Minutes 06-29-89MINUTES OF WORKSHOP MEETING OF PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD AND
COMMUNITY APPEARANCE BOARD RE REVIEW OF CHAPTER 19, PLANNING
AND ZONING, BOYNTON BEACH CODE, HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS,
PRIME BANK PLAZA, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1989 AT 7:00 P. M.
Planning and Zonin~ Board
Present
Robert Walshak, Chairman
Nathan Collins, Jr.,
Vice Chairman
~arcld Blanchette
Daniel Richter
Carl Zimmerman
Murray Howard, Alternate
Absent
Marilyn Huckle
Gary Lehnertz
Dee Zibelli, Alternate
Community Appearance Board
Arthur Berman, Chairman
Jean Sheridan, Vice Chairwoman
George Davis
Eleanor Shuman, Alternate
Absent
Walter Kies
Gertrude Lubin
John Serrentino
Pearl Wische
Stephen Jones, Alternate
Carmen Annunziato,
Planning Director
Jim Golden, Senior Planner
Tambri Heyden,
Assistant Planner
Don Jaeger,
Building Official
Med Kopczynski, Site
Development Administrator
Chairman Walshak called the meeting to order at 7:05 P. M.
The Members of the Boards were introduced, and it was noted
that Vice Mayor Olenik and Johnnetta Broomfield, Director of
Community Improvement, were present.
Sec. 19-22
Mr. Annunziato apprised the Members that he borrowed Sec.
19-22 and used Sec. 19-23 for the second half of what he
thought needed to be said. He titled 19-22 "Review and
- i -
MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
approval of projects of minor significance and changes to
projects not previously approved by the City Commission".
Mr. Annunziato said many projects exist in the City which
have never received the kinds of review everyone was
familiar with. They were built prior to this process being
implemented in the mid 70s. They must have a status with
respect to Chapter 19. Mr. Annunziato read what he had pro-
posed for Sec. 19-22 as his answer to how these projects
should be dealt with from a statutory point of view.
Chairman Walshak asked if it was necessary for the Technical
Review Board (TRB) to review those projects. Mr. Annunziato
answered, "Absolutely." Chairman Walshak was under the
impression that they were allowing building permit review
on projects less than $250,000. Mr. Jaeger explained that
the reason for the review is to coordinate the affected
departments.
Mr. Annunziato informed Chairman Walshak that the TRB is now
meeting twice a month. They used to meet just once a month.
Vice Mayor Olenik questioned how they got from $100,000 to
$250,000. Chairman Walshak replied that it was the opinion
of the Building Department and Planning Department that in
the last 11 years, inflation has caused it to go from
$100~000 to $250,000. Mr~ Jaeger informed Chairman Berman
that the value of buildings is determined by the square
feet, depending on the occupancy. Mr. Annunziato added that
it is the total contracted construction cost. In his mind,
it would mean everything a person would have to pay to make
the building meet the City Codes, such as drainaget utili-
ties~ landscaping, and the building. He did not know whether
the words, "total contracted construction cost", would mean
that to everybody. Mr. Annunsiato asked if anyone had better
words. After discussion, it was decided this language was
appropriate.
Definition Section in Chapter 19
Vice Mayor Olenik asked whether there is a definition
section in Chapter 19. After discussion, Mr. Annunziato
stated that he would create a definition section.
Mr. Annunziato read the remainder of Sec. 19-22 and explained
that this referred to a site plan which has never received
any public review. Many things built prior to the mid 70s
can never receive public review. Mr. Annunziato asked what
- 2 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
the City should do with them if someone wants to add a room,
change a facade or modify a parking lot. This was saying
the process would not involve Board review.
Chairman Berman mentioned cases that had come before the
CAB. Mr. Jaeger clarified that Chairman Berman was talking
about variances and appeals to administrative decisions
under the Landscape Code, which will still come before the
CAB. Mr. Annunziato explained that this was saying if they
meet Code, they will not have to go through a public review
if the nature of the improvement i~volves less than $50,000.
