Minutes 11-27-84MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1984 AT 7:30 P. M.
PRESENT
Simon Ryder, Chairman
Garry Winter, Vice Chairman
Norman Greg.ory
Ezell Hester
Caesar Mauti
John Pagliarulo
Robert Wandelt, A~ternate
Carmen S. Annunziato,
Director of Planning
Tim Cannon,
Senior City Planner
ABSENT
Ronald Linkous (Excused)
William Schultz, Alternate (Excused)
Chairman Ryder called the meeting to order at 7:30 P. M. and
introduced the Members of the Board, Mr. Annunziato, Mr.
Cannon, and the Recording Secretary. He acknowledged the
presence in the audience of Mayor Carl Zimmerman; Councilman
James R. Warnke; Councilman Nick Cassandra; Peter L. Cheney,
City Manager; Hank Thompson, Chairman of the Community
Redevelopment Agency (CRA); and Mr. Dale Hatch, Member of
the CRA.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
Determination of consistency of proposed family definition
ordinance with Comprehensive Plan
At the last meeting, when the Board set a date to consider
the CBD Ordinance, Chairman Ryder said they were also
considering another Ordinance which related to defining a
family unit. That matter was subsequently tabled because
several members of the Board felt they needed more time to
consider the matter. The matter has generated a good deal
of local interest and concern. Therefore, it was placed on
the agenda for further consideration.
Chairman Ryder referred to the report and analysis from
the Planning Department, which listed several Comprehensive
Plan policies which were felt relevant to the proposed
Ordinance. The analysis was followed up with a recommenda-
- 1 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
tion of approval of the Ordinance which would allow up to
two unrelated persons to occupy a dWelling unit other than
those related by blood, marriage, or adoption.
Mr. Annunziato said the Members were handed two documents at
the last meeting which provided, among other things, that
no more than two unrelated persons could live in any dwelling
unit in the city provided all members had access to cooking
facilities and it was organized as a housekeeping unit. As
chairman Ryder mentioned, they also handed out a report in
which they recommended a finding of consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan housing element policies.
vice Chairman wihter asked if Mr. Annunziato was talking
about the way it was written up the last time. At Mr.
Mauti's request, Mr. Annunziato read the definition. Mr.
Pagliarulo asked what the real backbone of the Ordinance was
other than the definition of "Family". Mr. Annunziato
explained that the definition which currently exists in the
zoning Code was found to be unenforceable by the City
Attorney. This was found in a Supreme Court case. He added
that the definition which currently exists is more restric-
tive than what was before the Board.
Mr. Annunziato informed vice Chairman Winter that Attorney
Vance looked this over, and he and city Attorney Vance
concurred that this is an enforceable Ordinance.
Mr. Hester called attention to the fact that three unrelated
"buddies" who want to rent an apartment would not be per-
mitted to. Mr. Pagliarulo knew of several instances where
college kids are renting a place and working to support
themselves while they are here in college. He said they
would have to vacate and seek other areas to live in. Mr.
Annunziato agreed that would be the outcome if the Ordinance
was enforced at that location.
Mr. Pagliarulo did some research and looked it up in
Webster's Dictionary. He found Webster's definition to be
quite differentl Today, Mr. Pagliarulo said it is not true
that you have married people in all instances. He sells
houses to people who are not married. Mr. Pagliarulo
wondered if anyone looked into the energy aspect of it.
Mr. Annunziato advised that the position taken by the
Planning Department concerned no specific neighborhood. It
is a zoning Code amendment that would be enforceable over
the entire City, and Mr. Pagliarulo was raising money
problems. There was more discussion.
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Mauti called attention to the fact that we say "single
family dwelling" in our Code and said that means one family,
like it is written. Mr. Annunziato advised it is not limited
to single family units but is related to a dwelling unit of
any kind. Each individual housekeeping unit is a dwelling
unit. chairman Ryder did not think the Board should be in
the area of morality. He thought the impact on neighbors
should be considered.
Mr. Mauti was the head of a Building Department elsewhere
and told of cases that were upheld there. Mr. Annunziato
asked if his position was that this ordinance is too lenient.
Mr. Mauti believed the ordinance could tend to be unconsti-
tutional. Mr. Annunziato informed him that it is constitu-
tional. Chairman Ryder commented that usually, they do not
know whether an Ordinance is constitutional until it is
tested. There was more discussion.
