10/21/1997PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
October 21, 1997
Present: Edward Mazur Chair
Brenda Harris Nixon Vice Chair
Robert D. Bickerstaffe Board Member
Frank Kunnen Board Member
Douglas Hilkert Board Member
Gerald Figurski Board Member
Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney
Sandy Glatthorn Central Permitting Manager
Steve Doherty Central Permitting Supervisor
Patricia O. Sullivan Board Reporter
Absent: Empty Seat Board Member
The Chair called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and a review of meeting procedures and the appeal process.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
ITEM #A - Approval of Minutes
Member Nixon referred to the first paragraph on page 6 under “C7,” noting the last sentence should be deleted as it repeats the previous sentence. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides
said the footer date is incorrect.
A request was made for a break down on impact fees related to outdoor sales. It was noted those fees will have no impact unless they are applicable. Concern was expressed outdoor sales
will generate additional traffic. It was requested staff reconfirm that outdoor retail sales are clearly identified in the proposed ordinance. It was suggested outdoor storage also
may increase traffic.
Member Bickerstaffe moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 1997, as corrected. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #B - Requests for Extension, Deferred, and Continued Items
1) William & Hope Georgilas (Bob & Eddie’s Diner) to permit noncommercial parking at 1849 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Sec 13-29-15, M&B 32.02, zoned RM 8 (Residential Single
Family). CU 97-54
Central Permitting Supervisor Steve Doherty reported the applicant had been advised of today’s meeting. The applicant was not present.
Member Kunnen moved to continue Item #B1 to November 4, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2) Amoco Oil Corporation/Ashraf Zaki (Gulf-to-Bay Amoco) to permit package sales of beer and wine (new license) at 2198 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Sec 13-29-15, M&B 14.06, zoned CG (General
Commercial). CU 97-59
The applicant is requesting conditional use approval for a new 2 APS license to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages (beer and wine) at Gulf-to-Bay Amoco, 2198 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
On July 18, 1989, the Planning & Zoning Board had approved a request for a new 2 APS license at this location (CU 89-48). On August 3, 1989, the City Commission denied the requested
“Separation Variance.” Five similarly licensed establishments and 2 residential mobile home parks are within 500 feet of the subject property. The Police Department has no adverse
comments.
The subject gasoline station was closed for several months. The new business owner has made minor cosmetic improvements. The site, developed for more than 30 years, is almost entirely
paved. Staff feels additional landscaping should be provided, noting the supplementary standard requirement for perimeter landscaping when a proposed package alcoholic beverage sales
use is within 500-feet of a residential zone. The proposed use is at the intersection of 2 major thoroughfares, and landscaping would better define the access points. Staff recommended
landscaping be installed between the two driveways on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. Site lighting complies with City standards.
Tom Nash, Representative, said the business owner recently finalized an agreement with Amoco to operate the subject gasoline station. The applicant wants to sell beer and wine to compete
“on a level playing field” with other gasoline stations along the Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard corridor. Mr. Nash reviewed approvals of this use during the last two years for nearby gasoline
stations, and said all gasoline stations in the corridor sell beer and wine. In response to a question, he said the owner would comply with the recommended conditions. Concern was
expressed that traffic engineer approval is necessary.
Neither verbal nor written support nor opposition was expressed.
Member Bickerstaffe moved to approve Item #B2, CU 97-59, subject to conditions: 1) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 90 days from date of this public hearing
and 2) applicant shall provide 5-foot strip of land between property and Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, to fill distance between 2 driveways on this frontage, landscaping shall be provided in
accordance with Sec. 42.27, and the traffic engineer is requested to review and approve the plan. The motion was duly seconded.
Concern was expressed that gasoline stations should not sell single servings of alcoholic beverages. It was noted alcoholic beverage sales are permitted on another parcel of the subject
property.
Upon the vote being taken, Members Bickerstaffe, Kunnen, Hilkert, and Figurski voted “Aye”; Member Nixon and Chair Mazur voted “Nay.” Motion carried.
3) Sharlynn Properties (K. P. Nascar, Inc.) to permit vehicle sales at 1559 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, Boulevard Pines, Blk B, Lots 1 & 2, zoned CG (General Commercial). CU 97-60
The applicant is requesting conditional use approval for the addition of a vehicles’ sales use to an existing vehicle service complex at 1559 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard. On October 7, 1997,
the applicant requested a continuance for time to work with staff regarding vehicle maneuverability and site congestion.
The applicant has revised the site plan. A vehicle display area now replaces the easternmost service bay. The outdoor vehicle display area has been moved to the 3 parking spaces on
the east end of the site. The site now complies with parking requirements. The parking space closest to the driveway on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard is being relocated. Staff supports the
request subject to conditions: 1) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months from date of this public hearing; 2) applicant shall obtain permit to modify
parking lot as indicated on revised plan prior to issuance of occupational license for this use; and 3) approval is for sale and display of automobiles only; no other vehicles shall
be stored or displayed on the property.
In response to a question, Mr. Doherty reported the business will be permitted to display a maximum of 5 vehicles. The cross hatches on the site plan identify the only places where
vehicles can be displayed.
Ed Armstrong, Representative, stated the .32 acre property once housed a muffler repair business. In 1991, the building was divided in 2 with 3,300 square feet on one side and 1,000
square feet on the other. He said previous uses, such as a tire store, were more intensive than the one proposed. The change will allow the business to expand beyond its detailing
specialty. He said the applicant has invested $25,000 in structural improvements and planted trees. He said proposed conditions are acceptable. The applicant was thanked for his willingness
to work with staff.
Neither verbal nor written support nor opposition was expressed.
