HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.15.2024
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Regular Meeting
February 15, 2024 Convened:5:59pm
Adjourned:7:30pm
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:59 PM, by Chair Lounds
Present
Board Member Billy O'Dell, Board Member Craig Mundt, Chair Ed Lounds, Vice Chair Ryan Binner,
Board Member Valerie Slack, Board Member Larry Neese
Not Present / Excused
Dr. Bridgers, Nicole Fogarty
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Lounds
3. INVOCATION
Mr. O'Dell
4. ROLL CALL
P&Z Secretary.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
6. DISCLOSURE(S)
None.
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7. MINUTES
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Valerie Slack
SECONDER: Board Member Ryan Binner
AYES: Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
A. St. Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commission minutes for the meeting of February 15, 2024
8. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Land Development Code Text Amendment: Farmers' Markets in Agricultural Zoning Districts
STAFF PRESENTATION:
Ms. Irene A. Szedlmayer, AICP, Senior Planner for Planning and Development Services, gave
a presentation on an applicant initiated Land Development Code Text Amendment to allow
Farmer’s Markets as an eligible Conditional Use in Agricultural Zoning Districts. Culpepper &
Terpening, Inc., has proposed amendments to the Land Development Code (LDC) to allow
Farmer’s Markets in the AG-1 (Agricultural -1), AG-2.5 (Agricultural- 2.5), and AG-5
Agricultural-5) Zoning Districts, as a conditional use and subject to supplemental standards.
The presentation provided information on the current zoning ordinance, aerial of the area
that the proposed amendment would affect, the ordinance of a farmers market, and staff
recommendation; Staff finds the proposed amendments, as modified by staff, meet the
standards of review as set forth in Section 11.06.03 of the St. Lucie County Land
Development Code, and are not in conflict with the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the St.
Lucie County Comprehensive Plan. Staff recommends the Planning and Zoning Commission
review the agenda materials, consider the presentations made at the public hearing and any
public comment received and forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of County
Commissioners.
Board Discussion with Staff:
Mr. Mundt asked about sanitation regarding porta-potties. Ms. Szedlmayer replied that
porta-potties is an option. Discussion continues. Mr. Mundt also addressed the parking,
suggesting that staff enhance the recommendation regarding ADA parking. Discussion
continues.
Vice-Chair Binner addressed the paving requirements in staff presentation, and questioned if
that is a requirement for other businesses only open three days out of the week. Ms.
Szedlmayer clarifies, discussion continues. Vice-Chair Binner commented on the landscaping
recommendation made by staff, stating that it seemed excessive. Ms. Szedlmayer explained
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it is worded the way it is to create flexibility. Discussion continues regarding landscaping and
wetlands.
Mrs. Slack commented on the areas in which this amendment would cover, and she believed
that AG-1 would not fall into the required area. Ms. Szedlmayer explained that the County
has AG-1 properties that are larger than one acre. Mrs. Slack also mentioned the paving and
having a stabilized truffe area and landscaping.
Chair Lounds suggested that the County takes into consideration waivers for some
landscaping to prevent invasive species. Ms. Szedlmayer agrees.
Mrs. Slack suggested the use of the surrounding agriculture as the buffer.
Applicant Presentation:
Dennis Murphy, Culpepper & Terpening, Inc. – 2980 S 25th St. Mr. Murphy gave some
background regarding his clients, the definition of a farmers’ market. Mr. Murphy spoke on
some of the board’s concerns regarding paved parking lots, ADA parking, landscaping,
sanitation (porta-potties), sales of live animals. Mr. Murphy also addressed Staff
Recommendation concerning the elevation, wetlands and the boundary survey being
requested.
Ms. Slack asked how the County would quantify the need to reevaluate the conditional use
permit. Mr. Murphy replied that the conditional use process has time provision, that allow
the County to reevaluate, it’s a motoring prevision. Discussion continues regarding
reevaluation.
Board Discussion with Applicant:
Mr. Mundt voiced his concern on having live animal and produce intermixing. Mr. Murphy
stated he is willing to work with staff on the verbiage regarding animals in the proposed
amendment and will reference any information the Health Department may have on the
subject.
Chair Lounds made a comment about the Health Department removing animals from the
current Farmers’ Markets within the County. Laughter ensues. Chair Lounds stated that kids
would love to have peeps, and bunnies and Staff should consider putting that language in the
proposed amendment. Chair Lounds also touched on Landscaping and sanitation.
Mr. Neese stated that this project reminds him of Summer Crush Vineyards.
Mr. O’Dell agreed with Mr. Murphy regarding the landscaping and ADA compliance. Mr.
O’Dell does not believe that the sale of live animals is a concern.
Vice-Chair Binner voiced concerns about participants living debris and asked Staff is there
any language in the proposed amendment that there are no vertical structure or parking on
non-operating days. Ms. Szedlmayer (staff) and Mr. Murphy (applicant) both stated as of now
that verbiage does not exist, but it can be worked out.
Public Comments:
None.
Board Discussion:
Mr. Mundt asked the applicant about the paved road he mentioned and the setbacks. Mr.
Murphy stated that it would be a case-by-case analysis, it would all depend on where the
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property is located. Kori Benton, Planning & Development Service Manager added detailed
information regarding the conditional use permit review process if the Land Development
Code Texted passed.
Vice-Chair Binner asked for clarification on the text that needs to be in the proposed
amendment, Vice-Chair Binner believes that the language needs to be more specified. Mr.
Benton states that conditional use permits are case-by-case, the language is tailored to the
applicants’ needs and beneficial to the community.
Mrs. Slack believes that a boundary survey is necessary when there will be permanent
structure within the scope of the activity area. Mr. Benton references the Supplemental
Standards slide from Ms. Szedlmayer presentation. Discussion continues regarding the
language of outlining boundaries.
Mr. O’Dell asked if Staff and applicant are in agreement with each other. Ms. Szedlmayer
states that Staff and applicant agree that there is some rework that can be done. Mr. Murphy
(applicant) agrees that there is a middle ground that can be reached.
Chair Lounds asked the board their opinions regarding the sales of livestock. Mr. O’Dell
stated that this amendment as is does don’t allow livestock. Mr. Mundt stated that the
petitioner should make that request at the time of application. Discussion continues
regarding livestock and produce being sold in the same area.
RESULT: APPROVE
MOVER: Board Member Billy O'Dell
SECONDER: Board Member Larry Neese
AYES: Billy O'Dell, Craig Mundt, Ed Lounds, Ryan Binner, Valerie Slack, Larry
Neese
NAYS: None
EXCUSED: None
10. WORKSHOPS
None.
11. OTHER BUSINESS
The board discussed the number of members on the board. They all agreed that they liked the versatility
they have with the nine members, but in the end it is up to the BOCC.
12. ADJOURN
There being no further business to be brought before the Board, the meeting was adjourned.