City Manager Cheney said the Board was involved with defin-
ing a family (not what Webster says a family is but what the
most recent Supreme Court decision says a family is from a
point of view of the zoning ordinance, which is what Mr.
Annunziato read as long as they are related by blood,
marriage, or adoption with no more than two people not so
related). Whether they like the definition or not was not
the issue, city Manager Cheney said the issue was what the
Supreme Court said a family is. It said a single family
unit can be occupied by that definition of a single family.
City Manager Cheney explained that the issue came up in the
City because a question was raised in a neighborhood in the
City relative to a house that may or may not be occupied by
more than a family. The city Attorney said our current
definition of family was not consistent with the Supreme
Court's decision, city Attorney Vance rewrote this language
with parallels to the most recent Supreme Court decision,
and it is legally enforceable and consistent with the Supreme
Court's decision, city Manager Cheney gave examples of
instances which were not consistent with the definition.
Questions have been raised, and he said the city cannot
investigate unless the definition is legal.
City Manager Cheney informed Mr. Mauti this definition was a
Supreme Court decision which was tested in a case in a college
town where college students were living together. He
reiterated that it is legally enforceable. If the amendment
is adopted by the City Council, city Manager Cheney said the
City has the problem of proving those situations which are
brought to its attention.
- 3 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Gregory asked what types of enforcement the City is
planning. City Manager Cheney was not planning any until
(1) the City Council suggests that they should, or (2) an
incidental situation comes to their attention. He explained
the procedure if a situation is brought to the City's
attention.
Mr. Wandelt moved that the Board recommend to the Council
that they adopt the Ordinance, seconded by Vice Chairman
Winter. At the request of Chairman Ryder, Mrs. Ramseyer
took a roll call vote on the motion. The motion carried
4-3 with Messrs. Gregory, Pagliarulo, and Mauti voting
against the motion.
NEW BUSINESS
Workshop to review the proposed Central Business District
(CBD) zoninq regulations and design guidelines
Chairman Ryder said the Members were to consider an Ordinance
which would establish a special central business district
within the core of the downtown redevelopment area. That
area has been defined by the plan which has been adopted by
the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The purpose of
the Ordinance is to implement the redevelopment of the down-
town area in a manner which would ensure orderly development
of various proposed activities regarding architecture,
design and landscaping by providing necessary controls.
Chairman Ryder continued that the Ordinance contemplates
changes in the present review procedures where projects in
the redevelopment area are concerned. Councilman Warnke
submitted suggestions regarding the procedural changes as
indicated in the input furnished the Members.
Two weeks ago, a packet of material was handed out to the
Members and forwarded to the City Council by the CRA. The
documents form land development regulations of proposals to
amend the Municipal zoning Code and several chapters of the
Code of Ordinances dealing with signs, landscaping, etc.
Mr. Annunziato suggested that the Members concentrate on
two sets of documents of the entire package: (1) The pro-
posed amendments to the zoning Code by the creation of regu-
lations for the Central Business District; and (2) Look at
procedures which are more in the realm of policy. He thought
they needed to secure additional comments from various staff
members and review agencies on the Sign Code, Landscaping
Code, etc. For example, Mr. Annunziato said the Board might
like to forward the Landscaping regulations to the Community
- 4 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Appearance Board for their review and comment.
Mr. Annunziato said their primary thrust tonight was to talk
about the Central Business District regulations and the pro-
cedure for approval of plans.
Central Business District Ordinance
Mr. Cannon analyzed the proposed CBD regulations
with respect to administration and proposed suggestions as
to what should and should not be allowed in the CBD and said
they deal with the clarity of the Ordinance more than the
substance of the Ordinance. He read his Memorandum dated
November 19, 1984.
APPENDIX A. ZONING.
SECTION 6. E. CBD - CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
1. PERMITTED USES
ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION
Mr. Cannon said occupancy of craft for living quarters
presently exists as a use at the Marina, and he thought, the
use would be grandfathered as long as the Marina exists and
until it is redeveloped. However, Mr. Cannon thought any
extension of that type of use should be prohibited.
Mr. Annunziato jotted down the kinds of marina uses which
might be contemplated in the CBD and associated with the
marina, as follows: sale of fuels; sale of new and used
boats; repair of boats; overhaul of boat motors and craft,
including scraping of hulls; in-house storage; living in
boats; drift and charter boat fishing; and cruise boats with
lunch and entertainment. He said some may not consider the
overhaul of engines and scraping of hulls to be a desirable
use and thought it should be qualified as to what parts of
the marina uses will be permitted.
