[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6099744,"mediaKeyId","2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac","parentId",2816400,"title","DRC reviews Palucci Acres annexation, future land-use change and right-of-way vacation; no final action","audioSeconds",1907,"startMs",89000,"endMs",1996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac&start=89&end=1996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac/thumbnail_89000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6099744/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/DRC-reviews-Palucci-Acres-annexation-future-land-use-change-and-right-of-way-vacation-no-final-action","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099744-5ad722e8357806d2d867229be73b0b91/orig.mp4?Expires=1775447761&Signature=k2N0nQXidWhl8W6O3jGeq-OVrmte67numwHywACWczhLC8xj3VgWC1k0II~yPLcJEU8ffANncG-JEmECwp8PnvLyBp-CpmboRElZ8aijYXe66NSCb9X8-5VJnPbGRbsqYGTW2QjiLrClZdw39vPRxVCzFeo-itUnmCKmBXlwYo8sFGtRbec2MeDC1UNITiqtmcDAzdwt6eNNpJ2pKnDgDcWYnQbDqnn9jxMmWhzEA3KMIJ6DaNz7xjTdtdVujAtp3It6NpFY88SpmnRnXxecKCOqIO68NN1UTtkpFfH9NlQAvhb6YzKJ8Eal35K4~HsfBFlJiGT0v~K5Le8a2P~zQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Apopka, FL","date","2025-03-29T12:04:08.043Z","article","Apopka’s Development Review Committee on March 26 considered a coordinated package for the Palucci Acres project: the annexation of a 40-acre pocket now in Orange County, a future land-use amendment for an adjacent commercial parcel, and a request to vacate a portion of a platted 40-foot right-of-way. Committee members did not take a final vote; the annexation and right-of-way vacation were described as actions for the city council to consider.

The discussion focused on traffic safety on Poncan Road and infrastructure capacity. Several committee members and nearby residents urged stronger guarantees that nearby roads and underground utilities can support the development. Staff and the applicant said they are coordinating traffic and utility analyses with the city and Orange County and that a planned zoning (PD) submittal will include more detailed design and restrictions.

Why it matters: the package would bring a 40-acre parcel into the city and change the future land use from Orange County’s existing designation to Apopka’s residential low-suburban (3.5 dwelling units per acre). That, combined with the developer’s broader plan for the 617-acre assemblage, will affect traffic on Poncan Road, access to two nearby schools and how stormwater and sewer infrastructure are upgraded.

Key details from the discussion included: the applicant proposes 30-foot right-of-way dedications on both sides of Poncan Road in the project area (a total proposed dedication of roughly 60 feet), which the applicant said would materially widen the corridor from the current 60-foot cross section and allow room for sidewalks or a multiuse path. The applicant estimated roadway improvements and related access-management work in the study area could total roughly $20,000,000 (the applicant said some estimates closer to $10,000,000 exist and that the figure will be refined by the transportation consultant). The applicant also said it intends to reduce residential density on portions of the larger PD relative to the current entitlement: the developer told the committee that, across the larger assemblage, residential entitlements of about 1,850 units would be reduced to roughly 1,050 units at the PD stage (a 40% reduction), and that much of the previously entitled commercial area (about 6,300,000 square feet) would be scaled back to a far smaller amount of neighborhood-serving commercial at key intersections.

Committee members repeatedly pressed the applicant on the safety of two pronounced S-curves on Poncan Road (near Pittman and further east), asking whether the project will allow straightening or other geometric improvements. The applicant said they have already committed to tree and foliage clearing at the Pittman corner for immediate visibility improvement, plan to dedicate right-of-way, and are commissioning a traffic impact analysis and crash review to establish what geometric changes are feasible given existing lakes, depressions and other site constraints (the applicant noted Wolf Lake near the Pittman intersection). The applicant also proposed one roundabout north of Vic Road in their preliminary concept and said they will evaluate whether a roundabout or signal at Vic–Poncan would better address safety.

On utilities, the applicant said city utility staff and a city-hired consultant are reviewing capacity models and that models currently show capacity exists. The applicant requested as-built drawings from the city so the developer’s engineers can analyze actual pipe condition and longevity; they said upgrades or upsizing may be required and that utility improvements could be phased with the PD. Public-services staff and several committee members urged that engineering confirmation be provided before zoning-level approvals proceed.

