HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/15/1994� MINUTES 119'TACHED "
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
A G E N D A
SPECIAL MEETING
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 1994
5:01 P.M. - COUNTY COMMISSION CHAMBER
COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
1840 25TH STREET
VERO BEACH, FLORIDA
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
John W. Tippin, Chairman (Dist. 4)
Kenneth R. Macht, Vice Chairman ( Dist. 3 )
Fran B. Adams ( Dist. 1)
Richard N. Bird (Dist. 5)
Carolyn K. Eggert ( Dist. 2 )
James E. Chandler, County Administrator
Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk to the Board
5:01 P.M. 1. Proposed LDR Amendments: First Hearing
(memorandum dated August 9, 1994)
2. LDR First Hearing Consideration of Road Frontage
Requirements for Lot Splits
'`Requirements
dated August 9, 1994)
ANYONE WHO MAY WISH TO APPEAL ANY DECISION WHICH MAY BE
MADE AT THIS MEETING WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM
RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE WHICH INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY
AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL WILL BE BASED.
ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING
MAY CONTACT THE COUNTY'S AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
COORDINATOR AT 567-8000 X 408 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF
MEETING.
August '15, 1994
I
SPECIAL MEETING
Monday, August 15, 1994
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County,
Florida, met in Special Session at the County Commission Chambers,
1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Monday, August 15, 1994,
at 5:01 p.m. Present were John W. Tippin, Chairman; Kenneth R.
Macht, Vice Chairman; Fran B. Adams; Richard N. Bird; and Carolyn
K. Eggert. Also present were James E. Chandler, County
Administrator; Charles P. Vitunac, County Attorney; and Patricia
Held, Deputy Clerk.
The Chairman called the meeting to order.
PROPOSED LDR AMENDMENTS - FIRST HEARING
The hour of 5:01 p.m. having passed, the County Attorney
announced that this public hearing has been properly advertised as
follows:
P.O. Box 1268 Vero Beach, Florida 32961 562-2315
COUNTY OF INDIAN RIVER �uln 1i .
STATE OF FLORIDA t'J l
Before the undersigned authorityrsonally appeared J.J.
Schumann, Jr. who on oath says that he peis Business Manager of the
Vero Beach Press -Journal, a newspaper published at Vero Beach in
Indian River County, Florida; that
billed
was published in said newspaper
rrJin the iasue(s)
/#V 0/( , fO
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
day R t/ A.D
? My Comm, ryofft ,m = BARBARA C Sraarlrrc. NO7eHv Business Manager
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August 15, 1994 eooK
BOOK 93 P,,, E 57
NOTICE OF ESTABLISHMENT'OR CHANGE OF
LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
AFFECTING THE USE OF LAND
The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners proposes to adopt or change regulations affecting the
use of land for the area shown in the map in this advertisement.
Two public hearings on there lotions affectingg the use of land wi0 be held, one on Monday, August 15,
1994 at 5:01 p.m. and one on Wednesday, August 31, 1994 at 5.01 p.m. in the County Commission Chambers in
the County Administration Building located at 1840 25th Street, Ve►o Beach, Florida.
Proposed changes to the Land Development Regulations (LDRsI efFective in the unincorporated area of the
county consist of an ordinance containing various LDR amendments, and include changes to the following LDR
chapters:
• Chapter 1, Definitions
•Chapter 902, Administrative Mechanisms
• Chapter 919, Zoning
• Chapter 912; Single Family Development
r Chapter 913, Subdivisions &Plats
• Chapter 914, Site Plan Review & Approval Procedures
• Chapter 917, Accessory Uses and Structures
• Chapter 930, Stormwater Management & Floodplain Protection
• Chapter 934, Excavation & Mining
• Chapter 953, Fairshore Roadway Improvements
• Chapter 955, Moving Structures
• Chapter 971, Regulations for Specific Land Use Criteria
Topics relating to said amendments include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Bufferyards in multi -family districts (911)
- Bonding requirements for moving structures (955)
- Site plan project classifications (914)
- FEMA -recommended stormwater management regulations 1901/930)
- Platting -over site pplan projects (913)
- Calculation of AC /Group home land use intensity (971)
CH, IL, IG districts: sideyard setback against railroad (91 1)
- TIF ordinance 15% reduction for individual assessments (953)
- Road frontage requirements for lot splits (912/913)
- Regulations affecting liveabbord vessels and dock rentals (901/9171
- Changes to littoral zone area ratios (934)
- Vehicle storage lot (paved or unpaved) use category (91 1)
Automobile sales in industrial districts (911)
Special yard situations for multi -frontage lots (911)
- Heights of walls and fences (917)
-Setbacks and buffers for country clubs and associated uses (97 1)
- Planning and Zoning Commission representation on the TRC (902)
- Changes in land development permit submittal requirements (913)
- Changes in preliminary plat submittal requirements (913)
- Changes in conceptual site plan submittal requirements (9141
- Staff approval signature for minor site plans (914)
Copies of the proposed ordinance will.be available at the Planning Division Office on /he second floor of thg
County Administration Building beginning August 9, 1994.
Anyone who may wish to appeal any decision which may be made at this meeting will need to ensure that a
verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is
based.
ANYONE WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS MEETING MUST CONTACT THE COUNTY'S
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COORDINATOR AT 567-8000 X223 AT LEAST 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE
OF THE MEETING.
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
:elle BY -s- JOHN W. TIPPIN, CHAIRMAN
The Board reviewed memo from Planning Director Stan Boling
dated August 9, 1994:
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August 15, 1994
TO: James E. Chandler
County Administrator
DIVI ON HEAD CONCURRENCE:
Robert M. Keating, ICP
Community Dev lopment D� actor
FROM: Stan Boling, A CP
Planning Director
DATE: August 9, 1994
SUBJECT: Proposed LDR Amendments: First Hearing
It is requested that the data herein presented be given formal
consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at its special
meeting of August 15, 1994.
BACKGROUND:
Over the last several months, county staff, the Professional
Services Advisory Committee (PSAC), and the Board of County
Commissioners have initiated various proposals to amend the
county's land development regulations (LDRs). During this time,
the PSAC has reviewed and made recommendations regarding most of
these LDR amendment proposals, and the Planning and Zoning
Commission has reviewed and made recommendations regarding all of
these LDR amendment proposals. Staff has now consolidated all of
the amendments into a single proposed ordinance.
The Board will consider these amendments at two hearings (August
15th and August 31st) . At the first. hearing, it is the Board's
duty to consider each amendment within the proposed ordinance and
to direct staff to make any changes deemed necessary. At the
second hearing, the Board will need to take final action on th
proposed ordinance.
ANALYSIS:
e
Staff has structured the proposed ordinance such that each
ordinance section contains an amendment or amendments that are
related to a single topic (see attachment #1). The analysis
section of this report is similarly structured, addressing each LDR
issue section by section.
The proposed ordinance contains 27 sections. Sections 24-27
contain standard legal language contained in all LDR ordinances.
Sections 1-23 deal with particular issues, as follows:
1. Vehicle storage lot (paved or unpaved) use category.
2. Automobile sales in industrial districts.
3. Special yard situations for multi -frontage lots.
4. Heights of walls and fences.
5. Veterinary clinic/animal hospital special land use criteria
conflict.
6. Setbacks and buffers for country clubs and associated uses.
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August 15, 1994 BOOK F1GFQ
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BOOK 93 DGE
7. Planning and Zoning Commission representation on the Technical
Review Committee.