Mr. Annunziato thought they needed to think about Marinas,
as they were dealing with a downtown urban environment and
would have a waterfront amenity.
OFFICES AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Mr. Cannon pointed out that there have been problems in
another City with other uses such as temporary employment
centers, referred to on page 3 of his memorandum. He
clarified that the problem was mainly with a use for the
benefit of transients or people just working from day to day
and moving on.
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
RETAIL
Mr. Cannon looked at the standard industrial classifications
by the United States Department of Commerce, which lists
every type of store, and looked to see the types of uses in
Lake Worth and Delray Beach and whether they are allowed
under our Ordinance.
SERVICES
In his administration of Zoning Ordinances, Mr. Cannon said
the question has come up as to whether repair shops are
allowed as an accessory use to the sale of goods. Generally,
they are not considered as a separate use. Mr. Cannon
thought the repair of goods that are sold for retail should
be allowed as an accessory use for a store but did not think
repair shops should be allowed in the CBD.
SUPERMARKET AND FOOD
Mr. Cannon called attention to two drive-through convenience
markets (one on South Federal Highway south of the CBD, and
the other at Woolbright and Seacrest) and did not think
those types of uses should be allowed in the downtown.
TRANSPORTAT ION
In the future, there will be the potential for railroad
passenger service on the FEC railroad. Mr. Cannon thought
the CBD would probably be the likely location for a passenger
station if that should occur, and said it should be addressed.
Mr. Cannon referred to the first paragraph on page 5 of his
Memorandum, which was the most difficult issue he addressed.
Presently, there is a small railroad siding between Ocean
Avenue and Boynton Beach Boulevard on the east side of the
FEC tracks. Mr. Cannon said this is an attempt to try to
remove that use, but he imagined the Florida East Coast
Railroad would fight any attempts by the City to do that.
The language Mr. Cannon suggested was based on a draft of a
City of Miami Ordinance which required that these types of
uses that involve very little improvement to the property be
removed. In the Miami Ordinance, they allow these types of
uses to exist for two years. Mr. Cannon specified one year
but said it could be flexible. Mr. Cannon and Mr.
Annunziato discussed the legality of the language as it
applies to the railroad and as to whether the FEC Railroad
has any specific privileges under either State or Federal
law which may not apply to another business. Mr. Cannon
- 6 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
said the City Attorney would probably have to do some re-
search as to whether this would be an enforceable addition
to the CBD regulations.
II. CONDITIONAL USES
The procedures that Urban Design Studio submitted sets up a
Downtown Review Board in place of the Planning and Zoning
Board for reviewing conditional uses. However, Mr. Cannon
said there is one place in the Ordinance where the Ordinance
contradicts itself and specifies that the Conditional Use
procedure shall be as in Section 11.2. Under Section 11.2,
the Planning and zoning Board is established as the sole
recommending body with respect to conditional uses. Mr.
Cannon said the language in the Ordinance should be changed
to state that in the CBD zoning District, the Downtown
Review Board shall take the place of the Planning and zoning
Board.
III. BUILDING AND SITE REGULATIONS
Mr. Cannon called attention to awnings which project over
public sidewalks on Ocean Avenue and said there is some ques-
tion as to whether the awnings are legally there. He
thought that should be clarified.
Presently, our zoning Ordinance allows eaves to encroach on
setbacks only in the residential districts, which has
created a problem for some commercial uses because their out-
side wall cannot be built up to the setback line because
they have an eave of two or three feet. Since most of the
lots in the CBD are fairly small, Mr. Cannon said it would
probably be desirable to allow some type of relaxation of
the setbacks for eaves and other architectural features.
Height Maximum
Mr. Cannon said the proposed Ordinance allows mechanical
equipment up to 50 feet, which is in conflict with the
height referendum, and he thought the proposed Ordinance
would have to be changed.
Combination of Uses
Mr. Cannon said there was much discussion about the combina-
tion of residential uses and commercial uses, and possibly a
commercial or retail office on the first floor and multiple
family above those retail uses. However, there are no speci-
fications in the draft of the Ordinance as to how many
dwelling units per acre would be allowed if they were built
above a retail store.
- 7 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Annunziato referred everyone to page 1 under "I. PER-
MITTED USES" and read, "Uses may be combined in the same
building." He thought this was what Mr. Cannon was alluding
to. As currently drafted, Mr. Annunziato thought the inter-
pretation would be that one has the benefit of all of that
density, regardless of the square footage devoted to commer-
cial uses, as long as parking can be met on site. In other
words, if you can meet the height, setbacks, and put parking
on the site, then you can put up 10.8 dwelling units on the
lot or as part of a building with everything else remaining
equal. Mr. Annunziato thought this was somewhat different
than the way the Codes are being enforced now.
