SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Future Land Use Map Amendment from the Residential Urban (RU) (Pinellas County) category to the Institutional (I) category for 210 Meadow Lark Lane and an unaddressed parcel on Meadow Lark Lane and pass Ordinance 9707-23 on first reading. (LUP2023-06002)
Body
SUMMARY:
This Future Land Use Map Amendment involves two parcels of land totaling 0.540-acres located on the west side of Meadow Lark Lane approximately 820 feet north of Gulf to Bay Boulevard. The applicant, First Baptist Church of Clearwater, Inc., is requesting to amend the future land use category of the properties from Residential Urban (RU) (Pinellas County) to Institutional (I). The applicant has indicated that the properties will be used for a softball field, but no site plans have been submitted at this time. The parcels are within Pinellas County’s jurisdiction, and the applicant has submitted a Petition for Annexation (see ANX2023-06007), and a Zoning Atlas Amendment application (REZ2023-06001) which are being processed concurrently with this case.
The subject parcels are currently vacant as the prior existing structures were demolished in mid-2023, according to demolition permits filed with Pinellas County. Prior to demolition, the northern parcel was developed with two detached dwellings, while the southern parcel has historically been vacant. The church has continued to purchase residential properties in the areas adjacent to and in vicinity of its 41.016-acre main parcel which includes Calvary Baptist Church, Calvary Christian High School, athletic facilities, and other institutional uses that support the church. As this expansion has occurred over time, properties have been annexed and assembled into the main parcel, future land use and zoning amendments have been approved to ensure the overall property would have a consistent institutional designation. The Residential Urban (RU) category has a maximum density of 7.5 dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ration (FAR) of 0.40. The Institutional (I) category has a maximum density of 12.5 dwelling units per acre and a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.65. The proposed amendment would allow the properties to have a consistent future land use category of Institutional (I) with the surrounding area and allow for the development of the properties with an institutional use.
The Planning and Development Department has determined that the proposed future land use amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Clearwater Community Development Code as specified below:
• The proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Countywide Plan Rules.
• The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding properties and character of the neighborhood.
• Sufficient public facilities are available to serve the property.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the natural environment.
• The proposed amendment will not have an adverse impact on the use of property in the immediate area.
The proposed City of Clearwater future land use category of Institutional (I) will necessitate an amendment of the Countywide Plan Map from the Residential Low Medium (RLM) category to the Public/Semi-Public (P/SP) category. In accordance with the Countywide Plan Rules, the land use plan amendment is subject to the approval of Forward Pinellas, in its role as the Pinellas Planning Council, and the Board of County Commissioners acting as the Countywide Planning Authority. The application is a small-scale amendment so review and approval by the Florida Department of Commerce (DOC) formerly known as the Florida DEO is not required.
The Community Development Board will review this application at a special meeting on October 3, 2023. Staff will report its recommendation at the city council meeting.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT: N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS: N/A