Doug Carter

The Planning and Zoning Board/Local Planning Agency meeting addressed several agenda items concerning land use and zoning changes. Key discussions included the recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for two pot-bellied pigs for medical hardship on a Rural Residential property. Another CUP was recommended for approval to allow a guesthouse on a Single-Family Residential property for an ailing mother. A zoning change from Agricultural Residential to Rural Residential was recommended, contingent upon a Binding Development Plan limiting development to two lots. Significant discussion occurred regarding a Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a subsequent zoning change request for a property near Coquina Road; board members expressed concerns about commercial encroachment into a residential area without a Binding Development Plan, leading to a unanimous recommendation for denial. Further agenda items involved recommending approval for land use designation changes and zoning changes to allow for multi-family apartment complex development (RES 15) and the establishment of a Florida Power & Light (FPL) service center (BU-2), respectively, with conditions related to access and screening.

The meeting primarily addressed the probationary update for Howard Benziger, General Contractor, concerning outstanding liens from suppliers and negotiations for settlement agreements. Key discussion points involved the status of supplier settlements, particularly with Mr. Rountree, and the Benziger's future plans for the business. Several ongoing and pending projects were reviewed, including one with window delays, and updates were provided on other open cases regarding expired permits and required documentation, such as engineering letters. In New Business, the Board considered applications for contractor licenses: Andrew Butler's Plumbing Contractor application was tabled; Ryan Swartz's Window and Door Contractor application prompted detailed questions about his experience and adherence to installation methodologies; Nicholas Gammon's Roofing Contractor application, despite a past criminal record, was approved for examination; and Calen Holcomb's Solar Contractor application, following testimony regarding past DUI and bribery charges, was also unanimously approved for examination. Management reported on ordinance changes related to stucco contractor licensing and the requirement for updated W9 forms. The Board discussed the consequences of failing to satisfy Howard Benziger's extended probation terms, which include paying vendors and completing existing permits.

The document details public hearings concerning zoning classification changes. The Planning and Zoning Board and the Brevard County Board of Commissioners reviewed multiple requests. These requests included changing zoning from GU and RR-1 to AU (Agricultural Residential) for a property on Adamson Road, and from GU to SR (Suburban Residential) with a Binding Development Plan (BDP) for a property on Golden Shores Boulevard. Another item involved changing classification from RR-1 to AU and removing an existing BDP for a property on Eola Avenue, which was ultimately tabled by the Commissioners before being approved with specific conditions in a subsequent meeting. Other requests involved changing zoning to RR-1 and from BU-1 to BU-2, which was denied. Finally, a request to change zoning from PUD and AU to all AU was approved.

The meeting included announcements regarding the resignation of the Planning and Zoning Manager and the Chair's upcoming resignation. Two agenda items concerning a Small Scale Comprehensive Plan Amendment and a zoning classification change for JSFS Land Trust were tabled to the August meeting to allow for further research on issues like wetlands, buffering, and unit density. A zoning change from GU to AU(L) for a property on Blair Street, intended for storage of classic cars, was approved. Another request to change zoning from SEU to RR-1 for a property on Percheron Boulevard was also approved, aligning the zoning with surrounding areas. An amendment to an existing BDP for Shoreview Apartments to increase unit density, resulting in a total of 188 units, was conditionally approved, with discussion focusing on the need for potential sidewalks along Highway A1A. A CUP for Land Alteration on 216.89 acres near Babcock Street, consolidating nine existing permits for cohesive work culminating in future development, received unanimous approval. Finally, a CUP was approved for the mitigation of a non-conforming mobile home park (Casa Loma Estates Co-Op) to allow mobile homes to be replaced with recreational vehicles based on Department of Health requirements regarding minimum lot size. The board also elected Rochelle Lawandales as Chair Pro Tem for the subsequent Local Planning Agency meeting.

The Board of Adjustment addressed several variance requests. This included a request from OBC Realty, LLC for variances concerning minimum lot width and breezeway requirements in an RU-2-15 zoning classification. The Board also considered a request from the Andrus Borns to exceed the maximum height limitation for a fence in an EU zoning classification. Further items involved variances sought by Lisa C. Shover regarding swimming pool setbacks and accessory structure setbacks in an RU-1-13 zone. Finally, the Board reviewed a request from Todd J. Starkey for a variance related to the rear setback for a screened pool enclosure in a PUD zone, and a variance request from the Board of County Commissioners concerning the required front setback in a GML(H) zone.