What were the most significant items on the Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission agenda for August 2024?

Q: What were the most significant items on the Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission agenda for August 2024?

· **Hooks Street self-storage doubles in six months -- investor confidence in US-27 storage corridor:** Phase 2 approval combines with February's Phase 1 to create a 150,000 sf, 1,150-unit facility on ~4.58 combined acres. The speed of expansion (Phase 1 approved February, Phase 2 approved August) signals strong investor conviction that the US-27/Hooks Street area's population growth will sustain substantial storage demand. · **Old Highway 50 large-scale annexation signals Clermont's northward growth vector:** 123 acres and 130 homes south of the Turnpike represents significant territorial expansion. The density reduction from county's 4 du/acre to city's 1.85 du/acre actual density is the annexation value proposition -- the city trades services for lower-density growth control. Utilities not available until late 2025 sets the development timeline. · **Special-needs education cluster forming in Clermont:** The Dream Academy (autism/neurological, K-8, 80 students) joins Potter's Academy (intellectual/developmental disabilities, 8-12th grade, 15 students, approved July) as purpose-built educational facilities serving underserved populations. Both repurpose existing buildings with minimal impact. This emerging niche suggests Clermont is becoming a regional center for specialized education. · **Mural expansion reflects downtown cultural investment strategy:** Extending mural allowance from CBD to the larger CRA district signals the city is deliberately cultivating arts/culture amenities as part of its downtown revitalization strategy. City Council initiated this (not staff or developers), indicating top-down cultural placemaking priority. · **Moment of silence for fallen deputy signals community trauma:** The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, reflecting the broader community context within which development decisions are made.

Meeting Reading

Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission

August 6, 2024

7 items on the agenda

**Hooks Street self-storage doubles in six months -- investor confidence in US-27 storage corridor:** Phase 2 approval combines with February's Phase 1 to create a 150,000 sf, 1,150-unit facility on ~4.58 combined acres. The speed of expansion (Phase 1 approved February, Phase 2 approved August) signals strong investor conviction that the US-27/Hooks Street area's population growth will sustain substantial storage demand.
**Old Highway 50 large-scale annexation signals Clermont's northward growth vector:** 123 acres and 130 homes south of the Turnpike represents significant territorial expansion. The density reduction from county's 4 du/acre to city's 1.85 du/acre actual density is the annexation value proposition -- the city trades services for lower-density growth control. Utilities not available until late 2025 sets the development timeline.
**Special-needs education cluster forming in Clermont:** The Dream Academy (autism/neurological, K-8, 80 students) joins Potter's Academy (intellectual/developmental disabilities, 8-12th grade, 15 students, approved July) as purpose-built educational facilities serving underserved populations. Both repurpose existing buildings with minimal impact. This emerging niche suggests Clermont is becoming a regional center for specialized education.

On August 6, 2024, City of Clermont's Planning and Zoning Commission considered 7 agenda items. **Hooks Street self-storage doubles in six months -- investor confidence in US-27 storage corridor:** Phase 2 approval combines with February's Phase 1 to create a 150,000 sf, 1,150-unit facility on ~4.58 combined acres. The speed of expansion (Phase 1 approved February, Phase 2 approved August) signals strong investor conviction that the US-27/Hooks Street area's population growth will sustain substantial storage demand. **Old Highway 50 large-scale annexation signals Clermont's northward growth vector:** 123 acres and 130 homes south of the Turnpike represents significant territorial expansion. The density reduction from county's 4 du/acre to city's 1.85 du/acre actual density is the annexation value proposition -- the city trades services for lower-density growth control. Utilities not available until late 2025 sets the development timeline. **Special-needs education cluster forming in Clermont:** The Dream Academy (autism/neurological, K-8, 80 students) joins Potter's Academy (intellectual/developmental disabilities, 8-12th grade, 15 students, approved July) as purpose-built educational facilities serving underserved populations. Both repurpose existing buildings with minimal impact. This emerging niche suggests Clermont is becoming a regional center for specialized education.

