Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 22-18, Public Hearing, An Ordinance Approving the Second Amendment to the Becker Road Overlay District Design Standards (P21-202).
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Submitted By: Holly Price, AICP, Planning & Zoning Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to plan for smart and balanced growth.
Executive Summary (General Business): This amendment to the Becker Road Overlay District (BROD) Design Standards focuses on properties located at the corners of SW Becker Road and SW Port St. Lucie Boulevard known as the Activity Center Subdistrict. Some changes to areas outside of this district are also proposed. The amended design standards allow convenience stores with fueling stations and buildings with drive-throughs to be located within the Activity Center Subdistrict with some restrictions.
Presentation Information: Michael Huston with Civic Plan Studio, consultant for the Planning and Zoning Department, will provide a presentation, approximately 20 minutes.
Recommendation: On February 1, 2022, the Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of the Becker Road Overlay District Design Standards with the following conditions: 1) Reduce proposed front build-to line (setbacks) from 35-45 feet to 30-40 feet, 2) Allow a drive-through stacking lane to be located in front of a building facing a street and allow drive-through windows to be located on the front side of a building facing the street. This also includes allowing fast-food restaurants to be located on Becker Road (A Street) that does not allow buildings with drive-throughs, and 3) Support the requirement to provide a new 7-foot-wide meandering sidewalk in front of the buildings facing a street in addition to the existing 10-foot-wide sidewalk that abuts the street.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the proposed amendment to the Citywide Design Standards.
2. Move that the Council not approve the recommendation and provide staff direction.
Background: See staff report and Becker Road Overlay District Design Standards. Staff presented 3 concept plans to the City Council at the November 15, 2021 Special City Council meeting. The Council selected Concept #2. This concept maintained some of the Neo-Traditional character of the original BROD Design Standards while allowing limited use of fueling stations and buildings with drive-throughs. Council requested the following modifications:
1. Limit the number of gas stations to be located in the Activity Center Subdistrict at the corners of Becker Road and Port St. Lucie Boulevard,
2. Allow buildings with drive-throughs to be located in the Activity Center Subdistrict,
3. Heavily screen parking lots and gas station canopies from the street view with landscaping,
4. Restrict vehicular access to the Activity Center District to be from Becker Road and Port St. Lucie Boulevard. Do not allow access from local side roads,
5. Reduce parking requirements where feasible,
6. Encourage the developer of the SW quadrant to landscape the City retention pond located to the south of the commercial site.
The City hired Civic Plan Studio, urban design consultants, located in St. Petersburg, Florida to help develop the Conceptual Master Plan and to assist the Planning and Zoning Department in amending the BROD Design Standards.
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Extends along Becker Road between the Turnpike and I-95. The Activity Center Subdistrict is located at the corner of Becker Road and Port St. Lucie Boulevard.
Attachments:
1. Ordinance
2. Becker Road Overlay District Design Standards
3. Staff Report
4. Concept Plan
5. Staff Presentation
6. Consultant Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 7457
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Elizabeth L. Hertz, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.