TA00-06-04
T A 00-06-04
Deferred
Amendments
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ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE;
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION
ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1503
NUISANCES, BY REVISING SECTION 3-1503(B)(12)
REGARDING NEWSRACKS AND VENDING MACHINES; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING TEMPORARY SIGN
REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY REVISING WINDOW
SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2102(A),
PERMITTED TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE
3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103,
STANDARDS, BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 6,
NONCONFORMITY PROVISIONS, SECTION 6-101 BY
REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND
PENALTIES, SECTION 7-102(A)(2), MUNICIPAL CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD/SPECIAL MASTER HEARING
PROCEDURES FOR NUISANCE CASES BY REDUCING THE
REQUIRED COMPLIANCE TIME FROM TEN DAYS TO 5 DAYS
AFTER THE POSTING DATE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has identified development standards which
need amendment to more fully implement the redevelopment intent of the Code; and
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has conducted an in-depth review of the
Community Development Code and has identified development standards which need
amendment; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Board, pursuant to its responsibilities as
the Local Planning Agency, has reviewed this amendment, conducted a public hearing to
consider all public testimony and has determined that this amendment is consistent with
the City of Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has fully considered the recommendation of the
Community Development Board and testimony submitted at its public hearing; now
therefore,
Ordinance No. 6573-00
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BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-601, Docks, is hereby
amended by adding a new subsection (M) entitled Publicly Owned Facilities as follows:
M. Publiclv owned facilities.. Roofed structures shall be permitted on publicly
owned boardwalks, observation platforms, elevated nature trails and other
such structures not intended for use as a dock facility. Vertical walls shall
not be allowed.
Section 2. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1503, Nuisances, is
hereby amended by revising Section 3-1503(B)(12) Newsracks and vending machines
as follows:
(12) Newsracks and vending machines. Any newsrack on public property not in
compliance with the provisions of Section 3-909. other than subsection 3-
909(A)(5), or A~ny newsrack or vending machine installed, used or
maintained at a location which constitutes an imminent danger or safety
hazard to pedestrians or vehicles or otherwise unreasonably interferes with
the safe use of any public right-of-way.
Section 3. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(C) as follows:
G-:- Temporary Signs. Tompor3!)' eigne of no moro th3n 12 8qu3ro foot in tot31
eign boe 3ro3 'Nhioh 3ro robtod to 3 gr3nd oponing or a poriodio ovont
occurring no moro frequontly th3n one timo por Y03r 3nd 'Nhioh ovont ie
oonduotod in conjunotion with tho princip31 ueo of tho parcol propm:od for
devolopmont and whioh eigne 3ro dispbyod no moro th3n 30 d3ye in
3dv3nco of tho ovon 3nd no more th3n five days 3ftor oomplotion of the
c'.'ont. Othcr spooial ovont and/or publio purpoeo eigm: of 3 tompor3ry n3turo
m3Y bo 3pprovod on 3 038e by oaco b3cic. Tho typo of eign, eizo, deeign
3nd longth of dieplay will bo dotormined by tho oommunity dovolopmont
coordin3tor.
1. One temporary qrand openinq sign shall be permitted for thirty (30) days
after the issuance of an occupational license for any new business, new
owner of an existinq business. or business name chanqe. Such sign shall
not exceed twelve (12) square feet in total siqn face area or such siqn
may be a temporary coverinq, such as a toaster cover, siqn boot. or siqn
sock, which covers an existinq permitted attached or freestanding siqn.
2. Other temporary special event and/or public purpose sions of a temporary
nature may be approved on a case by case basis. The type of siqn. size.
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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desian and lenath of display shall be determined by the Community
Development Coordinator.
Section 4. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(Q) as follows:
fQl Window signs whioh oooupy loss th::m 20 porcent of tho tot:) I ore:) of tho
window whore the sign iG loc:)tod or four squ:)ro foot, whiohevor is loce !!Q
to eight (8) square feet in area may be located on any window area
provided such sign does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
area of the window where the sian is located. In no case shall the
cumulative area of all window siqns erected exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet in area.
Section 5. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2102(A), is hereby
amended by revising subsection (4) and by adding a new subsection (13) as follows:
A. The following temporary uses are permitted subject to obtaining a level
one approval in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Division 3 and
the provisions of this division:
1. Circuses and/or carnivals.
2. Contractors offices and/or construction sheds.
3. Evangelical and religious revivals or assemblies.
4. Opon lot G Sales for Christmas trees, pumpkins or other seasonal
materials.
5. Other temporary recreational or entertainment related events or
activities such as fairs, concerts or festivals.
6. Outdoor bazaars, cookouts, special fund raising sales and/or
similar activities.
7. Sidewalk sales.
8. Temporary commercial parking lots associated with special events.
9. Temporary real estate sales offices.
10. Temporary relocation tents or mobile homes for displaced persons
as a result of natural or manmade disasters in a neighborhood or
area.
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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11. Temporary retail special sales and displays (e.g., occasional
sidewalk or parking lot sales).
12. Block and neighborhood parties.
13. Portable storaqe units.
Section 6. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2103 Standards, is
hereby amended by revising the subsection as follows:
Section 3-2103 Standards.
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6. All temporary uses shall comply with the following additional conditions or
requirements:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES
Temporary Use Maximum Cumulative Permitted Districts
Allowable Time Period for
Each Separate Use (per
site per calendar year or
absolute time limitation, as
applicable)
Block and neighborhood 2 days All residential districts
parties
Circuses or carnivals 14 days C, IRT and I
Contractors office and/or During construction period All districts
construction sheds only while building permit
is valid
Evangelical and religious 7 days C, 0, T and IRT
revivals or assemblies
Garage, yard or estate No more than 2 times per All residential districts
sales property within one year;
no longer than 3 days
each
Sales for: Christmas tree 45 days All non-residential zoning
and pumpkin sales and districts
other seasonal sales
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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Other temporary 7 days, except 14 days for All nonresidential districts
recreational or annual events approved
entertainment events by the special events
committee
Outdoor bazaars, 2 days C, I and 0
cookouts, special fund
raising sales and/or similar
activities
Sidewalk sales 7 days in conjunction with T and 0
a special event
Temporary commercial The period of time during All districts
parking lots which the temporary use
the parking serves is
authorized
Temporary relocation tents 18 months (unless Within a designated area
or mobile homes for authorized longer by
displaced persons commission resolution)
Temporary real estate 24 months All districts
sales office or model home
Temporary retail sales and 7 days (not more than 4 T, C and 0
displays times per year)
Portable storage units 96 hours (not more th:m 4 All districts
times per YS3r) unless
3ssoci3tod v:ith permitted
oonstruotion.
Residentially zoned
property: 4 days. not
more than 4 times a year.
Non-residentially zoned
property: 30 days. not
more than 4 times a year
or for the duration of an
active construction permit.
Refer to Sections 3-
2103(B)(3) and 21 03(C)(2)
for additional
requirements.
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B. The following additional requirements shall apply for specified temporary uses:
3. Portable storage units, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, eight (8) feet
in width, and sixteen (16) feet in length may be permitted on 3 sito with 3n
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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3ctivo building permit for tho Stor3g0 of itoms from tho sito. Tho port3ble
ctor3go unit m3Y rom3in on tho site for tho longth of tho 3otivo pormit.
provided such Port3blo stor3go units sRaU comply with the following
provisions:
a. One portable storage unit may be located on any lot occupied by a
single family dwelling. The number of permitted portable storage units
for all other uses shall be decided by the Community Development
Coordinator based on the amount of construction, size of property and
the ability to locate the portable storage unit in accordance with the
requirements below.
b. Portable storage units may be located in a required setback;
c. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to impair
a motor vehicle operator's view of motor vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians upon entering or exiting a right-of-way;
d. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to
obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
e. The location of a portable storage unit shall be approved by the
Community Development Coordinator;
f. GHe Two sign face~, no more than 12" x 18" each, shall be permitted
on a portable storage unit; and
g. A sticker shall be affixed to all portable storage units indicating the
date on which the portable storage unit is delivered to a property.
h. If the National Weather Advisory Service or other qualified weather
advisory service identifies weather conditions which are predicted to
include winds of 75 mph or greater, all portable storage units shall be
removed from all properties and placed in approved storage locations
at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the predicted onset of such
winds or as soon as reasonably practical if less notice is provided.
This requirement may be modified by the Building Official upon receipt
of adequate documentation from a registered architect or engineer or
other professional qualified to give such opinion that a greater wind
loading pertain to a particular portable storage unit model or
manufacturer so that the portable storage unit is unlikely to be moved
by winds greater than the predicted winds. As an alternative to
removal, the portable storage vendor may submit a tie down proposal
for approval by the Building Official and each portable storage unit not
removed shall be tied down in the approved manner.
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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J. Any portable storage unit which is not removed at the end of the time
for which it may lawfully remain in place, or immediately upon the
direction of a code enforcement officer for removal of such temporary
structure for safety reasons, may be removed by the City immediately,
without notice, and the cost of such removal, together with the cost of
administration of its removal, may be assessed against the property on
which the temporary structure was located and may be filed as a lien
against such property by the City Clerk
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C. The following temporary uses are permitted without a permit, provided that the
standards and criteria of this division are met:
~ Portable storage units for a period not exceeding 96 hours four (4) days no
more than four (4) times a year.,. on residentially zoned property and thirty (30)
days on non-residentially zoned property no more than four (4) times a year.
/\ sticker sh311 be 3ffixed to the unit indio3ting the d3te on 'l.'hich it is delivered
to the property. One sign f3oe~, not more than 12" x 1 a" in 3re3, sh311 be
permitted on 3 port3ble stor3ge unit. The ramo':31 provisions of Seotion 3
2103(8)(3)(1) above sh311 31so 3pply.
Section 7. Article 6, Nonconformity Provisions, Section 6-101, Purpose/
Applicability is hereby amended by revising the purpose/applicability provisions as
follows:
The purpose of this division is to regulate and limit the development and
continued existence of uses, structures and lots which were lawful on the date
of the adoption of this Code. but which would be prohibited, regulated. or
restricted under the terms established herein. effeotive d3te of this development
code th3t do not conform to this oode. \'Vhile nonconformities m3Y oontinue, the
provicions of thic 3rtiole 3ra designed to enoour3ge the improvement or
elimin3tion of nonconformities in order to better aohieve tho purposec of this
development code. While nonconformities may continue, it is the intent of this
development code to brinq nonconforming properties into compliance with the
provisions of this code in coniunction with a change of use. redevelopment. or
any other chanqe of condition of the property in order to eliminate the
nonconformity or to bring the nonconformity as practical as possible to a
conforming status.
Section 8. Article 7, Enforcement Proceedings and Penalties, Section 7-
1 02(A)(2) , Municipal Code Enforcement Board/special Master Hearing Procedures,
Notification of violations is hereby amended by revising nuisance cases procedures as
follows:
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
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Nuisance cases. Upon completion of a field investigation by a code enforcement
officer and determination that a nuisance exists under Code of Ordinances
Section 3-1503, the property shall be posted with a notice advising of the
existence and nature of the violation and requiring compliance within taR five
days after the date of posting or the filing of a notice of appeal to the municipal
code enforcement board during such taR five day period. In nuisance cases
only, posting of notice shall be deemed legally sufficient to provide notice; the
code enforcement officer may additionally attempt to obtain personal service
upon and/or mail notice to the property owner within the taR five day period.
Section 9. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
July 20, 2000
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL
READING AND ADOPTED
August 3,2000
t- .JA ---
Brian J. A~gst
Mayor-Commissioner
Approved as to form:
Attest:
~~~ 12<<:c~ 0uA:.-
CynthicVE. oudeau ' r
City Clerk
Leslie K. Dougall-Sid s
Assistant City Attorney
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Ordinance No. 6573-00
~learwater City Commission
Agenda Cover Memorandum
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W orksession Item #
Final Agenda Item #
Meeting Date
July 20. 2000
SUBJECTIRECOMMENDA TION:
Amendments to the Community Development Code.
MOTION: APPROVE text amendments to the Community Development Code and PASS Ordinance No.
6573-00 on first reading.
o and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
SUMMARY:
When considering Ordinance No. 6526-00 at the June meetings, the City Commission deferred action on
several issues. Attached please find Ordinance No. 6573-00 which proposes amendments to the Community
Development Code addressing the following issues as requested by the Commission:
· Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
· Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on residential and non-residential
property;
· Increased amount of permitted window signage;
· Regulation of temporary sign coverings;
· Allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units; and
· Prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four additional amendments not previously discussed by the Commission be
considered:
· Allowance of roof structures on publicly owned boardwalks and observation platforms;
· Expansion of nuisance provisions regarding newsracks;
· Refinement of the nonconforming purpose provisions; and
· Reduction in amount of time given to correct a nuisance violation.
Reviewed by:
Legal
Budget
Purchasi ng
Risk Mgmt.
IS
ACM
Other
~i~~=i:iL
Costs:
Total
Comnis5ion Action:
o Approved
o Approved with Conditions
o Denied
o Continued to:
Current Rs::al Year
Funding Source:
o Capitallmprovement
o Operating:
o Other:
Attactments:
9.Jbmitted by:
o Not Required
Affected Parties
o Notified
o Not Required
Code
City Manager
o None
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"-I Printed on recycled paper
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At the July 17th workshop, staff will address issues that were raised by the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner's Association and the request to amend the sign ordinance presented by Mr. Rapp. Staff is not
supporting amendments in regard to these issues.
The Community Development Board will review the proposed amendments at
meeting on July 18, 2000 and make a recommendation to the Commission.
recommendation at the City Commission meeting.
its regularly scheduled
Staff will report the
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CDB Meeting Date:
Case:
Agenda Item:
July 18.2000
T AOO-06-04
C2
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
STAFF REPORT
TEXT AMENDMENT
REQUEST:
Amendments to the Community Development Code -
Ordinance No. 6573-00
INITIA TED BY:
City of Clearwater City Commission and Planning Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When reviewing Ordinance No. 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance No. 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens. The
following issues were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20th
Commission meeting:
· Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
· Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property
and the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential
property, and the allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units;
. The amount of permitted window signage;
. The regulation of temporary sign coverings; and
· The prohibition of parking on landscaped areas In front setbacks in residentially
zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four other amendments not discussed at either June meeting
be considered. The first issue is whether to permit roofed structures on publicly owned
boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature trails. The second is to establish
newsracks on publicly owned property not in compliance with Code requirements as a
nuisance. The third is to revise the purpose statement of the nonconforming provisions;
and the fourth is to reduce the amount of time allotted for compliance for nuisance
violations from ten days to five days.
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The Community Development Board discussed and made a recommendation on several
of the issues found in this proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 at its workshop and public
hearing earlier this year on the six month code update. Those issues included portable
storage units, the prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in the front setback on
residentially zoned property and the rental of residentially zoned property. It is in the
Board's discretion whether to discuss and entertain comment on these issues again.
Alternatively, the Board may hear comments and discuss only the new issues in this
proposal.
At second reading of the code update ordinance, a representative of the Clearwater
Coalition of Homeowner Associations submitted a list of recommendations on the
following seven issues for consideration by the Commission:
Portable storage units - concern about such units being permitted during the duration
of a construction permit in residential areas;
Temporary yard signs - concern that this permits commercial signs in residential
areas for up to 90 days;
Supporting the addition of First Amendment protection language In the SIgn
provIsions;
Supporting the prohibition of parking on the grass;
Temporary signs - concern about ability to enforce existing code provisions;
Opposed to an increased height for telecommunication towers; and
Support further restriction on transfer of development rights.
Staff was directed to review these and make a recommendation on each. Of these seven
issues, staff has drafted amendments to the portable storage unit provisions, added the
prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in residential areas, and revised the temporary
sign requirements. Of the remaining issues, staff's position remains unchanged with no
revisions proposed in these four areas.
The Planning Department is also evaluating the amendment to the sign code proposed by
developer Jim Rapp that would give the Community Development Board authority to
approve signs larger than permitted. Research on this issue is underway and staff will be
prepared to discuss this with the Community Development Board at the meeting.
Below please find a description of the amendments proposed in Ordinance No. 6573-00,
as well as a discussion of the issues raised by the Coalition, which are not included in the
proposed ordinance.
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ANALYSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 includes amendments addressing nme Issues. A
description of the amendments regarding each issue follows.
1. Renting of Residential Dwellings (Pages 2 and 8 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing an amendment to address the length of time residential units may
be rented before being considered a transient accommodation use. A new section 3-
918, entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings, is being proposed to the General
Applicability provisions found in Article 3 which would permit the renting or leasing
of dwelling units in residential zoning districts for periods no less than thirty-one
days. Any property rented for less than thirty-one days would be considered a
transient accommodation and would not be permitted in a residential zoning district.
This proposed amendment is consistent with the current requirements of the Pinellas
Planning Council's Rules Concerning the Administration of the Countywide Land
Use Plan.
The other proposed amendment revises the definition of overnight accommodations
in Section 8-102 to be consistent with the State of Florida's definition of public
lodging establishment.
Another option to consider would be a regulation that permits a minimum number of
short-term rentals per year. Florida Statutes provides two thresholds for determining
if a property is operated as a public lodging establishment. The Board could consider
regulations that mirror Florida Statute by prohibiting dwelling units from being
advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests or rented or
leased more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or
one calendar month at a time.
Staff has met with representatives of the Bay Area Apartment Association,
Clearwater Board of Realtors, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach
Chamber of Commerce, Sand Key Civic Association, and the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner Associations to discuss these proposed amendments. Staff has also
discussed them with the Pinellas Planning Council. At this point, the Council is
deferring action until after the Clearwater public hearing on this issue.
2. Parking on Landscaped Areas (Page 2 of the proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (4) to Section 3-1407(A) that would
prohibit the parking of vehicles and/or boats on landscaped areas in a required front
setback where parking is available on a paved driveway or existing designated non-
paved driveway, paved street or other paved area. The provision allows parking in
the setback on landscaped areas if no alternative paved area is available. Established
neighborhoods developed with no driveways could have vehicles parked on
landscaped areas if no other paved alternative exists.
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3. Temporary Sign Coverings/Grand Opening Signs (Page 3 of the proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
In response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster
covers, sign socks and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section
3-1805(C) which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit
toaster covers to encourage a business to install a new sign. At the June 1 st meeting,
the Commission directed staff to permit temporary coverings for grand openings for
new businesses or for business name changes and this has been added to the
ordinance. A provision was also added which imposes a time restriction of thirty
days after the issuance of an occupational license. Staff is also proposing to eliminate
the temporary sign that is permitted once a year for "periodic events."
The Coalition is concerned that the existing provisions are too difficult to enforce.
By eliminating periodic event signs and by relating grand opening signs to the
issuance of an occupational license, sign enforcement concerns are greatly
minimized. In order to accommodate the loss of one periodic event sign per year,
staff is also proposing increases in the amount of allowable window signage that is
discussed in the next issue below.
4. Window Signs (Page 3 of the proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the
Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign provision that restricts window
signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is located or 4 square feet,
whichever is less. Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to eight (8)
square feet in area provided that 25% of the window area on which the sign is located
is not exceeded. The amendment also imposes a maximum amount of window
signage of twenty-four (24) square feet so that window signage does not exceed the
amount of attached signage that is allowed.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage should also accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C).
5. Portable Storage Units (pages 4 - 7 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing several amendments to the portable storage unit provisions in
Section 3-2102(A), Section 3-2103(A)(6), 3-2103(B)(3) and 3-2103(C)(2). The
current regulations permit portable storage units for 96 hours or for the duration of a
construction permit on all property and permits one sign face, not exceeding 12" x
18" to be located on portable storage units. The City Commission directed staff to
provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property and to reduce
the amount of time a portable storage unit may be located on a residential property
with a valid construction permit.
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Staff is proposing the following changes to the current code requirements:
· Eliminate the provision allowing a portable storage unit on residentially zoned
property for the duration of an active construction permit (up to six months
duration). Permit a portable storage unit on residential property for no more than
four (4) days only and no more than four (4) times a year;
· Permit a portable storage unit on non-residential property for thirty (30) days or
for the duration of an active construction permit;
· Increase the number of permitted sign faces from one to two provided such faces
do not exceed 12" x 18" each; and
· Add portable storage unit to permitted temporary use list (ministerial
amendment).
The elimination of portable storage units permitted in conjunction with and for the
duration of a construction permit in residential areas is consistent with the Coalition's
recommendations.
6. Publicly Owned Boardwalks/Observation Platforms (Page 2 of proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601. This amendment
would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms,
elevated nature trails and other such structures not intended for use as a dock facility.
The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purpose of this amendment is to give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
7. N ewsracks (Page 3 of proposed ordinance. The Community Development Board
did not review this particular issue regarding newsracks.)
Staff is proposing to expand the existing nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(12). The current code requirement declares newsracks and
vending machines a nuisance if located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is
otherwise unsafe. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on public
property not in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance. The
proposed amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to remove
non-compliant racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not
removed.
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8. Nonconformity Provisions (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section of the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment or
other change of condition.
9. Enforcement Proceedings (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to reduce the amount of time given to a property owner to correct a
nuisance violation. The proposed amendment reduces the required compliance time
from ten days to five days. This would provide the Community Response Team with
the means to require rapid resolution of nuisance situations. Examples of nuisances
include abandoned buildings; accumulations of weeds, debris, etc.; grass/weeds
exceeding twelve inches; and outdoor storage of dismantled or inoperative vehicles,
equipment, etc. It should be noted, however, that Community Response Team deals
with violations on a case-by-case basis and where circumstances dictate more time for
compliance, such flexibility would still exist. In addition, any violation of the code
not deemed a nuisance would be treated through the existing code enforcement board
process.
Outstandin2 Issues Presented bv the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner
Associations/Jim RaPD Shma2e
In response to the issues presented by the Coalition to the Commission at the June 15th
meeting and attached for your review, staff is not recommending any changes to the
following issues.
Temporary Yard Signs - The Coalition's concern is that the current definition of
temporary yard signs permits commercial speech in residential areas. Staff is not
recommending changing the temporary yard sign regulations. The basis for this opinion
is that cities are generally prohibited from regulating content on a sign and may only
regulate other physical characteristics of a sign.
First Amendment Protection Language - Staff is not recommending adding this
language to the code.
Telecommunication Tower Height - The amendment approved by the Commission to
the telecommunication tower regulations provides the Community Development Board
the authority to approve an additional twenty-five (25) feet of height, if such height can
eliminate the need for an additional tower. This provision permits the maximum height
of a tower to be increased from 160 feet to a maximum of 185 feet.
6
Revised 07-14-00
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The increase would have minimal impacts on surrounding property. From the ground,
the height difference would be very difficult to discern. Staff supports maintaining the
provision that was approved by the Commission since additional height may only be
approved upon a finding that the increased height will reduce the need for a new tower.
Staff believes that the provision is fair and necessary.
Transfers of Development Rights - Significant amendments were made to the transfer
of development rights provisions which imposed strict limitations on the use of this
redevelopment tool. The new provision limits the amount of transfers that can be sent
and received, prohibits transfers from occurring from and to single family zoning
districts, and review criteria was added for the Community Development Board to use
when review applications for transfer of development rights. Staff supports maintaining
the regulations as approved by the City Commission.
Jim Rapp Signage - Mr. Rapp has proposed an amendment to the sign code which
allows attached signs to increase in size as the buildings are setback farther from the
property line. Staff has researched other jurisdictions and has not found any examples of
this type of allowance. Staff has also found that this technique is difficult to apply
uniformly due to wide variations in rights-of-way and street widths. Staff also believes
that the allowances for freestanding signs allow for ample business identification. These
signs can be placed as close as five feet from the front property line, therefore staff is not
recommending this amendment.
CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS:
Code Section 4-601 specifies the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments.
Any code amendment must comply with the following.
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals,
policies, objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Below please find a selected list of goals, policies, objectives from the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code:
. Goal 2 - "Clearwater shall focus on the renewal of declining areas, stabilization of
built-up neighborhoods, and infill development to encourage economic vitality and
counteract the scarcity of vacant land."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, the limitations for portable storage
units in residential areas, and the ability to require rapid abatement of nuisance
violations will further the goal of renewing declining areas and stabilizing built-up
neighborhood by imposing restrictions which promote stability, heightened property
maintenance standards, and aesthetics.
7
Revised 07-14-00
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· Policy 2.4.2 - "Neighborhood preservation and infill development shall be
encouraged by maintenance and upgrading of public and private property."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, newsracks enforcement provisions,
and limitations on portable storage units in residential areas shall further
neighborhood preservation by encouraging property maintenance and upgrading of
both public and private property.
· Goal 3 - "The character of Clearwater as a high quality, attractive environment for
resort, residential, and business activities shall be enhanced and encouraged through
implementation of Clearwater's Comprehensive plan."