CHANGE LENS

THE READINGmeeting record

City of Clermont Planning and Zoning Commission -- August 6, 2024

Meeting Overview

Type: Regular Meeting Quorum: Yes (5 of 7 commissioners present) Duration: ~1 hour 11 minutes (6:30 PM -- 7:41 PM)

Attendance

Present: Vice-Chair Niemiec (presiding), Commissioner Bain, Commissioner Colby, Commissioner Grube, Commissioner Norton
Absent: Chair Krzyminski, Commissioner Guerrero
Staff Present: Development Services Director Henschel, Planning Manager Kruse, Senior Planner McGruder, City Attorney Mantzaris, Planning Coordinator Heard

Agenda Items

Item 1: Resolution No. 2024-027R -- The Dream Academy CUP

Type: CUP
Case Number: Resolution 2024-027R
Location: 102 South US Highway 27 (existing vacant retail building)
Applicant: Luzel Garcia, The Dream Academy
Request: CUP for a private therapeutic school for students with moderate to severe autism and neurological disorders (K-8th grade, max 80 students) in C-2 General Commercial; relocation from existing Clermont location to expand enrollment
Current Zoning: C-2 General Commercial
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)
Notable Discussion: School has operated in Clermont since 2017, currently at 52 students and 15 staff. If enrollment reaches 80, staff would increase to 20. Repurposing a vacant retail building -- traffic analysis shows the school generates fewer PM peak trips (26) than the prior retail use (82). Hours 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Monday-Friday. One public speaker (Auston Pownall) raised noise level and Bloxam Avenue traffic concerns; applicant clarified recess will be indoors using the building's 5,000 sf elevated-ceiling rear area. Property has 62 parking spaces. Future US Hwy 27 intersection with Hunt Street will provide additional access.

Item 2: Ordinance No. 2024-031 -- Old Highway 50 LSCPA for Transmittal

Type: Comp-plan-amendment
Case Number: Ordinance 2024-031
Location: South of Florida Turnpike, bisected by Old Highway 50, north of Plaza Collina
Applicant: Daly Design Group (Tom Daly)
Request: Large Scale CPA from Lake County Urban Low Density (4 du/acre) to City Low Density Residential (3 du/acre) for 123 acres for transmittal to state DEO review; conceptual plan shows 130 single-family lots in three villages on 70 acres of uplands (53 acres wetlands), density 1.85 du/acre
Current Future Land Use: Lake County Urban Low Density
Proposed Future Land Use: City Low Density Residential
Acreage: 123 acres
Staff Recommendation: Approve for transmittal
Action: Approved for transmittal
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)
Notable Discussion: Previously rejected layouts with higher density/intensity that did not meet city or JPA requirements. Current proposal at 1.85 du/acre is well below the 3 du/acre maximum and below current Lake County 4 du/acre designation. R-3 zoning planned. Minimum 75-foot wide, 100-foot deep, 7,500 sf lots. Three access points off Old Highway 50 (County road). One public speaker (Doug Richter) raised traffic, water usage, and maintenance concerns. Utilities not available until end of Q4 2025. Adoption hearing anticipated November 2024.

Item 3: Ordinance No. 2024-035 -- Hooks Street Self-Storage Phase 2 SSCPA

Type: Comp-plan-amendment
Case Number: Ordinance 2024-035
Location: East of US Highway 27, north of Hooks Street (adjacent to Phase 1 approved February 2024)
Applicant: Eduardo Bontempo (represented by Michael Rankin, LPG)
Request: SSCPA from Lake County Regional Commercial to City Commercial for 2.29 acres to combine with adjacent Phase 1 parcel for a larger self-storage facility
Current Future Land Use: Lake County Regional Commercial
Proposed Future Land Use: City Commercial
Acreage: 2.29 acres
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)

Item 4: Ordinance No. 2024-036 -- Hooks Street Self-Storage Phase 2 Rezoning

Type: Rezoning
Case Number: Ordinance 2024-036
Location: East of US Highway 27, north of Hooks Street
Applicant: Eduardo Bontempo
Request: Rezoning from Lake County R-6 Urban Residential to City C-2 General Commercial
Current Zoning: Lake County R-6 Urban Residential
Proposed Zoning: C-2 General Commercial
Acreage: 2.29 acres
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)

