SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Zoning Atlas Amendment from the R-3, Single Family Residential (Pinellas County) District to the Institutional (I) District for 210 Meadow Lark Lane and an unaddressed parcel on Meadow Lark Lane and pass Ordinance 9708-23 on first reading. (REZ2023-06001).
Body
SUMMARY:
This Zoning Atlas 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 rezone the properties from R-3, Single Family Residential (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 (ANX2023-06007), and a Future Land Use Map Amendment application (see LUP2023-06002) 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 proposed Institutional (I) District is compatible with the surrounding zoning districts and the surrounding uses consisting of detached dwellings, an RV park, and athletic fields. The proposed amendment would allow the properties to have a consistent zoning district 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 Zoning Atlas Amendment is consistent with the provisions of the Community Development Code as specified below:
• The proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and the Community Development Code.
• The proposed amendment is compatible with the surrounding properties and character of the neighborhood.
• The available uses in the Institutional (I) District are compatible with the surrounding area.
• The proposed amendment will not adversely impact or unreasonably affect the use of other property in the area.
• The proposed amendment will not adversely burden public facilities, including traffic carrying capabilities of streets in an unreasonably or disproportionate manner, and
• The proposed Institutional (I) District boundaries are appropriately drawn in regard to location and classification of street, ownership lines, existing improvements and the natural environment.
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