Member Bickerstaffe moved to approve Item #B3, CU 97-60, subject to conditions: 1) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months from date of this public hearing;
2) applicant shall obtain permit to modify parking lot as indicated on revised plan prior to issuance of occupational license for this use; and 3) approval is for sale and display of
automobiles only; no other vehicles shall be stored or displayed on the property. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #C - Conditional Uses
1) Campbell Land Company to permit: 1) vehicle sales; 2) vehicles service; and 3) outdoor retail sales, displays, and/or storage 15 1600 Sunshine Drive, Sec 18-29-16, M&B 23.18 zoned
CG (General Commercial). CU 97-61
The applicant is requesting conditional use approval for vehicle sales, vehicle service, and outdoor retail sales, displays, and/or storage for Encore Vehicles, Inc. to obtain approval
to establish a car re-manufacturing, car sales, and car service business at 1600 Sunshine Drive.
A site plan, required for conditional use applications, was not submitted with this application. Staff recommends a continuance to allow the applicant time to submit a satisfactory
site plan. The applicant agrees and has requested a continuance to the next meeting.
In response to a question, Mr. Doherty said staff had met with the business owner and walked the site. Information included in the application does not explain sufficiently the nature
of the proposed operation. The site plan needs to identify outdoor display areas and parking spaces.
Member Figurski moved to continue Item #C1 to November 5, 1997. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
2) Unitarian Universalist Church of Clearwater (Suncoast Waldorf Association) to permit child day care at 2470 Nursery Road, Pinellas Groves, SE ½, Lot 11 less rd, P/SP (Public/Semipublic).
CU 97-62
The applicant is requesting conditional use approval for the establishment of a child day care facility at the Universalist Unitarian Church, 2470 Nursery Road. The applicant intends
to establish a day care facility for 25 children, ages 3½ to 6 years, to be operated from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. An area at the rear of the church will provide
a safe place for drop off and pick-up. A playground area also is located behind the church and appears sufficient for the proposed number of children. Staff supports the request subject
to one condition: 1) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months from date of this public hearing.
It was noted this facility had received an occupational license for this use in 1988. Mr. Doherty reported a Head Start program had operated on this site until March 1996.
Barbara Bedingfield, of the Suncoast Waldorf Association, said local residents have worked for 6 years to bring a Waldorf school to Pinellas County. More than 700 Waldorf schools
operate worldwide. The curriculum emphasizes the humanities and combines the arts with all lessons. This school would serve as the foundation for a future Waldorf elementary school
in the County. She said the site is well located to serve the community. The County licensing board had concluded the site can serve between 18 and 25 children.
Concern was expressed the original request was for fewer children and more limited hours. Ms. Dougall-Sides said staff had updated numbers when this item was advertised.
Neither verbal nor written support nor opposition was expressed.
Member Kunnen moved to approve Item #C2, CU 97-62, subject to condition: 1) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months from date of this public hearing.
The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3) Highland Mini Storage/Storage Trust #0505 to permit indoor storage and/or warehousing at 1615 N. Highland Avenue, Sec 11/29/15, M&B’s 21.011, 21.01, & 21.02, zoned CG (General Commercial).
CU 97-63
The applicant is requesting conditional use approval for indoor storage and/or warehousing in a vacant unit of the retail development on a 3.7 acres site at 1615 N. Highland Avenue,
zoned CG (General Commercial). The 1,729-square foot unit is in the structure’s interior. The applicant proposes to use the unit for climate controlled storage. It is next to an existing
indoor storage/warehousing development in the structure’s rear. Pre-fabricated modular walls will be installed. Customers’ primary access will be from the rear.
The proposed use should not change the site appreciably. Parking will not be affected as this use requires less parking than retail. According to the site plan, the grassed area between
the parking lot and Highland Avenue will almost meet the CG front yard open space requirement. If landscaping is provided within this strip consistent with Sec. 42.27’s perimeter landscaping
requirement, this request would meet General Standard (Sec.41.952(7), which requires all conditional uses to be developed in a manner consistent with surrounding property. Staff supports
the request as the development appears to be compatible with surrounding properties and meet the standards for approval with conditions: 1) prior to issuance of requisite occupational
license, applicant shall provide landscaping along Highland Avenue right-of-way in accordance with Sec. 42.27, and 2) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months
from date of this public hearing.
Mr. Doherty indicated the applicant would not be required to remove existing surface concrete or asphalt. Robert Kornack, Storage Trust Regional Manager, said the gate will be moved
forward on the property. All business will be conducted in the rear of the property. No changes to the front of the structure are contemplated. The business is planning capital improvements
and new signage.
Member Kunnen moved to approve Item #C3, CU 97-63, subject to conditions: 1) prior to issuance of requisite occupational license, applicant shall provide landscaping along Highland
Avenue right-of-way in accordance with Sec. 42.27, and 2) applicant shall obtain requisite occupational license within 6 months from date of this public hearing. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM #D - Annexation, Zoning, Land Use Plan Amendment, Land Development Code Text Amendment, and Local Planning Agency Review
1) (Cont’d from 09/16/97) 18350 US 19N, (1) Sec 19-29-16, M&B 44.12 and part of M&B 44.11, and (2) Hampshire Acres, Blk A, Lots 12 & 13 (Gerry Staring, TRE/Rite-On Land Trust, Progressive
Development Group, Inc.) A 97-08 ZONE: (1) CH (Highway Commercial) and (2) RS 4(Single-Family Residential)
Mr. Doherty reported the applicant had withdrawn Item #D1.
ITEM #E -Chair’s Items - None.
ITEM #F -Director’s Items - None.
ITEM #G -Board & Staff Comments
A request was made for staff to collect continued items from members after meetings and redistribute corrected versions with the packets prior to the applicable meeting.
At least 2 weeks lead time was requested for the scheduling of the planned workshop.
ITEM #H - Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m.