S. Bufferyards in Multi -Family Projects.
9. Bonding Requirements for Moving of Structures.
10. Site. Plan Project Classification.
11. Platting=over Site Plan Projects..
12. Calculation of ACLF/Group Home Land Use Intensity.
13. CH District Side Yard Setbacks Against FEC Railroad.
14. IL & IG District Side Yard Setbacks Against FEC Railroad.
15. Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) Ordinance 15% Reduction for
Individual Assessments.
16. Review Fee for TIF Individual Assessments.
17. Changes to Subdivision Application Submittal Requirements &
Procedures.
18. FEMA - Recommended Changes to Stormwater Management & Flood
Protection Requirements
19. Live -aboard Vessels: Definition & Restrictions.
20. Dock Rental Restrictions.
21. Limitations on Littoral Zone Requirements.
22. Setbacks for Legal Nonconforming Lots of Record.
23. Setbacks for Swimming Pool Structures on Corner & Multi -
Frontage Lots.
Staff's analysis of each section of the proposed ordinance follows.
Where the PSAC or Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation
differs from staff's recommended amendment, such differences are
reported and explained under the appropriate ordinance section
analysis.
1. Vehicle storage lot (paved or unpaved) use category. Section
954.08(6) of the parking chapter provides standards for
unpaved vehicle storage lots. For several years, staff and
the Planning and Zoning Commission have approved vehicle
storage lots in the CH, IL and IG zoning districts. However,
to date, this use category is not specified in the zoning
district use tables. This use is proposed to be added to the
use tables for clarification and to distinguish vehicle
storage lots from the "outdoor storage" use category. The
outdoor storage use involves the storage of general
merchandise and supplies.
2. Automobile sales in industrial districts. Currently,
automobile sales are not allowed in the IL (Light Industrial)
zoning district, although sales of motorcycles, RVs, and boats
are allowed. Staff's position is that automobile sales is a
use similar to motorcycle, RV, and boat sales. Therefore, the
automobile sales use is proposed to be added as an allowable
use in the IL district.
3. Special yard situations for multi -frontage lots. Currently,
for corner lots abutting arterial roads, the LDRs allow for
the yard abutting the arterial road to be considered a
rearyard for purposes of applying swimming pool setbacks.
Staff policy has been to treat multi -frontage lots (e.g.
double and triple frontage lots) similarly. The proposed
amendment would formalize this policy within the LDRs.
4. Heights of walls and fences. Heights of walls and fences have
been regulated in the LDRs for years. Generally, walls and
fences up to 6' in height are allowed in side and rear yards
and fences up to 4' in height are allowed in front yards. For
years, staff's general policy has been that wall and fence
heights be measured from lot grade and that "extra" height
cannot be obtained merely by berming-up first and then placing
a wall or fence atop the berm. However, a specific
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August 15, 1994
a
prohibition against such a practice is not contained in the
existing LDRs. The proposed LDR amendment spells -out that
wall and fence heights are to be measured vertically from the
finished lot grade (not from the top of a berm) at the
location of the wall or fence to the top of the structure.
Thus, under the proposed amendment, a property owner could not
gain extra fence height by building a fence on top of a built-
up berm.
5. Veterinary clinic/animal hospital special land use criteria
conflict. There currently exists a conflict in the 971
criteria applied to veterinary clinics/animal hospitals. The
conflict involves whether or not commercial boarding of
animals is allowed at a clinic or hospital. Staff's opinion
is that such a use is normal and customary as an accessory use
to animal hospitals, and is reasonable if noise impacts are
adequately addressed. The recommended amendment addresses
these issues and eliminates the existing conflict.
6. Setbacks and buffers for country clubs and associated uses.
Recently, the LDRs were amended to allow a buffer option in
lieu of special setbacks for golf course buildings located
adjacent to non-residential uses (e.g. institutional uses such
as schools). The LDRs also establish buffer criteria, as
opposed to special setbacks, for tennis facilities. Golf and
tennis facilities are oftentimes included in country club
projects. In staff's opinion, specific criteria for these
kinds of specific uses should be referenced in a particular
LDR section that governs country club uses.' Such a reference,
as proposed in the ordinance, would make it clear that golf
course and tennis facilities associated with country clubs can
be governed by the specific criteria that apply to those
specific uses, as opposed to being governed by criteria that
apply only to country club buildings.
7. Planning and Zoning Commission representation on the Technical
Review Committee. Under current caselaw related to the issue
of ex parte communication involving elected and appointed
officials, it is the opinion of the county attorney's office
that Planning and Zoning Commissioners cannot attend TRC
meetings. Therefore, staff proposes that the LDR section
which requires that a member of the Planning and Zoning
Commission serve on the TRC be amended as stated in the
proposed ordinance.
8. Buff eryards in Multi -Family Projects. The wording changes are
proposed to make this buffer section read similarly to the
buffer section contained in the commercial districts portion
of Chapter 911. The proposed wording specifies that
bufferyards are required along side and rear property lines
and that buffer depth is measured at a right angle to such
property lines.
9. Bonding Requirements for Moving of Structures. This section
is proposed by the County Attorney's Office based upon
direction from the Board of County Commissioners. The purpose
of the LDR change is to allow the Board of County
Commissioners the authority to waive certain bond requirements
(related to moving structures) for projects that benefit the
community and that are conducted by various organizations.
Under the proposed amendment, such waivers would not be
granted automatically but could be allowed at the discretion
of the Board on a case by case basis.
August 15, 1994
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BOOK . '11:_11J FACE
BOOK 3F,gG, 61
10. Site Plan Project Classification. Current site plan
provisions require major site plan review for projects
involving the replacement or addition of 2,000 square feet of
building area, even when the amount of new impervious surface
area does not itself trip the major site plan threshold (5,000
sq. ft.). Planning staff's experience is that projects
involving over 2,000 square feet of building area that do not
otherwise trip other major site plan thresholds are truly
minor in nature. In relation to such projects, the proposed
amendment would require minor rather than major site plan
approval.
11. Platting -Over Site Plan Projects. For several years, the
subdivision ordinance has provided a means for "platting -over"
site plan approved projects. Under such circumstances, the
approved site plan (which meets all normal requirements)
governs project development. Lots underneath building units
and private living areas (e.g. patio courtyards) have been
allowed to be created via this platting -over provision.
Projects that have used this provision include Village Walk
and Cambridge Park. Staff is proposing this amendment to
clarify the platting -over provisions.
12. Calculation of ACLF/Group Home Land Use Intensity. The
specific land use criteria for ACLFs/Group Homes currently
contain a long narrative that explains the maximum number of
residents (as opposed to dwelling units) allowed on ACLF/Group
Home sites. The proposed ordinance proposes changes to
convert a portion of the narrative language to a formula. The
proposed changes also specify how such residents per acre
intensities are to be compared with intensities allowed on
adjacent properties.
13 & 14
CH & IL & IG District Side Yard Setbacks Against FEC Railroad.
The current LDRs allow for a 0' setback where the rearyards of
properties zoned CH, IL, or IG abut the FEC Railroad. This 0'
setback provision is allowed primarily to accommodate the use
of railroad access for the warehouse and manufacturing uses
allowed in those districts. Through various inquiries, it has
come to planning staff's attention that some CH. IL, and IG
properties abut the FEC Railroad along the site's sideyard
(rather than rearyard) where uses needing railroad access
could and should be built. The proposed ordinance proposes
that the special FEC Railroad setback provision be applied to
side yards (as well as rearyards) for CH, IL, and IG zoned
properties.
