OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

CHERYL L. BROWN                                                                                                         117 WEST DUVAL STREET, SUITE 425

            DIRECTOR                                                                                                                                                                                 4TH FLOOR, CITY HALL

   OFFICE (904) 630-1452                                                                                                                                                          JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA  32202

     FAX (904) 630-2906                                                                                                                                                                                                              

  E-MAIL: CLBROWN@coj.net

 

 

LUZ COMMITTEE WORKSHOP MINUTES

 

May 6, 2014

4:30 p.m.

 

City Council Chamber

1st floor, City Hall

117 West Duval Street

 

Attendance:  Council Members Lori Boyer (Chair), Matt Schellenberg, Bill Bishop (arr 4:40p), Ray Holt (arr 4:33p), Jim Love, Don Redman (arr 4:37p)

 

Excused: Robin Lumb

 

Also: Gary Kresel, Folks Huxford, and Heather Ireland – Planning and Development Department; Robert Prado – Regulatory Compliance;  Jason Gabriel – Office of General Counsel; Philip Zamarron – Legislative Services Division; Yvonne Mitchell – Council Research Division

 

Chairwoman Boyer called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

Microbreweries, distilleries and other small production businesses

Mr. Kresel introduced Ms. Ireland the newest member of the Planning Department.  Ms. Ireland provided a draft research report which included background of the topic, definitions and existing sites within the County that brew strictly for offsite sales/consumption; and those with consumption in the actual restaurants. Primarily the microbrewery category is in the light industrial and commercial zonings.   The report provides a comparison of similar food production facilities such as bakeries and coffee roaster operations. Ms. Ireland stated she is awaiting information about logistics (type of traffic and amount of deliveries) which she expects within next two weeks. She shared the perceived neighborhood concerns of order, noise, waste, traffic and the impact on the community character. Ms. Ireland commented that several communities, including Asheville N.C., specifically address this type of business in their Code. The report lists the specific business type/category along with the permitted land uses and special standards. The research shows that the definitions do not follow a consistent standard across the board.  This would imply that communities have developed definitions based upon what may have already been in their community or neighboring communities. The breweries associations’ definition of a microbrewery varies from 10,000 to 15,000 barrels.  There is still a lot of information to be gathered to fully assess the logistics and the proper recommendations for the committee. CM Boyer will follow up with Ms. Ireland within the next two week to discuss text amendment for land use provisions based on the definitions. 

 

Rooming House definition and enforcement of the Code’s stipulations

CM Boyer reported that rooming houses are not permitted in residential zoning categories.  The current issue is Code Enforcement’s ability to investigate specific locations to determine a violation(s). Mr. Prada explained that his staff is challenged with conducting residential inspections because entrance has been denied.  The tax roll is reviewed to determine if property is homesteaded.  A residence listed as a homestead property cannot receive an inspection warrant to search the property. If the property is not homestead and there is additional evidence, Code Enforcement may pursue obtaining an inspection warrant.  Mr. Prada reported that many properties based on numerous complaints are receiving the homestead exemption and are indeed in violation of operating rooming houses.

 

It should be noted that according to the State of Florida group homes with six or fewer residents must be treated as a single family residence; and must have a separate license for facility.

There was discussion about the definition of rooming house, number of unrelated individual in a residence and design of home.  Mr. Huxford provided committee a copy of Gainesville’s landlord permit procedure that addresses rooming houses. A part of receiving a permit in Gainesville, the owner agrees to allow Code Enforcement to inspection the property.  He believes that a good start for the committee is reducing the number of unrelated individuals in a residence from five (5) to a lower number similar to neighboring areas. Mr. Huxford is awaiting additional information from other areas and will report back in two weeks.  CM Schellenberg requested that Mr. Huxford submit his report to each committee member. CM Boyer requested that information is gathered from other areas as it relates to other forms of proof that may be acceptable documentation/evidence to obtain access of property.  

 

There being no further business, the agenda meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

 

 

 

Yvonne P. Mitchell, Council Research Division (904) 630-1679

Posted 5.6.14  2:00 p.m.