Other items: the right-of-way vacation request was described as a minor vacate of a platted segment (applicant seeking a 20-foot east–west segment to revert to the applicant; a separate 40-foot north–south segment would remain public or revert per the revised legal sketch). Community development staff said a formal right-of-way vacation would be processed by city-council resolution and that the annexation must meet Florida Statute 171 standards (no enclave creation) to be eligible.

Next steps: community development confirmed the annexation packet will go to city council for action and that a subsequent PD application will return to DRC with detailed restrictions, traffic improvements, and utility analyses. Committee members asked that the applicant and city coordinate with Orange County on the corridor-wide Northwest Corridor study and that proposed long-term maintenance commitments (for vegetation clearing and sidewalks/trails) be documented in PD or HOA documents so short-term fixes do not lapse.

Speakers quoted or referenced in the discussion were Luke Classen (Appian Engineering, applicant representative), Aaron (Community Development staff), Mike McKinley (Chief, referenced during safety discussion), Diana Moldovar (Public Services), Jeremy Olderfield (Fire department), and John Hanson (Building department).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Apopka Development Review Committee Meeting March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Apopka’s Development Review Committee on March 26 considered a coordinated package for the Palucci Acres project: the annexation of a 40-acre pocket now in Orange County, a future land-use amendment for an adjacent commercial parcel, and a request to vacate a portion of a platted right-of-way.","taxTitle","Apopka, Orange County, Florida","taxId",4597,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099740,"DRC delays action on annexation agreement for former bar at 5118 Plumas Lorenzo Road; sewer connection required by staff",826,2138000,2964000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac&start=2138&end=2964","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac/thumbnail_2138000.jpg","/articles/6099740/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/DRC-delays-action-on-annexation-agreement-for-former-bar-at-5118-Plumas-Lorenzo-Road-sewer-connection-required-by-staff","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099740-1018ed2cb09a31ed179c1b440400b01c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775447761&Signature=DlGOklkWTPtX-MY6CPaVZxcgtwlOfv6r1v4y4DNk25A28fFVtAgmW6nBuwfnqsBJ9q5EXBtDbIp2HKk39u5desC~6pAjAlZI9pCkkBN6KlRVzngwtiOCrytIJduHbhp9Q3F1Vr~HL121izRSGd1GjVJDEfkNWkLDTaZXrcTc6uta3i2F~9sfcF0tfKvyHS4ecpOzDyPG2pSM-PJdojPKQF4cve1XIquwQ5T5cyeH0k5fYOAMYgFQU51nwj6Aq7FUCEXE3ShvrvMVZYC4NqjeueIQs5dnrYDzFE3d023RXbCMcOzpxFdQ2YX7tee3u5rPk7kAutvd7uBzlAylTelsJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Development Review Committee on March 26 reviewed an annexation agreement submitted for 5118 Plumas Lorenzo Road, a property with a previously nonconforming bar use. Kelly Turner of LPG represented the property owner, David Cipollone. The DRC did not approve the annexation agreement and directed that the packet not move forward until the applicant formally responds to outstanding DRC comments.

Public-services staff and the fire representative told the committee they prefer the property be connected to city sewer rather than remain on septic. Staff said the city has an initiative to eliminate septic within the city and that sewer connection is generally required when properties are incorporated and improved; public-services said it would make its support for moving the agreement forward contingent on sewer hookup and meeting other city code requirements (parking, building, life-safety systems).

Why it matters: the parcel sits near the city boundary and had a prior nonconforming use that lapsed when the business closed and property ownership changed. If the annexation proceeds, the property will be subject to Apopka codes and permitting rather than Orange County rules, including city utilities and building standards.

Key points: community development staff said comments were recently transmitted to the applicant’s attorney and no formal response had been received by the DRC meeting; the DRC will not advance the agreement without a formal applicant response. Public-services staff said they would consider a condition requiring connection to sewer, and fire staff indicated life-safety upgrades would also be required. Building staff raised questions about the interaction between city charter/code requirements and the Florida Building Code for an existing structure being improved under the 50% rule; the city attorney will be consulted on code interpretation.

Next steps: the applicant’s representative said the owner prefers to maintain existing septic while continuing limited reuse (the property’s improvements may not trigger all system upgrades if below thresholds), but also acknowledged that a sewer connection may be required by city policy and that discussions with the adjacent property owner and sewer provider will continue. DRC staff said the annexation agreement will not advance until the applicant responds to the DRC’s outstanding written comments and resolves sewer/connectivity questions.