The provisions permitting roof structures on publicly owned observation platforms,
etc, the restriction on renting residential property, and the ability to require rapid
abatement of nuisance violations will work toward enhancing the City's residential
and resort character.
2. The proposed amendments further the purposes of the Community
Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to
implement the Plan.
The proposed text amendments revise development standards found in Article 3, the
purpose/applicability provisions for nonconformities in Article 6, enforcement
procedures in Article 7, and a definition in Article 8 of the Community Development
Code. The proposed amendments are consistent with the following purposes of the Code.
· Section 1-103(A) - It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the
Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and
quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to
establish rules of procedures for land development approvals; to enhance the
character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the
quality oflife of all residents and property owners of the city;
· Section 1-103 (E)(2) - Protect the character and the social and economic stability of all
parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage
the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city; and
· Section 1-103(E)(3) - Protect and conserve the value ofland throughout the city and
the value of buildings and improvements upon the land, and minimize the conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
8
Revised 07-14-00
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SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code. The amendments require high standards for
improvements on public property, provide businesses with reasonable opportunities for
temporary and window signage, impose high standards for property maintenance and
temporary uses, and permits the rapid enforcement of nuisance violations.
The Planning Department Staff recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 6573-00 that
makes revisions to the Community Development Code.
Prepared by: Gina L. Clayton
ATT ACHMENTS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00.
Open Issues List by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner' s Association
Letter from Nicholas Fritsch and Joe Calio
9
Revised 07 -14-00
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ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE;
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION
ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY ADDING A NEW
SECTION 3-918 ENTITLED RENTING OF RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS AND RESTRICTING THE RENTAL PERIOD OF
DWELLING UNITS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS;
AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1407, PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-
1407(A) PROHIBITING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ON GRASS IN A REQUIRED FRONT SETBACK; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1503 NUISANCES, BY REVISING SECTION 3-
1503(B)(12) REGARDING NEWSRACKS AND VENDING
MACHINES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING TEMPORARY
SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY
REVISING WINDOW SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2102(A), PERMITTED TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103,
STANDARDS, BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 6,
NONCONFORMITY PROVISIONS, SECTION 6-101 BY
REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND
PENALTIES, SECTION 7 -1 02(A)(2), MUNICIPAL CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD/SPECIAL MASTER HEARING
PROCEDURES FOR NUISANCE CASES BY REDUCING THE
REQUIRED COMPLIANCE TIME FROM TEN DAYS TO 5 DAYS
AFTER THE POSTING DATE; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 8,
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, SECTION 8-
102 DEFINITIONS, BY REVISING AND EXPANDING THE
DEFINITION OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS TO
INCLUDE CERTAIN SHORT TERM RENTALS; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has identified development standards which
need amendment to more fully implement the redevelopment intent of the Code; and
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has conducted an in-depth review of the
Community Development Code and has identified development standards which need
amendment; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Board, pursuant to its responsibilities as
the Local Planning Agency, has reviewed this amendment, conducted a public hearing to
consider all public testimony and has determined that this amendment is consistent with
the City of Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has fully considered the recommendation of the
Community Development Board and testimony submitted at its public hearing; now
therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-601, Docks, is hereby
amended by adding a new subsection (M) entitled Publicly Owned Facilities as follows:
M. Publiclv owned facilities.. Roofed structures shall be permitted on publicly
owned boardwalks. observation platforms. elevated nature trails and other
such structures not intended for use as a dock facility. Vertical walls shall
not be allowed.
Section 2. Article 3, Development Standards is hereby amended by adding a
new section 3-918 entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings as follows:
Section 3-918. RentinQ of residential dwellinQs.
No dwellina unit located in a zonina district desianated as residential in
the Zonina Atlas shall be rented or leased for a period of less than thirty-one
(31) days, except as permitted as an accessory overniaht accommodation use.
Section 3. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1407, Parking
restriction in residential areas, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection (4) to
Section 3-1407 (A) as follows:
4. No parkina, displayina or storina of motor vehicles and/or boats shall be
permitted on arass or any other landscaped area in a required front setback
on any residentially zoned property where parkina on a paved driveway or
existina desianated non-paved driveway, paved street or other paved area is
available.
Section 4. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1503, Nuisances, is
hereby amended by revising Section 3-1503(B)(12) Newsracks and vending machines
as follows:
2
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
(12) Newsracks and vending machines. Any newsrack on public property not in
compliance with the provisions of Section 3-909, other than subsection 3-
909(A)(5), or Asny newsrack or vending machine installed, used or
maintained at a location which constitutes an imminent danger or safety
hazard to pedestrians or vehicles or otherwise unreasonably interferes
with the safe use of any public right-of-way.
Section 5. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(C) as follows:
G:- Temporary Sians. Temporary signs of no more than 12 square feot in total
sign face area '.vhich are related to a grand opening or a periodic e'./ent
occurring no more frequently than one time per year and '.vhich event is
conducted in conjunction with the principal use of tho parcel proposed for
development and which signs are displayed no more than 30 days in
advance of the even and no more than five days after completion of the
event. Other special event and/or public purpose signs of a temporary nature
may be approved on a caso by case basis. The type of sign, size, design
and length of display will be determined by tho community development
coordinator.
1. One temporary arand openinq sian shall be permitted for thirty (30) days
after the issuance of an occupational license for any new business, new
owner of an existina business, or business name chanae. Such sian shall
not exceed twelve (12) square feet in total sian face area or such sian
may be a temporary coverina, such as a toaster cover, sian boot. or sian
sock, which covers an existina permitted attached or freestandina sian.
2. Other temporary special event and/or public purpose sians of a temporary
nature may be approved on a case by case basis. The type of sian, size,
desian and lenath of display shall be determined by the Community
Development Coordinator.
Section 6. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(Q) as follows:
.ill.} Window signs which occupy less than 20 percent of the total area of the
window where the sign is located or four square feet, whichever is loss !dQ
to eiaht (8) square feet in area may be located on any window area
provided such sian does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
area of the window where the sian is located. In no case shall the
cumulative area of all window sians erected exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet in area.
3
Ordinance No. 6573-00
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Section 7. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2102(A), is hereby
amended by revising subsection (4) and by adding a new subsection (13) as follows:
A. The following temporary uses are permitted subject to obtaining a level
one approval in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Division 3 and
the provisions of this division:
1. Circuses and/or carnivals.
2. Contractors offices and/or construction sheds.
3. Evangelical and religious revivals or assemblies.
4. Open lot 8 Sales for Christmas trees, pumpkins or other seasonal
materials.
5. Other temporary recreational or entertainment related events or
activities such as fairs, concerts or festivals.
6. Outdoor bazaars, cookouts, special fund raising sales andlor
similar activities.
7. Sidewalk sales.
8. Temporary commercial parking lots associated with special events.
9. Temporary real estate sales offices.
10. Temporary relocation tents or mobile homes for displaced persons
as a result of natural or manmade disasters in a neighborhood or
area.
11. Temporary retail special sales and displays (e.g., occasional
sidewalk or parking lot sales).
12. Block and neighborhood parties.
13. Portable storaae units.
Section 8. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2103 Standards, IS
hereby amended by revising the subsection as follows:
Section 3-2103 Standards.
* * * * * * * * * *
4
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
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6. All temporary uses shall comply with the following additional conditions or
requirements:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES
Temporary Use Maximum Cumulative Permitted Districts
Allowable Time Period for
Each Separate Use (per
site per calendar year or
absolute time limitation, as
applicable)
Block and neighborhood 2 days All residential districts
parties
Circuses or carnivals 14 days C, IRT and I
Contractors office and/or During construction period All districts
construction sheds only while building permit
is valid
Evangelical and religious 7 days C, D, T and IRT
revivals or assemblies
Garage, yard or estate No more than 2 times per All residential districts
sales property within one year;
no longer than 3 days
each
Sales for: Christmas tree 45 days All non-residential zoning
and pumpkin sales and districts
other seasonal sales
Other temporary 7 days, except 14 days for All nonresidential districts
recreational or annual events approved
entertainment events by the special events
committee
Outdoor bazaars, 2 days C, I and D
cookouts, special fund
raising sales andlor similar
activities
Sidewalk sales 7 days in conjunction with T and D
a special event
Temporary commercial The period of time during All districts
parking lots which the temporary use
the parking serves is
authorized
Temporary relocation tents 18 months (unless Within a designated area
or mobile homes for authorized longer by
displaced persons commission resolution)
5
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Temporary real estate 24 months All districts
sales office or model home
Temporary retail sales and 7 days (not more than 4 T, C and D
displays times per year)
Portable storage units 96 hours (not more th3n '1 All districts
times per year) unless
3ssociated with permitted
construction.
Residentially zoned
property: 4 days, not
more than 4 times a year.
Non-residentially zoned
property: 30 days, not
more than 4 times a year
or for the duration of an
active construction permit.
Refer to Sections 3-
2103(B)(3) and 21 03(C)(2)
for additional
requirements.
* * * * * * * * *
B. The following additional requirements shall apply for specified temporary uses:
3. Portable storage units, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, eight (8) feet
in width, and sixteen (16) feet in length may be permitted on 3 site with 3n
active building permit for the storage of items from the site. The portable
storage unit m3Y remain on the site for the length of the 3ctivo permit.
provided such Portable stor3ge units sRaU comply with the following
provIsions:
a. One portable storage unit may be located on any lot occupied by a
single family dwelling. The number of permitted portable storage
units for all other uses shall be decided by the Community
Development Coordinator based on the amount of construction, size of
property and the ability to locate the portable storage unit in
accordance with the requirements below.
b. Portable storage units may be located in a required setback;
c. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to impair
a motor vehicle operator's view of motor vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians upon entering or exiting a right-of-way;
6
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
d. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to
obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
e. The location of a portable storage unit shall be approved by the
Community Development Coordinator;
f. GAe Two sign face~, no more than 12" x 18" each, shall be permitted
on a portable storage unit; and
g. A sticker shall be affixed to all portable storage units indicating the
date on which the portable storage unit is delivered to a property.
h. If the National Weather Advisory Service or other qualified weather
advisory service identifies weather conditions which are predicted to
include winds of 75 mph or greater, all portable storage units shall be
removed from all properties and placed in approved storage locations
at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the predicted onset of such
winds or as soon as reasonably practical if less notice is provided.
This requirement may be modified by the Building Official upon receipt
of adequate documentation from a registered architect or engineer or
other professional qualified to give such opinion that a greater wind
loading pertain to a particular portable storage unit model or
manufacturer so that the portable storage unit is unlikely to be moved
by winds greater than the predicted winds. As an alternative to
removal, the portable storage vendor may submit a tie down proposal
for approval by the Building Official and each portable storage unit not
removed shall be tied down in the approved manner.
I. Any portable storage unit which is not removed at the end of the time
for which it may lawfully remain in place, or immediately upon the
direction of a code enforcement officer for removal of such temporary
structure for safety reasons, may be removed by the City immediately,
without notice, and the cost of such removal, together with the cost of
administration of its removal, may be assessed against the property on
which the temporary structure was located and may be filed as a lien
against such property by the City Clerk
* * * * * * * * * * *
C. The following temporary uses are permitted without a permit, provided that the
standards and criteria of this division are met:
2:- Portable storage units for a period not exceeding 96 hours four (4) days no
more than four (4) times a year.,. on residentially zoned property and thirty
(30) days on non-residentially zoned property no more than four (4) times a
year. ^ sticker shall be 3ffixed to the unit indicating the date on 'Nhich it is
7
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
delivered to the property. One sign f3ce~, not more th3n 12" x 18" in 3re3,
shall be permitted on 3 portable stor3ge unit. The removal provisions of
Section 3 2103(8)(3)(1) 3boV8 sh311 also 3pply.
Section 9. Article 6, Nonconformity Provisions, Section 6-101, Purpose/
Applicability is hereby amended by revising the purpose/applicability provisions as
follows:
The purpose of this division is to regulate and limit the development and
continued existence of uses, structures and lots which were lawful on the date
of the adoption of this Code, but which would be prohibited. reaulated, or
restricted under the terms established herein. effective date of this development
code that do not conform to this code. 'Nhile nonconformities m3Y continue, the
provisions of this article are designed to encourage the improvement or
elimin3tion of nonconformities in order to better 3chieve the purposes of this
development code. While nonconformities may continue, it is the intent of this
development code to brina nonconformina properties into compliance with the
provisions of this code in coniunction with a chanae of use, redevelopment, or
any other chanae of condition of the property in order to eliminate the
nonconformity or to brina the nonconformity as practical as possible to a
conformina status.
Section 10. Article 7, Enforcement Proceedings and Penalties, Section 7-
102(A)(2), Municipal Code Enforcement Board/special Master Hearing Procedures,
Notification of violations is hereby amended by revising nuisance cases procedures as
follows:
Nuisance cases. Upon completion of a field investigation by a code enforcement
officer and determination that a nuisance exists under Code of Ordinances
Section 3-1503, the property shall be posted with a notice advising of the
existence and nature of the violation and requiring compliance within teA five
days after the date of posting or the filing of a notice of appeal to the municipal
code enforcement board during such teA five day period. In nuisance cases
only, posting of notice shall be deemed legally sufficient to provide notice; the
code enforcement officer may additionally attempt to obtain personal service
upon andlor mail notice to the property owner within the teA five day period.
Section 11. Article 8, Definitions and Rules for Construction, Section 8-102,
Definitions is hereby amended by revising the definition of overnight accommodations
as follows:
Overnight accommodations means any unit. aroup of units, dwellina, buildina or
Qroup of buildinas within a sinale complex of buildinas, which is rented to auest
more than three (3) times in a calendar year for a period of less than thirt~ (30)
days or 1 month at a time, whichever is less, or which is advertised or held out to
the public as a place reaularly rented to auests. a building or portion thereof
8
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
designed and used primarily to provide sleeping accommodations for tr~nsient
guests for a d~ily or '.veekly rental charge and including interval such office,
meeting, restaurant facilities ~s are integral to its primary function.
Section 12. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL
READING AND ADOPTED
Brian J. Aungst
Mayor -Commissioner
Approved as to form:
Attest:
Cynthia E. Goudeau
City Clerk
Leslie K. Dougall-Sides
Assistant City Attorney
9
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE;
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION
ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY ADDING A NEW
SECTION 3-918 ENTITLED RENTING OF RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS AND RESTRICTING THE RENTAL PERIOD OF
DWELLING UNITS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS;
AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1407, PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-
1407(A) PROHIBITING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ON GRASS IN A REQUIRED FRONT SETBACK; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1503 NUISANCES, BY REVISING SECTION 3-
1503(B)(12) REGARDING NEWSRACKS AND VENDING
MACHINES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING
TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE
3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY
REVISING WINDOW SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2102(A), PERMITTED TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103,
STANDARDS, BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 6,
NONCONFORMITY PROVISIONS, SECTION 6-101 BY
REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND
PENALTIES, SECTION 7-102(A)(2), MUNICIPAL CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD/SPECIAL MASTER HEARING
PROCEDURES FOR NUISANCE CASES BY REDUCING THE
REQUIRED COMPLIANCE TIME FROM TEN DAYS TO 5 DAYS
AFTER THE POSTING DATE; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 8,
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, SECTION 8-
102 DEFINITIONS, BY REVISING AND EXPANDING THE
DEFINITION OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS TO
INCLUDE CERTAIN SHORT TERM RENTALS; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has identified development standards which
need amendment to more fully implement the redevelopment intent of the Code; and
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has conducted an in-depth review of the
Ordinance No. 6573-00
I
.
.
Community Development Code and has identified development standards which need
amendment; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Board, pursuant to its responsibilities as
the Local Planning Agency, has reviewed this amendment, conducted a public hearing to
consider all public testimony and has determined that this amendment is consistent with
the City of Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has fully considered the recommendation of the
Community Development Board and testimony submitted at its public hearing; now
therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-601, Docks, is hereby
amended by adding a new subsection (M) entitled Publicly Owned Facilities as follows:
M. Publiclv owned facilities.. Roofed structures shall be permitted on publicly
owned boardwalks. observation platforms. elevated nature trails and other
such structures not intended for use as a dock facility. Vertical walls shall
not be allowed.
Section 2. Article 3, Development Standards is hereby amended by adding a
new section 3-918 entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings as follows:
Section 3-918. Renting of residential dwellings.
No dwelling unit located in a zoning district designated as residential in
the Zoning Atlas shall be rented or leased for a period of less than thirty-one (31)
days, except as permitted as an accessory overnight accommodation use.
Section 3. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1407, Parking
restriction in residential areas, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection (4) to
Section 3-1407(A) as follows:
4. No parking, displaying or storing of motor vehicles and/or boats shall be
permitted on grass or any other landscaped area in a required front setback
on any residentially zoned property where parking on a paved driveway or
existing designated non-paved driveway. paved street or other paved area is
available.
Section 4. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1503, Nuisances, is
hereby amended by revising Section 3-1503(B)(12) Newsracks and vending machines
as follows:
2
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
(12) Newsracks and vending machines. Any newsrack on public property not in
compliance with the provisions of Section 3-909. other than subsection 3-
909(A)(5). or Af!ny newsrack or vending machine installed, used or
maintained at a location which constitutes an imminent danger or safety
hazard to pedestrians or vehicles or otherwise unreasonably interferes with
the safe use of any public right-of-way.
Section 5. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(C) as follows:
G:- Temporary Signs. T omporary signe of no moro than 12 square foot in total
sign fuco area which aro rolatod to a grand oponing or a poriodic ovont
occurring no moro frequontly than one timo por yoar and ,,:hich ovont is
conductod in conjunction 'Nith tho principal uso of tho parcol propoaod for
dovolopmont and which eigns aro dieplayod no moro than 30 days in
advanco of tho O'lon and no moro than fivo days aftor complotion of tho
ovont. Othor apocial ovont and/or public purposo eigne of a tomporary naturo
may bo approvod on a caso by caeo basis. Tho typo of sign, sizo, dosign
and longth of dieplay 'NiII bo dotorminod by tho community do'.'olopmont
coordinator.
1. One temporary grand opening sign shall be permitted for thirty (30) days
after the issuance of an occupational license for any new business. new
owner of an existing business. or business name change. Such sign shall
not exceed twelve (12) square feet in total sign face area or such sign
may be a temporary covering. such as a toaster cover. sign boot. or sign
sock, which covers an existing permitted attached or freestanding sign.
2. Other temporary special event and/or public purpose signs of a temporary
nature may be approved on a case by case basis. The type of sign. size.
design and length of display shall be determined by the Community
Development Coordinator.
Section 6. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(Q) as follows:
!ill Window signs whioh occupy loss than 20 porcont of tho total oroa of tho
'Nindow whoro tho sign is locatod or four square foot, whichovor is loss !!Q
to eight (8) square feet in area may be located on any window area
provided such sign does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
area of the window where the sign is located. In no case shall the
cumulative area of all window signs erected exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet in area.
Section 7. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2102(A), is hereby
amended by revising subsection (4) and by adding a new subsection (13) as follows:
3
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
A. The following temporary uses are permitted subject to obtaining a level
one approval in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Division 3 and
the provisions of this division:
1. Circuses andlor carnivals.
2. Contractors offices and/or construction sheds.
3. Evangelical and religious revivals or assemblies.
4. Opon lot s Sales for Christmas trees, pumpkins or other seasonal
materials.
5. Other temporary recreational or entertainment related events or
activities such as fairs, concerts or festivals.
6. Outdoor bazaars, cookouts, special fund raising sales and/or
similar activities.
7. Sidewalk sales.
8. Temporary commercial parking lots associated with special events.
9. Temporary real estate sales offices.
10. Temporary relocation tents or mobile homes for displaced persons
as a result of natural or manmade disasters in a neighborhood or
area.
11. Temporary retail special sales and displays (e.g., occasional
sidewalk or parking lot sales).
12. Block and neighborhood parties.
13. Portable storage units.
Section 8. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2103 Standards, is
hereby amended by revising the subsection as follows:
Section 3-2103 Standards.
* * * * * * * * * *
6. All temporary uses shall comply with the following additional conditions or
requirements:
4
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES
Temporary Use Maximum Cumulative Permitted Districts
Allowable Time Period for
Each Separate Use (per
site per calendar year or
absolute time limitation, as
applicable)
Block and neighborhood 2 days All residential districts
parties
Circuses or carnivals 14 days C, IRT and I
Contractors office and/or During construction period All districts
construction sheds only while building permit
is valid
Evangelical and religious 7 days C, D, T and IRT
revivals or assemblies
Garage, yard or estate No more than 2 times per All residential districts
sales property within one year;
no longer than 3 days
each
Sales for: Christmas tree 45 days All non-residential zoning
and pumpkin sales and districts
other seasonal sales
Other temporary 7 days, except 14 days for All nonresidential districts
recreational or annual events approved
entertainment events by the special events
committee
Outdoor bazaars, 2 days C, I and D
cookouts, special fund
raising sales and/or similar
activities
Sidewalk sales 7 days in conjunction with T and D
a special event
Temporary commercial The period of time during All districts
parking lots which the temporary use
the parking serves is
authorized
Temporary relocation tents 18 months (unless Within a designated area
or mobile homes for authorized longer by
displaced persons commission resolution)
Temporary real estate 24 months All districts
sales office or model home
Temporary retail sales and 7 days (not more than 4 T, C and D
displays times per year)
5
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Portable storage units 96 hours (not more th~n 4 All districts
times per ye~r) unlesc
~ssociated with permitted
conctruction.
Residentially zoned
property: 4 days. not
more than 4 times a year.
Non-residentially zoned
property: 30 days. not
more than 4 times a year
or for the duration of an
active construction permit.
Refer to Sections 3-
21 03(B)(3) and 21 03(C)(2)
for additional
requirements.
* * * * * * * * *
B. The following additional requirements shall apply for specified temporary uses:
3. Portable storage units, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, eight (8) feet
in width, and sixteen (16) feet in length may be permitted on ~ site with an
~ctive building permit for the stor~ge of items from the site. The portable
storage unit m~y remain on the site for the length of the ~ctive permit.
provided such Port~ble storage units sflaU comply with the following
provisions:
a. One portable storage unit may be located on any lot occupied by a
single family dwelling. The number of permitted portable storage units
for all other uses shall be decided by the Community Development
Coordinator based on the amount of construction, size of property and
the ability to locate the portable storage unit in accordance with the
requirements below.
b. Portable storage units may be located in a required setback;
c. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to impair
a motor vehicle operator's view of motor vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians upon entering or exiting a right-of-way;
d. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to
obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
e. The location of a portable storage unit shall be approved by the
Community Development Coordinator;
6
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
f. Goo Two sign face2, no more than 12" x 18" each, shall be permitted
on a portable storage unit; and
g. A sticker shall be affixed to all portable storage units indicating the
date on which the portable storage unit is delivered to a property.
h. If the National Weather Advisory Service or other qualified weather
advisory service identifies weather conditions which are predicted to
include winds of 75 mph or greater, all portable storage units shall be
removed from all properties and placed in approved storage locations
at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the predicted onset of such
winds or as soon as reasonably practical if less notice is provided.
This requirement may be modified by the Building Official upon receipt
of adequate documentation from a registered architect or engineer or
other professional qualified to give such opinion that a greater wind
loading pertain to a particular portable storage unit model or
manufacturer so that the portable storage unit is unlikely to be moved
by winds greater than the predicted winds. As an alternative to
removal, the portable storage vendor may submit a tie down proposal
for approval by the Building Official and each portable storage unit not
removed shall be tied down in the approved manner.
I. Any portable storage unit which is not removed at the end of the time
for which it may lawfully remain in place, or immediately upon the
direction of a code enforcement officer for removal of such temporary
structure for safety reasons, may be removed by the City immediately,
without notice, and the cost of such removal, together with the cost of
administration of its removal, may be assessed against the property on
which the temporary structure was located and may be filed as a lien
against such property by the City Clerk
* * * * * * * * * * *
C. The following temporary uses are permitted without a permit, provided that the
standards and criteria of this division are met:
2. Portable storage units for a period not exceeding 06 hours four (4) days no more
than four (4) times a year';" on residentially zoned property and thirty (30) days
on non-residentially zoned property no more than four (4) times a year. A
stickor shall bo affixod to tho unit indicating tho dato on '",hich it in dolivorod to
tho proporty. Ono sign facoli, not moro than 12" x 18" in moo, shall bo
pormittod on a portablo E:torago unit. Tho removal proviE:ions of Soction 3
2103(B)(3)(I) abovo E:hall also apply.
7
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Section 9. Article 6, Nonconformity Provisions, Section 6-101, Purpose/
Applicability is hereby amended by revising the purpose/applicability provisions as
follows:
The purpose of this division is to regulate and limit the development and
continued existence of uses, structures and lots which were lawful on the date
of the adoption of this Code. but which would be prohibited. regulated. or
restricted under the terms established herein. effective date of this development
code that do not conform to this code. \^/hile nonconformities may continue, the
provisions of this article 8re designed to encourage the improvement or
elimin8tion of nonconformities in order to better achieve the purposes of this
development code. While nonconformities may continue. it is the intent of this
development code to bring nonconforming properties into compliance with the
provisions of this code in coniunction with a change of use. redevelopment. or
any other change of condition of the property in order to eliminate the
nonconformity or to bring the nonconformity as practical as possible to a
conforming status.