Chairman Berman asked who would decide whether they meet
Code° Mr. Annunziato answered that it would primarily be
Mr. Jaeger.
Time Frame
Mr. Blanchette asked what the time frame would be from the
time a person makes application until the time he gets his
permit. If the TRB determines there are no site related
improvements and it is not a site issue, it will No to the
offices of the Building Official for permitting. Administra-
tively, they are taking the TRB out of review unless it is
a site related issue.
Mr. Blanchette again posed his question. If it is strictly
a permitting issue, Mr. Jaeger said it will be reviewed. If
it does not comply with rev~ew, comments will be mader and
it will be given back to the applicant. It will be up to
the applicant to address the comments in an expedient
manner. The Building Department has no control over how
quick the applicant addresses comments. Mr. Blanchette
said the reason for the workshop was to streamline the
process so people can get permits quicker.
If a person did everything as fast as he could,
Mr. Blanchette asked how long it would take before he could
get a permit. Mr. Jaeger answered that it would depend on
what else was being reviewed and the manpower. Right now,
the Building Department is turning out plans for small com-
mercial projects in two or three weeks. Mr. Jaeger did not
know that they could set a time, and he explained. If there
are no problems, the person can get a building permit in two
weeks, but Mr. Jaeger did not know how they could stipulate
that in an Ordinance. Mr. Blanchette just wanted to find
out where the City stood in time for a building permit
because now it is weeks and months. With the suggestions
being made to Chapter 19. Chairman Walshak thought that
time would be cut down.
- 3 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
Colors
Mrs. Sheridan asked who would decide about colors.
Mr. Annunziato answered that the TRB would only review
projects for conformity with the Codes and ordinances. The
color of a building is not currently a Code issue.
Mr. Jaeger advised that the Code says the addition must be
in harmony with the rest of the site. This was upsetting
to Mrs. Sheridan. There were further comments.
Modifications to Site Plans After ARproval
Vice Mayor Olenik pointed out that there would be nothing
to enforce it if a project such as Catalina Center comes
before all of the Boards, has all they need per Ordinance,
but by the time they build the project, they take out all of
the additional landscaping they were going to put in, and
the amount becomes less than $250,000. At the last workshop
meeting, Chairman Walshak recalled it was the consensus of
opinion that if a project such as Catalina Center agreed to
do things in front of various Boards and the City Commission,
and if it was on the record, th~ City would have something
to stand on. If they come back with a site plan modifica-
tion and change the landscaping, as long as it still con-
forms to the Code and it is under $50,000, Vice Mayor Olenik
said the City could end up with a marked different project
than what was approved. Mr. Annunziato stated that this is
addressed in the next Section.
Sec. 19-23
Mr. Annunziato read proposed Sec. 19-23. There was
discussion. Mr. Annunziato explained to Vice Mayor Olenik
that an appeal of the TRB's determination and an appeal of a
site plan amendment are almost the same thing. If it was a
CAB type thing, Vice Mayor Olenik said, as a Commissioner,
he would want it to go back to the CAB and not make the
decision without getting input from that Board.
Mr. Annunziato thought that was important.
Chairman Walshak emphasized that the reason for this is to
get smaller projects approved.as quickly as possible.
Commissioner Olenik felt everytime a determination is made
that there is a substantial change, the applicant will
always appeal, and it will never go to the P&Z and CAB
Boards. Chairman Walshak reminded him that they were
talking about projects that were to be handled administra-
tively. He stated that it is hoped that the TRB will work
- 4
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
it out with the applicants. If the TRB does not agree with
the applicant~ Vice Mayor Olenik felt it would be a whole
new ball game. Discussion ensued.
Mr. Annunziato explained that the Commission could agree,
disagree, or say they are not prepared to make a decision.
