Subject:
Title
Case No. FLU-22-07 (Ridgemoor Master Association, Inc.)
A request for a change of Land Use from Recreation/Open Space to Transportation/Utility on approximately 0.116 acre located on the west side of Ridgemoor Drive approximately 300 feet north of Ridgemoor Boulevard in East Lake Tarpon.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Based upon the evidence and findings contained in the staff report and attachments, Case No. FLU-22-07 is recommended for approval:
An ordinance approving the application of Ridgemoor Master Association, Inc. for a change of Land Use from Recreation/Open Space (R/OS) to Transportation/Utility (T/U).
• The applicant is seeking a Land Use change on 0.116 acre of property that is part of a larger, 6.5-acre tract utilized as a neighborhood park serving the Ridgemoor community.
• The subject property is located just west of Ridgemoor Drive N., approximately 300 feet north of Ridgemoor Boulevard, and approximately one mile east of East Lake Road.
• The subject property and surrounding area are located within the East Lake Tarpon Community Overlay as recognized by the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan and identified on the FLUM.
• The subject property is part of and subject to the Ridgemoor Residential Planned Development (RPD-W) zoning district.
• The applicant desires to construct a 150-foot monopole telecommunications tower near the south end of the 6.5-acre parent tract.
• A telecommunications tower is generally permissible; however, a height of 150 feet will require Board of Adjustment & Appeals approval as a Type-2 Use, requiring a public hearing subsequent to the land use change.
• The Local Planning Agency recommended approval of the request (vote 6-0). One person from the public spoke at the hearing requesting clarification on the request and additional information. No written correspondence has been received.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.3 Catalyze redevelopment through planning and regulatory programs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and our Customers
5.2 Be responsible stewards of the public’s resources
Summary:
Summary
The subject property is part of a 6.5-acre tract along the west side of Ridgemoor Drive N, within the Ridgemoor Planned Development, in the East Lake Tarpon Community. It is currently developed with recreation uses and functions as a neighborhood park to the Ridgemoor community. The tract includes wetlands and forested area adjacent to the recreation uses and extending beyond the limits of the property. Clusters of residential uses including single family attached and detached units of varying size are scattered throughout the vicinity.
The applicant desires to construct a 150-foot monopole telecommunications tower near the south end of the 6.5-acre parent tract. The tower, tower enclosure, and utility access easement would occupy 0.116 acres (approximately 5,017 square feet) of the overall tract. The current R/OS land use designation does not permit telecommunications towers; thus, the applicant seeks a land use change for the 0.116-acre area to T/U, which permits telecommunication towers as well as recreation uses. Note, the placement of the tower and associated infrastructure would not physically impact the current layout of the existing park facilities.
The subject property is zoned RPD-W. While a telecommunications tower is generally permissible, the proposed 150-foot height of the tower requires approval as a Type-2 Use, requiring a public hearing and decision before the County’s Board of Adjustment & Appeals subsequent to the land use change.
Surrounding Use Character and Designations
The subject property is located within the Ridgemoor Planned Development community, consisting of an assortment of residential housing types and recreation uses east of East Lake Road. Ridgemoor is part of the East Lake Tarpon Community Overlay as recognized by the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan and identified on the FLUM. The Overlay describes the community’s desire to maintain its low-density residential character, expansive open spaces, and limited commercial development. It is staff’s opinion that the requested FLUM amendment is in keeping with the parameters of the Overlay as the community’s low residential density remains unimpacted.
Land use designations surrounding the property consist of Preservation (P) and Residential Suburban (RS). All surrounding zoning is classified as RPD-W.
Transportation
The subject property is part of a neighborhood park and playground deep within the Ridgemoor community. The park includes a parking lot that can accommodate approximately 20 parked automobiles, more than sufficient to meet the park’s demand. Traffic generated by the park is almost entirely captured internally from residents within Ridgemoor. The desired use under the requested land use change does not typically generate an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) rate nor a PM, Peak Hour traffic rate. Traffic impacts to this regard are anticipated to be null. Note, these trip generation numbers were calculated for FLUM amendment impact assessment purposes. More detailed and accurate trip generation figures will be calculated at the time of development review.
Flood Risk
The subject property includes and is adjacent to designated wetland area. The area subject to the land use change proposal is outside of this wetland area.
Conclusion
Staff finds the proposed amendment appropriate and potential impacts to surrounding properties minimal. Staff further finds the proposal to be consistent with the Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan and the East Lake Tarpon Community Overlay.
Body
Background Information:
The LPA recommended approval of the request during its February 8, 2023, public hearing (Vote 6-0).
Surrounding property owners within 750 feet of the subject site were notified by mail. A sign advertising the public hearings was posted on the subject property.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Carol Stricklin, Director, Housing and Community Development
Partners:
N/A
Attachments:
Ordinance
LPA Report
Impact Assessment
Case Maps
Certification of Ownership
Supporting Narrative
Legal Sketch
Legal Ad
Legal Ad Map
Presentation