15. TIF Ordinance 15% Reduction for Individual Assessments.
Current TIF schedule rates include a 15% "automatic" discount.
Under current regulations, developers wishing to perform an
individual TIF assessment, rather than accepting the TIF
schedule rate, are not allowed to use the 15% discount.
Instead, withholding the 15% discount under the current
regulations is deemed to be the administrative fee for
reviewing the individual assessment. Based upon recent
caselaw, the County Attorney's Office has advised staff that
the 15% discount must be applied equally to the TIF schedule
and to individual assessments. Therefore, the County
Attorney's Office has proposed changes to allow the 15%
discount for individual assessments.
August 15, 1994
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16. Review Fee for TIF Individual Assessments. This item relates
to the previous item, and allows establishment of a specific
fee to review TIF individual assessments. It should be noted
that a resolution establishing a $500.00 review fee for TIF
individual assessments will be considered by the Board when it
considers this LDR amendment.
17. Changes to Subdivision Application Submittal Requirements &
Procedures
A. & B.
These changes represent
preliminary plat submittal
staff and the PSAC.
C. & D.
minor modifications to
requirements agreed to by
These changes are minor modifications to land development
permit submittal requirements agreed to by staff and the
PSAC.
E. This change would allow a developer, at his or her
option, to submit at the same time a preliminary plat and
a land development permit for concurrent staff review.
18-. FEMA -Recommended Changes to Stormwater Management & Flood
Protection Requirements. Glenn Woodward, Chief of FEMA's
Division of Natural and Technological Hazards, wrote a letter
to the County Administrator on October 28, 1993 (see
attachment #2). In his letter, Mr. Woodward identified
deficiencies in the County's Flood Protection Ordinance that
"must be corrected in order to assure compliance with the
various regulations of the NFIP" (National Flood Insurance
Program).
As a participating NFIP community, Indian River County is
obligated to comply with FEMA requirements, or risk losing
federal flood insurance for residents in the unincorporated
county. The LDR changes proposed in this section of
amendments fall into the category. of "required" (Subsection A)
and "recommended" (Subsection B & C) changes.
Subsection A: This proposed subsection amendment would
specify the method, required by FEMA, to determine the minimum
elevation of structures proposed to be built within a
floodplain where no base flood data are available.
Subsections B & C: Suggested Revisions: 1 Foot "Freeboard".
Although not required, FEMA strongly recommends that the
County require all new and substantially improved buildings be
elevated at least 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
Prior to 1987, County ordinances contained this. "freeboard"
requirement. However, in 1987, the requirement was deleted to
reduce construction costs.
* Advantages
In his letter, Mr. Woodward explains FEMA's position that the
long-term benefits of requiring 1 foot freeboard outweigh the
short-term development cost savings of not requiring the
freeboard. Using as an example a $100,000 single-family home
with $50,000 contents coverage, he notes that a 1 foot
freeboard would save the owner $105 annually in insurance
costs, $3,150 over the course of a 30 -year mortgage. The
August 15, 1994
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BOOK 93 ;vuE
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8001 3 "E 63
annual savings increases to $147 if the home is elevated 2
feet above BFE.
Mr. Woodward also explains that federal BFEs do not reflect
Category 4 or 5 hurricanes. There is, however, an extra
margin of safety in requiring the freeboard.
The requirement of a freeboard would also result in point
credits under FEMA's "Community Rating System" (CRS), which
will help the County achieve a classification that could lower
insurance premiums county -wide by an additional 5 percent.
* Disadvantages
The main disadvantage in requiring a 1 foot freeboard is
additional up -front development costs for new or substantially
improved structures. However, in the FEMA example, long-term
savings outweigh short-term costs.
Another point of consideration relates to nonconforming
structures, whereby the freeboard requirement could result in
inconsistencies in the elevation of new vs. nonconforming
structures on the same or adjacent property.
The issue was discussed at two PSAC meetings and at a PSAC
sub -committee meeting. Discussions with a FEMA staff person
at the sub -committee meeting indicated that the amendment
could be crafted so that substantial improvements to existing
structures constructed at base flood elevation (the "old"
standard) would not cause the existing structure to be
elevated to the "new" standard. This "exemption" is covered
in the proposed ordinance. Staff also researched 39 single
family Type C stormwater permit files and found that actual
construction always exceeded base flood elevation by 0.51' to
5.01' (see attachment #3).
At its June 9, 1994 meeting, the PSAC had its final discussion
on the proposal to raise the required finished floor elevation
of structures located within flood plains by 1'. The PSAC
concluded that a .5' rather than a 1' increase would be
acceptable because:
a. FEMA would "credit" a .5' increase the same as a 1'
increase within its rating system; and
b. Staff's research into actual minimum elevations of
structures built in flood plains shows that all of the 39
sampled single-family houses would have met a .5'
increase requirement; not all of them would have met a 1'
increase regulation.
Thus, the PSAC recommends a .5' increase. After discussion at
its July 14, 1994 meeting (see attachment #5), the Planning
and Zoning Commission voted 4-1 to recommend a .5' increase.
Staff recommends a 1' increase, based upon the County
Engineer's opinion that:
a. The full 1' increase recommended by FEMA affords better
flood protection and safety; and
b. The negative effects of raising the required finished
floor elevation by 1' are minimal, as indicated by the
fact that most of the single family houses surveyed (28
of 39) would have met a 1' increase requirement. The 11
August 15, 1994
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samples that did not meet the 1' requirement would need
to be raised only .49' to .03' to meet the 1'
requirement.
The County Engineer's summary of the 1' increase requirement
is that the benefits outweigh the costs. Therefore, staff
recommends a 1' increase, as stated in the proposed ordinance.
Subsection D: This proposed subsection would require certain
flood zone information on final plats of lands located in
flood plains.
Subsection E: This proposed subsection establishes FEMA
requirements regarding regulatory floodways.
Subsection F: This proposed subsection contains FEMA
requirements regarding variances from Chapter 930 stormwater
management and flood protection requirements.
Subsection G: This proposed subsection contains numerous new
definitions used within the Chapter 930 requirements.
Subsection H: This proposed subsection contains numerous
modifications to existing definitions used within the Chapter
930 requirements.
19. Live -aboard Vessels: Definitions and Restrictions. County
Land Development Regulations (LDRs) presently define
liveaboards as vessels inhabited for greater than 7
consecutive days (30 consecutive days if the vessel has no
operative means of propulsion). County Code Section 932.07(1)
prohibits the regular mooring of liveaboards, except in
commercial marinas with approved facilities for that purpose.
The proposed revisions were initiated by the Board of County
Commissioners because of a code enforcement case that was
heard a number of months ago by the Code Enforcement Board and
County Commission.
Specifically, a homeowner with river canal frontage (North
Island Harbor Drive) was leasing.a boatslip to friends. The
friends stayed on a boat overnight as it was moored, but for
no more than 7 consecutive days at any given time.
Neighborhood residents complained, and staff was asked by the
County Commission to review the County's definition of
liveaboard vessels.
The proposed ordinance would revise the definition of live -
aboard to include vessels inhabited for 7 or more days
(whether consecutive or non-consecutive) within a 30 day time
period. For enforcement purposes, the revised definition
provides criteria for establishing a presumption of
inhabitance.