Section 10. Article 7, Enforcement Proceedings and Penalties, Section 7-
102(A)(2), Municipal Code Enforcement Board/special Master Hearing Procedures,
Notification of violations is hereby amended by revising nuisance cases procedures as
follows:
Nuisance cases. Upon completion of a field investigation by a code enforcement
officer and determination that a nuisance exists under Code of Ordinances
Section 3-1503, the property shall be posted with a notice advising of the
existence and nature of the violation and requiring compliance within ten five
days after the date of posting or the filing of a notice of appeal to the municipal
code enforcement board during such ten five day period. In nuisance cases
only, posting of notice shall be deemed legally sufficient to provide notice; the
code enforcement officer may additionally attempt to obtain personal service
upon andlor mail notice to the property owner within the ten five day period.
Section 11. Article 8, Definitions and Rules for Construction, Section 8-102,
Definitions is hereby amended by revising the definition of overnight accommodations
as follows:
Overnight accommodations means any unit. group of units. dwelling. building or
group of buildings within a single complex of buildings. which is rented to guest
more than three (3) times in a calendar year for a period of less than thirty (30)
days or 1 month at a time. whichever is less, or which is advertised or held out to
the public as a place regularly rented to guests. 8 building or portion thereof
designed and used prim8rily to provide sleeping 8ccommodations for transient
guests for a d8ily or weekly rental charge 8nd including interval such office,
meeting, restaur8nt facilities 8S 8re integr81 to its primary function.
8
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Section 12. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL
READING AND ADOPTED
Approved as to form:
Leslie K. Dougall-Sides
Assistant City Attorney
Brian J. Aungst
Mayor-Commissioner
Attest:
Cynthia E. Goudeau
City Clerk
9
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
:)" .... '
, '.'~'"'''~'''''
\ i....". -""" '--
ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
AMENDING THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE;
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION
ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY ADDING A NEW
SECTION 3-918 ENTITLED RENTING OF RESIDENTIAL
DWELLINGS AND RESTRICTING THE RENTAL PERIOD OF
DWELLING UNITS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS;
AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1407, PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-
1407(A) PROHIBITING THE PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ON GRASS IN A REQUIRED FRONT SETBACK; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS,
SECTION 3-1503 NUISANCES, BY REVISING SECTION 3-
1503(B)(12) REGARDING NEWSRACKS AND VENDING
MACHINES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING
TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE
3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY
REVISING WINDOW SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2102(A), PERMITTED TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103,
STANDARDS, BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 6,
NONCONFORMITY PROVISIONS, SECTION 6-101 BY
REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 7, ENFORCEMENT PROCEEDINGS AND
PENALTIES, SECTION 7-102(A)(2), MUNICIPAL CODE
ENFORCEMENT BOARD/SPECIAL MASTER HEARING
PROCEDURES FOR NUISANCE CASES BY REDUCING THE
REQUIRED COMPLIANCE TIME FROM TEN DAYS TO 5 DAYS
AFTER THE POSTING DATE; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 8,
DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, SECTION 8-
102 DEFINITIONS, BY REVISING AND EXPANDING THE
DEFINITION OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS TO
INCLUDE CERTAIN SHORT TERM RENTALS; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has identified development standards which
need amendment to more fully implement the redevelopment intent of the Code; and
WHEREAS, the City of Clearwater has conducted an in-depth review of the
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Community Development Code and has identified development standards which need
amendment; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Board, pursuant to its responsibilities as
the Local Planning Agency, has reviewed this amendment, conducted a public hearing to
consider all public testimony and has determined that this amendment is consistent with
the City of Clearwater's Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission has fully considered the recommendation of the
Community Development Board and testimony submitted at its public hearing; now
therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-601, Docks, is hereby
amended by adding a new subsection (M) entitled Publicly Owned Facilities as follows:
M. Publiclv owned facilities.. Roofed structures shall be permitted on publicly
owned boardwalks, observation platforms, elevated nature trails and other
such structures not intended for use as a dock facility. Vertical walls shall
not be allowed.
Section 2. Article 3, Development Standards is hereby amended by adding a
new section 3-918 entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings as follows:
Section 3-918. Renting of residential dwellings.
No dwelling unit located in a zoning district designated as residential in
the Zoning Atlas shall be rented or leased for a period of less than thirty-one (31)
days, except as permitted as an accessory overnight accommodation use.
Section 3. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1407, Parking
restriction in residential areas, is hereby amended by adding a new subsection (4) to
Section 3-1407(A) as follows:
4. No parking, displaying or storing of motor vehicles shall be permitted on
grass or any other landscaped area in a required front setback on any
residentially zoned property where parking on a paved driveway. paved
street or other paved area is available.
Section 4. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1503, Nuisances, is
hereby amended by revising Section 3-1503(B)(12) Newsracks and vending machines
as follows:
(12) Newsracks and vending machines. Any newsrack on public property not in
compliance with the provisions of Section 3-909. other than subsection 3-
2
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
909(A)(5). or Aflny newsrack or vending machine installed, used or
maintained at a location which constitutes an imminent danger or safety
hazard to pedestrians or vehicles or otherwise unreasonably interferes with
the safe use of any public right-of-way.
Section 5. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(C) as follows:
G:- Temporary Signs. Temporary signs of no more th~n 12 square foet in total
sign fuce ~rea '.vhioh ~re related to 0 gr~nd opening or 0 periodic event
ooourring no more frequently than one time per year and whioh e'/ent is
conducted in conjunction ':lith the princip~1 use of the parcel proposed for
de'/elopment ~nd which signs ~re displ~yed no more th~n 30 days in
~dvance of the even ~nd no more than five days after oompletion of the
event. Other speci~1 event ~nd/or public purpose signs of ~ temporary nature
m~y be approved on ~ case by c~se basis. The type of sign, size, design
~nd length of displ~y will be determined by the community development
coordin~tor.
1. One temporary grand opening sign shall be permitted for thirty (30) days
after the issuance of an occupational license for any new business. new
owner of an existing business. or business name change. Such sign shall
not exceed twelve (12) square feet in total sign face area or such sign
may be a temporary covering. such as a toaster cover. sign boot. or sign
sock. which covers an existing permitted attached or freestanding sign.
2. Other temporary special event and/or public purpose signs of a temporary
nature may be approved on a case by case basis. The type of sign. size.
design and length of display shall be determined by the Community
Development Coordinator.
Section 6. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-1805, Signs permitted
without a permit, is hereby amended by revising Section 3-1805(Q) as follows:
(Q) Window signs which occupy less than 20 percent of the total area of the
windov.' where the sign is loc~ted or four square foet, whichever is less .YQ
to eight (8) square feet in area may be located on any window area
provided such sign does not exceed twenty-five percent (25%) of the total
area of the window where the sign is located. In no case shall the
cumulative area of all window signs erected exceed twenty-four (24) square
feet in area.
Section 7. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2102(A), is hereby
amended by revising subsection (4) and by adding a new subsection (13) as follows:
A. The following temporary uses are permitted subject to obtaining a level
one approval in accordance with the provisions of Article 4, Division 3 and
the provisions of this division:
3
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
1. Circuses and/or carnivals.
2. Contractors offices and/or construction sheds.
3. Evangelical and religious revivals or assemblies.
4. Opon lot G Sales for Christmas trees, pumpkins or other seasonal
materials.
5. Other temporary recreational or entertainment related events or
activities such as fairs, concerts or festivals.
6. Outdoor bazaars, cookouts, special fund raising sales and/or
similar activities.
7. Sidewalk sales.
8. Temporary commercial parking lots associated with special events.
9. Temporary real estate sales offices.
10. Temporary relocation tents or mobile homes for displaced persons
as a result of natural or man made disasters in a neighborhood or
area.
11. Temporary retail special sales and displays (e.g., occasional
sidewalk or parking lot sales).
12. Block and neighborhood parties.
13. Portable storage units.
Section 8. Article 3, Development Standards, Section 3-2103 Standards, is
hereby amended by revising the subsection as follows:
Section 3-2103 Standards.
* * * * * * * * * *
6. All temporary uses shall comply with the following additional conditions or
requirements:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES
4
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Temporary Use Maximum Cumulative Permitted Districts
Allowable Time Period for
Each Separate Use (per
site per calendar year or
absolute time limitation, as
applicable)
Block and neighborhood 2 days All residential districts
parties
Circuses or carnivals 14 days C, IRT and I
Contractors office and/or During construction period All districts
construction sheds only while building permit
is valid
Evangelical and religious 7 days C, D, T and IRT
revivals or assemblies
Garage, yard or estate No more than 2 times per All residential districts
sales property within one year;
no longer than 3 days
each
Sales for: Christmas tree 45 days All non-residential zoning
and pumpkin sales and districts
other seasonal sales
Other temporary 7 days, except 14 days for All nonresidential districts
recreational or annual events approved
entertainment events by the special events
committee
Outdoor bazaars, 2 days C, I and D
cookouts, special fund
raising sales and/or similar
activities
Sidewalk sales 7 days in conjunction with T and D
a special event
Temporary commercial The period of time during All districts
parking lots which the temporary use
the parking serves is
authorized
Temporary relocation tents 18 months (unless Within a designated area
or mobile homes for authorized longer by
displaced persons commission resolution)
Temporary real estate 24 months All districts
sales office or model home
Temporary retail sales and 7 days (not more than 4 T, C and D
displays times per year)
5
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
Portable storage units 06 hours (not more th::m -1 All districts
times per ye:Jr) unless
:Jssoci:Jted INith permitted
construction.
Residentially zoned
property: 4 days. not
more than 4 times a year.
Non-residentially zoned
property: 30 days, not
more than 4 times a year
or for the duration of an
active construction permit.
Refer to Sections 3-
21 03(B)(3) and 21 03(C)(2)
for additional
requirements.
* * * * * * * * *
3. Portable storage units, not exceeding eight (8) feet in height, eight (8) feet
in width, and sixteen (16) feet in length may be permitted on a site '.vith an
active building permit for the storage of items from the site. The port:Jble
ctor:Jge unit m:JY remain on the site fDr the length of the active permit.
provided such Portable storage units sflaU comply with the following
provisions:
a. One portable storage unit may be located on any lot occupied by a
single family dwelling. The number of permitted portable storage units
for all other uses shall be decided by the Community Development
Coordinator based on the amount of construction, size of property and
the ability to locate the portable storage unit in accordance with the
requirements below.
b. Portable storage units may be located in a required setback;
c. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to impair
a motor vehicle operator's view of motor vehicles, bicycles or
pedestrians upon entering or exiting a right-of-way;
d. Portable storage units shall not be located in such a manner to
obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
e. The location of a portable storage unit shall be approved by the
Community Development Coordinator;
6
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
f. Gfle Two sign face~, no more than 12" x 18" each, shall be permitted
on a portable storage unit; and
g. A sticker shall be affixed to all portable storage units indicating the
date on which the portable storage unit is delivered to a property.
h. If the National Weather Advisory Service or other qualified weather
advisory service identifies weather conditions which are predicted to
include winds of 75 mph or greater, all portable storage units shall be
removed from all properties and placed in approved storage locations
at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the predicted onset of such
winds or as soon as reasonably practical if less notice is provided.
This requirement may be modified by the Building Official upon receipt
of adequate documentation from a registered architect or engineer or
other professional qualified to give such opinion that a greater wind
loading pertain to a particular portable storage unit model or
manufacturer so that the portable storage unit is unlikely to be moved
by winds greater than the predicted winds. As an alternative to
removal, the portable storage vendor may submit a tie down proposal
for approval by the Building Official and each portable storage unit not
removed shall be tied down in the approved manner.
I. Any portable storage unit which is not removed at the end of the time
for which it may lawfully remain in place, or immediately upon the
direction of a code enforcement officer for removal of such temporary
structure for safety reasons, may be removed by the City immediately,
without notice, and the cost of such removal, together with the cost of
administration of its removal, may be assessed against the property on
which the temporary structure was located and may be filed as a lien
against such property by the City Clerk
* * * * * * * * * * *
6 Portable storage units for a period not exceeding 06 hours four (4) days no
more than four (4) times a year-:- on residentially zoned property and thirty (30)
days on non-residentially zoned property no more than four (4) times a year.
1\ sticker shall be affixed to the unit indicating the date on which it is delivered
to the property. One sign fnceQ, not more than 12" x 18" in area, shall be
permitted on a portable storage unit. The removal provisions of Section 3
21 03(B)(3)(I) above shall also apply.
Section 9. Article 6, Nonconformity Provisions, Section 6-101, Purpose/
Applicability is hereby amended by revising the purpose/applicability provisions as
follows:
The purpose of this division is to regulate and limit the development and
continued existence of uses, structures and lots which were lawful on the date
7
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
of the adoption of this Code. but which would be prohibited. regulated. or
restricted under the terms established herein. eff-ootive date of thiE: development
code that do not oonform to thiE: code. 'Nhile nonoonformities may continue, the
provisions of this artiole are designed to encourage the improvement or
elimination of nonconformitieE: in order to better aohieve the purposes of this
dovelopment code. While nonconformities may continue, it is the intent of this
development code to bring nonconforming properties into compliance with the
provisions of this code in coniunction with a change of use. redevelopment. or
any other change of condition of the property in order to eliminate the
nonconformity or to bring the nonconformity as practical as possible to a
conforming status.
Section 10. Article 7, Enforcement Proceedings and Penalties, Section 7-
102(A)(2), Municipal Code Enforcement Board/special Master Hearing Procedures,
Notification of violations is hereby amended by revising nuisance cases procedures as
follows:
Nuisance cases. Upon completion of a field investigation by a code enforcement
officer and determination that a nuisance exists under Code of Ordinances
Section 3-1503, the property shall be posted with a notice advising of the
existence and nature of the violation and requiring compliance within taR five
days after the date of posting or the filing of a notice of appeal to the municipal
code enforcement board during such taR five day period. In nuisance cases
only, posting of notice shall be deemed legally sufficient to provide notice; the
code enforcement officer may additionally attempt to obtain personal service
upon and/or mail notice to the property owner within the taR five day period.
Section 11. Article 8, Definitions and Rules for Construction, Section 8-102,
Definitions is hereby amended by revising the definition of overnight accommodations
as follows:
Overnight accommodations means any unit. group of units, dwelling. building or
group of buildings within a single complex of buildings. which is rented to guest
more than three (3) times in a calendar year for a period of less than thirty (30)
days or 1 month at a time, whichever is less. or which is advertised or held out to
the public as a place regularly rented to guests. a building or portion thereof
designed and uE:ed primarily to provide sleeping aocommodationE: for transient
guests for a daily or weekly rental charge and including interval E:uch office,
meeting, restaurant faoilities aE: are integral to its primary funotion.
Section 12. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL
READING AND ADOPTED
8
Ordinance No. 6573-00
Approved as to form:
.
Leslie K. Dougall-Sides
Assistant City Attorney
.
Brian J. Aungst
Mayor-Commissioner
Attest:
Cynthia E. Goudeau
City Clerk
9
Ordinance No. 6573-00
.
.
NOTICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE
TEXT AMENDMENT
The City of Clearwater, Florida, proposed to adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CODE; AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES;
AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 3-
918 ENTITLED RENTING OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1407, PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-1407(A) PROHIBITING THE
PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON GRASS IN A REQUIRED FRONT SETBACK; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1503 NUISANCES, BY
REVISING SECTION 3-1503(B)(l2) REGARDING NEWSRACKS AND VENDING MACHINES; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING
TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY REVISING WINDOW SIGN REGULATIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2102(A), PERMITIED
TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2103(A)(6), ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES BY REVISING PORTABLE
STORAGE UNIT REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103(B)(3) BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2103(C)(2) BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 6, SECTION 6-101 BY REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 8, DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, SECTION 8-102
DEFINITIONS, BY REVISING THE DEFINITION OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THIS MATTER:
Communi tv Development Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 18,2000, at 1:00 p.m.
AND
City Commission Meeting
Thursday, July 20, 2000
(at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard)
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, City Hall, 3rd Floor
112 S. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida
Additional information is available in the Planning and Development Services Department at the
Municipal Services Building, 100 South Myrtle A venue, Clearwater, Florida.
Florida Statute 286.0105 states: Any person appealing a decision of this board must have a
record of the proceedings to support such an appeal. A person taking an appeal will need to
ensure that a verbatim record, including testimony and evidence, is made. The inclusion of this
statement does not create or imply a right to appeal the decision to be made at this hearing if the
right to an appeal does not exist as a matter of law.
Citizens may appear to be heard or file written notice of approval or objection with the Planning
and Development Services Director or the City Clerk prior to or during the public hearing.
A COpy OF THIS AD IN LARGE PRINT IS AVAILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK DEPT.
AND ANY PERSON WITH A DISABILITY REQUIRING REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD
CALL THE CITY CLERK DEPT WITH THEIR REQUEST AT (727) 562-4090.
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, Fl 33758-4748
Cynthia E. Goudeau, CMC/ AAE
City Clerk
Ad: 07/01100
.
.
NOTICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMESQRY
TEXT AMENDMENT
The City of Clearwater, Florida, proposed to adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 6573-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT CODE; AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
601, DOCKS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION ENTITLED PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITIES;
AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, BY ADDING A NEW SECTION 3-
918 ENTITLED RENTING OF RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3,
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1407, PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS, BY ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-1407(A) PROHIBITING THE
PARKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON GRASS IN A REQUIRED FRONT SETBACK; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1503 NUISANCES, BY
REVISING SECTION 3-1503(B)(l2) REGARDING NEWS RACKS AND VENDING MACHINES; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(C) BY REVISING
TEMPORARY SIGN REGULATIONS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805(Q) BY REVISING WINDOW SIGN REGULATIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2102(A), PERMITTED
TEMPORARY USES; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2103(A)(6), ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR TEMPORARY USES BY REVISING PORTABLE
STORAGE UNIT REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-2103(B)(3) BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT
REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-
2103(C)(2) BY REVISING PORTABLE STORAGE UNIT REQUIREMENTS; AND AMENDING
ARTICLE 6, SE<lTION 6-101 BY REVISING THE PURPOSE/APPLICABILITY PROVISIONS; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 8, DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF CONSTRUCTION, SECTION 8-102
DEFINITIONS, BY REViSING THE DEFINITION OF OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
'.
...
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THIS MATTER:
Community Development Board Meeting
Tuesday, July 18,2000, at 1:00 p.m.
AND
City Commission Meeting
Thursday, July 20, 2000
(at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard)
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, City Hall, 3rd Floor
112 S: Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida
Additional information is available in the Planning and Development Services Department at the
Municipal Services Building, 100 South Myrtle Avenue, Clearwater, Florida.
Florida Statute 286.0105 states: Any person appealing a decision of this board must have a
record of the proceedings to support such an appeal. A person taking an appeal will need to
ensure that a verbatim record, including testimony and evidence, is made. The inclusion of this
statement does not create or imply a right to appeal the decision to be made at this hearing if the
right to an appeal does not exist as a matter of law.
Citizens may appear to be heard or file written notice of approval or objection with the Planning
and Development Services Director or the City Clerk prior to or during the public hearing.
A COPY OF THIS AD IN LARGE PRINT IS A V AILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK DEPT.
AND ANY PERSON WITH A DISABILITY REQUIRING REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD
CALL THE CITY CLERK DEPT WITH THEIR REQUEST AT (727) 562-4090.
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FI 33758-4748
Cynthia E. Goudeau, CMC/AAE
City Clerk
Ad: 07/01100
.
.
Clearwater City Commission
Agenda Cover Memorandum
W orksession Item #
Pinal Agenda Item #
Meeting Date
Julv 20. 2000
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Amendments to the Community Development Code.
MOTION: APPROVE text amendments to the Community Development Code and PASS Ordinance
No. 6573-00 on first reading.
D and that the appropriate officials be authorized to execute same.
SUMMARY:
When considering Ordinance No. 6526-00 at the June meetings, the City Commission deferred action on
several issues. Attached please find Ordinance No. 6573-00 which proposes amendments to the Community
Development Code addressing the following issues as requested by the Commission:
. Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
. Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on residential and non-residential
property;
. Increased amount of permitted window signage;
. Regulation of temporary sign coverings;
. Allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units; and
. Prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four additional amendments not previously discussed by the Commission be
considered:
. Allowance of roof structures on publicly owned boardwalks and observation platforms;
. Expansion of nuisance provisions regarding newsracks;
. Refinement of the nonconforming purpose provisions; and
. Reduction in amount oftime given to correct a nuisance violation.
Reviewed by: Originating Department: Costs: Commission Action:
Legal Planning and Development 0 Approved
Budget N/A Total 0 Approved with Conditions
Purchasing N/A User Department: 0 Denied
Risk Mgmt. N/A Current Fiscal Year 0 Continued to:
IS N/A Funding Source:
ACM N/A 0 Capital Improvement:
Other N/A Advertised: 0 Operating:
Date: 0 Other: Attachments:
Paper:
Submitted by: 0 Not Required Appropriation Code
Affected Parties
0 Notified 0 None
City Manager 0 Not Required
n
\'l' Printed on recycled paper
.
.
At the July 17th workshop, staff will address issues that were raised by the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner's Association and the request to amend the sign ordinance presented by Mr. Rapp. Staff is not
supporting amendments in regard to these issues.
The Community Development Board will review the proposed amendments at its regularly scheduled
meeting on July 18, 2000 and make a recommendation to the Commission. Staff will report the
recommendation at the City Commission meeting.
2
.
.
CDB Meeting Date: July 18. 2000
Case: T AOO-06-04
Agenda Item: C 2
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
ST AFF REPORT
TEXT AMENDMENT
REQUEST:
Amendments to the Community Development Code -
Ordinance No. 6573-00
INITIATED BY:
City of Clearwater City Commission and Planning Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When reviewing Ordinance No. 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance No. 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens. The
following issues were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20th
Commission meeting:
. Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
. Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property
and the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential
property, and the allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units;
. The amount of permitted window signage;
. The regulation of temporary sign coverings; and
. The prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially
zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four other amendments not discussed at either June meeting
be considered. The first issue is whether to permit roofed structures on publicly owned
boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature trails. The second is to establish
newsracks on publicly owned property not in compliance with Code requirements as a
nuisance. The third is to revise the purpose statement of the nonconforming provisions;
and the fourth is to reduce the amount of time allotted for compliance for nuisance
violations from ten days to five days.
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Revised 07-14-00
e
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The Community Development Board discussed and made a recommendation on several
of the issues found in this proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 at its workshop and public
hearing earlier this year on the six month code update. Those issues included portable
storage units, the prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in the front setback on
residentially zoned property and the rental of residentially zoned property. It is in the
Board's discretion whether to discuss and entertain comment on these issues again.
Alternatively, the Board may hear comments and discuss only the new issues in this
proposal.
At second reading of the code update ordinance, a representative of the Clearwater
Coalition of Homeowner Associations submitted a list of recommendations on the
following seven issues for consideration by the Commission:
Portable storage units - concern about such units being permitted during the duration
of a construction permit in residential areas;
Temporary yard signs - concern that this permits commercial signs in residential
areas for up to 90 days;
Supporting the addition of First Amendment protection language III the sIgn
provIsIOns;
Supporting the prohibition of parking on the grass;
Temporary signs - concern about ability to enforce existing code provisions;
Opposed to an increased height for telecommunication towers; and
Support further restriction on transfer of development rights.
Staff was directed to review these and make a recommendation on each. Of these seven
issues, staff has drafted amendments to the portable storage unit provisions, added the
prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in residential areas, and revised the temporary
sign requirements. Of the remaining issues, staff s position remains unchanged with no
revisions proposed in these four areas.
The Planning Department is also evaluating the amendment to the sign code proposed by
developer Jim Rapp that would give the Community Development Board authority to
approve signs larger than permitted. Research on this issue is underway and staff will be
prepared to discuss this with the Community Development Board at the meeting.
Below please find a description of the amendments proposed in Ordinance No. 6573-00,
as well as a discussion of the issues raised by the Coalition, which are not included in the
proposed ordinance.
2
Revised 07-14-00
.
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ANAL YSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 includes amendments addressing nme Issues. A
description of the amendments regarding each issue follows.
1. Renting of Residential Dwellings (Pages 2 and 8 of proposed ordinance,)
Staff is proposing an amendment to address the length of time residential units may
be rented before being considered a transient accommodation use. A new section 3-
918, entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings, is being proposed to the General
Applicability provisions found in Article 3 which would permit the renting or leasing
of dwelling units in residential zoning districts for periods no less than thirty-one
days. Any property rented for less than thirty-one days would be considered a
transient accommodation and would not be permitted in a residential zoning district.
