boardname
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
Meeting Date: DECEMBER 18, 2024
title
TEXT AMENDMENT - Overlay Districts, Allow Townhomes With Internal Circulation
projectinfo
Request: Text Amendment - Overlay Districts, Allow Townhomes with internal circulation
P&Z# N/A
Owner: N/A
Project Location: N/A
Folio Number: N/A
Land Use Designation: N/A
Zoning District: 155.3501. Transit Oriented
Commission District: N/A
Agent: N/A
Project Planner: Max Wemyss (max.wemyss@copbfl.com / 954-786-4671)
otherinfo
Summary:
In the Transit-Oriented Zoning Districts, regulated by Section 155.3501, primary entrances to buildings, including individual townhouse units, are required to provide access to a public right-of-way, or a designated open space, and specifically not internal circulation or parking lots. This is generally desirable as most multi-tenant buildings may have a centralized point of access. However, townhouse development provides individual units with direct access, requiring that each unit front on to the street. This wouldn’t be a problem for a lot that is wider than it is deep however, that is not a typical condition.
Moreover, there are several existing (established prior to the adoption of the overlays) townhouse developments within the districts that are now nonconforming developments because they have units that do not have direct access from the street, rather from an internal driveway. This type of townhouse development is not uncommon and is very familiar to the city. Therefore, it is easy to anticipate the impact of an amendment to allow townhouse units within the Transit-Oriented Zoning Districts to obtain access from internal site circulation.
CODE AMENDMENT
CHAPTER 155: ZONING CODE
. . .
155.3501. Transit Oriented (TO)
. . .
O. TO District Design Standards
The following standards shall apply to development in TO districts in addition to any applicable standards in Part 6 (Design Standards) of Article 5 (Development Standards):
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2. Building Configuration and Design
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e. The primary entrance of a building shall provide access to a public right-of-way, greenway or an open space. Townhouse development units that abut a public right-of-way, greenway or an open space must provide direct access for those units; however, internal units may be configured to obtain access from internal site circulation. Townhouse development shall be designed in a way that as many units as possible front onto public or publicly accessible spaces.
CODE AMENDMENT REVIEW STANDARDS
The Planning & Zoning Board must make a recommendation to the City Commission on applications for code amendments based on the competent substantial evidence in the record that the amendment addresses the following standards:
155.2402. TEXT AMENDMENT
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C. Text Amendment Review Standards
The advisability of amending the text of this Code is a matter committed to the legislative discretion of the City Commission and is not controlled by any one factor. In determining whether to adopt or deny the proposed amendment, the City Commission shall weigh the relevance of and consider whether and the extent to which the proposed amendment:
1. Is consistent with the comprehensive plan;
2. Does not conflict with any provision of this Code or the Code of Ordinances ;
3. Is required by changed conditions;
4. Addresses a demonstrated community need;
5. Is consistent with the purpose and intent of the zoning districts in this Code, or would improve compatibility among uses and would ensure efficient development within the city;
6. Would result in a logical and orderly development pattern; and
7. Would not result in significantly adverse impacts on the natural environment, including but not limited to water, air, noise, storm water management, wildlife, vegetation, wetlands, and the natural functioning of the environment.
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Given the information provided to the Board, as the finder of fact, the Development Services Department provides the following alternative motion options, which may be revised or modified at the Board’s discretion.
Alternative Motion I
Recommend approval of the text amendment to the City Commission for their consideration.
Alternative Motion II
Table this application for additional information as requested by the Board.