Speakers listed below include Kelly Turner (LPG, applicant counsel/agent), city community development staff and representatives from Public Services, Fire and Building departments.","The Development Review Committee on March 26 reviewed an annexation agreement for 5118 Plumas Lorenzo Road, a property with a previously nonconforming bar use, and deferred action until the applicant responds to outstanding DRC comments.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099726,"DRC seeks CSX input, hydrant and emergency-access details on variance request for 3000 West Orange Avenue",780,3293000,4073000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac&start=3293&end=4073","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac/thumbnail_3293000.jpg","/articles/6099726/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/DRC-seeks-CSX-input-hydrant-and-emergency-access-details-on-variance-request-for-3000-West-Orange-Avenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099726-aab49a546640fc2f6fee5950726c95f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775447761&Signature=fRaLhz3zNMKqwPfqxisjimFY0vTNsUzRlSIU5ZKrpjJkVMg2QojGeNAQVKNIgFE0Ls43jsYt7sfD6esQ2KGBYcKmOHONwvEdwk~cRMujC1tYy6QJ8TTC37KX4RsgNYxdeVXGgwJa80Eo6gyiHSsoleaItmzsPinvsQ2scoe63HbfGO0bNK7Wrmqq3I4o~ejxVr7VgQF8Fh44S-N-TvH2QYplMnf5lvYjUpxKkNFQq717mGQZy40gr5Q1Xmdq8Vhw7Gloitp2qJ9CW73PMNs0BIvDmCwaUQ21PL3xedurs40sfRjkeSgMWnnW-4b1fglcGXaOdG9bKqcd8gyZxXEekA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Development Review Committee on March 26 reviewed a variance request for 3000 West Orange Avenue to allow an industrial building with less than the required 10-foot rear setback adjacent to a rail spur. The applicant’s attorney, Tara Tedrow (Lowndes), and civil engineer Andrew Ryland (Lang Engineering) explained the prior building had been located adjacent to a rail spur and argued the property’s rail adjacency creates a unique physical circumstance that supports a variance for rail-served industrial use.

Staff objected to the variance without additional documentation, noting the prior building had been demolished and that the nonconforming status was therefore lost; planning staff said the applicant had not demonstrated the statutory hardship. Several department heads and safety staff said a building placed close to a rail spur raises public-safety and emergency-access questions and that a railroad operator’s written no-objection would be required before staff could support zero setbacks. Fire staff also requested confirmation of hydrant location, water-system hydraulics and a secondary or emergency access route for apparatus.

Why it matters: allowing shallower setbacks for new structures adjacent to active rail facilities can create public-safety and operational implications for both railroad operators and municipal emergency responders. Staff said those implications should be resolved before a variance is approved.

Key requests from the DRC to the applicant: obtain a written no-objection or service-authorization from the railroad (CSX) confirming the spur can serve the parcel as proposed; demonstrate building rear doors/loading configurations that would function with rail loading; provide engineered hydraulic calculations and confirm fire-hydrant location and condition; show a secondary or emergency-only access plan acceptable to police/fire; and provide a commitment that rail-related loading infrastructure will be physically and operationally feasible (e.g., track siding configuration and agreements to have trains stop to load/unload).

Next steps: applicant representatives said they will seek CSX input and confirm hydrant status and access arrangements. DRC directed the applicant to return with written railroad concurrence and the requested public-safety documentation; staff indicated that without those materials they would not support the variance.","An applicant seeking a variance to build an industrial structure adjacent to a rail spur at 3000 West Orange Avenue was asked to obtain written railroad concurrence, confirm hydrant and hydraulic capacity, and provide emergency-access plans before DRC will consider support.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099730,"Onditch North FLU amendment held pending legal contiguity determination and Orange County notice",184,3000000,3184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac&start=3000&end=3184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac/thumbnail_3000000.jpg","/articles/6099730/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/Onditch-North-FLU-amendment-held-pending-legal-contiguity-determination-and-Orange-County-notice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099730-4750f772391c3322a8e6dc70bf92dc55/orig.mp4?Expires=1775447761&Signature=RpipUn0E9ZANxO0ONwD2Je5rubLnIP~1mcv-jtt2VQnBxhDJNARfJVLU1F9OfaaFagsAhWZZU1OCl~olKzEjRxMTjHLSHf7QeNS7LZHGvF~EZTcCyhI9mNhnwG-Kb4ScPpmMhyfoecnog4zyAVMnitXCXKIZ8qoVgQjEGHVeYHQT8my8jcz6EFwIvtsVIfMw31D1onVhwzFMAyyxJlzxWaAUH8DEGm13xQnrwk6psg8nHCwLZG8cNUacMnaO74ZyfCvoP6qH4d7yczO~IOVLf8Cwo7TmyaSnohff9p2hT2gj-USWj6wakDr-qQmmqxREWlAg8icwl2kp9KdyocIw6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Apopka’s DRC discussed a future land-use amendment for the Onditch North subdivision that would change a parcel from Orange County rural designation to the city’s residential very-low suburban designation. The annexation companion was previously presented to DRC; the FLU amendment cannot move to public hearings until legal questions about contiguity are resolved.