Staff recommended to the Planning and Zoning Commission that
liveaboards be defined to also include vessels inhabited for
3 or more consecutive days. The Planning and Zoning
Commission , however, voted to exclude the proposed 3
consecutive day threshold, indicating that it was too
restrictive to allow for extended weekend visitors, and
indicating that the inhabitance threshold of 7 days total
within a month is more reasonable and would eliminate the
enforcement loophole in the current LDRs whereby the 7
consecutive day threshold can be avoided by a one day
excursion on the 7th day (see attachment #5). Staff is now in
August 15, 1994
9
BOOK d J `A:,E
agreement with the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommendation, which has been incorporated into the proposed
ordinance.
20. Dock Rental Restrictions. These restrictions are in
accordance with a Code Enforcement Board determination
regarding accessory use vs. commercial use of single family
docks. Basically, the Code Enforcement Board found that
rental of dock space on a single family lot constitutes an
illegal accessory use. The proposed changes will amend the
LDRs to incorporate that ruling. This amendment will not
change the county's regulations; instead, it will merely
codify an existing requirement.
It should be noted that the PSAC voted to recommend that the
Board of County Commissioners not adopt ,this proposed
amendment. It was the PSAC's position that the existing LDRs
and its interpretation (via Code Enforcement Board
determinations) are sufficient. The Planning and Zoning
Commission voted 5-0 to recommend that the Board adopt the
proposed amendment.
21. Limitation on Littoral Zone Requirements. County regulations
presently require littoral zones for created or expanded
waterbodies greater than 1/2 acre in size. County Code
Section 934.05(4) specifies that "at least thirty (30) percent
of the waterbody surface area shall consist of littoral zone".
Staff is proposing that the littoral zone area ratio be either
30% of the waterbody surface area or 21 square feet per linear
foot of shoreline, whichever is less. This change is meant to
alleviate the burden to developers of providing 30% surface
area coverage of littoral zone on large created waterbodies,
such as 20 acre mining sites.
The 21 square foot area per linear foot shoreline is based
upon the existing ordinance design standard of the littoral
zone extending from one foot above water control elevation to
2 1/2 feet below, at a maximum slope of 6 feet horizontal to
one foot vertical (6:1).
22. Setbacks for Legal Monconforming RM -6, RM -8, and RM -10 Zoned
Lots. Currently, the LDRs accommodate special setbacks for
legal nonconforming RS -3 lots, whereby RS -6 setbacks are
applied. The result is a reduction in front and rear yard
setbacks from 25' to 20' and a reduction in sideyard setbacks
from 15' to 101. The reason for the reduction is that the
nonconforming lots, though zoned RS -3, are actually smaller
than RS -3 lots and, therefore, cannot reasonably accommodate
normal RS -3 setbacks.
The same situation occurs for RM -6. RM -8, and RM -10 zoned
nonconforming lots used for single family development. In
those cases, the current 25' front and rear yard setbacks
should be reduced to 201, to allow a reasonable use of the
small, nonconforming lots. The proposed ordinance makes such
an allowance.
23. Setbacks for Swimming Pool Structures on Corner and Multi -
Family Lots. Currently, special rearyard setbacks are given
for pools and pool related structures, and the current MRs
already recognize to some degree the special situation of most
corner lots and multi -family lots in regards to setbacks. For
many corner and multi -frontage lots, areas that are
technically "sideyards" are actually used as "rearyard"
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August 15, 1994
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swimming pools areas. For that reason, staff proposes that
the special setbacks for swimming pools and pool related
structures be applied to rearyards and sideyards of multi -
frontage lots and corner lots.
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
1. Direct staff to make any necessary changes to the proposed
ordinance; and
2. Announce its intentions to take final action on the proposed
ordinance at the Board's special hearing scheduled for 5:01
p.m. on August 31, 1994, to be held in the County Commission
Chambers.
Director Boling expected three items to involve the most
discussion: Section 19 regarding Live -Aboard Vessels, Section 20
regarding Dock Rental, and Section 18 regarding FEMA Recommended
Changes in Stormwater Management and Flood Protection Requirements.
He recommended that the Board consider those three items first,
followed by the remainder of the listed items in numerical order,
if the Board so desired.
The Board members agreed to follow the suggested sequence.
Mr. DeBlois related that the recommended revision to
Definitions and Restrictions of Live -Aboard Vessels included
vessels inhabited for 7 or more days (whether consecutive or non-
consecutive). within a 30 -day time period. For enforcement
purposes, the revised definition provides criteria for establishing
a presumption of inhabitance. A person shall be presumed to be
aboard the vessel if the lights, television or other appliances are
seen and/or heard between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. If we receive a
report of a liveaboard based on observation, the respondent would
have the opportunity to come before the Code Enforcement Board and
present their side of the story and explain, for example, why the
lights were on during those hours. The exemption for registered
commercial fishing boats has been in the ordinance and remains in
the ordinance with additional language referencing Florida Statutes
for the definition of commercial fishing boats.
Environmental Planning Chief Roland DeBlois explained that the
case involving liveaboards which was discussed in the memo was
heard by the Code Enforcement Board. That Board did not make a
determination of liveaboard, but they determined there was an
accessory use violation related to rental and lease of a dock in a
single-family residential neighborhood.
Commissioner Eggert led discussion regarding security lights
on board the vessels and the need to differentiate security lights
from liveaboard lights.
Mr. DeBlois stated that staff's discussions included the fact
that boats use hazard lights, running lights and security lights,
� ,�
August 15, 1994 11 Boos 3 rn-, 66
i
UUUR 93 pi,E 67
and that would be a point of distinction for the Code Enforcement
Board to determine. Generally the ordinance refers to interior
lights which would be indicative of inhabitance.
Commissioner Bird asked whether we have any requirement in the
ordinance requiring waste disposal.
Mr. DeBlois responded that liveaboards are allowed only at
specifically designated multi -dock facilities or marinas with
pumpout capability. Liveaboards are prohibited entirely from
single-family accessory docks.
The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to be heard in this matter.
Robert Golden, resident of Island Harbor, spoke in favor of
the revisions. He requested that the exemption for commercial
fishing vessels be excluded because commercial fishermen usually
tie up at a marina or fish house and do not care to sleep on board.
He also requested that the beginning time for the presumption of
inhabitance be changed to 6:00 p.m. rather than 9:00 p.m. He
pointed out that a person can be employed evenings and/or nights
and live aboard the vessel in the daytime, thereby avoiding the
requirement. He suggested a further amendment to the effect that
a liveaboard need not be established solely as provided in the
ordinance but may be established by any other appropriate evidence,
because the ordinance is intended to preclude and prohibit living
aboard vessels at single-family docks.
Jo Kelley, resident of Harbor Island Road, asked how many
complaints of liveaboards have been filed other than the complaints
against her.
Mr. DeBlois responded that there have not been many, and Ms.
Kelley's case is the only one that has been presented to the Code
Enforcement Board. The other incidents were resolved.
Ms. Kelley argued that if the law is changed after there is
only one incident that is equivalent to individual legislation, or
changing the law so it affects one person. If there are no other
complaints, what's the point of changing the law?
County Attorney Charles Vitunac advised that the law would
affect everyone similarly situated, not just one person.
Mr. DeBlois pointed out that other people are affected by the
same ordinance, but they comply with it and we do not hear about
it.
Ms. Kelley
liveaboards.
August 15, 1994
argued that enforcement is not possible for
12
� r �
Mr. DeBlois responded that enforcement would be based on a
complaint or if our attention is drawn to a situation, we deal with
it proactively. -
Ms. Kelley related conversations with friends who advised her
that a dock owner owns the land underneath the water and would be
allowed to rent that space.
