HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 11 14 Regular 605 Amend Minimum Setback Requirements within PUD Section 6-86
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 605
Consent
Information
Public Hearine:
Re~ular X
November 13, 2007
Special Meeting
MGR. ~~/DePt~
I
REQUEST: The Community Development Department requests the City Commission
provide certain clarification regarding its directive to amend the minimum
setback requirements within PUDs, as set forth in Section 6-86 of the City Code.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to get some clarification of the Commission's
directive and request the Commission consider an alternative, before taking the new language
through the ordinance approval process.
CONSIDERATION: At the special August 20, 2007 Commission meeting, the Commission
reviewed a request by the residents of Casa Park Villas, to amend the minimum side and rear yard
building setbacks within zero-lot-line developments that are located in Planned Unit Developments
(PUDs). At that meeting, the Commission voted to instruct staff to bring forward a new ordinance,
amending Section 6-86 of the City Code to allow screen enclosures with solid roofs, porches, and
additions at the same 7 foot building setback from the rear property line currently allowed for screen
rooms and pool enclosures. It appears that the motion included both zero-lot-line and standard
detached single family residential developments within PUDs.
The concern is that this revision does not address the needs of the property owners within
zero-lot-line developments (a zero-lot-line development is designed so that, on separate platted lots,
at least one or more of the building's sides may be constructed directly upon the lot line; patio homes
may be attached at a common property line and meet the zero-lot-line definition). That was the focus
of the original request. Many would still not be able to construct or reconstruct porches or additions
to their homes on lots that were designed for no rear yard setbacks (except the applicable life-safety
codes - i.e. building and fire codes). Further, staff believes that it would be inadvisable to lessen the
minimum rear yard setbacks for detached single family residential from 10 feet in the rear (which
was not part of the original request). Considerable coordination between staff and the City Attorney
resulted in the existing single family detached residential setbacks and they have not been an issue
with the public.
November 13, 2007
Regular Agenda Item 605
Page 2
Staff foresees no major concerns in allowing zero rear yard setbacks in established zero-lot-
line development in PUDs, other than the applicable life-safety code requirements, and the need to be
consistent with the established development pattern (e.g. harmony and consistency).
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission reconsider its directive for
7 foot rear setbacks in all residential PUD development and direct staff to proceed with an ordinance
that allows a zero rear yard setback only in zero-lot-line developments within a PUD. The ordinance
would amend Section 6-86 of the City Code.
ATT ACHMENTS:
A. Item 602, reviewed August 20, 2007
B. Minutes
C. Zero Lot Line graphics
CITY COMMISSION ACTION:
ATTACHMENT A
COMMISSION AGENDA
ITEM 602
August 13,2007
Meeting
Consent
Information
Public Hearing
Regular x
Mgr.
/Dept.
REQUEST: Community Development Department requests that the City Commission review
the situation regarding zero lot line developments with PUD zoning and provide direction.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to identify the nature of zero lot line
development, state the applicable codes, provide a brief description of why these codes were
enacted, to allow the Commission assess the existing regulations and to direct staff as they deem
appropriate.
APPLICABLE REGULATIONS:
Section 6-85. Screen enclosures.
Section 6-86. Minimum setback requirements within PUD zoning districts.
CONSIDERATIONS: The process leading up to the current situation evolved through a
series of events over a number of years. Staff believes that the following dialog regarding the
pertinent terminology (e.g. what a screen room is, vs. a porch) and regulations may foster a
better understanding of what we have and how we got it. The City contains a number of older
PUDs, which do not have development agreements. For a number of these PUDs, the
regulations for setbacks and a number of other important regulations were set forth only in the
deed restrictions or homeowner documents. Previous staff actively enforced the homeowner
documents, although the City Attorney has generally advised the current staff to not enforce
these deed restrictions. The residents of some subdivision homeowner associations have allowed
their HOAs and deed restrictions to lapse, further complicating the issue.
1. Screen Enclosures: Prior to 2002, the City Code permitted screen enclosures over
swimming pools to be constructed closer to the rear property line than other attached structures,
but required that they be over a swimming pool, as defined in Chapter 6 of the City Code. In
October of 2002, the City responded to a request to construct a screen enclosure that would not
be constructed over a swimming pool, by passing Ordinance No. 2002-31, which removed
screen enclosures from under the rubric of swimming pools within Chapter 6 of the City Code.
The new Section 6-85 clearly defines a screen enclosure as having and maintaining a mesh
covering (roof), not smaller than twenty (20) by twenty (20) mesh or larger than eighteen (18) by
March 12,2007
Regular Agenda Item 601
Page 2
fourteen (14) threads per inch. Any modification that, for example, added an impervious roof or
impervious sides, required the structure to meet the principal building setbacks for applicable
zoning district. Screen enclosures were required to meet all applicable front and side building
setbacks, but were permitted within seven (7) feet of the rear property line (assuming no
conflicting easements).
