The first approval involved the transformation of a former florist shop with existing residential units into a fully residential building intended for long-term rental use. The Planning and Development Department recommended approval, and no public opposition was voiced during the hearing. The applicant, Brett Parish, confirmed his intention to renovate the building for rental purposes, and the commission moved forward with an affirmative vote.

In a more contentious matter, the Planning Commission faced opposition from local residents regarding the approval of a two-unit multifamily structure on St. Augustine Boulevard. Applicant Nicholas Rard had altered the original design to meet setback constraints. However, during the public hearing, two community members voiced their dissent. Concerns included potential flooding issues, the impact on local property values, and the imperviousness of the proposed parking lot. One neighbor worried about the effect on the value of their home. Despite these objections, the commission approved the application.

The meeting also addressed concerns over a proposed duplex construction. Residents emphasized a growing discomfort with the increase of duplexes and rentals, expressing a preference for single-family homes. Tenure in the neighborhood, flooding problems, lack of a central drainage system, and parking impacts were among the issues raised. Commission members responded by discussing zoning regulations and requirements for parking and drainage for the duplex. They provided clarity on the property’s history, its zoning classification, and the distinction between residential and commercial zones.

The commission sought to reassure residents by detailing the Florida Building Code’s elevation and drainage requirements and the developer’s responsibility to comply. They addressed the issue of nonconformity regulations and potential changes to allow existing single-family homes to remain within certain zoning categories. After a thorough discussion, the commission approved the duplex construction, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring of the development to ensure regulatory compliance.

Further topics of discussion included updates on future meetings and the scheduling for the draft comprehensive plan hearing.