Applicant counsel Elisa Sowell (Hudson Bowen) told the committee she has provided a memorandum of law on contiguity to the city attorney (Cliff) and that she had asked Orange County to confirm whether the county objects; she said she did not anticipate problems. Community development staff said they were waiting on a determination from the city attorney and written confirmation from Orange County before advancing the ordinance to public hearings.

Why it matters: contiguity is a statutory requirement for annexation in Florida; the committee must ensure the annexation and companion FLU amendment satisfy state law before scheduling hearings.

Next steps: applicant and counsel will follow up with the city attorney and Orange County; DRC will not schedule public hearings until county confirmation and the city-attorney contiguity determination are on record.","A future land use amendment (county rural to city residential very-low suburban) tied to a recent annexation was discussed; community development staff said the item is waiting on city-attorney review and confirmation from Orange County that the annexation meets contiguity requirements before public hearings can be scheduled.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":103,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6099735,"DRC has no objections to 438 North Park Avenue rezoning; Bergurst Street now city-maintained",111,2889000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac&start=2889&end=3000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2816400-a103c39992745132e623b73c26a38aac/thumbnail_2889000.jpg","/articles/6099735/Apopka/Orange-County/Florida/DRC-has-no-objections-to-438-North-Park-Avenue-rezoning-Bergurst-Street-now-city-maintained","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6099735-f8f02c36d3f615b79506ee883073bee9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775447761&Signature=ayHis1rknasSRBNJuWmDw4I~sPZ7pNMzq6GJ-wbECyt8UYGq9EcW85TPM0Vy7WU6wHbC-2r9kYjq9jBKh9fBUed1GUr8IFMvxcJGrqjKrg9UBXE4yPVyM58P773hJ~jRGTdcnmXKbqght22mkFjx1~ofopatxnRRwpQgW4qQWSS1f9217c33PUa1ODlq8Z1R86xhwAozfRFXt0PHFRRDmqHISZSa3b-xxzhnXIXyr8GEH68XB38fW6YSPWFyiNmBQ6nvAwx08ZlGEkWfg2YhNjmyasaVyvpMhJVqjiq4wjMp7wqiAdfVWAGGGKwBPCWL3-ZCFc-kMdz9vRQBfnn3xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Development Review Committee on March 26 heard a submittal to rezone 438 North Park Avenue to Community Commercial and to amend its future land use to commercial. The applicant was present; community development staff had no outstanding comments and police, fire and building staff raised no objections at DRC.

Public Services informed the applicant that Bergurst Street (adjacent to the property) was recently transferred from Orange County to the City of Apopka, making its maintenance and permitting the city’s responsibility. The transfer may affect frontage and access requirements and was noted for the applicant’s information.

Next steps: the application will follow the typical review path toward required public hearings and municipal approvals; no DRC-level conditions were recorded at the March 26 discussion.","Applicant seeks to rezone 438 North Park Avenue to community commercial with a corresponding future land-use amendment to commercial. DRC raised no objections; Public Services noted a recent transfer of Bergurst Street maintenance to the city.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DRC reviews Palucci Acres annexation, future land-use change and right-of-way vacation; no final action

DRC delays action on annexation agreement for former bar at 5118 Plumas Lorenzo Road; sewer connection required by staff

DRC seeks CSX input, hydrant and emergency-access details on variance request for 3000 West Orange Avenue

Onditch North FLU amendment held pending legal contiguity determination and Orange County notice

DRC has no objections to 438 North Park Avenue rezoning; Bergurst Street now city-maintained