Vice Mayor 01enik determined this only pertained to
previously approved site plans. If the~change is greater
than $50,000 it goes to the P&Z and CAB. If not, it goes to
the TRB. If the change is less than $50,000 but the TRB
says it is a substantial change, if the applicant does not
appeal, he will have to go through the process. If the
applicant does appeal, he will have to go straight to the
City Commission. If the City Commission decides it is not
a substantial change, Chairman Walshak advised that it would
go straight to the Building Department. If the City
Comn~ission determines that it is a substantial change,
Chairman Walshak said the City Commission would have many
options° ~ir. A~nunziato explained the o~tions the City
ConU~ssion would have. The P&Z Board Members seemed to feel
that no applicant would want to go through all of that.
Mr. Jaeger pointed out that an applicant would lose two or
three weeks on his project going to the Commission.
Vice Mayor Olenik did not agree with the statement that
every delay is a City initiated delay.
Chairman Walshak commended Mr. Annunziato for the good job
he did on Chapter 19.
Sec. 19-28
Mr. Annunziato read the Section and commented that this was
where the test would be if the regulations become effective.
At that point and time, Chairman Walshak wondered if build-
ing permits can be approved without another review by the
Building Department° Mr, Annunziato asked if the plans
could be split in two and a separate Building Code type of
review could be had at the same time the City Codes are
being reviewed by the TRB. Once the plan is approved
conceptually, Mr. Jaeger advised that there should be no
reason for the TRB to meet. It would then become permit
issues. He explained to Mr. Annunziato that the Utilities
Department will permit utilities; the Engineering Department
will permit engineering drawings, etc. The interaction of
all of those elements will be handled at the time of
conceptual approval.
- 5 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
Mr. Golden wondered how they would resolve technical
conflicts. Mr. Jaeger answered that it will be handled in
the conceptual approval process. Although Tradewinds was
called a conceptual approval, Chairman Walshak said the
City wants colored renderings on all four sides of the
building and colored chips in addition to what Tradewinds
showed the Board.
Mr. Annunziato asked what the Members thought a conceptual
plan was. In addition to what he had stated, Chairman
Walshak said an applicant would also have to submit the
elevation of the buildings and a landscape plan.
Mr. Jaeger wanted to see a schematic on where utility lines
would be to see if there would be any conflicts with any
other elements of the site plan. He stated that light poles,
drainage structure, and paving are elements of the paving
and drainage permits, which can be handled at the permit
level as long as the conceptual plans have enough informa-
tion. Any s~ecific problems can still be resolved between
one or two departments rather than the entire TRB.
Vice Mayor Olenik asked why they ~ere utilizing the TRB.
Mr. Jaeger advised that the TRB is there to resolve conflicts
between the different departments or to make recommen-
dations. There needs to be enough information on the plans
to see if a project is viable and if there are any conflicts.
The City asks for final construction drawings at the time of
site plan review. Mr. Jaeger thought they had to make sure
they include enough information. If all Issues can be
resolved at the conceptual review, Mr. Annunziato did not
think the TRB would have to meet ~gain.
Sec. 19-17
Mr. Annunziato replaced "(a)" with what amounts to a
detailed survey. Chairman Walshak read paragraph 1 and wished
to add!~ '~with unity of title." Discussion ensued about
unity of title. Mr. Golden thought they were talking about
"unity of title" and "unified control". After discussion,
Mr. Annunziato stated that when he does this again, he will
give the Boards some words. The Members had no trouble
with paragraphs (a), 2 through 5 inclusive, and paragraph
(b) was agreeable with both Boards.
Sec. 19.17 (c)
Mr. Jaeger added "Computation of required number of parking
spaces." Paragraph (d) was acceptable to the Boards.
- 6 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
Sec. 19.17 (e)
Mr. Annunziato asked if anybody would expect to see traffic
patterns where there is a question. Chairman Waishak had
no problem with that. Mr. Bianchette referred to departments
sometimes duplicating comments. Mr. Annunziato asked why
that was a problem. Mr. Jaeger agreed with Mr. Blanchette
that the TRB should administratively get together and decide
what their expertise is. After further discussion, Chairman
Walshak said they should keep that as a suggestion.