2. Minimum PUD building setbacks: The City found itself with building setback
variance requests within some of the established Planned Unit Developments (PUDs), where it
was determined that the City had no authority (other than applicable life-safety codes) to
maintain minimum building setbacks - if a variance or waiver were granted by the applicable
homeowners' association. The Commission determined that, under their existing regulations,
they could regulate the location of accessory structures and screen enclosures, but were unable to
regulate the location of a primary structure within certain PUDs within the City. In response, the
City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2004-31, which set forth minimum building setbacks
within PUDs in Section 6-86. This included minimum setbacks for zero lot line developments
(25' front, 10' rear, 5' on one side, and 25' for all comer sides). If there were a conflict between
the minimum setback requirements and existing approved deed restrictions occurred, the more
restrictive were to apply. If the building setbacks were set forth on a plat, within a development
agreement, or within a settlement agreement, these would take precedent over the minimum
setbacks in Section 6-86.
3. Relief: Various affected parties have complained that the current minimum PUD building
setback regulations, which are more stringent than their deed restrictions, inhibit them from more
fully developing and enjoying their property - in the manner in which their neighbors were
allowed to do. The Code allows two (2) relief mechanisms, short of amending the Code:
(a) a variance, which costs $500 and requires that applicant to demonstrate compliance with all
of 7 very stringent criteria and
(b) a waiver, which costs $500, but requires the applicant to demonstrate first that the applicable
code requirement clearly creates an illogical, impossible, impractical, or patently unreasonable
result and then demonstrate consistency with all of six (6) additional criteria (which are difficult,
but not as difficult to demonstrate as the variance criteria).
4. Request: Various property owners at Casa Park Villas have written letters expressing their
concern regarding the ramifications of Section 6-86 on their properties. They note that those
properties without existing porches may be precluded from obtaining a building permit, based on
the Code. They note that such porches were permissible, prior to the adoption of Ordinance No.
2004-31. Owners of other zero lot line homes have also expressed discontent with Section 6-86.
5. Alternatives: Staff believes that if the Commission, after surveying the scope of the
issue, believes that there is a significant problem, that the following alternatives may be
considered in consultation with the City Attorney (other more appropriate alternatives may also
be proposed and should also be considered):
(a) amend Section 6-86 to allow a less stringent rear yard setback than the current 10'; and
(b) provide a specific time period when resident owners can apply for a waiver with a reduced
fee (a fee adequate to cover copying, signage, and notification).
2
March 12,2007
Regular Agenda Item 601
Page 3
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Commission consult with the City
Attorney, consider the depth and breadth of the issue, and provide staff direction to proceed.
Staff recommends alternative "b,"
ATTACHMENTS:
A Ordinance No. 2004-31 and associated Commission minutes
B Ordinance No. 2002-31 and associated Commission minutes
C Casa Park Request
COMMISSION ACTION:
3
ATTACHMENT B
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS. FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - AUGUST 20. 2001
(CONTINUATION FROM THE AUGUST 13.2001 REGULAR MEETING)
PAGE 190Fll
.:..:. AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HEARING AGENDA
ITEMS WERE NOT VOTED ON AT TIDS MEETING. .:. .:.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AGENDA- PREVIOUSLY LISTED ON THE
AUGUST 13,2007 REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
PUBLIC HEARINGS
500.2 Community Development Department
Requests The City Commission Review The Vertex Development, LLC
Telecommunications Tower Site Plan, On A 70' x 70' Lease Site, At The Tuscawilla
Country Club (1500 Winter Springs Boulevard), In The Tuscawilla Planned Unit
Development (PUD).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
500.3 Community Development Department
Requests The City Commission Review The Vertex Development, LLC
Telecommunications Tower Aesthetic Review, For A 150' (One Hundred And Fifty
Feet) Tall Monopole In A SO' x 50' Fenced Compound With 10' Landscape Buffer
On A 70' x 70' Lease Site, At The Tuscawilla Country Club (1500 Winter Springs
Boulevard), In the Tuscawilla Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Manager McLemore left the Commission Chambers at approximately 8: 15 p. m.
.:..:. AGENDA NOTE: THE FOLLOWING REGULAR AGENDA ITEM WAS
DISCUSSED NEXT, AS DOCUMENTED. .:. .:.