Mr. DeBlois clarified that the owner of property is subject to
zoning regulations.
Attorney Vitunac confirmed Mr. DeBlois' statements, and added
that the County has the right to take the limited action laid out
in the ordinance. We are not addressing citizens' rights to use
the rest of the Indian River or the Intracoastal Waterway.
Ms. Kelley offered to send copies of Florida Statutes to the
County Attorney to prove her point, and Attorney Vitunac stated
that he would be happy to review whatever she has.
Commissioner Bird asked for clarification of "accessory" in
relation to docks, because there are communities where docks are
individually owned but not attached to an individual property.
They are grouped together in a marina.
Attorney Vitunac advised that "accessory" means incidental to
the principal use. In the subject under discussion, there is a
house with a, dock, so the dock is considered accessory to the
house. If they had just a dock with no house, it would be an
accessory use without a principal use. Attorney Vitunac believed
that the accessory use could be grouped together, as in
Commissioner Bird's example.
Mr. DeBlois pointed out that the case cited in staff's memo
went before the Code Enforcement Board and they did not make a
finding of a live aboard. They did make a finding that the slip
was being rented to someone other than the owner of the residence
because that came out in the evidence. As a result, the Code
Enforcement Board interpreted the existing accessory use
regulations that prohibited the leasing and renting of a boat dock
separate from the principal use. The regulation is straightforward
with that limitation.
Commissioner Bird doubted enforceability. He did not think it
would suffice for a neighbor to see a light on a boat. He felt it
would take a physical inspection by someone with authority and
documentation of the violation over a 30 -day period.
Commissioner Eggert mentioned sworn depositions.
Further discussion ensued regarding liveaboards and dock
rentals, and Ms. Kelley noted that boat owners have very few places
to dock their vessels because the secure marinas are full.
13
August 15 1994 BOOK
Boor. 93 �AUE 69
Mr. Gordon returned to the microphone and responded to the
concerns about enforceability. He maintained that the State
legislature considered the liveaboard ordinance enforceable because
the State legislature specifically grants the local governmental
authorities the right to prohibit or restrict the mooring or
anchoring of floating structures or liveaboard vessels within
their jurisdiction. He did not believe that Code Enforcement must
see it personally. The neighbors could present a case to a Code
Enforcement Officer that a violation is taking place.
Commissioner Adams agreed that the ordinance may be difficult
to enforce. The accessory use was never intended to have rental
units in single family neighborhoods. She compared it to having a
structure such a barn or storage shed and renting that out.
Commissioner Adams favored the revisions because the problems are
addressed and will prevent problems in the future. She further
cautioned that the dock rental restriction is good for the Indian
River because a vessel without pumpout facilities can cause
problems.
Commissioner Eggert believed it would be difficult to change
the beginning time for presumption of inhabitance, and it was the
consensus of the Board that the time should not be changed.
Commissioner Eggert wished to clarify the issue of lights, and
the Board directed staff to present more information on that
subject at the final hearing.
SECTION 18
Director Boling related that Environmental Planning Chief
Roland DeBlois and County Engineer Roger Cain would present staff's
recommendations regarding Section 18, FEMA Recommended Changes to
Stormwater Management and Flood Protection Requirements.
Mr. DeBlois explained that the proposed revisions are largely
based on the requirements that were expressed through Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Indian River County as a
participant in the National Flood Protection program. Subsection
A covers revisions which are required to comply with FEMA's
regulations. Revisions in Subsections B and C are strongly
recommended by FEMA and deal with freeboard, which is the elevation
of a structure above Base Flood Elevation. The recommendation is
that the County should require one foot of freeboard, or one foot
elevation above the minimum flood elevation on the flood maps. Mr.
DeBlois reminded the Board that back in 1987 we -did require one
foot above minimum base flood elevation as a margin of safety and
because it was encouraged through FEMA. However, when we revised
the Code back then, the one foot minimum was deleted largely based
14
August 15, 1994
- M
on concerns expressed by the construction community, as well as
individuals building houses, that it added a cost that we did not
really need. Recently the FEMA representative met with members of
our Professional Services Advisory Committee (PSAC) and staff and
tried to explain that while there are added construction costs
initially, in the long term there is savings for the homeowner on
insurance premiums because FEMA gives discounts for properties with
structures elevated higher than the minimum. They gave an example:
a $100,000 house with $50,000 content coverage with a 1 -foot
freeboard would save $105 annually. Another indirect benefit is
that if we require structures to be constructed above the minimum
and reach a certain threshold of points county -wide, there is a
reduction of premiums. Until now we have succeeded in getting a 5
percent reduction for flood insurance premiums in the county. If
we were at the next level, which is one foot, this could be reduced
by another 5 percent for a total 10 percent reduction county -wide.
Mr. DeBlois reported that the members of Professional Services
Advisory Committee were concerned about added construction costs
and up -front costs. They were also concerned about relationship of
structures in that requiring one foot elevation for new
construction may affect the houses next door. Engineering staff
did a survey and there really is not that much difference in what
people are having built now. Another important point is that if
the structure is elevated half a foot (.5 foot), they round it up
to a foot, so points are accumulated and there is a reduction in
premiums. With that understanding, the PSAC recommended that we
require the .5 foot rather than the full one foot and still receive
the benefit of lowered insurance premiums, and the Planning &
Zoning Commission (P&Z) concurred with that viewpoint.
County Engineer Roger Cain advised that information from local
suppliers indicated that it would cost about $1100 to raise the
elevation to one foot for an average 2,000 -square -foot house.
There are also requirements from the State HRS on elevation with
septic tanks and requirements for development of subdivisions for
type B stormwater permits and cut and fill balance in the flood
plain which gives the same effect.
Commissioner Bird led discussion regarding the economic impact
of the requirement. He realized that it would add to safety and
health but the economic impact is an unknown factor.
Commissioner Eggert noted that staff indicated that six inches
or half a foot will provide a benefit to insurance premiums.
Commissioner Macht commented that the revision will affect the
cost of affordable housing.
15
August 15, 1994
@8GK �� �•�CE ��
BocK J3 r{Uc 71
The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to be heard in this matter.
Nancy Offutt, government coordinator for the Vero Beach -Indian
River County Chamber of Commerce, spoke in opposition to a Land
Development Regulation that would increase the cost of housing with
discernible tangible benefits. She believed that requiring more
than six inches does not create additional benefit.
Chip Landers, builder, developer and realtor, was concerned
about the additional cost. He pointed out that $1100, $1200 is not
serious money in some instances, but in the case of Vero Lake
Estates, for example, it is serious money. He pointed out that the
cost of building supplies has gone up, and he urged the Board to
follow the recommendation of PSAC and P&Z and limit the requirement
to six inches.
Public Works Director Jim Davis emphasized that FEMA and other
regulator agencies look at tolerances when they do a final
inspection. They point out that FEMA's language is .5 foot or more
and that language should be in our ordinance. We do not want to
mislead the surveyor or contractor. If he is just 1/100th or
2/100ths off, he is below that threshold. The half a foot is the
tolerance that is allowed in the regulatory enforcement.
Chairman Tippin announced that it is the consensus of the
Board to limit the requirement to .5 foot, no less than .5 foot, at
least half a foot.
Commissioner Adams asked, and Community Development Director
Bob Keating clarified that the elevation is measured when the form
boards are set. The elevation certificate which is maintained in
our records and which FEMA inspects is done as part of the
Certificate of Occupancy.
