Staff recommends approval of the proposed ordinance rezoning the property as described in Exhibit “A” of said ordinance, from GU, Interim District, to RO-13, Low Density Residential/Office.

The subject property is an irregularly shaped and undeveloped lot consisting of three (3) parcels, much of which is encumbered by easements owned by Florida Power and Light (FPL). FPL has transmission lines that traverse approximately two-thirds (2/3) of the land. The property is located at the south end of NW 77 Avenue east of the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826). The Applicant is requesting a rezoning for this undeveloped property as part of a larger development plan to construct an office building at the site. The applicant's development application could proceed without the rezoning given the nature of the GU, Interim zoning district, which is a place holder of sorts for lands not previously assigned a more specific designation. Development of a GU parcel follows the trending of development of other contiguous properties, in this case RO-13. For purposes of greater clarity, it is preferred that the land be rezoned consistent with the adjacent office/residential district and the underlying Office/Residential land use designation. By squarely aligning the property with the zoning regulations that would otherwise apply, future development of the land may follow a more predictable path. It is the Applicant's intent to bring to the Town Council a site plan application for an office building on the property when this rezoning request returns for second reading. Nevertheless, this request should stand on its own merits as a RO-13 rezoning is most appropriate for the property regardless of any current or future site plan request.