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This request has been initiated to resolve a tree removal vio- lation imposed against Kennedy Groves. This violation was brought before the Board of County Commissioners on February 16, 1988. The violation involved the removal of many trees and ground vegetation from the east side of the subject property, which is adjacent to the Oceanaire Heights Subdivision. The applicants removed the vegetation and planted an additional row of citrus trees. Normally such an expansion of a grove would be permitted, provided that the grove were zoned A-1. However, since this grove has been zoned residentially since at least 1969, the owners violated two sections of the code. The first of the two violations involved removal of trees, without a permit, from a residentially zoned property greater than one acre in size. The second violation involved expansion of a non -conforming use. Since groves are not a permitted use in RS -6, even if in place since the 1950's, they cannot be expanded or enlarged. In adding a new row of trees, the Kennedy's expanded a non -conforming use. During discussion of these violations, it was found that the Kennedy's were unaware that the grove was zoned residential. Since the land was zoned agricultural when the grove was estab- lished, they had assumed that the zoning had remained unchanged. Apparently, the property had been rezoned in 1969 by the County. As a solution to the violation, it was agreed to by the Board and the Kennedy's, that the land be rezoned to A-1 through a joint applicant/County initiated request. The Kennedy's have provided the staff with various ownership documents, and the staff has secured all the remaining necessary information. On July 28, 1988, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of this request. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS: In this section, an analysis of the reasonableness of the applica- tion will be presented. The analysis will include a description of the current and future land uses of the site and surrounding areas, potential impacts on the transportation and utility sys- tems, and any significant adverse impacts on environmental quali- Current Land Use Pattern The subject property is currently used for groves and zoned RS -6. To the north of the subject property are groves also zoned RS -6. To the west are groves within the Town of Orchid. To the south is C.R. 510, then vacant land zoned RM -6, Multi -Family Residential District (up to 6 units/acre). To the east is a subdivision, with most of the lots adjacent to the grove being developed. This subdivision is zoned RT -6, Two -Family Residential District (up to 6 units/acre). Future Land Use Pattern The Comprehensive Plan designates the subject property and all land north, east, and south as LD -2, Low Density Residential 2 (allowing up to 6 units/acre). Utilities This area is not currently serviced by public water and sewer facilities. 46 SEP 13 1988 Boor 74 FacE