The Development Review Committee on Aug. 6 heard an applicant presentation seeking annexation of 5118 Plymouth Sorrento Road so a previously closed tavern can reopen under city jurisdiction. Kelly Turner, applicant representative, said the property lost its nonconforming status in the county and the owner is requesting annexation to reestablish the tavern use in the city.
The request matters because annexation would move the property from county to city regulatory authority and allow the tavern use to be considered under the city’s zoning and code. Community development staff told the committee that annexation is discretionary for the city council and that the planning commission must review a rezoning and future land-use amendment before the annexation goes to council.
Turner told the committee the proposal does not change the building footprint but includes site work “to beautify the place” and bring parking “up to standards.” Committee members and staff asked for routine technical details: public-safety staff asked about the distance to the nearest fire hydrant and public works and building staff confirmed that a subsequent site-plan review will be required if paved surfaces and parking are changed. Turner said she will provide the hydrant distance after checking the site.
Community development confirmed the applicant has elected to enter an annexation agreement intended to align the property with the Kelly Park interchange form-based code standards “as much as possible,” but staff reiterated that annexation is ultimately a city council decision. Staff also noted that, under the city’s joint planning-area agreement with the county, the county must receive 30 days’ notice of public hearings on annexation, rezoning and future land-use changes.
No formal vote or direction to council was recorded at the DRC meeting; the item will advance through the normal sequence of planning commission review and then city council consideration if the applicant pursues annexation.
Less central details: police, fire, and public works reported no unresolved objections at the DRC stage; building staff said site-plan-level review will follow. Turner said some parking areas may use alternative surfaces to reduce impervious-surface ratios and that a site plan will be submitted for those improvements.