Mr. Cannon felt it probably would not be fair to make an
interpretation in one zoning district that differs from the
interpretation in another zoning district. If they were
going to have a different interpretation for the CBD, Mr.
Cannon thought they should probably have it in the Ordinance.
Mr. Annunziato agreed it should be clear that it is the
intentD Chairman Ryder commented that being more specific
is certainly advisable. He noted on page 1 of Mr. Cannon's
Memorandum that, "Uses not specifically permitted are pro-
hibited," and thought they could anticipate having problems
where some applications are omitted.
Mr. Annunziato thought Mr. Cannon's point was well taken as
he put himself in the position of having to read this and
identify whether or not a use would be permitted. In fact,
Mr. Annunziato said this is the situation faced almost on a
daily basis in Boynton Beach with the responsibility being
the Building official's, who is the enforcer of the Zoning
Code. He said some of the questions that will be asked
should be addressed in the Ordinance, and it would make the
Building Official's job easier.
In his experience, Mr. Mauti's biggest problem was enforce-
ment because of the combination of uses. Mr. Gregory
thought they should look at West Palm Beach's concept, which
was similar to what was proposed here. He said they were
trying to get a total environment and use out of the build-
ing. At night, it would be a building and intensified use
by having the building occupied with dwellings and shops
open until 8:00 or 9:00 P. M. rather than just an abandoned
downtown like most cities are.
Mr. Annunziato said he would ask Edgar "Bud" Howell, Build-
ing Official, what the Southern Building Code requires for
joint occupancy buildings or residential and commercial
occupancy. Mr. Mauti gave more examples of problems.
- 8 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH' FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
II. CONDITIONAL USES (Page 5 of Mr. Cannon's Memorandum)
Downtown Review Board
It seemed to Mr. Gregory that they were giving the authority
for enforcing the zoning regulations to the Downtown Review
Board and were taking it away from the existing Planning and
Zoning Board. He questioned why the staff felt the Downtown
Review Board could do a more effective job than the Planning
and Zoning Board and asked what the philosophy was behind
it. Mr. Annunziato called attention to one of the other
documents the Members had at their last meeting when they
talked about the creation of procedures for the downtown
center. One thing that was discussed was to establish a
development approval process which requires the Downtown Re-
view Board's review and the Community Redevelopment Agency's
approval for all downtown center projects.
If that was the philosophy of these regulations and the pro-
cedural regulations they would look at next, Mr. Annunziato
said it would make sense that the Downtown Review Board,
which is proposed to be composed in part of Members from
the Planning and Zoning Board, Community Appearance Board,
and several at large Members, would take the place of the
Planning and Zoning Board in terms of making recommendations
to the approval body.
Mr. Mauti asked if the Downtown Review Board would have the
use of the Technical Review Board and Mr. Annunziato's
expertise. The way the development regulations are set up
at this point, Mr. Annunziato said plans would still be
submitted to the Planner. The Planner will bring them to
the Technical Review Board (TRB). The TRB will make a
recommendation to the Development Review Board. From there,
it will go to the Community Redevelopment Agency for approval.
In case of a conditional use, it would have to go to the
Council.
Chairman Ryder thought they should go through the whole
matter of the review procedure. Mr. Annunziato emphasized
that it was not felt that the Planning and Zoning Board
could not do the job, but they were saying they do not want
to create another bureaucracy and it should be consistent.
Chairman Ryder acknowledged the presence in the audience of
Councilman Samuel Lamar Wright; Dianne Lawes, Executive
Director of the Community Redevelopment Agency; Donald Zyto,
President, and Owen Anderson, Executive Vice President, of
the Chamber of Commerce.
- 9 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Annunziato suggested they complete the review and then
get back to what Mr. Gregory brought up.
IV. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING SPACE
B. Parking Space Calculations.
Mr. Annunziato called attention to the fact that you still
use the Zoning Code to determine the number of spaces and
reduce it by 35%, which intensifies land use.
D. Special Parking and Loading Space Requirements
Mr. Annunziato said this, more or less, mimics the language
in the parking lot regulations where you submit quantitative
evidence. If your needs are not as great as the individual
needs shown in the Zoning Code, you can receive what amounts
to a shared parking location.