Item 5: Resolution No. 2024-025R -- Hooks Street Self-Storage Phase 2 CUP

Type: CUP
Case Number: Resolution 2024-025R
Location: East of US Highway 27, north of Hooks Street
Applicant: Eduardo Bontempo
Request: CUP for combined Phase 1+2 self-storage facility: three-story enclosed building up to 150,000 sf with approximately 1,150 units across combined lots; special condition for retaining walls up to 8 feet (exceeding 6-foot standard)
Current Zoning: C-2 General Commercial (upon rezoning)
Acreage: ~4.58 acres (combined)
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved with conditions
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)
Conditions: 8-foot retaining wall approved as special condition
Notable Discussion: Items 3-5 heard together. Applicant purchased adjacent Phase 2 parcel after Phase 1 was approved by City Council in February 2024 to create a larger combined facility. 218 daily trips / 23 PM peak hour trips. Gated, secured, no outside storage. Dark sky lighting, cameras, decorative gate planned. Commissioner Colby asked about 24-hour access -- not yet determined. Maximum height 55 feet per C-2 zoning. No public speakers.

Item 6: Ordinance No. 2024-037 -- LDC Amendment: Murals in CRA District

Type: LDC-amendment
Case Number: Ordinance 2024-037
Location: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) district
Applicant: City staff (at City Council direction)
Request: Expand mural sign allowance from Central Business District (CBD) only to the larger CRA district boundary, extending south of Highway 50 to encompass approximately 30 additional businesses
Staff Recommendation: Approve
Action: Approved
Vote: 5-0 (Chair Krzyminski and Commissioner Guerrero absent)
Notable Discussion: All CBD parcels are within the CRA. City Council directed this amendment after a recent variance request. Commissioner Bain stated murals are good for the community. No public speakers.

Item 7: Resolution No. 2024-021R -- US Highway 27 Self-Storage & Car Wash CUP (Tabled)

Type: CUP
Case Number: Resolution 2024-021R
Action: Tabled to October 1, 2024
Vote: 5-0

Public Hearings Summary

Number of speakers: 2 (1 for Dream Academy, 1 for Old Highway 50 LSCPA)
General sentiment: Supportive across all items; minimal opposition
Key concerns:
- Dream Academy: noise levels and Bloxam Avenue traffic (resolved by applicant -- indoor recess)
- Old Highway 50: traffic on county road, water demand, stormwater management

Key Signals

Hooks Street self-storage doubles in six months -- investor confidence in US-27 storage corridor: Phase 2 approval combines with February's Phase 1 to create a 150,000 sf, 1,150-unit facility on ~4.58 combined acres. The speed of expansion (Phase 1 approved February, Phase 2 approved August) signals strong investor conviction that the US-27/Hooks Street area's population growth will sustain substantial storage demand.
Old Highway 50 large-scale annexation signals Clermont's northward growth vector: 123 acres and 130 homes south of the Turnpike represents significant territorial expansion. The density reduction from county's 4 du/acre to city's 1.85 du/acre actual density is the annexation value proposition -- the city trades services for lower-density growth control. Utilities not available until late 2025 sets the development timeline.
Special-needs education cluster forming in Clermont: The Dream Academy (autism/neurological, K-8, 80 students) joins Potter's Academy (intellectual/developmental disabilities, 8-12th grade, 15 students, approved July) as purpose-built educational facilities serving underserved populations. Both repurpose existing buildings with minimal impact. This emerging niche suggests Clermont is becoming a regional center for specialized education.
Mural expansion reflects downtown cultural investment strategy: Extending mural allowance from CBD to the larger CRA district signals the city is deliberately cultivating arts/culture amenities as part of its downtown revitalization strategy. City Council initiated this (not staff or developers), indicating top-down cultural placemaking priority.
Moment of silence for fallen deputy signals community trauma: The meeting opened with a moment of silence for Master Deputy Sheriff Bradley Link, reflecting the broader community context within which development decisions are made.

[THE READING]meeting record