After explaining about the TRB, Mr. Annunziato stated that
he did not think the fact that two people may make the same
comment was such a big issue. He determined that the Boards
want to see traffic control signs in this paragraph.
Sec. 19.17 (f)
Mr. Jaeger thought the applicant could indicate CBS wall,
louvered wall, or fence on the plans. Vice Mayor Olenik
thought the CAB would need the elevation of the wall.
Chairman Walshak felt it could be indicated on the archi-
tectural renderings. Chairman Walshak thought walls and
fences should be shown on a site plan. The colors could be
submitted with the architectural rendering.
Sec. 19.17 (~)
Mr. Annunziato read this paragraph and said the Pollce
Department is usually interested in the location of light
standards. There is no Code that says where the light
standards should be located. Generally, the Architect
locates them. There was discussion. If light standards
are not shown on a plan, Mr. Annunziato asked how a reviewer
will know he has a problem. Mr. Jaeger answered, "When it
comes in for permit." Mr. Annunziato thought they would be
negating the purpose of the TRB if they eliminated the
things people need to review. He thought the location of
light standards should be shown on the plan
Vice Mayor Olenik asked if they were technically talking
about weeks between the time it would be reviewed by the
TRB and the time it would go for permits. Chairman Walshak
informed him it would be months, which was why they had this
meeting.
Mr. Richter left the meeting at 8:25 P. M.
m
MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
There was discussion abouu the permitting process and the
TRB. Mr. Golden thought there may be a tendency for the
Architects to show the location of the fixtures, but he
thought an engineering drawing should be submitted when
they get to the permit level.
Mr. Jaeger agreed with Mr. Golden that if the applicants
are required to show the lighting UP front and they go back
and do a study, they will have to change the location of
the light poles. There is no way you can conceptually
draw squares on a plan and say that is where they will end
up. Mr. Annunziato agreed, but it was his opinion that if
the information is important enough, it would make the Police
Department unable to make its preliminary review. If they
decided they did not want the Police Department to make its
preliminary review, he said they~ should not do anything with
lighting. Chairman Walshak thought if the Police Department
would participate in the review process on the building end,
that would solve the problem°
Vice Chairwoman Sheridan (CAB) wondered who would decide
whether the lighting would be a disturbance to the public,
as she thought it was important. Mr. Annunziato answered
that the Planning Department has been doing that. Chairman
Walshak explained how the P&Z Board also looks at it.
There was discussion about the quality of review the Boards
felt were needed.
Johnnetta Broomfield, Director of Community Improvement,
stated that she has been getting comments from people about
the cost of pro3ects. People want to know what the require-
ments are for everything. If people do not know about this
at the front end because there has not been a detailed
enough review, they will compute in their minds one cost for
the development. As they get through the process, they
will find there are more costs because some things were not
reviewed at the beginning of the process. A lot of people
are appreciative of the comments that come out of the TRB
because it gives them a better perspective on how much money
they will be paying for a development.
Ms. Broomfield added that some comments came into the
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) from the Central
Business District (CBD). They may be small projects,
they have concerns about what is being required.
but
If a developer comes in with a major project and does not
know up front from his Architects and Engineers what that
- 8
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 29, 1989
project is going to cost, Chairman Walshak commented that he
is not much of a developer. There is a tremendous cost
before an applicant can get to the City Commission to find
out whether he has a project. Chairman Walshak stated that
they are trying to cut that down so that people can get
their projects to the City Commission quickly.
Ms. Broomfield responded that it is very helpful when
Engineers and Architects listen to the TRB. She did not
think they should streamline the process or negate informa-
tion to the end of the process to the detriment of the
project. Chairman Walshak advised that Ms. Broomfield was
badly mistaken if she felt they were loosening up the Codes
of the City.
Through this process, Mr. Jaeger said the City Staff will be
available to meet with the applicant and discuss the require-
ments. Given the best efforts of the City to get the word
out, Mr. Annunziato stated that people still do not respond.