This proposed amendment is consistent with the current requirements of the Pinellas
Planning Council's Rules Concerning the Administration of the Countywide Land
Use Plan.
The other proposed amendment revises the definition of overnight accommodations
in Section 8-102 to be consistent with the State of Florida's definition of public
lodging establishment.
Another option to consider would be a regulation that permits a minimum number of
short-term rentals per year. Florida Statutes provides two thresholds for determining
if a property is operated as a public lodging establishment. The Board could consider
regulations that mirror Florida Statute by prohibiting dwelling units from being
advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests or rented or
leased more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or
one calendar month at a time.
Staff has met with representatives of the Bay Area Apartment Association,
Clearwater Board of Realtors, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach
Chamber of Commerce, Sand Key Civic Association, and the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner Associations to discuss these proposed amendments. Staff has also
discussed them with the Pinellas Planning Council. At this point, the Council is
deferring action until after the Clearwater public hearing on this issue.
2. Parking on Landscaped Areas (Page 2 ofthe proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (4) to Section 3-1407(A) that would
prohibit the parking of vehicles and/or boats on landscaped areas in a required front
setback where parking is available on a paved driveway or existing designated non-
paved driveway, paved street or other paved area. The provision allows parking in
the setback on landscaped areas if no alternative paved area is available. Established
neighborhoods developed with no driveways could have vehicles parked on
landscaped areas if no other paved alternative exists.
3
Revised 07-14-00
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3. Temporary Sign Coverings/Grand Opening Signs (Page 3 of the proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
In response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster
covers, sign socks and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section
3-1805(C) which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit
toaster covers to encourage a business to install a new sign. At the June 1 st meeting,
the Commission directed staff to permit temporary coverings for grand openings for
new businesses or for business name changes and this has been added to the
ordinance. A provision was also added which imposes a time restriction of thirty
days after the issuance of an occupational license. Staff is also proposing to eliminate
the temporary sign that is permitted once a year for "periodic events."
The Coalition is concerned that the existing provisions are too difficult to enforce.
By eliminating periodic event signs and by relating grand opening signs to the
issuance of an occupational license, sign enforcement concerns are greatly
minimized. In order to accommodate the loss of one periodic event sign per year,
staff is also proposing increases in the amount of allowable window signage that is
discussed in the next issue below.
4. Window Signs (Page 3 of the proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the
Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign provision that restricts window
signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is located or 4 square feet,
whichever is less. Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to eight (8)
square feet in area provided that 25% of the window area on which the sign is located
is not exceeded. The amendment also imposes a maximum amount of window
signage of twenty-four (24) square feet so that window signage does not exceed the
amount of attached signage that is allowed.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage should also accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C).
5. Portable Storage Units (Pages 4 -7 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing several amendments to the portable storage unit provisions in
Section 3-2102(A), Section 3-2103(A)(6), 3-2103(B)(3) and 3-2103(C)(2). The
current regulations permit portable storage units for 96 hours or for the duration of a
construction permit on all property and permits one sign face, not exceeding 12" x
18" to be located on portable storage units. The City Commission directed staff to
provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property and to reduce
the amount of time a portable storage unit may be located on a residential property
with a valid construction permit.
4
Revised 07-14-00
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Staff is proposing the following changes to the current code requirements:
. Eliminate the provision allowing a portable storage unit on residentially zoned
property for the duration of an active construction permit (up to six months
duration). Permit a portable storage unit on residential property for no more than
four (4) days only and no more than four (4) times a year;
. Permit a portable storage unit on non-residential property for thirty (30) days or
for the duration of an active construction permit;
. Increase the number of permitted sign faces from one to two provided such faces
do not exceed 12" x 18" each; and
. Add portable storage unit to permitted temporary use list (ministerial
amendment).
The elimination of portable storage units permitted in conjunction with and for the
duration of a construction permit in residential areas is consistent with the Coalition's
recommendations.
6. Publicly Owned Boardwalks/Observation Platforms (Page 2 of proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601. This amendment
would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms,
elevated nature trails and other such structures not intended for use as a dock facility.
The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purpose of this amendment is to give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
7. Newsracks (Page 3 of proposed ordinance. The Community Development Board
did not review this particular issue regarding newsracks.)
Staff is proposing to expand the existing nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(l2). The current code requirement declares newsracks and
vending machines a nuisance if located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is
otherwise unsafe. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on public
property not in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance. The
proposed amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to remove
non-compliant racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not
removed.
5
Revised 07 -14-00
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8. Nonconformity Provisions (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section of the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment or
other change of condition.
9. Enforcement Proceedings (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to reduce the amount of time given to a property owner to correct a
nuisance violation. The proposed amendment reduces the required compliance time
from ten days to five days. This would provide the Community Response Team with
the means to require rapid resolution of nuisance situations. Examples of nuisances
include abandoned buildings; accumulations of weeds, debris, etc.; grass/weeds
exceeding twelve inches; and outdoor storage of dismantled or inoperative vehicles,
equipment, etc. It should be noted, however, that Community Response Team deals
with violations on a case-by-case basis and where circumstances dictate more time for
compliance, such flexibility would still exist. In addition, any violation of the code
not deemed a nuisance would be treated through the existing code enforcement board
process.
Outstandine Issues Presented by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner
Associations/Jim Rapp Sienaee
In response to the issues presented by the Coalition to the Commission at the June 15th
meeting and attached for your review, staff is not recommending any changes to the
following issues.
Temporary Yard Signs - The Coalition's concern is that the current definition of
temporary yard signs permits commercial speech in residential areas. Staff is not
recommending changing the temporary yard sign regulations. The basis for this opinion
is that cities are generally prohibited from regulating content on a sign and may only
regulate other physical characteristics of a sign.
First Amendment Protection Language - Staff is not recommending adding this
language to the code.
Telecommunication Tower Height - The amendment approved by the Commission to
the telecommunication tower regulations provides the Community Development Board
the authority to approve an additional twenty-five (25) feet of height, if such height can
eliminate the need for an additional tower. This provision permits the maximum height
of a tower to be increased from 160 feet to a maximum of 185 feet.
6
Revised 07 -14-00
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The increase would have minimal impacts on surrounding property. From the ground,
the height difference would be very difficult to discern. Staff supports maintaining the
provision that was approved by the Commission since additional height may only be
approved upon a finding that the increased height will reduce the need for a new tower.
Staff believes that the provision is fair and necessary.
Transfers of Development Rights - Significant amendments were made to the transfer
of development rights provisions which imposed strict limitations on the use of this
redevelopment tool. The new provision limits the amount of transfers that can be sent
and received, prohibits transfers from occurring from and to single family zoning
districts, and review criteria was added for the Community Development Board to use
when review applications for transfer of development rights. Staff supports maintaining
the regulations as approved by the City Commission.
Jim Rapp Sign age - Mr. Rapp has proposed an amendment to the sign code which
allows attached signs to increase in size as the buildings are setback farther from the
property line. Staff has researched other jurisdictions and has not found any examples of
this type of allowance. Staff has also found that this technique is difficult to apply
uniformly due to wide variations in rights-of-way and street widths. Staff also believes
that the allowances for freestanding signs allow for ample business identification. These
signs can be placed as close as five feet from the front property line, therefore staff is not
recommending this amendment.
CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS:
Code Section 4-601 specifies the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments.
Any code amendment must comply with the following.
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals,
policies, objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Below please find a selected list of goals, policies, objectives from the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code:
. Goal 2 - "Clearwater shall focus on the renewal of declining areas, stabilization of
built-up neighborhoods, and infill development to encourage economic vitality and
counteract the scarcity of vacant land."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, the limitations for portable storage
units in residential areas, and the ability to require rapid abatement of nuisance
violations will further the goal of renewing declining areas and stabilizing built-up
neighborhood by imposing restrictions which promote stability, heightened property
maintenance standards, and aesthetics.
7
Revised 07 -14-00
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. Policy 2.4.2 - "Neighborhood preservation and infill development shall be
encouraged by maintenance and upgrading of public and private property."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, newsracks enforcement provisions,
and limitations on portable storage units in residential areas shall further
neighborhood preservation by encouraging property maintenance and upgrading of
both public and private property.
. Goal 3 - "The character of Clearwater as a high quality, attractive environment for
resort, residential, and business activities shall be enhanced and encouraged through
implementation of Clearwater's Comprehensive plan."
The provisions permitting roof structures on publicly owned observation platforms,
etc, the restriction on renting residential property, and the ability to require rapid
abatement of nuisance violations will work toward enhancing the City's residential
and resort character.
2. The proposed amendments further the purposes of the Community
Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to
implement the Plan.
The proposed text amendments revise development standards found in Article 3, the
purpose/applicability provisions for nonconformities in Article 6, enforcement
procedures in Article 7, and a definition in Article 8 of the Community Development
Code. The proposed amendments are consistent with the following purposes of the Code.
. Section l-103(A) - It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the
Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and
quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to
establish rules of procedures for land development approvals; to enhance the
character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the
quality oflife of all residents and property owners of the city;
. Section 1-103(E)(2) - Protect the character and the social and economic stability of all
parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage
the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city; and
. Section 1-103(E)(3) - Protect and conserve the value of land throughout the city and
the value of buildings and improvements upon the land, and minimize the conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
8
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SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code. The amendments require high standards for
improvements on public property, provide businesses with reasonable opportunities for
temporary and window signage, impose high standards for property maintenance and
temporary uses, and permits the rapid enforcement of nuisance violations.
The Planning Department Staff recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 6573-00 that
makes revisions to the Community Development Code.
Prepared by: Gina L. Clayton
ATTACHMENTS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00.
Open Issues List by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner's Association
Letter from Nicholas Fritsch and Joe Calio
9
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CDB Meeting Date: July 18. 2000
Case: T AOO-06-04
Agenda Item: C 2
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
ST AFF REPORT
TEXT AMENDMENT
REQUEST:
Amendments to the Community Development Code -
Ordinance No. 6573-00
INITIATED BY:
City of Clearwater City Commission and Planning Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When reviewing Ordinance No. 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance No. 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens.
Based on discussions at the first reading of Ordinance No. 6526-00 the following issues
were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20th Commission
meeting:
. Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
. Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property
and the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential
property;
. The amount of permitted window signage; and
. The regulation of temporary sign coverings.
At the second reading of Ordinance No. 6526-00 on June 15th, the City Commission
directed staff to also include the following issues in an ordinance to be considered at the
July 20th meeting:
. The allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units; and
. The prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially
zoned districts.
1
Revised 6-29-00
.
.
Staff is also requesting that the Commission consider four other amendments that were
not discussed at either June meeting. The first issue is whether to permit roofed
structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature
trails. The second is to establish newsracks on publicly owned property not in
compliance with Code requirements as a nuisance. The third is to revise the purpose
statement of the nonconforming provisions; and the fourth is to reduce the amount of
time allotted for compliance for nuisance violations from ten days to five days.
A representative of the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner Associations also submitted
a list of recommendations on the following issues:
Portable storage units - concern about such units being permitted during the duration
of a construction permit in residential areas;
Temporary yard signs - concern that this permits commercial signs in residential
areas for up to 90 days;
Supporting the addition of First Amendment protection language III the sIgn
prOVIsIOns;
Supporting the prohibition of parking on the grass;
Temporary signs - concern about ability to enforce existing code provisions;
Opposed to an increased height for telecommunication towers; and
Support further restriction on transfer of development rights.
Of these seven issues, staff is proposing to amend the portable storage unit provisions,
add the prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in residential areas, and revise the
temporary sign requirements. Of the remaining issues, staff position remains unchanged
with no revision proposed in these four areas.
The Planning Department is evaluating the amendment to the sign code proposed by Mr.
Rapp which would give the Community Development Board authority to approve signs
larger than permitted. Staff will be prepared to discuss this with the Commission at the
July 20th meeting.
Below please find a description of the amendments proposed in Ordinance No. 6573-00,
as well as a discussion of the issues raised by the Coalition which are not included in the
proposed ordinance.
2
Revised 6-29-00
.
.
ANALYSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 includes amendments addressing mne Issues. A
description of the amendments regarding each issue follows.
1. Renting of Residential Dwellings
Staff is proposing an amendment to address the length of time residential units may
be rented before being considered a transient accommodation use. A new section 3-
918, entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings, is being proposed to the General
Applicability provisions found in Article 3 which would permit the renting or leasing
of dwelling units in residential zoning districts for periods no less than thirty-one
days. Any property rented for less than thirty-one days would be considered a
transient accommodation and would not be permitted in a residential zoning district.
This proposed amendment is consistent with the current requirements of the Pinellas
Planning Council's Rules Concerning the Administration of the Countywide Land
Use Plan.
The other proposed amendment revises the definition of overnight accommodations
in Section 8-102 to be consistent with the State of Florida's definition of public
lodging establishment.
Another option to consider would be a regulation that permits a minimum number of
short term rentals per year. Florida Statutes provides two thresholds for determining
if a property is operated as a public lodging establishment. The Board could consider
regulations that prohibit dwelling units from being advertised or held out to the public
as a place regularly rented to guests or rented or leased more than three times in a
calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or one calendar month at a time.
Staff has met with representatives of the Bay Area Apartment Association,
Clearwater Board of Realtors, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach
Chamber of Commerce, Sand Key Civic Association, and the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner Associations to discuss these proposed amendments. Staff has also
discussed them with the Pinellas Planning Council. At this point, the Council is
deferring action until after the Clearwater public hearing on this issue.
2. Parking on Landscaped Areas
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (4) to Section 3-1407(A) which would
prohibit the parking of vehicles on landscaped areas in a required front setback where
parking is available on a paved driveway, paved street or other paved area. The
provision allows parking in the setback on landscaped areas if no alternative paved
area is available. Established neighborhoods developed with no driveways could
have vehicles parked on landscaped areas if no other paved alternative exists.
3
Revised 6-29-00
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3. Temporary Sign Coverings/Grand Opening Signs
In response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster
covers, sign socks and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section
3-1805(C) which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit
toaster covers. At the June 1 sl meeting, the Commission directed staff to permit
temporary coverings for grand openings for new businesses or for business name
changes and this has been added to the ordinance. A provision was also added which
imposes a time restriction of thirty days after the issuance of an occupational license.
Staff is also proposing to eliminate the temporary sign that is permitted once a year
for "periodic events."
The Coalition is concerned that the existing provisions are too difficult to enforce.
By eliminating periodic event signs and by relating grand opening signs to the
issuance of an occupational license, sign enforcement concerns are greatly
minimized. In order to accommodate the loss of one periodic event sign per year,
staff is also proposing increases in the amount of allowable window signage which is
discussed in the next issue below.
4. Window Signs
Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign provision that restricts window
signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is located or 4 square feet,
whichever is less. Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to eight (8)
square feet in area provided that 25% of the window area on which the sign is located
is not exceeded.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage should also accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C).
5. Portable Storage Units
Staff is proposing several amendments to the portable storage unit provisions in
Section 3-2102(A), Section 3-2103(A)(6), 3-2103(B)(3) and 3-2103(C)(2). The
current regulations permit portable storage units for 96 hours or for the duration of a
construction permit on all property and permits one sign face, not exceeding 12" x
18" to be located on portable storage units. The City Commission directed staff to
provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property and to reduce
the amount of time a portable storage unit may be located on a residential property
with a valid construction permit.
Staff is proposing the following changes to the current code requirements:
4
Revised 6-29-00
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.
. Eliminate the provision allowing a portable storage unit on residentially zoned
property for the duration of a construction permit (up to six months duration).
Permit a portable storage unit on residential property for seven (7) days only;
. Permit a portable storage unit on non-residential property for thirty (30) days or
for the duration of an active construction permit;
. Increase the number of permitted sign faces from one to two provided such faces
do not exceed 12" x 18" each; and
. Add portable storage unit to permitted temporary use list (ministerial
amendment).
The elimination of portable storage units permitted in conjunction with and for the
duration of a construction permit in residential areas is consistent with the Coalition's
recommendations.
6. Publicly Owned Boardwalks/Observation Platforms
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601. This amendment
would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms,
elevated nature trails and other such structures not intended for use as a dock facility.
The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purposed of this amendment is give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
7. N ewsracks
Staff is proposing to expand the existing nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(l2). The current code requirement declares newsracks and
vending machines located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is otherwise
unsafe to be a nuisance. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on
public property not in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance.
The proposed amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to
remove non-compliant racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not
removed.
8. Nonconformity Provisions
Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section of the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment or
any other change of condition.
5
Revised 6-29-00
.
.
Outstanding Issues Presented by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner Associations
In response to the issues presented by the Coalition to the Commission at the June 15th
meeting and attached for your review, staff is not recommending any changes to the
following issues.
Temporary Yard Signs - The Coalition's concern is that the current definition of
temporary yard signs permits commercial speech in residential areas. The City
Attorney's office does not recommend changing the temporary yard sign regulations and
is in the process of preparing a legal opinion on this issue. The basis for this opinion is
that cities are generally prohibited from regulating content on a sign and may only
regulate other physical characteristics of a sign.
First Amendment Protection Language - The City Attorney's office does not
recommend adding this language to the code and is in the process of preparing a legal
opinion on this issue.
Telecommunication Tower Height - The amendment approved by the Commission to
the telecommunication tower regulations provides the Community Development Board
the authority to approve an additional twenty-five (25) feet of height, if such height can
eliminate the need for an additional tower. This provision permits the maximum height
of a tower to be increased from 160 feet to a maximum of 185 feet.
The increase would have minimal impacts on surrounding property. From the ground,
the height difference would be very difficult to discern. Staff supports maintaining the
provision that was approved by the Commission since additional height may only be
approved upon a finding that the increased height will reduce the need for a new tower.
Staff believes that the provision is fair and necessary.
Transfer of Development Rights - Significant amendments were made to the transfer
of development rights provisions which imposed strict limitations on the use of this
redevelopment tool. The new provision limits the amount of transfers that can be sent
and received, it prohibits transfers from occurring from and to single family zoning
districts, and review criteria was added for the Community Development Board to use
when review applications for transfer of development rights. Staff supports maintaining
the regulations as approved by the City Commission.
CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS:
Code Section 4-601 specifies the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments.
Any code amendment must comply with the following.
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals,
policies, objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
6
Revised 6-29-00
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.
Below please find a selected list of goals, policies, objectives from the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code:
. Goal 2 - "Clearwater shall focus on the renewal of declining areas, stabilization of
built-up neighborhoods, and infill development to encourage economic vitality and
counteract the scarcity of vacant land."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback and the limitations for portable
storage units in residential areas will further the goal of renewing declining areas and
stabilizing built-up neighborhood by imposing restrictions which promote stability,
heightened property maintenance standards, and aesthetics.
. Policy 2.4.2 - "Neighborhood preservation and infill development shall be
encouraged by maintenance and upgrading of public and private property."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, newsracks enforcement provisions,
and limitations on portable storage units in residential areas shall further
neighborhood preservation by encouraging property maintenance and upgrading of
both public and private property.
. Goal 3 - "The character of Clearwater as a high quality, attractive environment for
resort, residential, and business activities shall be enhanced and encouraged through
implementation of Clearwater's Comprehensive plan."
The provisions permitting roof structures on publicly owned observation platforms,
etc, the restriction on renting residential property, and the ability to require rapid
abatement of nuisance violations will work toward enhancing the City's residential
and resort character.
2. The proposed amendments further the purposes of the Community
Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to
implement the Plan.
The proposed text amendments revise development standards found in Article 3 of the
Community Development Code. The proposed amendments are consistent with the
following purposes of the Code.
. Section 1-103(A) - It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the
Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and
quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to
establish rules of procedures for land development approvals; to enhance the
character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the
quality of life of all residents and property owners of the city;
7
Revised 6-29-00
.
.
. Section 1-103(E)(2) - Protect the character and the social and economic stability of all
parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage
the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city; and
. Section 1-103(E)(3) - Protect and conserve the value ofland throughout the city and
the value of buildings and improvements upon the land, and minimize the conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code. The amendments require high standards for
improvements on public property, provide businesses with reasonable opportunities for
temporary signage and impose high standards for property maintenance and temporary
uses.
The Community Development Board will review proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 on
July 18, 2000. Staff will report the Board's recommendation at the July 20th Commission
meeting.
The Planning Department Staff recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 6573-00
which makes revisions to the Community Development Code.
Prepared by: Gina L. Clayton
ATTACHMENT:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00.
Open Issues List by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner's Association
8
Revised 6-29-00
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CDB Meeting Date: July 18.2000
Case: T AOO-06-04
Agenda Item: C 2
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
STAFF REPORT
TEXT AMENDMENT
REQUEST:
Amendments to the Community Development Code -
Ordinance No. 6573-00
INITIA TED BY:
City of Clearwater City Commission and Planning Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When reviewing Ordinance No. 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance No. 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens. The
following issues were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20th
Commission meeting:
. Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
. Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property
and the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential
property, and the allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units;
. The amount of permitted window signage;
. The regulation of temporary sign coverings; and
. The prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially
zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four other amendments not discussed at either June meeting
be considered. The first issue is whether to permit roofed structures on publicly owned
boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature trails. The second is to establish
newsracks on publicly owned property not in compliance with Code requirements as a
nuisance. The third is to revise the purpose statement of the nonconforming provisions;
and the fourth is to reduce the amount of time allotted for compliance for nuisance
violations from ten days to five days.
1
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.
The Community Development Board discussed and made a recommendation on several
of the issues found in this proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 at its workshop and public
hearing earlier this year on the six month code update. Those issues included portable
storage units, the prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in the front setback on
residentially zoned property and the rental of residentially zoned property. It is in the
Board's discretion whether to discuss and entertain comment on these issues again.
Alternatively, the Board may hear comments and discuss only the new issues in this
proposal.
At second reading of the code update ordinance, a representative of the Clearwater
Coalition of Homeowner Associations submitted a list of recommendations on the
following seven issues for consideration by the Commission:
Portable storage units - concern about such units being permitted during the duration
of a construction permit in residential areas;
Temporary yard signs - concern that this permits commercial sIgns in residential
areas for up to 90 days;
Supporting the addition of First Amendment protection language In the sIgn
prOVIsIons;
Supporting the prohibition of parking on the grass;
Temporary signs - concern about ability to enforce existing code provisions;
Opposed to an increased height for telecommunication towers; and
Support further restriction on transfer of development rights.
Staff was directed to review these and make a recommendation on each. Of these seven
issues, staff has drafted amendments to the portable storage unit provisions, added the
prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in residential areas, and revised the temporary
sign requirements. Of the remaining issues, staff's position remains unchanged with no
revisions proposed in these four areas.
The Planning Department is also evaluating the amendment to the sign code proposed by
developer Jim Rapp that would give the Community Development Board authority to
approve signs larger than permitted. Research on this issue is underway and staff will be
prepared to discuss this with the Community Development Board at the meeting.
Below please find a description of the amendments proposed in Ordinance No. 6573-00,
as well as a discussion of the issues raised by the Coalition, which are not included in the
proposed ordinance.
2
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.
ANALYSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 includes amendments addressing nIne Issues. A
description of the amendments regarding each issue follows.
1. Renting of Residential Dwellings (Pages 2 and 8 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing an amendment to address the length of time residential units may
be rented before being considered a transient accommodation use. A new section 3-
918, entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings, is being proposed to the General
Applicability provisions found in Article 3 which would permit the renting or leasing
of dwelling units in residential zoning districts for periods no less than thirty-one
days. Any property rented for less than thirty-one days would be considered a
transient accommodation and would not be permitted in a residential zoning district.
This proposed amendment is consistent with the current requirements of the Pinellas
Planning Council's Rules Concerning the Administration of the Countywide Land
Use Plan.
The other proposed amendment revises the definition of overnight accommodations
in Section 8-102 to be consistent with the State of Florida's definition of public
lodging establishment.
Another option to consider would be a regulation that permits a minimum number of
short-term rentals per year. Florida Statutes provides two thresholds for determining
if a property is operated as a public lodging establishment. The Board could consider
regulations that mirror Florida Statute by prohibiting dwelling units from being
advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests or rented or
leased more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or
one calendar month at a time.
Staff has met with representatives of the Bay Area Apartment Association,
Clearwater Board of Realtors, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach
Chamber of Commerce, Sand Key Civic Association, and the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner Associations to discuss these proposed amendments. Staff has also
discussed them with the Pinellas Planning Council. At this point, the Council is
deferring action until after the Clearwater public hearing on this issue.
