ITEM DESCRIPTION:
Title
CU-2602: Request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a donation center within the B-3, Highway Commercial zoning district for the property located at 512 N Ridgewood Avenue.
Body
OWNER/APPLICANT:
Erin Meche - Owner / Forrest Popoff - Applicant
PROPOSED USE:
Goodwill Donation Center
REQUESTED ACTION(S):
1. To allow a conditional use permit for a donation center within the B-3 Highway Commercial Zoning District.
PARCEL ID:
7450-12-01-0010
CURRENT LAND USE:
Highway Commercial
FLUM DESIGNATION:
Commercial
ZONING DISTRICT:
B-3 - Highway Commercial
VOTING DISTRICT:
District One - Council Person Charlotte Hope Gillis
Staff Review
The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a donation center within the B-3, Highway Commercial zoning district for the property located at 512 N Ridgewood Avenue. The subject property is located on the west side of U.S.1 and currently the building is vacant. The property has a Future Land Use Designation of Commercial. A donation center is not specifically defined as a use within Article III, Section 21-33.05, Table III -3. The Development Services Director made the determination that the use most closely resembled a distribution facility. As such, the use of Distribution Facilities requires a conditional use permit within the B-3 Highway Zoning District. The business will not create a use that could be deemed detrimental to the neighborhood.
Staff has reviewed the three subsections within Section 21-92.04 for Conditional Use Permits and found the request is in compliance with the current requirements. Section 21-92.04 states “In order to approve a CUP the P&ZB must make a finding of fact that the Conditional Use Permit:
a. Is consistent with applicable land development regulations for the zoning district in which the property is located;
b. Is compatible with existing and proposed uses in the adjacent area; and
c. Meets the Concurrency Management System requirements described in Article XI.”
Staff has reviewed the subject property with the surrounding land uses and zoning districts and has found the use compatible with the proposed uses in the adjacent area. Staff received no comments or concerns from other departments for the proposed conditional use nor did staff receive any public comment from the public notice. The original site plan was designed for a bank operation with four drive through teller lanes. The site has access from W Knapp Avenue and Ridgewood Avenue. A directional northbound left hand deceleration lane is existing in the right of way on Ridgewood Avenue. Access to the site is limited to W Knapp Avenue prior to the intersection of Knapp and Live Oak Street. This will keep traffic out of the residential area immediately adjacent to the west of the site. Enhancing the rear landscape buffer would certainly help mitigate any issues with vehicular traffic and the residential uses to the west. City staff believe the current layout of the site is conducive to receiving donation drop offs and meets the Transportation Concurrency Management System. The site has existing utility connection to water and sewer as well as trash services.
Surrounding Area:
|
|
Current Land Use |
FLUM Designation |
Zoning District |
|
North |
Commercial Building |
Commercial |
B-3 Highway Commercial |
|
East |
Commercial Building |
Commercial |
B-3 Highway Commercial |
|
South |
Commercial Building |
Commercial |
B-3 Highway Commercial |
|
West |
Single Family Residence |
High Density Residential |
R-5 Multi Family Residential |
Staff Comments
Fire Comment:
No Comments or Concerns
Public Notice
In accordance with Florida Statues Chapter 166.041, a Public Notice sign was posted on the site on April 29th, 2026. In addition, Public Notices were mailed to all addresses within 500’ of the proposed project.
Staff Recommendation:
Motion to approve CU-2602 with the condition that the rear landscape buffer receive additional plantings to help screen the donation drop off/existing drive through.
.