Dana O’Connor
Key Points
- The Apopka Planning Commission postponed the land development code workshop to November 10 for a more structured and focused review process.
- The commission recommended approval of five development requests including a 55-home Saddlebrook Meadows subdivision with 35.5% open space.
- Special exceptions were recommended approval for outdoor storage at Hogshead Industrial and Carolina Textiles, both requiring site plans before development.
The Apopka Planning Commission postponed a workshop on the city’s land development code at Tuesday’s meeting after members said the review needed more time and a clearer focus. Commissioners agreed unanimously to take up the workshop Nov. 10.
Vice Chairman Eric Mock proposed the delay because Planning Commissions member Robert Ryan, who had requested the workshop, was absent. Planning staff also would be unavailable for the October meeting, Mock said.
Commissioner David Woods called for a structured review of the code’s many sections. Mock, who had sent written comments to the planning department, agreed that one workshop would not be enough.
“This would be an eight-hour … endeavor,” he said.
Assistant City Attorney Andrew Hand suggested commissioners first identify provisions they want changed, leaving staff to work on possible wording. Mock emphasized that current applications must be judged under the existing code: “We operate on the current code and the current code of what it says.”
Mock then raised the idea of connecting green spaces as Apopka develops. He cited a corridor in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he said he used to live, with parks, golf courses and bike paths. He also questioned how the code addresses trees removed during construction.
Commissioner Wes Dumey suggested a shorter list of priorities.
“Why don’t each of us come up with like a top three list?” he asked.
Planning Manager Bobby Howell said staff would email commissioners potential topics, including conservation, open space, commercial development and data centers, to help prepare for November. No code amendments were adopted Tuesday.
In other business, five development motions carried on voice votes, with no opposition heard.
The commission recommended approval of a rezoning and Kelly Park Interchange master plan for Saddlebrook Meadows, a proposed 55-home subdivision on about 20 acres at 3585 and 3603 Golden Gem Road. The change would rezone the property from agricultural to interchange mixed use with a neighborhood character overlay. The plan shows 35.5% open space, exceeding the code’s 20% requirement. Commissioners separately recommended approval of the project’s major development plan, which calls for 55 lots with a minimum area of 7,500 square feet.
Commissioners recommended approval of a special exception allowing outdoor storage at Hogshead Industrial, a vacant, roughly 23.6-acre property at 4212 Hogshead Road. The applicant described plans to serve contractors storing business vehicles, equipment and construction materials. A site plan must still be submitted.
They recommended approval of another special exception for Carolina Textiles at 300 S. Bradshaw Road, allowing outdoor storage as the principal use for overnight commercial-vehicle parking. The proposal includes a screening wall. Staff said the applicant must submit a site plan before developing the property.
Finally, the commission recommended approval of the major development plan for Paulucci Acres Pod 1A/B and 4, Phase 1, a proposed 502-home subdivision on about 171.55 acres southeast of West Ponkan and Vick roads. Discussion covered open space and planned road and utility improvements.