Mr. Annunziato stated those are important items because they
differ significantly from the way the City does business now,
especially with the 35% requirement. Mr. Gregory asked if
he saw a legal problem. Mr. Annunziato answered negatively
because he thought they could have a separate set of
policies to try and redevelop an area.
I. PERMITTED USES
ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION
Marinas
Mr. Wandelt asked why they would want to restrict living in
a marina. Mr. Annunziato replied that there are lots of
problems. The primary concern now is the health problem.
Mr. Wandelt suggested they require sewage hook ups. Mr.
Annunziato referred to it being a public cove, and he did
not think it was intended to occupy those views with resi-
dences. That would leave only two finger canals where you
might have residences. Mr. Annunziato advised there is not
enough marina to have an area to live in.
Mr. Wandelt referred to people who bring boats down and live
on them during the season. In order to allow it, he felt
they should have restrictions as to sewage. Mr. Annunziato
guessed the use of the public property would have rules
established by the Council. Mr. Gregory gave North Palm
Beach as an example of a City that has tremendous activity
on the water. Mr. Annunziato did not think it could be a
major attraction because the City does not have the water
10 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
frontage and the ability to stretch out a dock for several
hundred feet.
Mr. Wandelt referred to the plans for the downtown area
and said they wanted to dredge out an area and have a
marina where the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center is. He thought
it would be an ideal situation with sewage facilities being
provided by the city and possibly a Dock Master.
Mr. Annunziato thought it had to be further defined as to
what kinds of marina uses should be permitted. There was
more discussion.
Sale of Boats
Mr. Mauti thought they would have a problem and it should
be under a more restrictive area. Mr. Wandelt considered a
marina as a dock for fuel, minor services, bait and tackle
shops, and boat slips, but no sales of boats. Mr. Mauti
added, "and no dry dock." The Members agreed they were
suggesting the sale of boats be prohibited.
Repair of Boats
After discussion, Mr. Wandelt wanted to eliminate boat
repairs. Chairman Ryder agreed. Mr. Annunziato guessed
that also meant they should eliminate the overhaul of boat
motors and craft. The Members agreed.
In and Out Storage of Boats
Mr. Annunziato thought this would be sensitive as there
were two kinds of conditions (in a building and not in a
building). There was discussion. The Members decided they
were talking of strictly downtown. Mr. Wandelt commented it
should be something of beauty and not an eye sore. The
Members agreed in and out storage of boats should be pro-
hibited.
Living in Boats
It was agreed this should be permitted providing they have
the necessary sanitary hook ups.
Fishing
Mr. Annunziato felt drift and charter fishing were recrea-
tional amenities and very important, as are cruise functions.
The Members agreed.
11 -
MINUTES -PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Bait, Tackle, and Fuel
The Memberls agreed these should be permitted.
CBD Zoning Regulations
Mr. Annunziato asked if there were any more comments about
the CBD Zoning regulations and questioned whether the Board
felt comfortable with them. Chairman Ryder thought the
changes Mr. Cannon came up with should be incorporated into
the Ordinance because they would minimize problems that may
come up in the future as to permissive uses. Mr. Annunziato
said they would report back to the Community Redevelopment
Agency.
It was decided the Members should discuss the Downtown
Review Board.
ARTICLE IV. DOWNTOWN REVIEW BOARD
Mr. Annunziato read from Article IV and explained that
there would be three Regular Members appointed by the CRA,
a Member of the Planning and Zoning Board, a Member of the
Community Appearance Board, and the three Alternates would
be one Member of the Planning and zoning Board, one Member
of the community Appearance Board, and one Member appointed
by the Agency itself.
19.54. Directly Accountable to Council; Review and
Recommendations
Mr. Gregory asked if the Planning and Zoning Board could act
in a dual capacity as the Downtown Review Board as well as
the Planning and zoning Board. Mr. Annunziato replied that
it could but he thought the areas of expertise would have to
be adjusted, and it could not be filled the way this Ordinance
proposes it to be filled. There would also be the question
of whether it would be consistent with the concept of estab-
lishing the Development Review Board as an advisory body.
Mr. Annunziato guessed the intent was to have a specialized
Board, but it would not have the Community Appearance Board
aspect associated with it. In that regard, it would be non-
conforming.
Mr. Wandelt asked if this Board would by-pass the Planning
and Zoning Board as far as the downtown. Mr. Annunziato
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
answered, "Yes." He added that they are also in the process
of preparing a rezoning application to be submitted by the
city Council for review. The rezoning application will re-
zone the core area of the downtown involving the redevelop-
ment plan to the Central Business District (CBD).