He told of a plan being rejected three weeks ago, and the
comments still were not addressed. This happens time and
time again. Mr. Annunziato brought out the fact that the
site plan application lists every Code and every ordinance
that people must be thinking of. It applied here because it
would not save anybody money. The Architects and Engineers
will very seldom get the product equal to the Code or the
materials to be reviewed.
After discussion, Mr. Jaeger co~ented that he thought they
wsre eliminating the double reviews. Mr. Golden informed
everyone that it takes just under a month to go through a
site plan review now. If they go with the conceptual review,
it will take about the same time. However, there will be a
much more detailed review after the conceptual review. Mr.
Golden could not see where the saving of time will occur.
Chairman Walshak responded that to prepare the documents
required up front right now takes a much longer time. If
they do it on the conceptual basis, the front end time will
be cut down. Between the time they get conceptual approval
and permit approval, the applicant will have time to do what
they have to do as far as unity of title, funding~ etc.
The consensus was to leave paragraph (g) in. Chairman
Walshak thought the City Commission should look at this.
Chairman Walshak handed the gavel to Chairman Berman.
- 9 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JUNE 29, 1989
Sec. 19-17, (h)
Mr. Annunziato asked if any one knew what a preliminary
landscaping plan is. After discussion, it was decided (h)
should be rewritten to read: "A landscape plan to include
a design that meets Code."
Mrs. Shuman thought it should be written somewhere that
trees shall not interfere with power lines when they reach
their top growth. There was discussion.
Sec. 19-17, (j)
It was decided the word "and" should be eliminated.
Chairman Walshak returned to the meeting.
There was discussion about floor plans. Mr. Annunziato
preferred not to worry about floor plans. If the types of
uses were broken down in terms of square footage,
Ms. Heyden said it would help determine the number of parking
spaces needed.
Sec. 19-17, (k)
This was discussed by the Members. Chairman Walshak thought
paragraph (k) should be left out. If they were having
conceptual utilities, Mr. Golden suggested that maybe they
should also have conceptual drainage so they can see where
these things will go and how they will interact. Chairman
Walshak thought a lot of that had to be addressed by the
applicant's Architects and Engineers. Mr. Jaeger wanted to
see enough information so that the City could determine
whether the project is feasible. There was discussion about
water, sewer, drainage, and traffic.
M~r. Annunziato clarified that he was talking about improve-
ments which are the result of the impact of a development.
One way to address that would be to add language to the
Parking Lot Regulations which would require mitigation of
all off site impact. Those things become public issues.
If they are not Code issues, Chairman Walshak emphasized that
they should be made Code issues.
Chairman Walshak asked if the County Code supersedes the
City Code. Mr. Annunziato answered that the County's
traffic performance standard will not supersede the City's
current requirements. After further discussion, he
- 10 -
MINUTES - PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JUNE 29, 1989
suggested that they talk to the Engineering and the Utilities
Departments and let them offer some recommendations. He also
thought the sewer and water were very important. Mr. Jaeger
said the locations of the sewer and water on the site and
the sizes would be good. Mr. Annunziato added hydrant loca-
tions~ and further discussion ensued.
The consensus of the Board was to recommend that the City
Commission consider this with recommendations from the
Utilities Director and an Engineer.
Secm 19-17 (1)
It was decided this paragraph should remain.
Sec. 19-17 (m) and (n)
It was decided that (m) should remain. Mr. Annunziato read
paragraph (n). There was discussion about colored render-
lngs. If the renderings are accepted, Mr. Jaeger said they
become part of the approval. Blueprints are microfilmed,
but colored drawings cannot be microfilmed. Mr. Kopczynski
informed the Members that no storage space is available.
Mr. Jaeger said the Building Department ends up with pieces
of concrete~ roof tile, etc. it has to keep.
There was discussion about colors, whether to require
colored elevations, and the back of buildings.
Vice Mayor Olenik stressed that if the City does not main-
tain control of the color of its buildings, it will not
need a CAB. All it will need will be a Landscape Board.