SECTION 9
Deputy County Attorney William G. Collins II explained Section
9, Bonding Requirements for Moving of Structures. When local
affordable housing providers wish to move a structure they must
post the bond to bring it up to building code. This is a financial
burden on those agencies and the Board directed staff to carve out
an exception for these circumstances. The intent of the bond is to
prevent people from removing old shacks and moving them onto
somebody else's property to get rid of a nuisance. These housing
providers move structures with the intent to renovate and bring
them up to code. The proposed revision would allow the Board to
16
August 15, 1994
o
consider these situations on a case by case basis for waiver of the
bonding requirement. Attorney Collins noted that the revision also
clears up the language regarding a bond to cover the cost of
repairs or road damage. The movers provide liability insurance to
cover that. Attorney Collins explained that the bond is pegged to
the deposit for improving or bringing the building up to code and
utilities hookups. The revision allows the Board to grant waivers
on a case by case basis if a community organization presents a case
that is worthy.
The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to be heard in this matter.
Charles Cox, organizer of the Coalition for the Homeless,
spoke in favor of the revision. He recounted the situation wherein
a home was not moved because of the bond requirement and everyone
lost. He described the work of his organization and urged the
Board to approve the revision. He pointed out that a requirement
for three sets of drawings sealed by an architect is a legal
barrier to affordable housing and is not. logical because the
original construction of the structure would require those
drawings. He. felt that the building official should be authorized
to permit the buying of the house and notify the Finance Director
that the requirements have been met in order to eliminate the legal
roadblocks to affordable housing.
Discussion ensued regarding the Board's ability to grant
waivers to non-profit agencies and procedures for permitting
renovation.
Attorney Vitunac suggested the language, "Some proof other
than drawings which would be satisfactory to the building
official."
It was the consensus of the Board that staff revise this
section to allow waivers for non-profit organizations.
(DURING THE ABOVE DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER EGGERT LEFT THE MEETING
TO ATTEND ANOTHER MEETING AND DID NOT RETURN.)
ON MOTION by Commissioner Bird, SECONDED by
Commissioner Adams, the Board (by a vote of 4-+0y
Commissioner Eggert having left the meeting)
directed staff to proceed to a final hearing for
Sections 1 through 23 with the suggested changes in
Sections 9, 18, 19 and 20.
17 nn
August 15, 1994 BOOK �.x,r
BOOK 93 f'AGF
LDR FIRST HEARING CONSIDERATION OF ROAD FRONTAGE
REOMMIENTS FOR LOT SPLITS
The Board reviewed memo from Planning Director Stan Boling
dated August 9, 1994:
TO: James E. Chandler
County Administrator
DIV ION HEAD CONCURRENCE:
Robert M. Keg ng AIC
Community Development rector
Ao
FROM: Stan Boling, AICP
Planning Director
DATE: August 9, 1994
SUBJECT: LDR First Hearing Consideration
Requirements for Lot Splits
of Road Frontage
It is requested that the data herein presented be given formal
consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at its special
meeting of August 15, 1994, in conjunction with the other LDR
amendments to be considered at the same meeting.
DESCRIPTIONS & CONDITIONS:
Several months ago, Attorney Bruce Barkett appealed staff's
interpretation of the county's road frontage requirements. Because
staff's interpretation of the requirements had been applied for
many years and because of the importance and broad effect of
significant changes to the requirements, the Board of County
Commissioners considered and adopted an emergency ordinance on
April 5, 1994 to clarify beyond all doubt the county's current road
frontage requirements. During discussion of the emergency
ordinance, and at a subsequent meeting when the Board considered
Mr. Barkett's interpretation appeal, the Board directed staff to
review the road frontage requirements through the normal LDR
amendment process.
Staff has performed research on this subject, has analyzed the
current requirements, and has devised alternatives to the present
road frontage requirements. The PSAC considered this information
at its June 9, 1994 meeting and voted unanimously to keep the
existing LDR road frontage requirements as they are (as clarified
by the April 5, 1994 emergency ordinance), with no changes. On
July 14, 1994, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered this
matter and voted 5-0 to recommend that the Board keep the existing
LDR road frontage requirements as they are (see attachment #7).
The Board of County Commissioners is now to consider this matter
and determine whether to confirm the county's- existing road
frontage LDR requirements as reflected in the April 5, 1994
emergency ordinance or to change the road frontage requirements.
August 15, 1994
18
M M
13
BACKGROUND:
M
*Need for Re -review of Road Frontage Requirements
M
The existing road frontage requirement, as applied to lot splits,
is contained in subdivision ordinance section 913.06(1)(c) [see
attachment #1]. This section was amended by the Board of County
Commissioners on April 5, 1994 via adoption of an emergency
ordinance. The ordinance currently requires that all lots created
after December 8, 1973 have a minimum amount of frontage on one of
three types of roadways:
1. A dedicated public road right-of-way; or
2. A private, platted road right-of-way; or
3. A roadway historically and currently maintained by the county.
No lot splits are allowed when any lot resulting from a split would
fail to have the minimum amount of frontage on one of these three
road right-of-way types. The minimum amount of required frontage
varies. While 30' is required on curves and cul-de-sacs, 60' is
required on properties zoned A-1, A-2, A-3, RFD, and RS -1. For
property located in the other zoning districts and along straight
road segments, the frontage length must equal the minimum lot width
of the zoning district in which the property is located.
•History Purpose, and Importance of the Road Frontage Requirement
Within Indian River County, single family development is the most
predominant land use type and has significant impacts. Since each
single family unit must be developed on its own, individual lot,
regulation of single family development occurs primarily at the
time lots are created. To regulate lot creation, Indian River
County, like many other counties, regulates subdivision development
and lot splits. One major component of subdivision and lot split
regulations is access and traffic circulation. By establishing
road frontage requirements for new lots, the county ensures that
new lots are properly laid -out in relation to a coordinated and
maintained roadway system.
For over 20 years, the county has regulated lot splits by requiring
that all newly created lots have frontage on a public road right-
of-way or a private platted road right-of-way. This road frontage
requirement is similar to requirements of other counties in the
region, including Brevard and St. Lucie counties. In fact, St.
Lucie County requires that new lots resulting from lot splits front
on roads that are paved to county standards.
As is the case in other counties, Indian River County's existing
requirements are intended to ensure proper access to newly created
lots from a roadway that is a part of an overall, coordinated
roadway network. In addition, the requirement ensures that the new
lots front on road rights-of-way that:
(a) Are maintained by the county or by a property owners
association that has maintenance responsibility; and
(b) Are properly dimensioned and aligned in a manner that allows
future improvement (e.g. paving) of the roadway; and
(c) Are dimensioned and legally established. in a manner that
accommodates future utilities and drainage improvements within
the rights-of-way.
19
August 15, 1994
�L'On F,�)JI� RD
A
BOOK 93 F -AGE 75
Thus, the road frontage requirements ensure that future development
on created lots can be served by roadways that are adequately
maintained, that are capable of being improved, and that are served
by utilities and drainage.
The road frontage requirements were originally enacted to prevent
the creation of new lots where those lots would be inadequately
served by narrow, unmaintained roadways laid -out without county
review and approval. These purposes have not changed. According
to a recent model subdivision ordinance publication, such
regulations are necessary to avoid problems in delivering emergency
services, maintenance and related problems, and obstructions to
utilities services (see p. 1-5 of attachment #2). Over the years,
the road frontage requirement has been applied to hundreds of lot
splits and proposed lot splits throughout the county. Planning
staff estimates that this requirement is applied to lot split
proposals on an average of 10-20 times a month. Therefore, the
existing requirements have served and continue to serve as
important regulatory tools to ensure that newly created lots and
parcels have direct access to dedicated, maintained road rights-of-
way that are part of a coordinated roadway system.