2. Parking on Landscaped Areas (Page 2 of the proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (4) to Section 3-1407(A) that would
prohibit the parking of vehicles on landscaped areas in a required front setback where
parking is available on a paved driveway, paved street or other paved area. The
provision allows parking in the setback on landscaped areas if no alternative paved
area is available. Established neighborhoods developed with no driveways could
have vehicles parked on landscaped areas if no other paved alternative exists.
3
.
.
3. Temporary Sign Coverings/Grand Opening Signs (Page 3 of the proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
In response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster
covers, sign socks and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section
3-1805(C) which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit
toaster covers to encourage a business to install a new sign. At the June 1 st meeting,
the Commission directed staff to permit temporary coverings for grand openings for
new businesses or for business name changes and this has been added to the
ordinance. A provision was also added which imposes a time restriction of thirty
days after the issuance of an occupational license. Staff is also proposing to eliminate
the temporary sign that is permitted once a year for "periodic events."
The Coalition is concerned that the existing provisions are too difficult to enforce.
By eliminating periodic event signs and by relating grand opening signs to the
issuance of an occupational license, sign enforcement concerns are greatly
minimized. In order to accommodate the loss of one periodic event sign per year,
staff is also proposing increases in the amount of allowable window signage that is
discussed in the next issue below.
4. Window Signs (Page 3 of the proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the
Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign provision that restricts window
signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is located or 4 square feet,
whichever is less. Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to eight (8)
square feet in area provided that 25% of the window area on which the sign is located
is not exceeded. The amendment also imposes a maximum amount of window
signage of twenty-four (24) square feet so that window signage does not exceed the
amount of attached signage that is allowed.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage should also accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C).
5. Portable Storage Units (Pages 4 - 7 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing several amendments to the portable storage unit provISIOns 10
Section 3-2102(A), Section 3-2103(A)(6), 3-2103(B)(3) and 3-2103(C)(2). The
current regulations permit portable storage units for 96 hours or for the duration of a
construction permit on all property and permits one sign face, not exceeding 12" x
18" to be located on portable storage units. The City Commission directed staff to
provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property and to reduce
the amount of time a portable storage unit may be located on a residential property
with a valid construction permit.
4
.
.
Staff is proposing the following changes to the current code requirements:
· Eliminate the provision allowing a portable storage unit on residentially zoned
property for the duration of an active construction permit (up to six months
duration). Permit a portable storage unit on residential property for no more than
four (4) days only and no more than four (4) times a year;
. Permit a portable storage unit on non-residential property for thirty (30) days or
for the duration of an active construction permit;
. Increase the number of permitted sign faces from one to two provided such faces
do not exceed 12" x 18" each; and
. Add portable storage unit to permitted temporary use list (ministerial
amendment).
The elimination of portable storage units permitted in conjunction with and for the
duration of a construction permit in residential areas is consistent with the Coalition's
recommendations.
6. Publicly Owned Boardwalks/Observation Platforms (Page 2 of proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601. This amendment
would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms,
elevated nature trails and other such structures not intended for use as a dock facility.
The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purpose of this amendment is to give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
7. Newsracks (Page 3 of proposed ordinance. The Community Development Board
did not review this particular issue regarding newsracks.)
Staff is proposing to expand the existing nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(12). The current code requirement declares newsracks and
vending machines a nuisance if located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is
otherwise unsafe. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on public
property not in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance. The
proposed amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to remove
non-compliant racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not
removed.
5
.
.
8. Nonconformity Provisions (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section of the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment or
other change of condition.
9. Enforcement Proceedings (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to reduce the amount of time given to a property owner to correct a
nuisance violation. The proposed amendment reduces the required compliance time
from ten days to five days. This would provide the Community Response Team with
the means to require rapid resolution of nuisance situations. Examples of nuisances
include abandoned buildings; accumulations of weeds, debris, etc.; grass/weeds
exceeding twelve inches; and outdoor storage of dismantled or inoperative vehicles,
equipment, etc. It should be noted, however, that Community Response Team deals
with violations on a case-by-case basis and where circumstances dictate more time for
compliance, such flexibility would still exist. In addition, any violation of the code
not deemed a nuisance would be treated through the existing code enforcement board
process.
Outstandin2 Issues Presented bv the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner
Associations
In response to the issues presented by the Coalition to the Commission at the June 15th
meeting and attached for your review, staff is not recommending any changes to the
following issues.
Temporary Yard Signs - The Coalition's concern is that the current definition of
temporary yard signs permits commercial speech in residential areas. The City
Attorney's office does not recommend changing the temporary yard sign regulations.
The basis for this opinion is that cities are generally prohibited from regulating content on
a sign and may only regulate other physical characteristics of a sign.
First Amendment Protection Language - The City Attorney's office does not
recommend adding this language to the code.
Telecommunication Tower Height - The amendment approved by the Commission to
the telecommunication tower regulations provides the Community Development Board
the authority to approve an additional twenty-five (25) feet of height, if such height can
eliminate the need for an additional tower. This provision permits the maximum height
of a tower to be increased from 160 feet to a maximum of 185 feet.
6
.
.
The increase would have minimal impacts on surrounding property. From the ground,
the height difference would be very difficult to discern. Staff supports maintaining the
provision that was approved by the Commission since additional height may only be
approved upon a finding that the increased height will reduce the need for a new tower.
Staff believes that the provision is fair and necessary.
Transfers of Development Rights - Significant amendments were made to the transfer
of development rights provisions which imposed strict limitations on the use of this
redevelopment tool. The new provision limits the amount of transfers that can be sent
and received, it prohibits transfers from occurring from and to single family zoning
districts, and review criteria was added for the Community Development Board to use
when review applications for transfer of development rights. Staff supports maintaining
the regulations as approved by the City Commission.
Additional Amendments Proposed By Plannin2 Staff
1. Residential Infill Projects - Based on one of the review criteria for residential infill
projects which addresses flexibility with regard to development standards, the Code
permits flexibility in development standards that may be reduced beyond what is
listed in the use charts. This flexibility requires the review and approval of the
Community Development Board. To more clearly identify this flexibility, staff is
proposing to add a footnote to each flexible development use chart in the residential
zoning districts specifying that the development standards enumerated for residential
infill projects are guidelines and may be varied depending on each site plan.
2. Fences - Staff added a provision in the code update regarding corner lot fences,
however, it does not adequately address differing corner lot configurations and needs
to be more specific. Staff is proposing that if a corner lot has a rear yard that abuts
the rear yard of another corner lot, a six-foot high fence would be permitted in the
yard abutting the side street. Staff is also proposing that if a rear yard of a corner lot
abuts a front yard of another lot that only a three-foot high fence be permitted in front
of the setback line of the principal building on the adjacent lot. This provision will
protect the view of an adjacent property owner.
3. Comprehensive Sign Program - Staff added provisions for monument signs in the
nonresidential zoning districts in the code update. It was never contemplated,
however, that such signs be subject to the comprehensive sign program which allows
an increase of up to 100% in sign size. Staff is proposing that an amendment
clarifying this be made to the comprehensive sign program provisions.
4. Temporary Yard Signs - Staff has determined there are no regulations that permit
political speech in the nonresidential zoning districts, therefore, staff is proposing that
the current temporary yard sign be expanded to include a sign, not exceeding thirty-
two (32) square feet, in the nonresidential zoning districts.
7
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Staff will provide the Board with draft ordinance language reflecting these proposed
changes at the meeting.
CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS:
Code Section 4-601 specifies the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments.
Any code amendment must comply with the following.
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals,
policies, objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Below please find a selected list of goals, policies, objectives from the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code:
· Goal 2 - "Clearwater shall focus on the renewal of declining areas, stabilization of
built-up neighborhoods, and infill development to encourage economic vitality and
counteract the scarcity of vacant land."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, the limitations for portable storage
units in residential areas, and the ability to require rapid abatement of nuisance
violations will further the goal of renewing declining areas and stabilizing built-up
neighborhood by imposing restrictions which promote stability, heightened property
maintenance standards, and aesthetics.
· Policy 2.4.2 - "Neighborhood preservation and infill development shall be
encouraged by maintenance and upgrading of public and private property."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, newsracks enforcement provisions,
and limitations on portable storage units in residential areas shall further
neighborhood preservation by encouraging property maintenance and upgrading of
both public and private property.
· Goal 3 - "The character of Clearwater as a high quality, attractive environment for
resort, residential, and business activities shall be enhanced and encouraged through
implementation of Clearwater' s Comprehensive plan."
The provisions permitting roof structures on publicly owned observation platforms,
etc, the restriction on renting residential property, and the ability to require rapid
abatement of nuisance violations will work toward enhancing the City's residential
and resort character.
8
.
.
2. The proposed amendments further the purposes of the Community
Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to
implement the Plan.
The proposed text amendments revise development standards found 10 Article 3, the
purpose/applicability provisions for nonconformities in Article 6, enforcement
procedures in Article 7, and a definition in Article 8 of the Community Development
Code. The proposed amendments are consistent with the following purposes of the Code.
· Section 1-103(A) - It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the
Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and
quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to
establish rules of procedures for land development approvals; to enhance the
character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the
quality of life of all residents and property owners of the city;
· Section 1-103 (E)(2) - Protect the character and the social and economic stability of all
parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage
the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city; and
· Section 1-103(E)(3) - Protect and conserve the value ofland throughout the city and
the value of buildings and improvements upon the land, and minimize the conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code. The amendments require high standards for
improvements on public property, provide businesses with reasonable opportunities for
temporary and window signage, impose high standards for property maintenance and
temporary uses, and permits the rapid enforcement of nuisance violations.
The Planning Department Staff recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 6573-00 that
makes revisions to the Community Development Code.
Prepared by: Gina L. ClaytonQ(j
ATTACHMENTS: .
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00.
Open Issues List by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner's Association
Letter from Nicholas Fritsch and Joe Calio
9
.
.
CDB Meeting Date: July 18. 2000
Case: T AOO-06-04
Agenda Item: C 2
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
STAFF REPORT
TEXT AMENDMENT
REQUEST:
Amendments to the Community Development Code -
Ordinance No. 6573-00
INITIA TED BY:
City of Clearwater City Commission and Planning Department
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
When reviewing Ordinance No. 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance No. 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens. The
following issues were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20th
Commission meeting:
. Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
· Regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property
and the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential
property, and the allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units;
. The amount of permitted window signage;
. The regulation of temporary sign coverings; and
· The prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially
zoned districts.
Staff is also requesting that four other amendments not discussed at either June meeting
be considered. The first issue is whether to permit roofed structures on publicly owned
boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature trails. The second is to establish
newsracks on publicly owned property not in compliance with Code requirements as a
nuisance. The third is to revise the purpose statement of the nonconforming provisions;
and the fourth is to reduce the amount of time allotted for compliance for nuisance
violations from ten days to five days.
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The Community Development Board discussed and made a recommendation on several
of the issues found in this proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 at its workshop and public
hearing earlier this year on the six month code update. Those issues included portable
storage units, the prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in the front setback on
residentially zoned property and the rental of residentially zoned property. It is in the
Board's discretion whether to discuss and entertain comment on these issues again.
Alternatively, the Board may hear comments and discuss only the new issues in this
proposal.
At second reading of the code update ordinance, a representative of the Clearwater
Coalition of Homeowner Associations submitted a list of recommendations on the
following seven issues for consideration by the Commission:
Portable storage units - concern about such units being permitted during the duration
of a construction permit in residential areas;
Temporary yard signs - concern that this permits commercial SIgns in residential
areas for up to 90 days;
Supporting the addition of First Amendment protection language 10 the SIgn
proVIsIons;
Supporting the prohibition of parking on the grass;
Temporary signs - concern about ability to enforce existing code provisions;
Opposed to an increased height for telecommunication towers; and
Support further restriction on transfer of development rights.
Staff was directed to review these and make a recommendation on each. Of these seven
issues, staff has drafted amendments to the portable storage unit provisions, added the
prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in residential areas, and revised the temporary
sign requirements. Of the remaining issues, staff s position remains unchanged with no
revisions proposed in these four areas.
The Planning Department is also evaluating the amendment to the sign code proposed by
developer Jim Rapp that would give the Community Development Board authority to
approve signs larger than permitted. Research on this issue is underway and staff will be
prepared to discuss this with the Community Development Board at the meeting.
Below please find a description of the amendments proposed in Ordinance No. 6573-00,
as well as a discussion of the issues raised by the Coalition, which are not included in the
proposed ordinance.
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ANALYSIS:
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00 includes amendments addressing nIne Issues. A
description of the amendments regarding each issue follows.
1. Renting of Residential Dwellings (Pages 2 and 8 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing an amendment to address the length of time residential units may
be rented before being considered a transient accommodation use. A new section 3-
918, entitled Renting of Residential Dwellings, is being proposed to the General
Applicability provisions found in Article 3 which would permit the renting or leasing
of dwelling units in residential zoning districts for periods no less than thirty-one
days. Any property rented for less than thirty-one days would be considered a
transient accommodation and would not be permitted in a residential zoning district.
This proposed amendment is consistent with the current requirements of the Pinellas
Planning Council's Rules Concerning the Administration of the Countywide Land
Use Plan.
The other proposed amendment revises the definition of overnight accommodations
in Section 8-102 to be consistent with the State of Florida's definition of public
lodging establishment.
Another option to consider would be a regulation that permits a minimum number of
short-term rentals per year. Florida Statutes provides two thresholds for determining
if a property is operated as a public lodging establishment. The Board could consider
regulations that mirror Florida Statute by prohibiting dwelling units from being
advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests or rented or
leased more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than thirty days or
one calendar month at a time.
Staff has met with representatives of the Bay Area Apartment Association,
Clearwater Board of Realtors, Clearwater Chamber of Commerce, Clearwater Beach
Chamber of Commerce, Sand Key Civic Association, and the Clearwater Coalition of
Homeowner Associations to discuss these proposed amendments. Staff has also
discussed them with the Pinellas Planning Council. At this point, the Council is
deferring action until after the Clearwater public hearing on this issue.
2. Parking on Landscaped Areas (Page 2 of the proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (4) to Section 3-1407(A) that would
prohibit the parking of vehicles on landscaped areas in a required front setback where
parking is available on a paved driveway, paved street or other paved area. The
provision allows parking in the setback on landscaped areas if no alternative paved
area is available. Established neighborhoods developed with no driveways could
have vehicles parked on landscaped areas if no other paved alternative exists.
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3. Temporary Sign Coverings/Grand Opening Signs (Page 3 of the proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
In response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster
covers, sign socks and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section
3-1805(C) which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit
toaster covers to encourage a business to install a new sign. At the June 1 st meeting,
the Commission directed staff to permit temporary coverings for grand openings for
new businesses or for business name changes and this has been added to the
ordinance. A provision was also added which imposes a time restriction of thirty
days after the issuance of an occupational license. Staff is also proposing to eliminate
the temporary sign that is permitted once a year for "periodic events."
The Coalition is concerned that the existing provisions are too difficult to enforce.
By eliminating periodic event signs and by relating grand opening signs to the
issuance of an occupational license, sign enforcement concerns are greatly
minimized. In order to accommodate the loss of one periodic event sign per year,
staff is also proposing increases in the amount of allowable window signage that is
discussed in the next issue below.
4. Window Signs (Page 3 of the proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the
Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign provision that restricts window
signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is located or 4 square feet,
whichever is less. Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to eight (8)
square feet in area provided that 25% of the window area on which the sign is located
is not exceeded. The amendment also imposes a maximum amount of window
signage of twenty-four (24) square feet so that window signage does not exceed the
amount of attached signage that is allowed.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage should also accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C).
5. Portable Storage Units (pages 4 - 7 of proposed ordinance.)
Staff is proposing several amendments to the portable storage unit provISIons In
Section 3-2102(A), Section 3-2103(A)(6), 3-2103(B)(3) and 3-2103(C)(2). The
current regulations permit portable storage units for 96 hours or for the duration of a
construction permit on all property and permits one sign face, not exceeding 12" x
18" to be located on portable storage units. The City Commission directed staff to
provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property and to reduce
the amount of time a portable storage unit may be located on a residential property
with a valid construction permit.
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Staff is proposing the following changes to the current code requirements:
· Eliminate the provision allowing a portable storage unit on residentially zoned
property for the duration of an active construction permit (up to six months
duration). Permit a portable storage unit on residential property for no more than
four (4) days only and no more than four (4) times a year;
· Permit a portable storage unit on non-residential property for thirty (30) days or
for the duration of an active construction permit;
· Increase the number of permitted sign faces from one to two provided such faces
do not exceed 12" x 18" each; and
· Add portable storage unit to permitted temporary use list (ministerial
amendment).
The elimination of portable storage units permitted in conjunction with and for the
duration of a construction permit in residential areas is consistent with the Coalition's
recommendations.
6. Publicly Owned Boardwalks/Observation Platforms (Page 2 of proposed
ordinance. Not previously reviewed by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601. This amendment
would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks, observation platforms,
elevated nature trails and other such structures not intended for use as a dock facility.
The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purpose of this amendment is to give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
7. Newsracks (Page 3 of proposed ordinance. The Community Development Board
did not review this particular issue regarding newsracks.)
Staff is proposing to expand the existing nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(12). The current code requirement declares newsracks and
vending machines a nuisance if located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is
otherwise unsafe. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on public
property not in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance. The
proposed amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to remove
non-compliant racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not
removed.
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8. Nonconformity Provisions (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section of the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment or
other change of condition.
9. Enforcement Proceedings (Page 8 of proposed ordinance. Not previously reviewed
by the Community Development Board.)
Staff is proposing to reduce the amount of time given to a property owner to correct a
nuisance violation. The proposed amendment reduces the required compliance time
from ten days to five days. This would provide the Community Response Team with
the means to require rapid resolution of nuisance situations. Examples of nuisances
include abandoned buildings; accumulations of weeds, debris, etc.; grass/weeds
exceeding twelve inches; and outdoor storage of dismantled or inoperative vehicles,
equipment, etc. It should be noted, however, that Community Response Team deals
with violations on a case-by-case basis and where circumstances dictate more time for
compliance, such flexibility would still exist. In addition, any violation of the code
not deemed a nuisance would be treated through the existing code enforcement board
process.
Outstandin2 Issues Presented by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner
Associations
In response to the issues presented by the Coalition to the Commission at the June 15th
meeting and attached for your review, staff is not recommending any changes to the
following issues.
Temporary Yard Signs - The Coalition's concern is that the current definition of
temporary yard signs permits commercial speech in residential areas. The City
Attorney's office does not recommend changing the temporary yard sign regulations.
The basis for this opinion is that cities are generally prohibited from regulating content on
a sign and may only regulate other physical characteristics of a sign.
First Amendment Protection Language - The City Attorney's office does not
recommend adding this language to the code.
Telecommunication Tower Height - The amendment approved by the Commission to
the telecommunication tower regulations provides the Community Development Board
the authority to approve an additional twenty-five (25) feet of height, if such height can
eliminate the need for an additional tower. This provision permits the maximum height
of a tower to be increased from 160 feet to a maximum of 185 feet.
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The increase would have minimal impacts on surrounding property. From the ground,
the height difference would be very difficult to discern. Staff supports maintaining the
provision that was approved by the Commission since additional height may only be
approved upon a finding that the increased height will reduce the need for a new tower.
Staff believes that the provision is fair and necessary.
Transfers of Development Rights - Significant amendments were made to the transfer
of development rights provisions which imposed strict limitations on the use of this
redevelopment tool. The new provision limits the amount of transfers that can be sent
and received, it prohibits transfers from occurring from and to single family zoning
districts, and review criteria was added for the Community Development Board to use
when review applications for transfer of development rights. Staff supports maintaining
the regulations as approved by the City Commission.
Additional Amendments Proposed By Plannin2 Staff
1. Residential Infill Projects - Based on one of the review criteria for residential infill
projects which addresses flexibility with regard to development standards, the Code
permits flexibility in development standards that may be reduced beyond what is
listed in the use charts. This flexibility requires the review and approval of the
Community Development Board. To more clearly identify this flexibility, staff is
proposing to add a footnote to each flexible development use chart in the residential
zoning districts specifying that the development standards enumerated for residential
infill projects are guidelines and may be varied depending on each site plan.
2. Fences - Staff added a provision in the code update regarding corner lot fences,
however, it does not adequately address differing corner lot configurations and needs
to be more specific. Staff is proposing that if a corner lot has a rear yard that abuts
the rear yard of another corner lot, a six-foot high fence would be permitted in the
yard abutting the side street. Staff is also proposing that if a rear yard of a corner lot
abuts a front yard of another lot that only a three-foot high fence be permitted in front
of the setback line of the principal building on the adjacent lot. This provision will
protect the view of an adjacent property owner.
3. Comprehensive Sign Program - Staff added provisions for monument signs in the
nonresidential zoning districts in the code update. It was never contemplated,
however, that such signs be subject to the comprehensive sign program which allows
an increase of up to 100% in sign size. Staff is proposing that an amendment
clarifying this be made to the comprehensive sign program provisions.
4. Temporary Yard Signs - Staff has determined there are no regulations that permit
political speech in the nonresidential zoning districts, therefore, staff is proposing that
the current temporary yard sign be expanded to include a sign, not exceeding thirty-
two (32) square feet, in the nonresidential zoning districts.
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Staff will provide the Board with draft ordinance language reflecting these proposed
changes at the meeting.
CRITERIA FOR TEXT AMENDMENTS:
Code Section 4-601 specifies the procedures and criteria for reviewing text amendments.
Any code amendment must comply with the following.
1. The proposed amendment is consistent with and furthers the goals,
policies, objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Below please find a selected list of goals, policies, objectives from the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan that are furthered by the proposed amendments to the Community
Development Code:
· Goal 2 - "Clearwater shall focus on the renewal of declining areas, stabilization of
built-up neighborhoods, and infill development to encourage economic vitality and
counteract the scarcity of vacant land."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, the limitations for portable storage
units in residential areas, and the ability to require rapid abatement of nuisance
violations will further the goal of renewing declining areas and stabilizing built-up
neighborhood by imposing restrictions which promote stability, heightened property
maintenance standards, and aesthetics.
· Policy 2.4.2 - "Neighborhood preservation and infill development shall be
encouraged by maintenance and upgrading of public and private property."
The provisions restricting the renting of residential property, the prohibition of
parking on landscaped areas in the front setback, newsracks enforcement provisions,
and limitations on portable storage units in residential areas shall further
neighborhood preservation by encouraging property maintenance and upgrading of
both public and private property.
· Goal 3 - "The character of Clearwater as a high quality, attractive environment for
resort, residential, and business activities shall be enhanced and encouraged through
implementation of Clearwater's Comprehensive plan."
The provisions permitting roof structures on publicly owned observation platforms,
etc, the restriction on renting residential property, and the ability to require rapid
abatement of nuisance violations will work toward enhancing the City's residential
and resort character.
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2. The proposed amendments further the purposes of the Community
Development Code and other City ordinances and actions designed to
implement the Plan.
The proposed text amendments revise development standards found in Article 3, the
purpose/applicability provisions for nonconformities in Article 6, enforcement
procedures in Article 7, and a definition in Article 8 of the Community Development
Code. The proposed amendments are consistent with the following purposes of the Code.
· Section 1-103(A) - It is the purpose of this Development Code to implement the
Comprehensive Plan of the city; to promote the health, safety, general welfare and
quality of life in the city; to guide the orderly growth and development of the city; to
establish rules of procedures for land development approvals; to enhance the
character of the city and the preservation of neighborhoods; and to enhance the
quality oflife of all residents and property owners of the city;
· Section 1-1 03 (E)(2) - Protect the character and the social and economic stability of all
parts of the city through the establishment of reasonable standards which encourage
the orderly and beneficial development of land within the city; and
· Section 1-103(E)(3) - Protect and conserve the value ofland throughout the city and
the value of buildings and improvements upon the land, and minimize the conflicts
among the uses of land and buildings.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the
Community Development Code. The amendments require high standards for
improvements on public property, provide businesses with reasonable opportunities for
temporary and window signage, impose high standards for property maintenance and
temporary uses, and permits the rapid enforcement of nuisance violations.
The Planning Department Staff recommends APPROVAL of Ordinance No. 6573-00 that
makes revisions to the Community Development Code.
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Prepared by: Gina L. Clayton +f j
ATTACHMENTS: .
Proposed Ordinance No. 6573-00.
Open Issues List by the Clearwater Coalition of Homeowner's Association
Letter from Nicholas Fritsch and Joe Calio
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March 6, 2000
Ralph Stone, Director of Planning
City of Clearwater
100 S. Myrtle Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
Dear Mr. Stone:
Thank you for taking the time to present the proposed changes to the city's Community
Development Code. The effort the city has taken in revising this code reflects the
commitment to making it easier to do business in the city of Clearwater.
The Board of Directors reviewed the attached revisions and supports the noted revisions
with the exception of requiring permits for the painting of commercial structures. This
additional permit will cause time delays and inconvenience for businesses trying to
upgrade their properties.
