Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission recommends Golden Gem Estates zoning change for 65-home subdivision
Summary
The Apopka Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of a rezoning, master plan and major development plan for Golden Gem Estates, a proposed 65‑lot subdivision on about 19.76 acres. Commissioners and staff debated timing and funding for nearby Golden Gem Road and stormwater design; the Development Review Committee recommended approval.
The City of Apopka Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 recommended approval of a rezoning, master plan and major development plan for Golden Gem Estates, a proposed 65‑lot single‑family subdivision on roughly 19.76 acres west of Golden Gem Road.
Jean Sanchez, a planner with the city, told the commission the proposal would change the property’s zoning from County A‑1 Citrus Rural to KPI‑MU (Kelly Park Interchange mixed use) with a neighborhood overlay and would be consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development code. "The applicant proposes almost 3 acres of open space that includes a dog park, walking area in the central portion of the subdivision, a seating gathering space, and a trail around the stormwater pond," Sanchez said.
The project site was annexed into the city on Oct. 16, 2024, and the future land‑use designation was amended in December 2024, Sanchez said. The master plan shows 65 single‑family detached units, front porch setbacks of 10 feet, side setbacks of 15 feet, rear setbacks of 20 feet and a minimum living area of 1,300 square feet. The plan also shows a connection to Greenshade Grove Lane through the adjacent Gardenia Reserve subdivision and primary access to Golden Gem Road.
Commissioners pressed staff and the applicant for details on Golden Gem Road, a nearby corridor undergoing design work. Commissioner Ryan asked whether the road would be brought to city standards and when construction would start; Sanchez said an interlocal agreement and design work are underway but that construction timing was not yet set. Jeff Summit of Summit Engineering said the road is at roughly 30% design and that the project is coordinating to accept some roadway drainage into the subdivision’s stormwater pond: "We're actually taking 3.85 acres of that roadway project drainage into this pond to help facilitate the construction and widening of Golden Gem Road," Summit said.
Vladimir Simonovsky, the city engineer, explained a separate state action affecting Golden Gem concerns reclaimed‑water storage. "That’s only for storage of reclaimed water. So that should not be affecting anything regarding the water system or the wastewater system in this area," Simonovsky said, and added reclaimed water can be distributed to new developments without the pond being in place.
The Development Review Committee recommended approval. Commissioner Mott moved to find the change of zoning, master plan and major development plan consistent with the comprehensive plan and land development code and to recommend approval; Commissioner Ryan seconded. The commission voted in favor and the motion carried.
The commission’s recommendation will advance to the city council for final action, and staff noted transportation funding and construction timing for Golden Gem Road remain unresolved and will be addressed through the city’s interlocal and capital improvement processes.