ANALYSIS:
•Framework for Reviewing Road Frontage Options
In reviewing road frontage requirements, the county must consider
the type and quality of infrastructure necessary to serve
anticipated development, and must also consider -the integration of
that infrastructure into the county's overall system. These
consideration criteria should include:
1. Roadway alignment: connection to and integration into the
public road system and adjacent areas.
2. Roadway and right-of-way (or easement) dimensions: adequate
width and length to serve anticipated traffic.
3. Roadway construction: adequate to serve anticipated traffic.
4. Emergency access: adequate for use by emergency vehicles.
5. Drainage: adequate to handle stormwater run-off.
6. Maintenance: responsibility and ability of an entity to
maintain the roadway.
7. Perpetuity: access ensured for the future.
8. Future improvements: ability for roadway to be paved and
utilities to be installed and maintained.
The current road frontage requirement options (dedicated county
road, private platted road, and county -maintained road), as
reflected in the April 5th emergency ordinance changes, adequately
address each of these 8 criteria. Another option allowed by the
current LDRs, the option to file a private road plat, also
adequately addresses each of the 8 criteria. In considering
additional options to the current requirements, the county should
evaluate such additional options with respect to these 8 criteria.
20
August 15, 1994
M
*Options to Current Road Frontage Requirements
The primary option to the existing road frontage requirements is to
allow frontage on private access easements to satisfy frontage
requirements. Staff's research indicates that many recommended
standards assume road paving and improvement standards in excess of
the county's current subdivision local road standards. However,
staff's research indicates that there are some recommended
"alternative" standards for using roadway easements and unpaved
roads to serve lot splits (see attachment #5; summary). However,
these alternative standards are recommended in rural areas where a
few lots (up to 4) or large lots (2 or more acres in size) are
served by such roadways. Also, it should be noted that these
alternative standards address only a few of the 8 criteria
previously described. Furthermore, in Indian River County, most
lot splits are proposed or occur under different circumstances. In
fact, the case that precipitated this re -review, Hedden Place
(located on the south side of S.R. 60, just west of 60 Oaks), would
not qualify for any of these alternative standards since Hedden
Place involves well over 4 lots and involves parcels well under 2
acres in size.
•Barkett/Hedden Place Proposal
Attorney Bruce Barkett has proposed an alternative frontage
requirement based upon a "grandfathering -in" and general adequacy
test for certain private roadways, such as Hedden Place, which are
located within private access easements (see attachment #6). It is
Mr. Barkett's opinion that such "historical" roads have stood the
test of time and have proven their adequacy over time. Such an
option would involve a staff review, via an administrative approval
review, to determine if an existing private roadway qualifies to be
used to satisfy road frontage requirements. Under such a proposal,
roadways, such as Hedden Place, that have historically served
unplatted "subdivisions" should..be accorded a special status.
Staff's position is that Mr. Barkett's alternative is based upon a
faulty assumption. What has worked in the past for Hedden Place is
not guaranteed to work in the future, especially as more lots are
created and roadway use increases. It is also staff's position
that Mr. Barkett's alternative, as well as any other alternative,
must adequately address all 8 of the previously referenced
criteria. Staff's analysis is that Hedden Place adequately
addresses some but not all of the criteria, as follows:
1. Roadway alignment pattern is set and spaced at a normal #330'
separation from adjacent roadways. No paved apron of adequate
width is in place, with the result that cars must slow
significantly prior to turning off of S.R. 60 onto Hedden
Place at S.R. 60.
2. Roadbed measures 20' - 22' in width. Easement width is only
30' - 40'.
3. Roadbed is stable and compacted but serves 18-22 lots.
4. Roadbed width seems adequate for emergency services but no
cul-de-sac turnaround exists.
5. There appear to be no known drainage problems.
21
August 15, 1994 eooK 93 f -t1 r- 76
FF-- 7
mK 93 7
6. Maintenance is apparently performed by residents. However, no
formal, enforceable maintenance agreement exists, and no
single entity is accountable for future maintenance.
7. Common access easements are established by deed, apparently
for all lot owners.
8. Future improvement for paving would be difficult; however,
county- water lines were recently installed in a utility
easement running within or along the road easement.
Although staff does not support the Barkett proposal, staff has
prepared an alternative amendment that would allow lot splits off
of roads such as Hedden Place (see attachment #8).
*Determining Alternatives
There are a variety of alternatives regarding lot split access.
These alternatives include:
1. Public road right-of-way
2. Private subdivision platted road right-of-way
3. Publicly -maintained roadway
4. Private, platted road right-of-way
5. Easement with roadway
6. Private roadway without easement
7. Land -locked parcel
Alternatives 1, 2, 3, and 4 are already available via the road
frontage requirements contained in the existing LDRs. . Thus, no LDR
changes are needed to allow any of these 4 alternatives.
Alternative 5 is not allowed under the existing LDRs but could be
developed as an LDR amendment. Such an "Alternative 5" amendment
would allow an easement (rather than a platted right-of-way) to be
established that:
a. meets existing county right-of-way alignment and dimensional
standards, and
b. is subject to and cannot be altered without county approval,
and
C. includes an enforceable maintenance agreement that identifies
a maintenance entity and guarantees current and future
maintenance, and
d. encompasses a roadway that is comparable in construction and
integrity to unpaved, county -maintained local roadways.
Such an alternative could adequately address the 8 criteria
previously referenced in this report. However, because the. review
process would so closely parallel the preliminary and final plat
processes already in place for private road plats (Alternative 4),
neither staff nor the PSAC believe there is any reason or advantage
to establishing such a similar, "parallel" process.
Neither Alternative 6 nor Alternative 7 would ensure access or
satisfy any of the 8 previously referenced criteria. Therefore,
neither of these alternatives should be seriously considered.
In the opinion of staff, the PSAC, and the Planning and Zoning
Commission, the existing LDR road frontage requirements reflected
in the April 5th emergency ordinance wording changes should be
retained.
22
August 15, 1994
Planning staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners
re -affirm the road frontage requirement changes contained in the
emergency ordinance adopted on April 5, 1994, and direct staff to
incorporate into the proposed LDR amendment ordinance the April 5th
emergency ordinance changes, and similar changes to LDR Chapter
912, as shown in attachment #9 of this report.
REDDEN PLACE ALTERNATIVE (NOT RECOMMENDED BY STAFF)
Section 913.06(1).(C) is hereby amended to read as follows:
"(1) unlawful activity. It shall be unlawful and subject to
penalties provided herein for any person to:
(C) Divide property after December S. 1973 by any means where a
resulting lot does not have frontage on: a dedicated public
right-of-way, private platted right-of-way (street), or a
roadway historically and currently maintained by the county,
as referenced on the county road grading map, of at least:
1. Sixty (60) continuous feet, unless exempted under section
913.06(2), or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the requirements of section 913.09(6)(C),
for properties located within the A-1, A-2, A-3, Con -2,
Con -31 -RFD and RS -1 zoning districts;
2. The minimum lot width of the zoning district applicable
to the lot(s) created for properties located within
zoning districts other than those referenced in the
above' paragraph 1., unless exempted under section
913.06(2), or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the requirements of section 913.09(6)(c).