Thank you again for sharing this process with the Chamber.
Sincerely,
Ed Armstrong
Chairman of the Board
Partner, Johnson, Blakely, Pope, Ruppel & Burns, P A
Enc.
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Clearwater Code Amendments
As presented to Clearwater Regional Chamber Board of Directors
1. Permit density/intensity averaging on site having two different land use categories provided
the use is permitted in both categories.
2. Permit light assembly type uses that have no external impacts in the Commercial District (e.g.
dentallabs, pill assembly, etc.)
3. Permit "limited vehicle service" uses as a flexible development use in the Commercial
District subject to design criteria (e.g. car wash, oil change, etc).
4. Permit shared parking options, including payment in "lieu of' in the Tourist District.
5. Prohibit the renting of any dwelling for less than 30 days, unless located in the Tourist,
Commercial or Downtown Districts.
6. Require permit for painting commercial structures.
7. Amend newsrack regulations based on task force and commission direction.
8. Clarify what triggers compliance with new code provisions for landscaping, parking, and
signage. (proposed: renovations costing up to 25% of assessed value of property will be
allowed without triggering retroaction)
9. Measure sign height of freestanding signs above the crown of the road so that signs for
business at US 19 overpasses will be visible.
10. Eliminate cap on maximum amount of parking that can be provided on a site. Control only
through the site plan review approval process.
11. Revise the distance requirements for Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) so that if a
property is located on the barrier islands the TDR can go anywhere on the islands. If the site
is on the mainland, the transfer can go anywhere on the mainland. Prohibit the transfer of any
development rights to the Low Density Residential and Low Medium Density Residential
Districts. Commissioner Hart is proposing four regions: mainland, Island Estates, Beach,
Sand Key.
12. When terminating a property status as nonconformity, residential and transient uses may be
exchanged and/or reconstructed subject to meeting parking, landscaping and sign
requirements.
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April 27, 2000
Commissioner J.B. Johnson
112 S. Osceola Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756
Dear Commissioner Johnson:
The Board of Directors of the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
would like to express its concern regarding two proposed Land Development
Code revisions, specifically those requiring permits to the paint commercial
structures and to mandate a 3 I-day minimum stay for overnight
accommodations.
The ban on short-term rentals of certain properties located throughout the city
and beaches has a detrimental impact upon property owners, entrepreneurs,
and our vital tourism industry.
The Chamber is opposed to this proposed code change as we feel this is not a
city government issue, but one that should be addressed by individual
homeowners and condominium associations. In addition, intervention on the
part of a governmental entity constitutes a violation of a citizen's private
property rights.
The Board would like to again express its objection to further complicating
the permitting process by requiring a permit for the painting of commercial
structures. This additional permit will cause time delays and inconvenience
for businesses trying to upgrade their properties and will serve as a
disincentive for those business people striving to make their properties better.
We urge you to consider these matters when the code revisions are presented
to you in the coming weeks.
Sincerely,
Ed Armstrong, Chairman of the Board
Partner, Johnson, Blakely, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns, P.A.
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Section 14, Countywide Rules Amendment, Article 7. Division 7.2, as to
" Definitions", is hereby amended to revise the definitions for "Coastal
Construction CGntrol Line" and "Coastal High Hazard Area, and to add a
definition for" Religious Institution Use", in their respective alphabetical order, to
read as follows: . .
Coastal Construction Control Line - The most recently adopted line established
by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant to Section
161 ,053, Florida Statutes, for Pinellas County, ..
Coastal High Hazard Area - Any area. which lies w,ithin a category 1 hurricane
evacuation zone, as currently delineated by the Pinellas County Emergency
Management Department.
Religious Institution Use - A site, premise, or location that is used principally,
primarily, or exclusivelv for the purpose of religious exercise as protected. by the
First Amendmen't to the U.S, Constitution, ..
Transient Accommodation Use - A facility offering temporary lodging
accommodations: such as hotels, motels, inns, resort condominiums, resort
dwellings and recreational vehicle parks, where such temporary lodging
accommodation is offered, or advertised as being available, at intervals of thirty
(30) days or less, and which are rented more than three times per calendar year.
Section 15, Severability. It is declared to be the intent of the Board of
County Commissioners that if any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase,
or provision of this ordinance is held invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not be construed as to render invalid or unconstitutional
the remaining provisions of this ordinance,
Section 16, Filing of Ordinance; Effective Date, Pursuant to Section
125.66, Fla, Stat" a certified copy of this ordinance shall be filed with the
Department of State by the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners within
ten (10) days after enactment by the Board of County Commissioners. This
ordinance shall become effective on September 30, 2000.
I:... \ wpdocs\rules\Streom.ord.word
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BA Y AREA
APARTMENT ASSOCIAl
I
July 14,2000
The Honorable Brian Aungst, Sr.
Office of the Mayor & City Commission
POBox 4748
Clearwater FL 33758-4748
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES
CITY OF CLEARWA TEA
Re: Proposed Code Change, Section 3-917, "Renting of Residential Dwellings"
Dear Mayor Aungst:
The Bay Area Apartment Association encourages you to vote against the proposed city code
change addressing the "Renting of Residential Dwellings."
Ralph Stone and Gina Clayton of Planning and Development Services have been generous with
their time, met with representatives of our industry, and listened to our concerns. However, the
language of the code change you will consider next week has not changed since May and
remains far too broad and all-encompassing.
We appreciate the intention of the code change - to address perceived problems in condominiums
and planned unit developments. However, we are concerned the code change could restrict the
rights of apartment communities which are licensed to provide rental units through the Hotel-
Motel Division of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
It may seem like an insignificant issue, but we ask you to consider the "VIP suites" or "guest
suites" offered by many large apartment communities. Two or three apartments are reserved for
the exclusive use of current community residents on a short-term basis. Typicaily, the "suites"
are rented by the residents of one-bedroom apartments during a visit by family members. In such
transactions, the apartment managers collect the appropriate sales and bed taxes. We are fearful
the proposed code change would eliminate this amenity utilized by apartment residents.
The Bay Area Apartment Association represents the owners and managers of apartment
communities as well as associated professionals and suppliers. Our members own or manage
more than 80,000 units in the Tampa Bay area.
4509 George Road
Tampa, Florida 33634
Tampa (813) 882-0222
Toll Free (800) 344-9373
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~;.n.
page 2 - Proposed Code Change
We are prepared to provide more information about our industry and answer any questions for
you. We ask you to vote against this proposed code change, Section 3-917, "Renting of
Residential Dwellings."
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Allan Stowell
Member, Board of Directors
(Stowell Properties, Clearwater)
Jeff Rogo
Executive Director, Government Affairs
cc.
C1~ater City Commission Members
..M"s. Gina Clayton, City of Clearwater
Mr. Mike Mayo, Greater Clearwater Association of Realtors
o ~(C~~W~ -.0'."1
4173lD
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES
CITY OF CLEARWATER
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5. Case LUZ 00-05-05 - 110 McMullen Booth Road. First Baptist Church of Clearwater,
Inc., Owner/Applicant; Larry Ponder, Administrator/Representative. Request: 1) Land Use Plan
amendment from RU, Residential Urban Category (County) to I, Institutional Category
(Clearwater), and 2) rezoning from AE, Agriculture/Estate District (County) to I, Institutional
District (Clearwater)
ACTION:
Approved.
6. Case LUZ 00-05-06 - 19034 US 19N. Bradford-Scott Corp. .of Florida,
Owner/Applicant. Jason Lesser, Coastal Builders, Inc., Representative. Request: 1) Land Use
Plan amendment from CG, Commercial General Category to RH, Residential High Category, and
2) rezoning from C, Commercial District to MHDR, Medium High Density Residential District
ACTION:
Approved.
7. Case: Text Amendment TA 00-06-04. Request: Amendments to the Community
Development Code regarding residential rental property, signage, publicly-owned facilities,
parking in residential areas, news racks, and portable storage units
ACTION:
Approved, except for fence amendment.
8. Case ANX 00-05-10 - 2755 Daniel Street. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant. Marcus
Vernon, Representative. Request: Annexation of 0.18 acres into the City
ACTION:
Approved.
9. Case LUZ 00-05-07 - 2755 Daniel Street. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant. Marcus
Vernon, Representative. Request: 1) Land Use plan amendment from RU, Residential Urban
Category (County) to R/OG, Residential/Office General Category (Clearwater), and 2) rezoning
from R-3District (County) to 0, Office District (Clearwater)
ACTION:
Approved.
ITEM 4 - LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS
1. Case FL 00-05-17 - 2750 McMullen Booth Road. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant.
Marcus Vernon, Representative. Request: 1) Flexible Development approval 1) to reduce the
front setback from 25 to 10 feet (Charles Avenue); 2) reduce the front setback from 25 to 7 feet
(McMullen Booth Road); 3) reduce the front setback from 25 to 24 feet (Daniel Street); 4)
reduce the side setbacks from 20 to 5 feet; and 5) reduce the required number of parking spaces
from 24 to 22 spaces, as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project with Comprehensive
Landscape Program. Proposed Use: An 8,000 square foot office building
ACTION: Approved, with conditions: 1) The landscape plan be further revised
to include a tiered effect along McMullen Booth Road, as provided through a landscape
easement within the right-of-way, and that the agreement with Pinellas County for same be
finalized prior to the issuance of a building pennit; 2) if the agreement to landscape the right-of-
way is not secured, the landscape plan be amended to exceed Code requirements, to the
satisfaction of staff, in an equal monetary equivalent as if the landscaping easement had been
Mcd0700.ag
2
07/18/00
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IA ()O-O~-o'1
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING
CITY OF CLEARWATER
July 18, 2000
Present:
Edward Mazur, Jr.
David Gildersleeve
William Johnson
Shirley Moran
Carlen A. Petersen
Alex Plisko
Absent:
Gerald Figurski
Also Present:
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Ralph Stone
Lisa Fierce
Brenda Moses
Etim Udoh
Gary Jones
Gina Clayton
Ryan Givens
Mark Parry
Acting Chair/Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Chair
Assistant City Attorney
Planning Director
Development Review Manager
Board Reporter
Senior Planner
Senior Planner
Senior Planner
Planner
Planner
The Acting Chair called the meeting to order at 1 :00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by
the Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance.
To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily
discussed in that order.
ITEM A - REQUESTS FOR CONTINUANCES/RECONSIDERATION - None.
ITEM B - CONTINUED ITEMS
Item B1 -18524 US 19 North Brad Baldwin, Owner; Parsley Baldwin Realty, Applicant;
Bryan L. Zarlenga, Representative. Request: Flexible Development approval of a self-
storage establishment with a reduction in the required number of parking spaces from 135
to 40 spaces, as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project. Proposed Use: A 71,250
square foot mini-storage development. FL 00-03-09
This case was continued by the COB (Community Development Board) at the May
16, 2000, meeting to enable the applicant to address issues related to the sanitary sewer,
building elevations, and parking as it relates to the adjacent Le Cher office complex. The
site is generally undeveloped, although there is an existing 24-foot asphalt driveway along
the west and south property lines that provides access to adjacent properties. The 3.11-
acre site is L-shaped with 200 feet of frontage on Nursery Road and 122 feet of frontage
on US 19 North. It includes two separate parcels that will be combined through Unity of
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Title. The site includes both Office and Commercial zoning districts. Staff and the
applicant met with representatives from the neighboring Le Cher office complex on
numerous occasions. The applicant addressed concerns raised regarding the sewer,
building architecture and parking to the satisfaction of staff. The proposal includes the
development of a self-storage business with five buildings. The applicant submitted
revised plans including a relocated sanitary sewer easement with gravity sewer, revised
landscape plan, and conceptual building elevation along the west property line. To
accommodate the relocated sewer easement, a portion of the south western most building
(building #3) has been reduced by 2,650 square feet. Building #1, at the US 19 entrance,
has been increased in area by the same square footage. The revised the site plan also
will: 1) provide a 10-foot buffer area within which new oak trees will be planted; 2)
include a mansard roof to Buildings #3 and #5; and 3) incorporate a stucco finish exterior
with neutral colors on both buildings. Based on research of the adjacent office complex,
removal of the nearly 16 parking spaces on this site will not result in a parking deficit for
the Le Cher development. The proposal is in compliance with the standards and criteria
for Flexible Development approval for a self-storage establishment, and with all applicable
standards of the Community Development Code. Staff recommends approval of the
proposed project with conditions: 1) Proof of Unity of Title be submitted prior to the
issuance of any permits; 2) the final design and color of the buildings be consistent with
the plans as submitted; 3) signage comply with Code; 4) oak trees, crepe myrtles, and
viburnum hedge be planted along the west side of buildings #3 and #5, as shown on the
landscape plan; and 5) the design of the south side of building #3 and north side of
building #5 be consistent with the west elevations of those buildings.
Roger Larson, representative, said as the property is L-shaped, limited uses can be
applied to this property. The applicant is proposing a reduction of parking spaces from the
135 minimum to 40 spaces. One entrance to the site is at Nursery Road and the other is
on US19N. The parcel is 3.11 acres, of which .5 acres is zoned Office and the balance is
Commercial. The passive portion of the property includes the retention area and offices.
The applicant requests to construct two one-story buildings, two two-story buildings, and
one building that is partially one and two-stories, totally 71,250 square feet. There will be
approximately 600 storage units, 400 of which will be air-conditioned. The project is
aesthetically and architecturally pleasing to the surrounding community, particularly to the
office complexes to the west and south. Thirty-eight (38) additional trees will be planted.
The project meets or exceeds all the standards in the Code that pertain to self-storage use
under the flexibility criteria sections, except for parking requirements. An easement exists
which was granted by the applicant years ago to allow ingress and egress to the existing
offices along the west and south sides of the site abutting the existing offices. The
applicant does not propose to change that easement. Maintenance, repair, and
replacement of the easement is the obligation of the office condominium association or
those using the property. The easement is in common with the applicant's property and
can be used by him. The Comprehensive Infill requirement in the Code requires a
minimum of one space per 1,000 square feet. The applicant is requesting 40 parking
spaces. The Institute of Transportation Engineers statistics indicate that 178 trips per day
is consistent with a project of this size. The applicant anticipates that between 7 - 8 cars
will be on the property at any given time. Therefore, the 40 spaces, including the
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handicapped space, is more than ample to avoid off-street parking. The applicant concurs
with staff's recommendations.
In response to a question, Bryan Zarlenga, Tampa Bay Engineering, said the
retention pond is sized to handle this project plus runoff to the west. Mary Ellen Wilson,
partial owner, said she owns the property facing US 19N. She said although other
interest in the property has been expressed, this project is the first that is compatible with
the surrounding area. This project is important to her as her husband's office is part of
this project. She referred to current photographs of the site.
One resident spoke in opposition of the project.
In response to concerns from a resident, it was noted that the exterior finish of the
buildings will be stucco, not metal, as indicated in the applicant's application. Planning
Director Ralph Stone said the setback requirements for the easement differs from right-of-
way setbacks. The new Code does not reference setback from the right-of-way line.
Code defines the "setback" as follows: "setback means required horizontal distance
between a property line and a structure". He said the resident is characterizing. the private
easement as a right-of-way. He disagreed with the resident's interpretation of a private
easement being the same as a road right-of-way. Mr. Stone said private easements could
take many forms and function as a driveway. The general characterization of "right-of-
way" is one that is for the benefit of the public, regardless of its form. In this case, staff
feels the driveway exists for the benefit of the owners of the office condominium
association as an access easement, and does not meet the definition of a public right-of-
way. Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said the CDB (Community Development
Board) must refer to current Code when deciding a case.
Max Battle stated he was not in favor or against the application. He was a former
Public Works Director and City Engineer. He questioned the definition of a private road
versus a driveway. He said at the time the easement was granted, it was called a private
roadway. The reason it was not called a private right-of-way was because a right-of-way
infers it is for the general public to use. He feels this is an access easement for a private
roadway which gives the owners the right to close the road off at any time. A right-of-
way cannot be closed at will. He said at the time the easement was granted, the County
would not grant the owner a building permit unless he had road frontage.
Frank Kunnen, former developer of the property, agreed with Mr. Battle's
interpretation of the easement language referencing the use of the roadway. The County
required the original site plan for the development have a roadway prior to annexation. He
said the owners in this development have a public sewer easement with a sewer line, not
a private one. This property was originally one ownership with a roadway. Upon
acquisition, other owners were assured by the owner, County, and City that the easement
was to be kept as a road right-of-way easement. He stated he was required as a
developer to set back the office buildings on either side of the road from the right-of-way
easement.
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Mr. Larson confirmed that the exterior of the buildings will include a stucco finish,
with earth-tone colors, and false windows. He said there is sufficient space between the
proposed buildings and the current ones. The two easements recorded in the public
records are private and designed exclusively for internal traffic and for ingress and egress.
The land can be used as the owners see fit as long as it does not impede the ingress and
egress. He felt a right-of-way and a property line have specific meanings. He said a
setback is the horizontal distance between the property line and a structure. He agrees
with staff's interpretation of the Code. He said under the Comprehensive Infill
Redevelopment Project category none of the rights-of-way and setbacks are applicable.
He said traffic generated by the nearby McDonalds is much greater than the proposed
project will generate. The self-storage establishment will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. Between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. a card access is required and patrons cannot
access the gates after 9:00 p.m. The applicant is basically proposing a reduction in the
number of parking spaces. In response to a question, Mr. Larson said if the easement is
deemed a private roadway and setbacks are required, the site becomes undevelopable.
Member Johnson moved to approve the Flexible Development application for a self-
storage establishment within the Commercial District, with a reduction in the required
number of parking spaces, from 135 spaces to 40 spaces, as a Comprehensive Infill
Redevelopment Project, for the site at 18524 US 19 North, subject to the following
conditions: 1) Proof of Unity of Title be submitted prior to the issuance of any permits; 2)
the final design and color of the buildings be consistent with the plans as submitted
including the use of an exterior stucco finish; 3) signage comply with Code; 4) oak trees,
crepe myrtles, and viburnum hedge be planted along the west side of buildings #3 and #5,
as shown on the landscape plan; and 5) the design of the south side of building #3 and
north side of building #5 be consistent with the west elevations of those buildings. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM C - LEVEL THREE APPLICATIONS
Item C1 - 1765 Saint Croix Drive, approximately 600 feet north of Saint John Drive.
Jeanette Elaine Harvey-Evans, Owner/Applicant. Request: 1) Annexation of 0.17 acres
to the City; 2) Land Use Plan amendment from RU, Residential Urban Classification
(County) to RU, Residential Urban Classification (Clearwater); and 3) rezoning from R-3,
Residential, Single-Family District (County) to LMDR, Low Medium Density Residential
District (Clearwater). ANX 00-05-08
The property owner has requested this annexation in order to receive sewer
service. The property will have a land use plan designation of Residential Urban and is
proposed to be zoned Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. The subject site
is a single-family residential home. The annexation of the property will eliminate an
existing enclave in this subdivision. The applicant is currently receiving water from
Pinellas County and will continue to do so. Sewer service will be provided by the City and
capacity for the project is available for this utility. The applicant has paid the applicable
sewer impact fee and is aware of the additional cost to extend sewer service to the
property. Collection of solid waste will be provided by the City. The proposed annexation
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will have no adverse effect on public facilities and their level of service. The proposed
annexation is consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the Countywide Plan, and
with Florida law. Staff recommends approval.
Member Petersen moved for the COB to recommend approval of 1) The annexation;
2) the Residential Urban Plan category pursuant to the City's Comprehensive Plan; and 3)
of the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) zoning district pursuant to the City's
Community Development Code for property at 1765 Saint Croix Drive. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Item C2 - 1590 Gulf Boulevard, generally located on the west side of Gulf Boulevard,
approximately 300 feet south of Marina Del Ray. Legally described as a portion of the
South 474.02 feet of Government lot 2, lying within Section 19, Township 29 South,
Range 15 East, Pinellas County, Florida. (MB 34/011) - Belleview Biltmore Properties,
Inc., Owner/Applicant; Harry Cline, Esquire, Representative. Request: 1) Land Use Plan
amendment from CG, Commercial General Category to RH, Residential High Category; and
2) rezoning from C, Commercial District to HDR, High Density Residential District. LUZ
00-05-08
Member Mazur declared a conflict of interest and did not participate in discussions
or the vote. Member Gildersleeve served as Acting Chair.
The owner/applicant requests to amend the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use
Map from Commercial General (CG) to Residential High (RH), and to rezone from the
Commercial (C) district to the High-Density Residential (HDR) district. This plan
amendment and rezoning application are requested by the property owner to build a
multifamily residential development which is not permitted except as a component of a
mixed-use development in the Commercial Zoning District. The subject site involves
41,838 square feet, or .96 acres, and includes a vacant restaurant. The vacant Cabana
Club Restaurant is located immediately adjacent to the Cabana Club Condominium
development and was constructed in the early 1980's. The restaurant was constructed
initially as a clubhouse and "members only" restaurant for the condominiums, but was
sold in the early 1990's and operated as a public restaurant. The restaurant has declined
to a substandard condition and is not operational. This parcel historically has been
designated commercial by the City. The Countywide Future Plan Rules allow residential
development of 24 units per acre and 38 transient units such as hotel rooms or
timeshares in the Commercial General Future Land Use category. There are 23 dwelling
units allowed on the subject site through the Commercial General Land Use category.
However, the Clearwater Community Development Code does not allow dwelling units
outside of a mixed-use development in the Commercial Zoning District. The net difference
or gain of units by amending the Future Land Use Plan from the Commercial General to
Residential High classification is 5 units, and will be an insignificant increase in potential
density. The subject site is located within a Coastal High Hazard Area which is defined as
evacuation areas for a Category 1 hurricane. However, the Plan Amendment will not
require additional infrastructure to accommodate the development. The parcel has already
been developed and cleared of vegetation. The subject site is the only parcel on Sand Key
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with a Commercial General Future Land Use classification and Commercial Zoning.
Residential High is the predominate Future Land Use Plan (FLUP) designation on private
property on Sand Key. The proposed amendment for multifamily use is in keeping with
the overall character of Sand Key and adjacent parcels. The proposed land use
amendment is compatible with surrounding uses. The proposal is consistent with the City
and Countywide Comprehensive plans and will not adversely affect public services, is
compatible with the natural environment, and is consistent with the development
regulations of the City. Staff recommends approval of: 1) Amending the Future Land Use
Plan designation from Commercial General to Residential High, and 2) amending the zoning
district designation from Commercial (C) to High Density Residential (HDR) at1590 Gulf
Boulevard (MB 34/011).
In response to a question, Senior Planner Gary Jones said the owner can build 28
units on this site. He said there will be no impact on fire and police services.
Harry Cline, representative, said the applicant proposed to eliminate commercial
zoning and commercial land use and replace it with High Density Residential zoning which
is consistent with the surrounding area. In response to a question, Mr. Cline said the
applicant could build 50 timeshare units with an accessory restaurant on the site. Mr.
Stone said the maximum square footage the site would support is 23,000 square feet,
subject to site considerations. A fast-food restaurant would support 3,000 square feet.
Other uses that might be permitted on this commercially zoned site include government
uses, indoor and outdoor recreation, marinas, offices, hotels, motels, churches,
restaurants, alcoholic beverage sales, etc.
Timothy Johnson stated he represents an unincorporated association known as
SOB (Save our Beach) on Sand Key, comprised of residents of Dan's Island Condominium,
the Harbour, and Isle of Sand Key Condominium and requested party status under Code
Section 4-206(d). Ms. Dougall-Sides said Code provides for granting of party status if the
individual demonstrates he/she is a substantially affected person by the application. The
party could cross-examine witnesses and present exhibits versus just making comments.
It was remarked that the CDB prefers to hear comments from residents first. The CDB
reserved a ruling on the party status request. Mr. Johnson said the applicant's request
will result in diminished quality of life and devalued property values for surrounding
residents. He said the proposal fails to meet several Code requirements and requested the
CDB deny the request.
Nineteen (19) persons spoke in opposition of the application, including Mr.
Johnson.
In response to a question, one person said he did not know how the majority of
people residing in the Cabana Club felt about the application. In response to a question,
another person said their Realtor, not the City, told them that the 70-foot view corridor for
their building would never be removed.
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Ms. Dougall-Sides said as testimony has been heard from Save our Beach on Sand
Key members indicating how they were substantially affected by the application, the CDB
could rule on Mr. Johnson's request for party status.
Member Petersen moved to recognize Timothy Johnson as the representative for
the Save Our Beach on Sand Key. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote
being taken Members Plisko, Gildersleeve, Johnson, Moran, and Petersen voted "aye";
Member Mazur abstained. Motion carried.
Ms. Dougall-Sides reminded the CDB that its rules require that the concurring vote
of at least 4 members is required to take any action on an application and if a decision
results in a 3:2 vote, the case will automatically be continued to the next meeting for a
decision.