Mr. Annunziato continued that the group of documents before
the Members was related to that zoning district. The Down-
town Review Board would be acting in lieu of the Planning
and Zoning and Community Appearance Boards in the Central
Business District. For site plan approval, the Community
Redevelopment Agency would be acting in lieu of the city
Council in the CBD. Mr. Annunziato explained that it is a
parallel process, but it is composed of some of the same
actors who are involved in the current process save for the
approval of plans.
Mr. Gregory asked how much power they wanted to take out of
the hands of the elected officials. Mr. Annunziato said
that was a policy decision and had to be decided by the
Council in association with the Downtown Review Board. The
staff will react and conform to the ordinances that are
finally adopted.
Mr. Hester pointed out that one Regular Member and one
Alternate Member of the Planning and Zoning Board would be
on the Downtown Review Board. Mr. Annunziato advised that
the intent was to have the same kind of review without
duplicating the process.
THE BOARD TOOK A BREAK AT 9:02 P. M.
The meeting resumed at 9:12 P. M.
ARTICLE V. CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT PROJECT REVIEW AND
APPROVAL
Sec. 19.63. Board Established; Membership?
In the 5th line, instead of "Director of General Services",
Mr. Annunziato said it should be "Public Works Director."
He asked~the Members to note the inclusion of the Executive
Director of the Community Redevelopment Agency on the
Technical Review Board for items to be reviewed in the
Central Business District area.
Sec. 19-67. Review by Downtown Review Board
Mr. Annunziato said this is the same function the Planning
and Zoning Board performs to the Council. It is contempla-
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
ted that the Downtown Review Board will prepare similar
documents as those prepared by the Planning and Zoning
Board to submit to the City Council. The documentS prepared
by the Downtown Review Board will be submitted to the
Community Redevelopment Agency.
Sec. 19-69. Approval of a Conditional Use by City Council
Mr. Annunziato said the Council will have to conduct a
public hearing as opposed to a public meeting.
Discussion by Board Members
Changes in CBD ordinance
Mr. Gregory asked who would have the authority to review the
changes in the ordinance which creates the Central Business
District and questioned whether it would be the Planning and
Zoning Board. Mr. Annunziato replied that it would have to
be the Planning and Zoning Board because the Planning and
zoning Board is the Local Planning Agency. Chapter 163
specifically requires that land development regulations be
reviewed by the Local Planning Agency and recommendataions
are to be made to the local government. Any modifications
to the CBD regulations or any other land development modifi-
cations have to come back to this body. Mr. Annunziato
confirmed Mr. Gregory's statement that modifications could
be initiated by the Planning and Zoning Board as well.
Sketches by Councilman James R. Warnke
and Mayor Carl zimmerman
In his sketch, Councilman Warnke showed the present procedure,
the procedure proposed by the Community Redevelopment Agency,
and what he proposed. What Councilman Warnke proposed
finally was to maintain the Planning and Zoning Board and
the Community Appearance Board, together with the new Down-
town Review Board.
Since drawing the sketch, Councilman Warnke had other
thoughts. He said the Planning and Zoning Board and the
Community Appearance Board would be taken care of by the
Downtown Review Board of the CRA. Since reviewing that more
in depth, councilman Warnke could see where there could be a
duplication of bureaucracy and it would prolong everything.
Councilman Warnke said the present City Council and present
CRA are working together beautifully but none of them may
be the same two or three years from now. He felt they would
14 -
MINUTES - PLANNING-AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
be remiss if they did not have all of the plans go through
the City Council for final approval as they do now because
it would be usurping the power of elected officials in the
future. Councilman Warnke felt the City needed that check
and balance of having it go through the City Council for
final approval.
Hank Thompson, Chairman of the Community Redevelopment
Agency, said in looking at the entire picture of the original
purpose of appointing the Agency and the job they had to do,
they were delegated certain authority under Florida Statute
163. He did not believe there was any attempt whatsoever in
the proposed outline to usurp powers of the Council because
the Council has the right at any time to supersede anything
the CRA does in passing on any permit.
In other words, if a permit gets to the CRA after it has a
public hearing by the Downtown Review Board and there has
been a good base of information to the Downtown Review Board
from the Technical Review Board, it will come to the Community
Redevelopment Agency, where they will have a public hearing
as Well, so Mr. Thompson said it will be well covered. All
of the time the Council has the chance to oversee everything
done by the CRA and can open up the case if they do not
think the CRA has done a proper job.
