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.