Mr. Stone said staff must give the applicant and the public objective
recommendations regardless of the interest in the application. He said the comment about
the height between commercial and high-density residential structures was incorrect. In a
standard Commercial (C) district, 25 feet is permitted and High-Density Residential permits
30 feet, a difference of 5 feet. At the upper end, HDR permits up to 80 feet in height;
and Commercial permits 50 feet, a difference of 30 feet. Staff feels decisions about
changes and land use and zoning are needed to ensure compatibility with uses in the High
Density Residential District. He felt that a Commercial zoning in this area of Sand Key is a
mistake. Staff feels this change is appropriate for the area. Staff's recommendation is
not based on what might be done, but what the potential for districts might allow. The
issue of a view corridor to surrounding residents is always a predominant issue that staff
understands, but that is not part of the application. In response to a question, Mr. Stone
said staff does not know how the properties and development potentials were divided,
however it appears development rights exist on the portion zoned Commercial that are
independent of the rest of the project. In response to a question, Mr. Stone said he
thought although Sand Key has no fire station, fire service is stationed on Sand Key. In
any city there are always limitations on how high fire service personnel can reach on a tall
building. Normally, that issue is dealt with in terms of building codes and sprinkler
systems. Density of the project proposed is dealt with through land use category and
zoning districts which in this case permits 28 units.
Mr. Cline said the applicant is constructing a project of "like kind and quality"
although the heights may be different than surrounding properties. Dan's Island has 11
stories, the Cabana Club has 9 stories, and Isle of Sand Key has 17 stories. He said if the
logic of protecting the view over someone else's land was followed, there would be only
one building on Sand Key. He said there is no vested right in zoning. He felt the
applicant's request is fair and reasonable.
In response to a question, Tim Johnson said a maximum of 50 feet in height in
Commercial and a maximum of 130 feet in High Density Residential is permitted. The
Save our Beach on Sand Key does not feel the applicant can meet the criteria for an infill
on a commercial development to increase the height to 50 feet.
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Discussion ensued and it was remarked that homeowners purchased their
condominiums knowing the subject property was commercially zoned. It was remarked
that a restaurant in this location will greatly affect the traffic. It was commented that
based on the testimony heard, the project would negatively impact the community.
Member Petersen moved that based on the testimony and staff report at this public
hearing for the COB to recommend denial of the request to amend the Comprehensive
Plan's Future Land Use Map from Commercial General (CG) to Residential High (RH) and to
rezoned from the Commercial (C) district to the High Density Residential (HDR) district for
property at 1590 Gulf Boulevard. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being
taken, Members Johnson, Moran, Plisko, and Petersen voted "aye"; Member Gildersleeve
voted "nay"; Member Mazur abstained. Motion carried.
The meeting recessed from 3:42 to 3:52 p.m.
Item C3 - Kings Highway and Sunset Point Road, generally located on the southeast
corner of Kings Highway and Sunset Point Road. Legally described as Lots Band C,
Brentwood Estates Subdivision. Highpoint Investments, Inc., Owner/Applicant. Donald
McFarland, Representative. Request: 1) Land Use Plan amendment from R/OG,
Residential/Office General Category to RH, Residential High Category; and 2) rezoning
from 0, Office District to MHDR, Medium Density Residential District. LUZ 00-05-04
This plan amendment and rezoning application are requested by the property owner
to build apartments since infill development is not allowed in the Office zoning District.
The subject site involves two lots totaling 39,000 square feet or .89 acres which currently
is vacant. The proposed use is an apartment complex. The proposed use is consistent
with the City and Countywide Comprehensive plans, is compatible with the surrounding
area, does not adversely affect public services, is compatible with the natural
environment, and is consistent with the development regulations of the City. Staff
recommends approval of 1) Amending the Future Land Use Plan designation from
Residential/Office General to Residential High; and 2) amending the Zoning District
designation of 1871 Kings Highway (Lots Band C, Brentwood Estates Subdivision) from
Office (0) to Medium High Density Residential (MHDR).
Donald McFarland, representative, said the applicant agrees with the staff report.
He plans to construct a small apartment complex on the site.
Member Johnson moved that based on the testimony heard and staff report for the
COB to recommend approval of the request to 1) Amend the Future Land Use Plan
designation from Residential/Office General to Residential High; and 2) amend the Zoning
District designation from Office (0) to Medium High Density Residential (MHDR) for
property at 1871 Kings Highway (Lots Band C, Brentwood Estates Subdivision). The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
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Item C4 - 110 McMullen Booth Road, generally located on the southwest corner of
McMullen Booth Road and Drew Street. Legally described as the north three-fourths of
the north one-half of the N.W. % of the N.W. % of Section 16, Township 29 South,
Range 16 East. (MB 22/01). First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc., Owner/Applicant;
Larry Ponder, Administrator/Representative. Request: Annexation of 11.81 acres into the
City. ANX 00-05-09
AND
Item C5 -110 McMullen Booth Road, generally located on the southwest corner of
McMullen Booth Road and Drew Street. Legally described as the north three-fourths of
the north one-half of the N.W. % of the N.W. % of Section 16, Township 29 South,
Range 16 East. (MB 22/01). First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc., Owner/Applicant;
Larry Ponder, Administrator/Representative. Request: 1) Land Use Plan amendment from
RU, Residential Urban Category (County) to I, Institutional Category (Clearwater), and 2)
rezoning from AE, Agriculture/Estate District (County) to I, Institutional District
(Clearwater) .
The property owner requests annexation of the property at 110 McMullen Booth
Road. This property has a pending case being processed concurrently that proposes to
change the Future Land Use Plan category to Institutional and zoning district to
Institutional. This annexation involves one lot approximately 514,444 square feet or
11.81 acres which is currently vacant. A church and support facilities have been
proposed for this site. The proposed annexation will not adversely effect City services.
The applicants are aware of the required impact fees and other additional costs associated
with the extension of sewer service to the site. The proposed annexation is consistent
with Florida Law, he Community Development Code, and City regulations. Staff
recommends approval of the annexation.
Member Gildersleeve stated he and Mr. Ponder have discussed this matter as he is
a member of the Church. He indicated he has no personal interest in the project.
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The plan amendment and rezoning application are requested by the property owner
to redesignate property currently vacant to allow construction of a church and support
facilities. Site plan considerations will be addressed in more detail during the development
review process. The Pinellas Planning Council and Florida Department of Community
Affairs will review this case which is a threshold amendment for both agencies. The
proposed use is along the McMullen Booth scenic corridor which is designed residential
which allows Institutional uses. The proposed Institutional Future land use category and
Institutional Zoning District is consistent with the City and Countywide Comprehensive
plans, compatible with the surrounding area, does not adversely affect public services, is
compatible with the natural environment, and is consistent with the development
regulations of the City. Staff recommends approval of: 1) Amending the Future Land Use
Plan designation from Residential Urban (RU) to Institutional (I), and 2) amending the
zoning district designation from County zoning to Institutional (I) for property at 110
McMullen Booth Road (MB 22/01).
In response to a question, Mr. Jones said during peak hours traffic could impact
the surrounding area.
Larry Ponder, Administrator of First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc., said the
church intends to relocate from downtown to the new site at 110 McMullen Booth Road.
He feels the site will provide sufficient parking. The church will hire off-duty police
officers to control traffic.
Member Gildersleeve moved to recommend approval of Case ANX 00-05-09. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Member Gildersleeve moved to recommend approval of Case LUZ 00-05-05. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Item C6 - 19034 US 19N, generally located on the west side of U.S. Highway 19 North,
440 feet south of the Ham Boulevard intersection. Legally described as Lot 1, Bradford
Court Subdivision. Bradford-Scott Corp. of Florida, Owner/Applicant. Jason Lesser,
Coastal Builders, Inc., Representative. Request: 1) Land Use Plan amendment from CG,
Commercial General Category to RH, Residential High Category, and 2) rezoning from C,
Commercial District to MHDR, Medium High Density Residential District. lUZ 00-05-06
The applicant requests to amend the Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map
from Commercial General (CG) to Residential High (RH), and to rezone from the
Commercial (C) district to the Medium High-Density Residential (MHDR) district. The
property owner plans to build multifamily residential since the Commercial Zoning District
does not permit multifamily residential development outside of a mixed-use development.
The subject site involves 187,744 square feet or 4.31 acres which currently is vacant.
The Pinellas Planning Council will review this case and Florida Department of Community
Affairs as a threshold case. The proposed use is consistent with the City and Countywide
Comprehensive plans, is compatible with the surrounding area, will not adversely affect
public services, is compatible with the natural environment, and is consistent with the
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development regulations of the City. The level of service for US 19 will not be degraded.
Staff recommends approval of 1) Amending the Future Land Use Plan designation of
19034 U.S. Highway 19 (Lot 1, Bradford Court Subdivision) from Commercial General to
Residential High, and 2) amending the Zoning District designation of 19034 U.S. Highway
19 (Lot 1, Bradford Court Subdivision) from Commercial (C) to Medium High Density
Residential (MHDR).
Jason Lesser, applicant's partner, said the applicant agrees with the staff report.
Member Johnson moved for the COB to recommend approval of the request to 1)
Amend the Future Land Use Plan designation of 19034 U.S. Highway 19 (Lot 1, Bradford
Court Subdivision) from Commercial General to Residential High, and 2) amend the Zoning
District designation of 19034 U.S. Highway 19 (Lot 1, Bradford Court Subdivision) from
Commercial (C) to Medium High Density Residential (MHDR). The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM C7 - Text Amendment Request: Amendments to the Community Development
Code regarding residential rental property, signage, publicly-owned facilities, parking in
residential areas, newsracks, and portable storage units. TA 00-06-04
When reviewing Ordinance Number 6526-00, Comprehensive Amendments to the
Community Development Code, the City Commission deferred action on several issues
that were either proposed in Ordinance Number 6526-00 or brought forward by citizens.
The following issues were deferred or recommended for further review until the July 20,
2000, Commission meeting: 1) Regulations restricting the renting of residential property;
2) regulations regarding the permitted duration of portable storage units on property and
the need to provide different regulations for residential and non-residential property, and
the allowance of two signs instead of one on portable storage units; 3) the amount of
permitted window signage; 4) the regulation of temporary sign coverings; and 5) the
prohibition of parking on landscaped areas in front setbacks in residentially zoned districts.
Staff is requesting that four other amendments not discussed at either June
meeting be considered: 1) Whether to permit roofed structures on publicly owned
boardwalks, observation platforms, and elevated nature trails; 2) to establish newsracks
on publicly owned property not in compliance with Code requirements as a nuisance; 3) to
revise the purpose statement of the nonconforming provisions; and 4) to reduce the
amount of time allotted for compliance for nuisance violations from ten to five days. The
COB discussed and made a recommendation at its workshop and public hearing earlier this
year on the six month Code update regarding amendments related to renting residential
property, portable storage units, and parking on the grass. It is in the Board's discretion
whether to discuss and entertain comment on these issues again. The Commission
deferred the renting of residential property to allow staff more time to work with
stakeholders, initially took out the prohibition of parking in landscaped areas in front yards
then put it back in, and passed the amendment regarding portable storage units but asked
staff to research it further and propose further revisions. It was remarked that although
staff has further reviewed the items previously reviewed by the COB, no changes were
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made, except for allowing for additional on-site time for storage on commercial properties
in the portable storage units amendment. One member requested the record reflect that
although in the minority vote, she is still opposed to the amendment to the renting of
residential property.
Staff is requesting the COB's input regarding other amendments: 1) Window signs;
2) temporary sign coverings/grand opening signs; 3) publicly owned
boardwalks/observation platforms; 4) newsracks; 5) nonconformity provisions; and 6)
enforcement proceedings. Staff is proposing to amend the existing window sign
provision that restricts window signage to 20% of the window area on which the sign is
located, or 4 square feet, whichever is less.
Staff is proposing that window signage be permitted up to 8 square feet in area
provided that 25 % of the window area on which the sign is located is not exceeded. The
amendment also imposed a maximum amount of window signage of 24 square feet so
that window signage does not exceed the amount of attached signage that is allowed.
The proposed increase in permitted window signage also should accommodate the
periodic event sign (i.e. for special sales) which was deleted from Section 3-1805(C). In
response to the recent increased use of temporary sign coverings such as toaster covers,
sign socks, and sign boots, staff is proposing to address this issue in Section 3-1805(C)
which regulates temporary signs. Staff originally proposed to prohibit toaster covers to
encourage a business to install a new sign. At the June 1, 2000, meeting, the
Commission directed staff to permit temporary coverings for grand openings for new
businesses or for business name changes and this has been added to the ordinance. A
provision also was added which imposes a time restriction of 30 days after the issuance
of an occupational license. Staff also is proposing to eliminate the temporary sign that is
permitted once a year for "periodic events". In response to a question, Senior Planner
Gina Clayton said staff did not talk to the business community, but spoke to neighborhood
advocates.
Staff is proposing to add a new subsection (M) to Section 3-601 of the ordinance.
This amendment would permit roofed structures on publicly owned boardwalks,
observation platforms, elevated nature trails, and other such structures not intended for
use as a dock facility. The proposed provision also prohibits the use of vertical walls.
The purpose of this amendment is to give flexibility to the City when erecting or
retrofitting such facilities.
Staff is proposing to expand the nuisance provisions regarding newsracks in
Section 3-1503(B)(12). The current Code requirement declares newsracks and vending
machines a nuisance if located in a manner that causes imminent danger or is otherwise
unsafe. Staff is proposing to expand this to include any newsrack on public property not
in compliance with the newsrack requirements to be a nuisance. The proposed
amendment would provide code enforcement officers the ability to remove noncompliant
racks after sufficient notice is given to the owner and it is not removed.
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Staff is proposing to revise the purpose/applicability section o'! the nonconformity
provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that structures, uses and lots that were
lawful on the date of the adoption of the Code, but not under the new Code, are
considered nonconforming. It also further clarifies the intent of the Code to bring
nonconforming properties into compliance through a change of use, redevelopment, or
other change of condition.
Staff is proposing to reduce the amount of time given to a property owner to
correct a nuisance violation. The proposed amendment reduces the required compliance
time from 10 to 5 days. This would provide the Community Response Team with the
means to require rapid resolution of nuisance situations. Examples of nuisances include
abandoned buildings, accumulations of weeds, debris, etc.; grass/weeds exceeding 12
inches, and outdoor storage of dismantled or inoperative vehicles, equipment, etc. It
should be noted that Community Response Team deals with violations on a case-by-case
basis and where circumstances dictate more time for compliance, such flexibility would
still exist. In addition, any violation of the Code not deemed a nuisance would be treated
through the existing Code enforcement board process. In response to a question, Ms.
Dougall-Sides said it is clear in the Code that the compliance time refers to calendar days.
Four additional provisions proposed by staff that have surfaced are: 1) Residential
Infill Projects; 2) fences; 3) Comprehensive Sign Program; and 4) temporary yard signs.
Criteria for residential infill projects provides flexibility to vary development standards
permits flexibility in development standards that may be reduced beyond what is listed in
use charts. Staff is proposing to more clearly identify this flexibility by adding a footnote
to each flexible development use chart in the residential zoning districts specifying that the
development standards enumerated for residential infill projects are guidelines and may be
varied depending on each site plan.
Staff added a provision in the Code update regarding corner lot fence, however it
does not adequately address differing corner lot configurations and needs to be more
specific. Staff is proposing that if a corner lot has a rear yard that abuts the rear yard of
another corner lot, a six-foot high fence would be permitted in the yard abutting the side
street. Consensus of the COB was not to recommend this amendment to the
Commission.
Staff also is proposing that if a rear yard of a corner lot abuts a front yard of
another lot that only a three-foot high fence be permitted in front of the setback line of
the principal building on the adjacent lot. This provision will protect the view of an
adjacent property owner. In response to a question, Ms. Clayton said the setback a six-
foot high fence would be based on the neighbor's property line, not the street setback.
Mr. Stone said this amendment was derived from applications on major corridors where
owners with side yards and corner lots want more privacy from the street. Consensus of
the COB was not to recommend this amendment to the Commission.
Staff has determined there are no regulations that permit political speech in the
nonresidential zoning districts. Staff is proposing that the current temporary yard sign be
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expanded to include a sign not exceeding 32 square feet in the nonresidential zoning
districts.
Staff added provisions for monument signs in the nonresidential zoning districts in
the Code update. It was never contemplated, however, that such signs be subject to the
Comprehensive Sign Program which allows an increase of up to 100% in sign size. Staff
is proposing that an amendment clarifying this be made to the Comprehensive Sign
Program provisions.
In response to a question, Mr. Stone said staff anticipates that amendment
proposals will be brought before the CDB no more than once a year hereafter. It was
remarked that signs for refurbished movie theaters was not addressed in the Code. Mr.
Stone said unless an applicant brought the issue forward, that amendment would not be
discussed. A procedure in the Code allows applicants to suggest amendments upon
payment of an application fee.
A representative from PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) requested that staff
and the CDB revisit the section of Code referencing portable storage units. She thought
the POD would be permitted on the property as long as the permit is active. It appears
the PODS will be restricted to only 4 days on location during an active permit. She feels
the PODS should be permitted on the site during the entire remodeling process. Mr. Stone
said staff feels PODS are intended to be brought to the property as a portable means of
storage versus long-term storage units. In response to a question, the PODS
representative said PODS can easily be deposited in a side or rear yard, although from a
collection standpoint, they are easier to remove if in a driveway. Mr. Stone said the
Commission will consider this issue on Thursday.
One resident spoke in opposition to PODS on a site for a long period of time and in
rear or side yards.
In response to a concern from an attorney, Mr. Stone said a section of the Code
provides for construction-related storage units not related to PODS.
Member Johnson moved that the CDB concurs with staff's recommendations for
the amendments presented today, with the exception of the two fence amendments. The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Item C8 - 2755 Daniel Street, generally located on the south side of Daniel Street 200
feet west of McMullen Booth Road. Legally described as Lot 4, Block 3, Acker's
Subdivision. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant. Marcus Vernon, Representative. Request:
Annexation of 0.18 acres into the City. ANX 00-05-10
AND
Item C9 - 2755 Daniel Street, generally located on the south side of Daniel Street 200
feet west of McMullen Booth Road. Legally described as Lot 4, Block 3, Acker's
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Subdivision. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant. Marcus Vernon, Representative. Request:
1) Land Use plan amendment from RU, Residential Urban Category (County) to R/OG,
Residential/Office General Category (Clearwater), and 2) rezoning from R-3District
(County) to 0, Office District (Clearwater). LUZ 00-05-07
The owner is requesting to annex property at 2755 Daniel Street. The property
has a pending case being processed concurrently that proposes to change the Future Land
Use Plan category to Residential/Office General and zoning district to Office. This
annexation involves one lot of 8,276 square feet or .19 acres which currently has a
single-family residence. An office development has been proposed for the annexed site
and adjacent .55 acres presently in the City and is being processed in case FL 00-05-07.
The proposed annexation will not adversely affect public services, is consistent with
Florida law, the Community Development Code, and City regulations. Staff recommends
approval of the annexation of the property at 2755 Daniel Street. (LUZ 00-05-10)
The property owner also has submitted a plan amendment and rezoning application
to redevelop this lot, designated Residential Urban, in conjunction with adjacent lots
designated Residential/Office General. Currently, a single-family house is located on the
subject lot (.19 acres) and with surrounding property is proposed to be redeveloped with
an office (total site - .74 acres). The site plan is being reviewed concurrently with this
application. The proposed Residential/Office General Future Land Use and Office Zoning
District does not adversely affect public services, is compatible with the natural
environment, and is consistent with the development regulations of the City. Staff
recommends approval of: 1) Amending the Future Land Use Plan designation from
Residential Urban (RU) to Residential/Office General (R/OG), and 2) amending the zoning
district designation of 2755 Daniel Street from County zoning to Office (0).
Marcus Vernon, representative, said he had no objection to the CDB hearing both
cases concurrently. He thanked staff for their assistance.
Member Petersen moved, based on the staff report at this public hearing, that the
CDB recommend approval to the Commission of the annexation request for property at
2755 Daniel Street. (ANX 00-05-10). The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Member Petersen moved, based on the staff report at this public hearing, that the
CDB recommend approval to the Commission of: 1) Amending the Future Land Use Plan
designation from Residential Urban (RU) to Residential/Office General (R/OG), and 2)
amending the zoning district designation of 2755 Daniel Street from County zoning to
Office (0). (LUZ 00-05-07). The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM 0 - LEVEL TWO APPLICATIONS
Item 01 - 2750 McMullen Booth Road. Barry J. Vogel, Owner/applicant. Marcus Vernon,
Representative. Request: 1) Flexible Development approval 1) to reduce the front setback
from 25 to 10 feet (Charles Avenue); 2) reduce the front setback from 25 to 7 feet
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(McMullen Booth Road); 3) reduce the front setback from 25 to 24 feet (Daniel Street); 4)
reduce the side setbacks from 20 to 5 feet; and 5) reduce the required number of parking
spaces from 24 to 22 spaces, as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project with
Comprehensive Landscape Program. Proposed Use: An 8,000 square foot office building.
FL 00-05-17
The applicant is proposing to develop an 8,000 square feet office building as part
of a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project. The project includes the demolition of
the existing single-family home, reduction of front setback from 25 to 10 feet along
Charles Avenue, reduction of front setback from 25 to 7 feet along McMullen Booth Road,
reduction of front setback from 25 to 24 feet along Daniel Street, reduction of side
setbacks from 20 to 5 feet, and reduction in parking requirement from 24 to 22 spaces.
The new office building will have a dark green colored pitched asphalt shingle roof, 15
feet in height as measured to the midpoint of the roof. The building will be pale yellow
stucco and buff color brick. The colors are subject to change. Staff believes any changes
should be consistent with those on the plan. Windows will be incorporated on all
elevations and shutters are included on the north and east (front) elevations. The proposal
includes ingress along Charles Avenue to a one-way (northbound) driving aisle and parking
lot. The 22 parking spaces are shown at a 75-degree angle. Egress is provided at the
north end of the parking lot at Daniel Street. The site plan provides no direct access to
McMullen Booth Road. The 0.74-acre site is irregularly shaped with 355 feet of frontage
on McMullen Booth Road, 244 feet of frontage on Daniel Street and just over 50 feet of
frontage on Charles Avenue. A portion of the site, 0.19 acres, is the subject of pending
annexation, land use plan amendment and rezoning cases (ANX 00-05-10 and LUZ 00-05-
07). That portion contains an existing single-family residence. The area facing McMullen
Booth Road is undeveloped. The majority of the site has overgrown shrubbery and
contains several mature oak trees. McMullen Booth Road is classified as a major arterial
and is a designated scenic corridor. Proposed landscaping exceeds Code requirements.
The applicant is pursuing a permit with Pinellas County to landscape the right-of-way.
Staff recommends approval, subject to conditions: 1) The landscape plan be further
revised to include a tiered effect along McMullen Booth Road, as provided through a
landscape easement within the right-of-way, and that the agreement with Pinellas County
for same be finalized prior to the issuance of a building permit; 2) if the agreement to
landscape the right-of-way is not secured, the landscape plan be amended to exceed Code
requirements, to the satisfaction of staff; 3) the landscape plan exceeds the intent of the
Code including perimeter landscaping along all property lines; 4) the final design and color
of the building be consistent with the plans as submitted; and 5) signage comply with
Code.
Discussion ensued and it was felt that staff's Condition #3 is similar to Condition
#2.
Marcus Vernon, representative, said a system is in place for a landscaping
easement in Pinellas County, but getting it is another story. He said the issue regarding
Condition #2 is economic stability. The applicant has agreed to forego the entrance on
McMullen Booth Road, forego a parking configuration that allowed for 2 more spaces, and
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forego a retention pond in proximity to McMullen Booth Road. The applicant has indicated
he will make a concerted effort to obtain a landscape easement. Mr. Vernon said
Condition #2 was added after he met with staff. In the event the applicant does not
obtain the landscape easement, he feels the applicant should be permitted to proceed with
the site plan as submitted. Discussion ensued and Mr. Vernon was agreeable to providing
the same amount of landscaping dollar for dollar elsewhere on the site. He said tiering
landscaping on an alternate location has not been discussed with staff. Mr. Stone stated
that staff can work with Mr. Vernon and the applicant regarding the landscaping issue.
Member Johnson moved that the COB approve Case FL 00-05-17 for Flexible
Development approval at 2750 McMullen Booth Road, subject to staff conditions,
amending Condition #2 to read "if agreement to landscape the right-of-way is not secured,
the landscape plan be amended to exceed landscape Code requirements, in an equal
monetary equivalent as if the landscaping easement had been obtained. The motion died
for lack of a second.
Discussion ensued regarding the redundancy of Condition #3.
