Subject:
Title
Waiver Request, Re: Waiver of Wall Requirement for North Hill Development LLC Site Plan (24SP00018) District 1
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Fiscal Impact:
None
Dept/Office:
Planning and Development
Requested Action:
Recommendation
The applicant is requesting that the Board of County Commissioners grant a waiver of Section 62-3202(h)(10), which requires a 6-foot masonry or solid wall when commercial developments within a BU-1, BU-2, or Industrial zoning classification are adjacent to residential zoning to allow fencing and vegetation. The approval is subject to the criteria, design, and uses depicted in approved site plan 24SP00018 and maintaining the proposed fencing and vegetation along the northern property line.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Section 62-3202(h)(10) stipulates that site plans within BU-1, BU-2, or Industrial zoning classifications shall construct a minimum of a six-foot high masonry or solid wall, including, but not limited to, concrete block walls, pre-cast (solid) walls, or foam core/steel support with stucco finish, when the subject property abuts a residential zoning classification.
In this case, the subject property abuts a portion of wetlands that is being preserved to the north and west of the development site. Residential properties abut the subject site to the north, but the area of the large residential tracts to the north which are adjacent to the development site are encumbered by an existing area of wetlands.
The applicant asserts that the required wall would need to be installed within a portion of the wetland that is being preserved (along the north boundary which would also be +/- 2 feet below the proposed parking area). The requested waiver would allow for replacement of the wall with an opaque wood fence that would be adjacent to and approximately at the same elevation as the parking allowing for easy maintenance and/or replacement without impacting wetlands.
The Brevard County Natural Resource Management Department is in support of the waiver, noting that the waiver will allow for greater tree preservation and limited disturbance to the wetlands onsite and adjacent to the property. Existing fencing and mature vegetation provide adequate buffering, and constructing a masonry wall will negatively affect the existing landscape screening along the western boundary of the subject property.
Staff has not granted approval of the waiver and defers to the Board of County Commissioners. Board approval of the waiver is subject to the criteria depicted in the site plan 24SP00018 and maintaining the proposed fencing and vegetation along the northern property line. Any future development, redevelopment, or alteration of the subject property that modifies the aforementioned site plan or reduces the vegetative buffer will void the wall waiver.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: