08/05/1988 - 11:55 AM PUBLIC HEARING
August 5, 1988
11:55 a.m.
*Present:*
K.N Ayers, Hearing Officer
*Also present:*
John Richter, Planning Official
Susan Stephenson, Deputy City Clerk
*Issue:* S.J. Vaccaro for variances 1) 9.13% building coverage to permit 39.13% and 2) 0.3063 to permit 0.6063 floor area ration, at 1011 N. Ft. Harrison Ave., J.J. Eldridge Sub., Blk.
C., Lots 21 26, 28, 29 and part of Lot 27 and Palm Bluff 1st Addn., Lot 1 and part of Lot 3, zoned RM 8 (multiple family residential) and CN (neighborhood commercial).
*Case No. 88 3549*
*Appearances:*
S.J. Vaccaro, petitioner, representing himself
Miles Lance, Assistant City Attorney, representing the City of
Clearwater
*City exhibits submitted:*
Composite Exhibit #1 Seven photographs taken from the site showing
current uses of surrounding neighborhood
*Appellant's exhibits submitted:*
Exhibit #1 Photograph of inside of existing building showing manner
is which boats are presently displayed
Exhibit #2 Photograph of existing building
Exhibit #3 Map of area in question
Exhibit #4 Aerial photograph of area with markings
The Hearing Officer accepted into evidence those items submitted with the letter requesting the appeal hearing.
Mr. Vaccaro presented a survey of the entire site prior to construction of the existing building. He stated many buildings were condemned or burned down. Altogether, 41 rental units
were removed for a total 33,260 sq. ft. of coverage. His boat sales must be kept inside because of the zoning and for security reasons as the business is in a high crime area. The boats
are presently displayed on racks in the existing building, which is a danger to customers. He proposes to add onto the existing building including a second floor. The front area will
be used as retail, the rear of the building for storage and the second floor for display of boats.
John Richter stated indoor storage was required when the building was built. The Development Code Adjustment Board denied the variance requests as there was no hardship shown. There
is no condition unique to the property and the request is not the minimum variance needed. He agreed with concern regarding customer safety, but felt the owner of a business should be
aware of Code requirements before making plans.
Mr. Richter presented photographs of the area showing high residential use, and emphasizing the impact the floor area ratio and building coverage would have on the surrounding area.
Mr. Vaccaro stated most of the existing residences are low income rentals and many properties are for sale.
Mr. Richter stated he would encourage development and rejuvenation on N. Ft Harrison Ave., but he does not feel the request fulfills Code requirements regarding variances. He feels
there are alternatives to the proposed plans and suggested the request be redirected to cut down on the floor area ratio.
The hearing officer advised that any findings of fact, conclusion of law and orders should be submitted within ten days.
The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m.