SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the annexation, initial Future Land Use Map designations of Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) and initial Zoning Atlas designations of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and Preservation (P) Districts for 2743 Morningside Drive and pass Ordinances 9845-25, 9846-25 and 9847-25 on first reading. (ANX2025-08009)
Body
SUMMARY:
This voluntary annexation petition involves a 0.20-acre property consisting of one parcel of land occupied by a detached dwelling. The property is located on the south side of Morningside Drive approximately 360 feet east of Evans Drive. The applicant is requesting annexation in order to receive sanitary sewer and solid waste service from the city. The property is located within an enclave and is contiguous to existing city boundaries to the north and south. The property is proposed to be assigned Future Land Use Map designations of Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) and Zoning Atlas designations of Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and Preservation (P).
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 city has adequate capacity to serve this property with sanitary sewer, solid waste, police, fire and EMS service. The property currently receives water service from the city of Clearwater. The closest sanitary sewer line is located in the adjacent Morningside Drive right-of-way. The applicant has paid the city's sewer impact and assessment fees and is aware of the additional costs to extend city sewer service to this property. Collection of solid waste will be provided by the city of Clearwater. 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. Therefore, the proposed annexation will not have an adverse effect on public services and their levels of service; and
• The proposed annexation is consistent with and promotes the following objective and policy of Clearwater 2045, the city’s Comprehensive Plan:
Objective PI 9.1 Continue to work with Pinellas County in the orderly annexation of the city’s existing enclaves.
Policy PI 9.1.2 Continue to process voluntary annexations for single-family residential properties upon request.
• The proposed Residential Low (RL) and Preservation (P) Future Land Use Map designations are consistent with the current Countywide Plan designations of the property. This Residential Low (RL) designation primarily permits residential uses at a density of 7.5 units per acre. The Preservation (P) designation permits development consistent with the Countywide Plan to protect waters and the surrounding environment. The proposed zoning districts to be assigned to the property are the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) and Preservation (P) Districts, respectively. The use of the subject property is consistent with the uses allowed in these Districts and the property exceeds the District’s minimum dimensional requirements for the Low Medium Density Residential (LMDR) District. 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 south; therefore, the annexation is consistent with Florida Statutes Chapter 171.044.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
This 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.