REGULAR AGENDA - PREVIOUSLY LISTED ON THE AUGUST
13,2007 REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
REGULAR
602. Community Development Department
Requests That The City Commission Review The Situation Regarding Zero Lot
Line Developments With PUD (planned Unit Developments) Zoning And Provide
Direction.
Mr. John Baker, AICP, Senior Planner, Community Development Department presented
this Agenda Item.
Discussion.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING - AUGUST 20, 2007
(CONTINUATION FROM THE AUGUST 13,2007 REGULAR MEETING)
PAGE 20 OF 22
Mayor Bush asked, "You mean the HOA (Homeowner's Association) documents take
precedent over the City Codes?" Mr. Baker replied, "No, sir." Mr. Baker continued,
"The most restrictive applies." Mayor Bush asked, "What if theirs is more restrictive
than ours?" Mr. Baker replied, "Then that applies, yes Sir." Mayor Bush asked, "The
HOA (Homeowner's Association's) applies?" Mr. Baker replied, "Yes, sir." Mayor
Bush then asked, "What if the HOA (Homeowner's Association's) has expired, then it's
the City right?" Mr. Baker noted, "That's a complication that we have consulted the
Attorney on, and I'm not sure of the answer on that."
Further discussion.
"I MAKE A MOTION THAT WE CHANGE THE ORDINANCE TO ALLOW
SCREENED ENCLOSURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CODES WITH
IMPERVIOUS ROOFS." MOTION BY COMMISSIONER GILMORE.
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN. DISCUSSION.
COMMISSIONER GILMORE ADDED, "SCREENED PORCHES WITH
IMPERVIOUS ROOFS."
Tape 3/Side A
COMMISSIONER GILMORE REMARKED, "I AM NOT SURE THAT IT
SHOULD APPLY TO ANY."
COMMISSIONER BROWN SAID TO COMMISSIONER GILMORE, "I
ASSUMED THAT YOUR MOTION WAS TO JUST MAKE THE IMPERVIOUS
ROOF THE SAME AS THE SCREEN ROOF?" COMMISSIONER GILMORE
STATED, "THAT IS CORRECT." COMMISSIONER BROWN NOTED, "SO
THAT MEANS WE JUST GO TO SEVEN FEET (7') ACROSS THE BOARD."
VOTE:
COMMISSIONER KREBS: AYE
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE
COMMISSIONER BROWN: AYE
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS: AYE
MOTION CARRIED.
"I MOVE THAT WE HAVE STAFF GIVE US A ROUGH ESTIMATE, I KNOW
IT CAN'T BE EXACT, OF THE COSTS TO THE CITY FOR PEOPLE
APPLYING FOR A VARIANCE." MOTION BY DEPUTY MAYOR MCGINNIS.
SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. DISCUSSION.
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS. FLORIDA
MINUTES
CITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETrNO - AUGUST 20. 2007
(CONTINUATION FROM THE AUGUST 13. 2007 REGULAR MEETING)
PAGE 21 OF 22
VOTE:
COMMISSIONER BROWN: NAY
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
DEPUTY MAYOR McGINNIS: AYE
COMMISSIONER KREBS: NAY
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE
MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Bush mentioned an email from a resident about a damaged recycling bin.
Manager McLemore returned to the Commission Chambers at 8:36 p.m.
With discussion, Mayor Bush commented on Resolution 2004-41 which includes Fees for
replacement bins.
"I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION THAT WE AMEND THAT -
DOCUMENT THAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, THAT IF A RESIDENT
BRINGS IN SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN DAMAGED AND I WOULD SAY
TO NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN, AND I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU TELL
THAT, THAT WE REPLACE IT FREE OF CHARGE." MOTION BY
COMMISSIONER KREBS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN.
DISCUSSION.
COMMISSIONER KREBS STATED, "EXCHANGE."
MAYOR BUSH NOTED, "2004-41, RESOLUTION, TALKS ABOUT THE
RECYCLE BIN POLICY." FURTHERMORE, MAYOR BUSH STATED, "SO
WE WOULD BE AMENDING RESOLUTION 2004-41 TO ALLOW FOR THE
EXCHANGE OF DAMAGED RECYCLED BIN."
VOTE:
COMMISSIONER BROWN: AYE
COMMISSIONER MILLER: AYE
COMMISSIONER KREBS: AYE
DEPUTY MAYOR MtGINNIS: AYE
COMMISSIONER GILMORE: AYE
MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Bush then mentioned a bill for the Conference of Mayors and said that, "I am not
going to recommend paying this unless the Commission thinks we should." Deputy
Mayor McGinnis stated, "No." Commissioner Krebs remarked, ''No.''
Commissioner Krebs then spoke of Winding Hollow trash cans.
ATTACHMENT C
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