In terms of a TRB review, Mr. Annunziato thought if the
colors were close to what was approved, the project should be
approved. However, if someone wanted to change from gray to
orange, that would be a substantial change, and he would
recommend that the person go to the City Commission. There
was discussion. Chairman Walshak understood that a substan-
tial change would be the determination of the TRB.
Stora~
Miss Heyden thought a part of this problem could be solved
if they would not require that colored elevations be mounted
on boards. If they were on a sheet of paper, there would
be no problem. Mr. Annunziato advised that is an administra-
tive requirement.
- 11 -
MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JUNE 29, 1989
There was discussion about samples of tile, brick~ etc.
Mr. Annunziato wanted to see applicants reduce them to
words. It was the consensus of the Boards that they did not
want to see the Building Department or Planning Department
diluged with all of these samples. Chairman Walshak stated
that it is not Code but policy that causes the applicants to
bring in the samples. The City Commission has to direct
City Manager Cheney to i~struct the departments not to
accept the samples. Mr. Jaeger advised that the CAB appli-
cation and the initial drawings should have that infor-
mation. The CAB application says, "Material and color for
each element."
The CAB wanted to see the materials. If applicants are not
required to submit this, Mr. Annunziato suspected they would
not do it. ~e stated he could draft this so that applicants
would be required to bring the samples to the Board or
accurately define in the CAB application what the materials
are. The Board could then look at the materials, and the
applicant can take them home.
There was discussion about what a substantial change is.
Mr. Annunziato advised that the TRB would make that deter-
mination. If no one wants to live with the results, they
should not grant the authority.
Vice Chairman Sheridan read from the CAB minutes of
January, 1988 that it was on the application for site
approval that applicants have to submit color renditions.
Mr. Annunziato recalled that the P&Z Board required colored
elevations of all of its applicants, and this was put on
the applications.
Mr. Annunziato suggested that Mr. Jaeger look at the CAB
application to see if there is any way to make it more
definitive relative to materials. Mr. Jaeger preferred to
see them on the plans. There was discussion as to who on
the TRB would be responsible for aesthetics.
Mr. Jaeger said a Landscape/Architecture Inspector was
in the budget for two years. Vice Mayor Olenik pointed out
that a C.O. Ks not determined by what color a building is.
Mr. Howard thought a lawsuit would be facing them if they
stopped the construction of a building because of the color
of the paint.
There was further discussion about when something becomes a
substantial change and whether someone should be kept out of
-12.
MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
JUNE 29, 1989
a building because of the color of paint. Chairman Walshak
did not know that the Building Department did not have
people to look at aesthetics. He thought Inspectors had to
be directed to watch for aesthetics on the completion of
buildings. Mr. Jaeger informed him that the Building
Department was doing that until the policy change where any
modification under $100,000 could be handled administra-
tively. Since no permit is required to paint a building,
that was just carte blanche saying anybody could do it.
Chairman Walshak thought that was misinterPreted.
With adequate personnel, Mr. Jaeger said the sites could be
monitored more closely. He explained ~hat the Inspectors
inspect. Materials and colors were done through a CAB
inspection~ Chairman Walshak thought the City Commission
should get the Building Department somebody who could
follow up on aesthetics and landscaping.
Consensus on Colored Renderings
The consensus was that elevations of all sides are needed,
and only the front elevations need to be colored. The
elevations should include written information about
materials colors and types at a minimum.
Rules of Order
Vice Mayor Olenik asked why "Robert's" was left out. If it
was included, Mr. Annunziato said he would have to list the
edition. From time to time that changes. Vice Mayor Olenik
was concerned that another form of Rules of Order could be
adopted that may not be as democratic as Robert's Rules of
Order. Mr. Annunziato replied that no one could think of
any other Rules of Order.
The consensus was that current edition of Robert's Rules of
Order should be shown.
Workshop Meetinq
It was decided there should be another workshop meeting
on Thursday, July 13, 1989 on the second floor of the
Planning and Zoning Building at 7:00 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
~_T~he meeting properly adjourned at 7:00 P.
Patricia Ramseyer //
Recording Secretary~
(Four Tapes)
- 13 -