Access, ingress/egress; or other easements shall not be
deemed to constitute a publicly dedicated road right-of-
way unless previously dedicated to and accepted by the
county. Private access easements shall be considered
"private platted rights-of-way (street)' for purposes of
this section, if:
a. 'The physical roadway locate
existed prior to the c
requirement (December 8, 1�
b. The physical roadway has
local road standards (2
develonmentl! arm
c. A nota
respons
cow
for ma
erf orm
d. _The per
obtains
va
rized letter fron
ible for road main
_indicating the pei
Lntenance and the -
ad;
s) proposing the
dministrative
within the easement(s
inty's road frontag
3)• and
_width meeting count
for single famil
_the person or entitv
?nance is filed with the
on or entity responsible
method of maintenance
_lot split files for and
approval from staff,
are satisfied rpffarA4".
Note: Parcels created between September 21, 1990 and
December 4, 1991 are subject to the sixty (60) continuous
feet (rather .than a minimum lot width) frontage
requirement, regardless of the zoning district in which
the property is located. 23
August 159 1994 MJ I n -
78
BOOK 93 P.1UE 19
RE -ADOPTION OF APRIL 5TH CHANGES (RECOMMENDED BY STAFF)
A. Section 913.06(1)(C) is hereby amended to read as follows:
"(1) Unlawful activity. It shall be unlawful and subject to
penalties provided herein for any person to:
(C) Divide property after December 8, 1973 by any means where a
resulting lot W does not have frontage on: a dedicated
public right-o.f-way, private platted right-of-way (street), or
a roadway historically and currently maintained b the county,
as referenced on the county road grading map, - of at
least:
1. Sixty (60) continuous -feet, unless exempted under section
913.06(2); or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the requirements of section 913.09(6)(C),
for properties located within the A-1, A-2, A-3, Con -2,
Con -3, RFD and RS -1 zoning districts;
2. The minimum lot width of the zoning district applicable
to the lot(s) created for properties located within
zoning districts other than those referenced in the
above paragraph 1., unless exempted under section
913.06(2), or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the rei4uirements of section 913.09(6)(c).
Access, ingress/egress, or other easements shall not be
deemed to constitute a publicly dedicated road right-of-
way unless previously dedicated to and accepted by the
county.
Note: Parcels created between September 21, 1990 and
December 4, 1991 are subject to the sixty ( 60 ) continuous
feet (rather than a minimum lot width) frontage
requirement, regardless of the zoning district in which
the property is located.
*B. Section 912.06(3)(C) is hereby amended to read as follows:
(C)
after December 8, 1973 by any means where a
I does not have frontage on a dedicated public
1. Sixty (60) continuous feet, unless exempted under section
912.06(2), or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the requirements of section 913.09(6)(C),
for properties located within the A-1, A-2, A-3, Con -2,
Con -3, RFD and RS -1 zoning districts;
2. The minimum lot width of the zoning district aDDlicable
to the lot(s) created for properties located within
zoning districts other than those referenced in the
above paragraph 1., unless exempted under section
912.06(2), or unless the lot fronts upon a cul-de-sac or
curve and meets the requirements of section 913.09(6)(c).
Access, ingress/egress, or other easements shall not be
deemed to constitute a publicly dedicated road right-of-
way unless previously dedicated to and accepted by the
county.
24
August 15, 1994
• . "Parcels created
990 and
December 4, 1991 are subject to the sixty ( 6 0 ) continuous
feet (rather than a minimum lot width) frontage
requirement, regardless of the zoning district in which
the property is located.
*Note: Although changes to section 912.06(3)(c) were not made as
part of the April 5th emergency ordinance, such changes should now
be made to ensure that this Chapter 912 section parallels section
913.06(1)(c).
Coding: Words in � type are deletions from existing law.
Words underlined are additions. 1
Director Boling illustrated with the aid of graphics the
situation on Hedden Place which caused the Board to consider Road
Frontage Requirements for Lot Splits.
The Chairman opened the public hearing and asked if anyone
wished to be heard in this matter.
Bruce Barkett, local attorney who represented Mr. Van Vorst at
prior hearings, stated that he was not representing anyone. He
pointed out that staff followed the Board's direction and presented
an alternative which would allow people like Mr. Van Vorst to make
application for a lot split. Mr. Barkett proposed that the Board
adopt staff's alternative to give the Board authority to grant a
permit on a case by case basis so that somebody like Mr. Van Vorst
is not stopped by blind application of the ordinances.
Community Development Director Bob Keating preferred some
standards or criteria rather than decisions on a case by case
basis. One major requirement is that there be a maintenance entity
identified to provide assurance that maintenance of the road will
continue.
Public Works Director Jim Davis agreed, and added that the
criteria should indicate that the road be maintained comparable to
a county maintained unpaved road.
Discussion ensued regarding the evaluation of Hedden Place,
and Mr. Barkett conceded that Hedden Place does not meet the 75 -
25
August 15, 1994
BOOK .FA��
8001( 9 3 rmu- F 81
point test for County takeover of maintenance of the road. He
pointed out that there is a historical record of maintenance by the
owners, and there is no reason that the Board cannot at least
consider the request to split the lot. He further pointed out that
the revision would apply only to situations created before 1973.
Director Boling stressed that Hedden Place does not meet the
right-of-way standards, and to allow the lot split would allow a
version of a finishing out of a de facto subdivision which will be
substandard with no way to improve it.
Commissioner Adams led discussion regarding larger tracts
which have the same situation, and Commissioner Bird felt that the
one-time splitting of five -acre tracts would be a matter for a long
discussion, and he would like to see us study that and readdress
it.
Director Boling emphasized that the current policy regarding
lot splits has been on the books for at least ten years, has been
applied rigorously to every single family building proposal, and
transactions and decisions as recent as a week ago were made based
on that policy. This is a big change and obviously will be a
benefit in some situations.
Discussion ensued, and Commissioners Adams and Bird felt that
there are not too many situations like Hedden Place.
Director Boling advised that there were dozens of times a year
through the past 10 years when this situation arose with a private
road easement. People were told they cannot split the lot without
a plat, and they cannot receive a plat because of the requirements.
Chairman Tippin preferred to try it and see what happens.
Commissioner Bird stressed that there must be some standards
and criteria for the benefit of staff.
Commissioner Adams clarified that the criteria should include
existence of the easement prior to 1973, width of 20 feet, and a
notarized letter regarding continuous maintenance.
Director Boling cautioned that the policy would apply to every
parcel on that easement so we could wind up having a lot more new
parcels on the roadway.
Commissioner Macht was reluctant to not accept the judgment of
staff.
Chairman Tippin commented that if it does not work we can
change it again.
Commissioner Adams clarified that the policy would apply to
RS -6 zoning.
August 15, 1994
26
M M
I
ON MOTION by Commissioner Adams, SECONDED by
Commissioner Bird, the Board (by a vote of 3-1,
Commissioner Macht voting in opposition and
Commissioner Eggert being absent) directed staff to
proceed to a final hearing with the Hedden Place
Alternative (Not Recommended by Staff).
Chairman Tippin announced that the next public hearing to
consider the Land Development Regulations is scheduled on August
31, 1994 at 5:01 p.m.
There being no further business, the Board adjourned at 6:56 p.m.
ATTEST: "-
? k��`Y' Riga
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W,`dq
J. K.
MINUTES APP.
August 15, 1994
27
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