Mr. Thompson wanted to see the proposal they had, and he
informed Mayor zimmerman that the CRA cannot serve on the
Downtown Review Board because Florida Statute 163 prohibits
that.
Mr. Thompson liked to think that when the Council appoints
new members to the CRA, possibly the agency will remain in-
tact for awhile. As Councilman Warnke said, the CRA will
change and the Council will change, but Mr. Thompson said
the Council has the authority to dismiss the CRA any time
they want to.
Mr. Mauti asked Mr. Thompson if he did not think the Council
had an obligation to the residents as their elected offi-
cials. It looked to him like they were by-passing the
Council completely as far as the approvals were concerned.
Mr. Thompson affirmed Mr. Mauti's statement that the only
way the Council could get back to the Agency would be to
review whatever the CRA approves. Mr. Thompson asked that
the Members keep in mind that the City Council appointed the
Planning and Zoning Board, the Community Appearance Board,
and the Community Redevelopment Agency. In this instance,
Members of these Boards will be part of the Downtown Review
Board.
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Thompson thought it would be a load for the Council to
carry if they had to pass on everything that went through
the CBD District. He thought the Agency stood between the
Council and the public in a strong buffer section. The city
Council would be involved only if there is a conditional use.
If a permit was requested, met with favorable response, and
came before the Downtown Review Board and met all of the
requirements of the Central Business District ordinance and
came for public hearing before the Community Redevelopment
Agency with another hearing before a group of men who are
very familiar with this, Mr. Thompson asked why anyone who
meets the requisites should be turned down. Mr. Mauti asked
what recourse the people would have if what they are advocat-
ing is denied by the CRA. Now, they have a recourse by
going before their elected officials. When a ,'ticklish"
situation has come before this Board, Mr. Mauti said it was
very rare that they ever voted 7-0. It is sent to the City
Council, and they have to be responsible to the residents of
the City.
Mr. Annunziato interjected that it is the Agency's intention
to review not only major site plans but anything requiring
a permit. For example, the Planning and Zoning Board does
not get involved if a guy wants to put a sign up. The way
the documents are drafted, Mr. Annunziato said they are
talking about review at the most minute detail.
Mr. Gregory thought the city Council should, not by right of
public hearing but by rubber stamping, put their seal of
approval on the final conclusion of the CRA. He did not
feel it would interfere with the CRA's process at all.
Chairman Ryder asked if he was talking about the Council
giving its approval like they do on the Consent Agenda. Mr.
Gregory said that was correct. Mr. Thompson said the Council
would then be involved with everything, city Manager Cheney
did not think they would want the city Council to review
every plan but said maybe the Council could give their con-
sent to the site plans.
Mr. Gregory asked Mr. Thompson if he could live with that
particular recommendation. Mr. Thompson replied that it was
different than what the Agency paid professionals to give to
them.
Approval Procedure
Chairman Ryder referred everyone to the first sheet sketched
by Councilman Warnke, which began with the City Planning
MINUTES- PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Department. He said there has to come a time when you divorce
the CRA Staff from the City's Staff. After going through
the Technical Review Board, chairman Ryder said it should
go to the CRA staff. Following through the sketch, instead
of the Planning and zoning Board, they would have the Down-
town Review Board. The Community Appearance Board should be
deleted and replaced by the Community Redevelopment Agency.
Then would come the Council's approval.
Mr. Annunziato thought the above suggestion made~ sense but
said it would be up to city Manager Cheney as to how it
would be administered. He said it would put the preparation
of meeting dates and agendas into the hands of the Executive
Director for processing to the CRA.
With regard to the form the Council approval should take,
chairman Ryder said they talked about a consent approval
rather than a public hearing.
Chairman Ryder thought the CRA Staff was very important.
For clarification purposes, Mr. Annunziato said the line
between CRA and the City Council is connected for projects
of a certain size. Chairman Ryder was sure Council would
have something to say and thought they should leave it in
that area rather than say how it should be done by the
Council.
Mr. Thompson thought it would be wise to make a suggestion
so the Council could have this before them with regard to a
threshold of what they may not wish to handle. He referred
to the one of $100,000 which is existing now. There was
discussion.
