SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Medium (RM) and initial Zoning Atlas designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR) District for 2634 South Drive, together with abutting unincorporated right-of-way of South Drive, and pass Ordinances 9722-23, 9723-23, and 9724-23 on first reading. (ANX2023-09010)
Body
SUMMARY:
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 1.067-acre property consisting of one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on the north side of South Drive approximately 500 feet east of US Highway 19 North. The Development Review Committee is proposing that the 0.34-acres of abutting South Drive right-of-way not currently within the city limits also be annexed. The property is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the north and west. It is proposed that the property be assigned a Future Land Use Map designation of Residential Medium (RM) and a Zoning Atlas designation of Medium Density Residential (MDR).
The Planning and Development Department determined that the proposed annexation is consistent with the provisions of Community Development Code Section 4-604.E as follows:
• The property currently receives water service from Pinellas County. The closest sanitary sewer mains are located within an easement just outside the western property line and within the South Drive right-of-way. The applicant is aware that the required sanitary sewer impact and assessment fees must be paid in full prior to connection and of the additional costs to extend to the city’s sanitary sewer system. The property is located within Police District III and service will be administered through the district headquarters located at 2851 McMullen Booth Road. Fire and emergency medical services will be provided to this property by Station #48 located at 1700 North Belcher Road. The city has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, and fire and EMS service. Water service will continue to be provided by Pinellas County. The proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public facilities and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following objectives and policy of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan:
Objective A.2.2 Future land use in the City of Clearwater shall be guided by the city’s Future Land Use Map, which shall be consistent with the Countywide Plan for Pinellas County (The Countywide Plan) including the Countywide Plan Map and shall be implemented through the city’s Community Development Code.
Objective A.6.4 Due to the built-out character of the City of Clearwater, compact urban development within the urban service area shall be promoted through application of the Clearwater Community Development Code.
Objective A.7.2 Diversify and expand the City’s tax base through the annexation of a variety of land uses located within the Clearwater Planning Area.
Policy A.7.2.3 Continue to process voluntary annexations for single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Medium (RM) Future Land Use Map category is consistent with the current Countywide Plan designation of the property. This designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 15 units per acre. The proposed zoning district to be assigned to the property is the Medium Density Residential (MDR) District. The use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in the district and the property exceeds the district’s minimum dimensional requirements. The proposed annexation is therefore consistent with the Countywide Plan and the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Community Development Code; and
• The property proposed for annexation is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the north and west; therefore, the annexation is consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This voluntary annexation petition supports the Deliver Effective and Efficient Services by Optimizing City Assets and Resources goal of the city’s Strategic Plan by reducing enclaves and delivering city services to properties within the city’s service boundary. This petition also supports Ensure Exceptional Communities and Neighborhoods Where Everyone Can Thrive goal by better unifying neighborhoods and reducing issues with multiple jurisdictions.