Member Johnson moved that the COB approve Case FL 00-05-17 for Flexible
Development approval at 2750 McMullen Booth Road, subject to staff conditions,
amending Condition #2 to read "if agreement to landscape the right-of-way is not secured,
the landscape plan be amended to exceed landscape Code requirements, to the
satisfaction of staff, in an equal monetary equivalent as if the landscaping easement had
been obtained", and delete Condition #3. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Item 02 - 850 Eldorado Avenue. Thomas & Kathleen Sherman, Owners/applicants.
Request: Flexible Development approval to reduce the front setback from 25 to 12 feet,
and increase the maximum impervious surface ratio from 0.65 to 0.75, as part of a
Residential Infill Project. Proposed Use: An addition to an existing single-family residence.
FL 00-05-15
The applicant is requesting Flexible Development approval to reduce the front
setback from 25 to 12 feet and increase the maximum impervious surface ratio for the
site from 0.65 to 0.75, as a Residentiallnfill Project. The site is 0.15 acres located on the
northwest corner of Gardenia Street and Eldorado Avenue. The site is located in an area
of the beach for which redevelopment requests are common. Eldorado Avenue is a two-
lane residential street with a 50-foot right-of-way. Gardenia Street is an unimproved
public right-of-way from which public access is provided to the beach. The site contains
an existing 3,000 square foot single-family dwelling with an attached, two-car garage,
built in 1968. The house is currently setback 10 feet from Eldorado Avenue and is five
feet from the north (side) property line. The applicants are proposing to add 89 square
feet to an existing master bedroom and 26 square feet to the entryway, totaling 115
square feet. The master bedroom addition will be 12 feet from the front setback on
Eldorado Avenue. The required front setback along Eldorado Avenue is 25 feet, which
appears extraordinary given the narrow width of the road, however, the request to reduce
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the front setback (Eldorado Avenue) from 25 to 12 feet is in keeping with the established
character of the area. A majority of the houses in the area have been built at
approximately this setback. The proposed addition will not encroach any farther into the
front setback than currently exists. The request also includes an increase in the maximum
impervious surface ratio (ISR) is from 65 to 75 percent. The existing ratio already exceeds
Code requirements by eight- percent (0.73). Staff recommends approval of the request.
Chuck Retch/ess, representative, concurred with staff's recommendations.
Member Petersen moved that the CDB approve the Flexible Development request to
reduce the front setback from 25 to 12 feet along Eldorado Avenue and increase the
maximum impervious surface ratio from 0.65 to 0.75, as part of a Residentiallnfill Project,
for the site at 850 Eldorado Avenue. The motion was duly seconded and carried
unanimously.
Item 03 - 3219 San Bernadino Street. David & Beth Philion, Owners/Applicants.
Request: Flexible Development approval to reduce the side setback from 15 to 7.5 feet as
part of a Residential Infill Project. Proposed Use: A master bedroom addition to an
existing single-family residence. Fl 00-05-16
The applicants are requesting Flexible Development approval to reduce the side
setback from 15 to 7.5 feet, as part of a Residentiallnfill Project. The site is
approximately 0.23 acres located on the south side of San Bernadino Street,
approximately 240 feet east of Monterey Avenue. The site contains an existing 1,931
square foot single-family dwelling built in 1958. The dwelling encroaches into the
required side setbacks along the east and west property lines. The east side setback is
11.5 feet and the west side setback is 10.5 feet. All other setbacks comply with Code
requirements for the Low Density Residential District. The applicants are proposing to
construct a 365-square foot master bedroom addition to the rear of the home. The
proposal will result in an encroachment into the east side setback. The request is a
reduction in the (east) side setback from 15 to 7.5 feet. The proposed addition will be
constructed to match the architectural style of the existing house. It will be constructed
with an exterior finish and roof materials that will blend into the house. The house is
located in the Del Oro Groves neighborhood in eastern Clearwater. Staff recommends
approval.
David Philion, owner, said he wishes to add a room onto his house.
Member Gildersleeve moved that the CDB approve the Flexible Development
request to reduce the side setback from 15 to 7.5 feet, as part of a Residential Infill
Project. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Item D4 - 3273, 3281 landmark Drive. Dr. Douglas Weiland, Owner/applicant. Request:
Flexible Development approval to install a six-foot fence within the required 25-foot front
setback, as part of a Residential Infill Project. Proposed Use: A 6-foot fence with brick
columns along the frontage of two single-family lots. FL 00-05-22
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The applicant is requesting Flexible Development approval to construct a brick and
metal fence at a height of 6 feet within the front setback of 3273 and 3281 Landmark
Drive and to construct a black vinyl-clad chain link fence along the southern property of
3273 Landmark Drive within the front setback, as part of a Residentiallnfill Project. The
site is 2 parcels, held in common ownership, totaling 2.09 acres. The parcels are on the
east side of Landmark Drive, approximately 450 feet north of Geiger Court. The site
contains 2 single-family dwellings. The site at 3273 Landmark Drive contains a 6-foot
aluminum, picket fence with masonry columns along a portion of the front (west) property
line. The applicant is proposing to continue the fence, north along the front (west) of
property at 3281 Landmark Drive. The aluminum, picket fence also will continue at the
southwest corner of the property at 3273 and run east for 20 feet. The proposal also
includes the installation of a 6-foot, black vinyl-clad chain link fence to be located along
the side (south) property line of the property at 3273 Landmark Drive. The chain link
fence will begin 20 feet east of the southwest corner of the site joining the proposed 6-
foot aluminum, picket fence and will run east to meet with an existing 6-foot wood fence.
The site is in a desirable part of the City that has maintained a significantly high quality of
architecture. The request is to reduce the front setback (west) from 25 to zero feet for a
6-foot aluminum, picket fence with masonry columns and a chain link fence. The
proposed picket fence will match the architectural style and materials of the existing
structures. The proposed chain link fence will begin 20 feet from the front setback and
will be clad in black vinyl and heavily landscaped. Staff recommends approval.
Roberto Klar, architect, said the applicant wishes to extend his fence to include his
entire property.
Member Petersen moved that the COB approve the Flexible Development request to
construct a brick and metal fence at a height of 6 feet within the front setback of 3273
and 3281 Landmark Drive, and to construct a black-vinyl clad chain link fence along the
southern property of 3273 Landmark Drive within the front setback, as part of a
Residential Infill Project at the sites at 3273 and 3281 Landmark Drive. The motion was
duly seconded and carried unanimously.
Item 05 - 800 Eldorado Avenue. Thomas & Pauline Deal. Request; Flexible Development
approval 1) to reduce the front setback from 25 to 7 feet on Mango Street; 2) reduce the
front setback from 25 to 15 feet on Eldorado Avenue, and 3) increase the height of the
dwelling from 30 to 32 feet as part of a Residential Infill Project. Proposed Use: Single-
family residence. FL 00-05-20
Member Plisko declared a conflict of interest and excused himself from the
discussion and vote.
The owners are requesting Flexible Development approval to reduce the front
setback from 25 to 7 feet on Mango Street, reduce the front setback from 25 to 15 feet
on Eldorado Avenue, and increase the height of the dwelling from 30 to 32 feet, as part
of a Residentiallnfill Project. The site is 0.15 acres on the northwest corner of Eldorado
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Avenue and Mango Streets. Eldorado Avenue is a 2-lane, residential street with a 60~foot
right-of-way. Mango Street, although platted as a public street with 60 feet of right-of-
way, has been improved with a pedestrian access-only to the beach. It will continue to be
used as public access to the Gulf. The site is in a desirable part of the beach that is
undergoing redevelopment. The site includes a 1,472 square foot single-family dwelling.
The house is set back approximately 9 feet from the front property line on Eldorado
Avenue and ,approximately 7 feet from the front property line on Mango Street. As a
corner lot, the site has 2 front setbacks. The applicant is proposing to demolish the
existing house and construct a new 3,600 square foot, single-family dwelling. The
required front setback along Eldorado Avenue is 25 feet, which seems extensive given the
narrow width of the road. The request to reduce the front setback (east property line)
from 25 to 15 feet is in keeping with the established character of the area and would
otherwise be a Flexible Standard request requiring a staff-level, administrative review. The
proposed dwelling will sit farther from the east property line than currently exists. The
request for the second front setback reduction on Mango Street from 25 to 7 feet requires
this case be reviewed as a Flexible Development request. The request to reduce the front
setback along Mango Street is in keeping with other sites in the area that adjoins public
access to the beach. The owner seeks to maintain a consistency in the streetscape of the
neighborhood. The applicant also is requesting a height increase from 30 to 32 feet.
This will bring the house into visual conformance with the rest of the neighborhood and
maximize the potential of the site. The houses will have three stories. A two-bay garage
will be located on the lower level with 2 levels of living space above, which is consistent
with the neighborhood. Staff recommends approval.
Thomas Deal, owner, said he was present to answer questions.
Member Petersen moved that the CDB approve the Flexible Development
application for a reduction in the front setback from 25 to 7 feet on Mango Street, a
reduction of the front setback from 25 to 15 feet on Eldorado Avenue, and an increase in
height from 30 to 32 feet as a Residential Infill Project, for the site at 800 Eldorado
Avenue. The motion was duly seconded and upon the vote being taken Members Mazur,
Gildersleeve, Johnson, Moran, and Petersen voted "aye"; Member Plisko abstained.
Motion carried.
Item 06 - 2853 Foxwood Drive. Bradley W. Mitchell, Owner/Applicant. Request: Flexible
Development approval 1) to reduce the rear setback from 25 to 17 feet, and 2) reduce the
side setback from 15 to 7.66 feet, as part of a Residentiallnfill Project. Proposed Use; A
673 square-foot addition to an existing single-family residence. Fl 00-04-11
The owners are requesting Flexible Development approval to reduce the rear
setback from 25 to 17 feet and reduce the side setback from 15 to 7.66 feet, as part of
a Residentiallnfill Project. The site is 0.39 acres on the south side of Foxwood Court,
approximately 150 feet west of Landmark Drive. The lot is an irregular rectangle shape
that is wider at the street than along the rear property line. The neighborhood has
numerous homes that continue to be well maintained. The site contains a 3,697 square
foot single-family dwelling built in 1978. The dwelling contains an attached garage and
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open porch, as do most of the surrounding homes. The house encroaches on the
required 15-foot side setback (east property line) by nearly 4 feet. All other setbacks
comply with Code requirements for the Low Density Residential District. The applicants
wish to construct a 673-square foot addition to the rear of the home. The addition will
encroach into the side and rear setbacks resulting in an 8-foot (east) side setback and a
17-foot rear setback. The proposed addition will not protrude past the existing side
walls and will not be seen from Foxwood Court. Existing vegetation and an existing 6-
foot wood privacy fence surrounding the back yard will help screen the addition from
surrounding properties. Staff recommends approval.
Tom Drunasky, representative, was present for questions.
Member Petersen moved that the COB approve the Flexible Development request
to reduce the rear setback from 25 to 17 feet and reduce the side setback from 15 to
7.66 feet, as part of a Residential Infill Project. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
Item 07- 1400 Garden Avenue. Religious Community Services, Owner/Applicant.
Request: Flexible Development approval of an expansion of a residential shelter with a
request to: 1) reduce the front setback from 25 to 11 feet (Garden Avenue); 2) reduce
the side setback from 10 to 4 feet along the south property line (starting at the southwest
corner of the site running to the west); 3) reduce the side setback from 10 to 3 feet along
the south property line (starting the southwest corner of the site running to the east); and
4) reduce the number of required parking spaces from 26 to 24, as a Comprehensive Infill
Redevelopment Project. Proposed Use: A 6,980 square-foot expansion of an existing
7,149 square-foot residential shelter. FL 00-05-18
Member Plisko declared a conflict of interest and excused himself from discussion
and the vote.
The applicant requests Flexible Development approval to reduce the front setback
from 25 to 11 feet (Garden Avenue), reduce the side setback from 10 to 4 feet along the
south property line (from the southwest corner of the site to the west), reduce the side
setback from 10 to 3 feet along the south property line (from the southwest corner of the
site to the east), reduce the number of required parking spaces from 26 to 24 spaces, and
approve an expansion of a residential shelter, as a Comprehensive lnfill Redevelopment
Project. The 0.80-acre site is irregularly shaped with 210 feet of frontage on Garden
Avenue and 162 feet of frontage on N. Fort Harrison Avenue. It includes 8 lots (Lots 1,
3, 4, 5, 10, 18, 19, and 20) that have been combined through Unity of Title. The site is
the current location of the Haven House that includes 3 existing structures totaling 7,149
square feet. The existing structures include a 4,915 square foot two-story, masonry
building (located on Lot 4 at the northwest corner of the site), a 1,202 square foot two-
story, masonry building (located on Lot 10 at the northeast corner of the site) and a 1,032
square foot single-story masonry structure (located on Lot 1 at the southwest corner of
the site). The Haven House has been located at this site since 1983. It provides shelter
to victims of domestic violence and their children and currently operates with 20 beds
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with 15 staff members. The proposal includes converting the existing structures to
offices, an addition to the smaller 2-story structure, and increasing the number of beds to
a total of 34. There will be no increase to the number of staff. The proposal includes the
expansion of the existing structure on Lot 10 with a 6,980 square foot addition. The
addition will be setback 20.35 feet from the east (front) property line. A new porch will
be added to the existing 2-story structure on Lot 1. It will extend 8 feet to the east in line
with the existing building. Five new parking spaces will be added to Lot 18 (southeast
portion of the site) with a side (south) setback of 4 feet. There are 3 existing access
points on the site, 2 from N. Ft. Harrison Avenue (1 each for Lots 1 and 5) and 1 from N.
Garden Avenue (Lot 10). A fourth access point will be added for the proposed parking
spaces on Lot 18. The proposal incorporates the use of a 6-foot masonry wall (for
security purposes) along eastern portion of the site with landscaping on the exterior side.
The landscape plan provided exceeds the intent of the Code. Staff recommends approval.
Linda Amidi, representative, was present for questions. She commended staff for
their assistance.
Member Gildersleeve moved that the CDB approve the Flexible Development
application to reduce the front setback from 25 to 11 feet (Garden Avenue), reduce the
side setback from 10 to 4 feet along the south property line (from the southwest corner of
the site to the west), reduce the side setback from 10 to 3 feet along the south property
line (from the southwest corner of the site to the east), reduce the number of required
parking spaces from 26 to 24 spaces, and approve an expansion of a residential shelter,
as a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project, for the site at 1400 North Garden
Avenue. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken Members Mazur,
Gildersleeve, Johnson, Moran, and Petersen voted "aye"; Member Plisko abstained.
Motion carried.
Item D8- 333 Chestnut Street. Pinellas County/Thomas Borawski, Owner/applicant.
Request: Flexible Development approval 1) to reduce the front setback from 25 to 8 feet
(Palm Avenue); 2) reduce the front setback from 25 to 9 feet (Oak Avenue); 3) reduction
in side yard from 10 to 3 feet; and 4) reduction in required number of parking spaces from
121 to 61 spaces ( 6 spaces on-site and 55 spaces off-site), as part of a Comprehensive
Infill Redevelopment Project with Comprehensive Landscape Program. Proposed Use: A
22,000 square foot television studio in association with an existing 8,235 square foot
facilities maintenance building. FL 00-05-21
Member Gildersleeve declared a conflict of interest and excused himself from the
discussion and vote.
The applicant requests Flexible Development approval to reduce the front setback
from 25 to 8 feet (Palm Avenue), reduce the front setback from 25 to 9 feet (Oak
Avenue), reduce the side yard from 10 to 3 feet, and reduce the required number of
parking spaces from 121 to 61 spaces (6 spaces on-site and 55 spaces off-site), as part
of a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project with Comprehensive Landscape Program.
The 1 .06-acre site is at the southeast corner of Chestnut Street and Oak Avenue, west of
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Palm Avenue. It is part of a larger Pinellas County government campus just south of
downtown Clearwater. The site recently contained a 1,104 square feet 2-story wood
building and a 656 square feet single-story building that operated as a production studio.
Those structures were razed as part of this redevelopment proposal. It also contains an
8,235 square foot facilities maintenance building that will be maintained as part of this
application. There were 52 legal parking spaces on site that served the existing use and
the larger government campus; 50 were reassigned to other parking lots and 2 will remain
as part of the new site plan. Redevelopment of the site includes the replacement of the
former television studio with a new 22,000 square foot building. The building will be 32
feet in height with a flat roof. The building materials will include brown brick and yellow
stucco. Although the architectural style is modern, the building will fit the scale of
surrounding buildings. The fa9ade along Palm Avenue will contain numerous windows.
The Chestnut Street elevation features a large circular window. The Oak Avenue
elevation depicts a stucco fa9ade and large doors for studio use. The use of stucco and
brick add interest to the exterior walls. The landscape plan includes a mixture of shade
and ornamental trees, shrubs, palms and ground cover. Revisions need to be made to the
perimeter landscaping including additional plantings around the detention basin and
supplemental periphery trees and shrubs. The proposal includes a reduction in the front
setback along Oak Avenue from 25 to 9 feet, a reduction in front setback from 25 to 8
feet along Palm Avenue and a side setback reduction from 10 to 3 feet. The reduction in
setbacks will help ensure that the building is in harmony with the immediate vicinity.
There are existing 4-foot sidewalks along Oak Avenue and Chestnut Street. A 5-foot
sidewalk will be provided along Palm Avenue. The proposal also includes a reduction in
the required number of on-site parking spaces from 121 to 6 spaces. The television
studio is part of a large County Government campus that has multiple parking lots in the
immediate area. The total number of employees will be 30 with up to 20 visitors. The
applicant has indicated that 50 spaces will be needed for the proposed building. Code
requires that parking be based on the gross floor area, however, the size of the proposed
building reflects space needed for equipment rather than people. The applicant's
calculation for parking is a better indication of need than current Code requirements. The
same rationale is used for the existing facilities management building. Code requires 33
parking spaces based on the building size, yet, the applicant has shown there is a need for
only 11 spaces based on the number of employees that work at the facility. The
proposed building will displace 50 parking spaces of the 52 spaces that were recently
removed on the property. These 50 spaces were reassigned to other lots throughout
downtown (28 spaces were assigned to the Methodist Church to the south, 16 spaces
were assigned to the First Christian Scientist Church, and 6 spaces were assigned to the
City parking lot located on the northeast corner of Ft. Harrison Avenue and Court Street).
Based on the applicant's need, 61 parking spaces are required for the new and existing
buildings. The plan includes 6 parking spaces to be provided on-site. The remaining 55
parking spaces are to be provided elsewhere within the larger campus. Staff agrees the
parking demand for this project is 61 spaces and the applicant has agreed to provide a
total of 61 spaces (6 spaces on-site and 55 spaces off-site). Staff recommends approval,
subject to conditions: 1) The temporary off-site parking (northeast corner of Turner
Street and Ft. Harrison Avenue) be permitted until the provision of adequate alternate or
permanent parking is provided to the satisfaction of staff, whichever occurs first; 2)
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should parking arrangements at this lot change and/or be unavailable to the site, the City
will be notified immediately to establish a mutually acceptable alternate parking area; 3) a
revised master parking plan with all parking assignments be provided to staff, prior to
issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for this facility; 4) all parking areas required for this
project (on and off-site) be of hard surface material, striped and include required handicap
spaces; and 5) the landscape plan be revised to include additional plantings around the
detention basin and supplemental periphery trees/shrubs.
Concern was expressed that so many contingency plans are being considered. In
response to a question, Planner Ryan Givens said the site plan will include handicapped
parking spaces. He said staff did not perform an analysis regarding the number of parking
spaces the County claims will meet the needs of employees and visitors. Staff is relying
on the number of County-leased spaces and their representation sufficient parking spaces
are in place.
Thomas Borawski, representative, concurred with staff's recommendations. He
submitted a map of the downtown and referred to parking lots leased by the County.
Some spaces are metered to accommodate the public, and others are not. Some lots are
leased for County staff and others are for visitor use. Mr. Borawski said although the
building will fill the site and 50 parking spaces have been removed, spaces are available in
other nearby lots. Visitors are mostly County staff. The building will be used to film park
films and County Commission meetings. Many staff will walk to the building. As
volunteers arrive after normal business hours, they will have sufficient parking. In
response to a question, Mr. Borawski said the existing parking garage at Osceola
Avenue/Court Street will be expanded. He said the City Engineering Department has
information regarding parking issues as changes are being made due to the proposed
Memorial Causeway Bridge project.
Carl Barron, Director of General Services for the County, said the County is in the
process of reviewing the proposed plan and road improvements for Chestnut and Court
Streets. Parking spaces will be gained in the parking lot west of 31 5 Court Street, at the
Courthouse. Overall parking will increase. He felt comfortable that the County meets
parking requirements. Mr. Barron said the City entered into an interlocal agreement with
the Board of County Commissioners that states that as the County transfers $10 million
to the County's portion out of the Penny for Pinellas to contribute to this project, the City
has specific commitments to ensure their design process makes the County whole with
regard to parking. Planning Director Ralph Stone said staff feels the 5 recommended staff
conditions cover all contingencies.
Member Petersen moved that the CDB approve the Flexible Development request
to reduce the front setback from 25 to 8 feet (Palm Avenue), reduce the front setback
from 25 to 9 feet (Oak Avenue), reduce the side yard from 10 to 3 feet, and reduce the
required number of parking spaces from 121 to 61 spaces (6 spaces on-site and 55
spaces off-site), as part of a Comprehensive Infill Redevelopment Project with
Comprehensive Landscape Program at 333 Chestnut Street, subject to conditions: 1) The
temporary off-site parking (northeast corner of Turner Street and Ft. Harrison Avenue) be
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permitted until the provision of adequate alternate or permanent parking is provided to the
satisfaction of staff, whichever occurs first; 2) should parking arrangements at this lot
change and/or be unavailable to the site, the City will be notified immediately to establish
a mutually acceptable alternate parking area; 3) a revised master parking plan with all
parking assignments be provided to staff, prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy for
this facility; 4) all parking areas required for this project (on and off-site) be of hard
surface material, striped and include required handicap spaces; and 5) the landscape plan
be revised to include additional plantings around the detention basin and supplemental
periphery trees/shrubs. The motion was duly seconded. Upon the vote being taken
Members Mazur, Plisko, Johnson, Moran, and Petersen voted "aye"; Member
Gildersleeve abstained. Motion carried.
ITEM E - APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVOIUS MEETING: June 20, 2000
Member Moran moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 20,
2000, as submitted in written summation to each Board member. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
ITEM F - DIRECTOR'S ITEMS - None.
Other Business
It was requested staff recommend to the Commission that consideration be given
to replacement/updating of the microphones in Chambers.
It was requested staff ensure that all surveys submitted with cases be current.
The Assistant City Attorney said an administrative hearing was held on June 29,
2000, regarding the cellular telecommunication tower issue. She said parties are
submitting proposed order and a ruling should be given within 45 days of the hearing. A
companion federal case is in mediation.
Staff was complimented for working with applicants to resolve issues.
ITEM G - ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6: 16 p.m.
Chair
Community Development Board
Attest:
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NOTICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE
TEXT AMENDMENT
The City of Clearwater, Florida, proposed to adopt the following ordinance:
ORDINANCE NO. 6595-00
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA AMENDING THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CODE BY AMENDING ARTICLE 2, ZONING DISTRICTS
BY CLARIFYING THAT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL INFILL
PROJECTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS ARE GUIDELINES; AND
AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS BY ADDING A NEW
SUBSECTION TO SECTION 3-1407(A) PARKING RESTRICTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL
AREAS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1805
SIGNS PERMITTED WITHOUT A PERMIT, BY REVISING SECTION 3-1805(N)
TEMPORARY YARD SIGNS; AND AMENDING ARTICLE 3, DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS, SECTION 3-1807(B) BY PROHIBITING MONUMENT SIGNS TO BE
ELIGIBLE FOR COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PROGRAM; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THIS MATTER:
City Commission Meeting
Thursday, August 17, 2000
(at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard)
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS, City Hall, 3rd Floor
112 S. Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida
Additional information is available in the Planning and Development Services Department at the
Municipal Services Building, 100 South Myrtle A venue, Clearwater, Florida.
Florida Statute 286.0105 states: Any person appealing a decision of this board must have a
record of the proceedings to support such an appeal. A person taking an appeal will need to
ensure that a verbatim record, including testimony and evidence, is made. The inclusion of this
statement does not create or imply a right to appeal the decision to be made at this hearing if the
right to an appeal does not exist as a matter of law.
Citizens may appear to be heard or file written notice of approval or objection with the Planning
and Development Services Director or the City Clerk prior to or during the public hearing.
A COpy OF THIS AD IN LARGE PRINT IS AVAILABLE IN THE CITY CLERK DEPT.
AND ANY PERSON WITH A DISABILITY REQUIRING REASONABLE
ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING SHOULD
CALL THE CITY CLERK DEPT WITH THEIR REQUEST AT (727) 562-4090.
City of Clearwater
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, Fl 33758-4748
Cynthia E. Goudeau, CMC/ ME
City Clerk
Ad: 08/05/00