be gated and secured. Any fencing along
or adjacent to roadways shall be ornamental metal or decorative vinyl/pvc. No outside storage will
be allowed.
Staff has reviewed the CUP application and believes that the proposed use will not be detrimental
to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity and the
proposed use will comply with the regulations and conditions specified. Therefore, staff
recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit for a self -storage facility over 20,000 square
feet in the C-2 zoning district with the conditions contained in Resolution No. 2024-025R.
Michael Rankin, Representing the Applicant, LPG Urban & Regional Planners LLC, 1162 Camp
Ave., Mt. Dora, explained after the City Council approved their prior application for the self -
storage adjacent to this property, the applicant wanted to buy this parcel in order to develop both
parcels to create a larger self -storage facility. He further explained the project in more detail, and
stated the developer wants to build a landscaped, well -maintained facility where people want to
bring their stuff, not have to bring their stuff.
The floor was opened, for public comments. With no speakers present, the floor was closed.
Commissioner Norton asked if this site will have to be replatted if this site is ever sold. Michael
Rankin stated it should not have to be required to be replatted.
Commissioner Bain asked staff why the three-story building, parking lot and retention wall are
not in the resolution. He further asked whether the special condition in the applicant's report
requesting the retaining walls be allowed greater than six feet, but no higher than 8 or 12 feet are
allowed in the C-2 zoning or whether that is a special exception. Senior Planner McGruder
explained those regulations are contained in the C-2 zoning; and further, the special condition is a
waiver that is permitted as a condition.
Commissioner Grube stated he does not see any issues with this.
Commissioner Colby asked what their intentions are with outdoor lighting, 24 access, cameras
and the like. Michael Rankin explained dark sky lighting will be utilized along with cameras and
a decorative gate. He clarified the facility could be a 24-hour facility, but that has not been decided
at this time.
Vice -Chair Niemiec asked staff what the maximum height is allowed to be for this building.
Senior Planner McGruder stated the maximum height is 55 feet.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 2024-035 Hooks Street Self-
Storaae Phase 2 Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment f SSCPAI: Moved by
Commissioner Bain. Seconded by Commissioner Grube. Motion passed 5-0 with Chair
Krzeminski and Member Guerrero absent.
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MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 2024-036 Hooks Street Self -
Storage Phase 2 Rezoning to Clermont C-2 General Commercial District: Moved bV
Commissioner Bain. Seconded b\ Commissioner Grube. Motion passed 5-0 with Chair
Krzyminski and Member Guerrero absent.
Commissioner Bain asked whether staff is in support of the special condition six (6) to 12 foot
retention wall. Development Services Director Henschel stated staff is in support.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Resolution No. 2024-025R Hooks Street Self-
Storaee Phase 2 Conditional Use Permit (CUP). and further. recommend approval of a special
condition of an eight (8) foot retention wall: Moved by Commissioner Bain. Seconded by
Commissioner Grube. Motion passed 5-0 with Chair Krzyminski and Member Guerrero absent.
Item 6 — Ordinance No. 2024-037 Land Development Code (LDC) Amendment Chanter 117
Signs — To Allow Murals in the Central Business District (CBD)
Development Services Director Henschel presented as follows:
Staff is proposing changes to the Land Development Code for mural signs. Currently, murals are
only allowed within the Downtown Central Business District (CBD). This area does not extend
south of Highway 50. This code change would allow murals to be located within the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district, which is an area slightly larger than the CBD district. The
CRA district does extend to the south side of Highway 50 encompassing approximately 30
additional businesses fronting Highway 50. No other changes to the code are proposed.
The floor was opened for public comments. With no speakers present, the floor was closed.
Commissioner Norton asked if there are any parcels in the CBD that are not within the CRA.
Development Services Director Henschel stated all CBD parcels are within the CRA. He
explained the City Council directed city staff to bring this amendment forward because of a recent
variance that was brought before them.
Commissioner Bain stated he supports this amendment and thinks murals are good for the
community and for the city.
Commissioner Grube stated he is fine with this.
Commissioner Colby stated he has no questions.
MOTION TO RECOMMEND APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 2024-037 Land Development
Code (LDC) Amendment Chanter 117 Shms to Allow Murals in the Central Business District
(CBD); Moved by Commissioner Grube, Seconded by Commissioner Colbv. Motion _passed 5-0
with Chair Krzyminski and Member Guerrero absent.
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Planning & Zoning Commission
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Item 7 — Resolution No. 2024-021R US Highwav 27 Self -Storage & Car Wash Conditional
Use Permit (CUP)
MOTION TO TABLE Resolution No. 2024-021R US Hiahwav 27 Self-Storap-e & Car Wash
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to the October 1.2024 Planning and Zoning. Commission meeting:
Moved by Commissioner Bain. Seconded by Commissioner Grube. Motion Dassed 5-0 with Chair
Krzvminski and Member Guerrero absent.
DISCUSSION OF NON -AGENDA ITEMS — None
ADJOURNMENT — 741 pm
I
Ma n ' 19 irman
ATTEST:
Kathy Hea d, Planning Coordinator
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