For any cOmmercial construction project of value less than
$100,000 which was not previously approved as a site plan,
or which is a free standing building with fewer than
$100,000 in value, Mr. Annunziato said the current review
procedure is to have the Technical Review Board review it
for compliance with the Code and the Community Appearance
Board to approve it. That occurs now. What is being
suggested is that if a threshold is set, the Cor~munity
Redevelopment Agency would end up approving those similar
kinds of projects of under $100,000 with automatic approval
by the city Council for projects which exceed that amount.
That made sense to the Members.
Mr. Gregory asked if they were saying there would be no
recourse after the CRA on anything below $100,000. Mr.
Annunziato replied that they could always appeal to the
Council.
- 17 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
If the suggestion is followed, City Manager Cheney advised
they should make a point to invite the CRA Staff to always
meet with the Technical Review Board when they discuss down-
town matters or anything surrounding the downtown. The
suggestion was that the CRA Staff is a separate staff. City
Manager Cheney agreed with that particular processing but
thought there was some value in being sure the CRA Staff
(which is now basically Diane Lawes), participates with the
rest of the technical people of the City so that she gets
the benefit of their discussion and they get the benefit of
her insight into the downtown.
At this point, City Manager Cheney hoped Ms. Lawes could be
a voting member of the TRB, but if that was not the final
decision, he said she should be included in the review
process because he thought it was valuable for her to under-
stand that a lot of things happen .in the makeup of any
project in the area. In many ways, he thought Ms. Lawes
should be considered as an integral part of the City's day
to day operation, recognizing that she is directly respon-
sible for the Community Redevelopment Agency.
Mr. Gregory asked if Mr. Cheney was saying they should use
this as an intermediary process until the CRA Staff develops
itself. City Manager Cheney hoped that staff would never
find the need to develop itself to the same level of techni-
cal ability as the rest of the City Staff. He did not think
the City Staff should be duplicated. City Manager Cheney
just wanted to include Ms. Lawes in the technical review
process.
If the Board goes precisely with what Chairman Ryder
recommended, he wanted it to go first to the Technical
Review Board, and then to Dianne Lawes, Executive Director
of the CRA, for all of the paperwork. Mr. Annunziato said
the proposed regulations include an Executive Director and
Technical Review Board. City Manager Cheney said the
proposed regulations do, but Chairman Ryder had not indi-
cated that.
Mr. Annunziato advised there was no need for the Board to
take any action because other parts of the documents will
have to be reviewed. City Manager Cheney suggested that it
may be well for the City Council to consider having a Work-
shop to review what the Board had said and to add their in-
put. He said the result of what the Members said tonight
and the result of the City Council's Workshop could be
brought back to the Planning and .zoning Board for their
final comments. He thought it might smooth out the process.
- 18 -
MINUTES - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
Mr. Thompson was thinking about the moratorium and asked
about a time schedule on that. City Manager Cheney said the
time schedule was a part of the memorandum Mr. Annunziato
prepared. It relates to the fact of first reading, adver-
tising and notification of things that are required. This
Workshop of the City Council will not in any way slow it
down but will take advantage of some of the waiting time
in between. City Manager Cheney added that it may prevent
the extension of a second Workshop or public hearing as they
get into the first or second reading of the ordinance in
January.
Set date for public hearing for rezoning of City Center to
CBD
It was apparent to those preparing the documents for the
rezoning application that they will be in a position to have
the Planning and zoning Board conduct a public hearing on
the rezoning application sometime after February 3, 1985.
Mr. Annunziato said this requires them to mail notices no
later than January 4, 1985. There is a one month adver-
tising period, so some time after the 4th, the Board can
conduct a formal public hearing on the rezoning.
Mr. Annunziato said it was important for the Board to
consider a formal date to conduct the hearing and whether
they want to conduct it at a regular meeting or in a special
meeting, chairman Ryder commented that the regular meetings
run so long and the prospect was that they would continue
to be long. Mr. Annunziato did not foresee much change.
chairman Ryder suggested they have a special meeting or they
would be there well after 11:00 P. M.
Mr. Annunziato advised the regular meeting of the Board
would be on February 12. After discussion, it was decided
Thursday, February 14, 1984 would be the date of the
Special Planning and zoning Board Meeting.
Next Regular Meeting
Chairman Ryder announced that the next regular meeting of
the Board will be December 11, 1984 at 7:30 P. M.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Agency,
Mr. Wandelt moved, seconded by Mr. Mauti, to adjourn. The
9:55 P. M.
meeting properly adjourned at
Patricia Y [/
Recording Secretary ~
(Three Tapes)