DRC approves staff technical review for 115 Tamiami Trail with conditions, flags DEP caution

The Punta Gorda City Development Review Committee on April 25 approved staff technical review for a redevelopment proposal at 115 Tamiami Trail, subject to meeting all staff-report comments and regulatory precautions noted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Rachel Berry, zoning official, summarized staff comments and read an email from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Berry read that DEP advised there are no express prohibitions on redevelopment based solely on dry‑cleaner solvent contamination, but that owners, builders and consultants must take appropriate precautions for worker health and safety, properly transport and dispose of contaminated media removed during construction, and account for remaining contamination in site work and end use. Berry noted DEP warned that activities that spread or exacerbate contamination are prohibited and could jeopardize the site’s eligibility for certain programs.

Todd Reebel, agent for the applicant with Atwell Port Charlotte, said his team would follow up with departments on technical comments and requested copies of the DEP comment and code citations referenced in the staff report. Reebel raised specific technical questions about the city’s floor‑area‑ratio/development mitigation calculations and said the proposed public open space at the “Christmas tree corner” at Taylor and Marion should not be negated by a strict interpretation of setbacks. He asked for clarification of several new code provisions and said his team will coordinate with staff.

Building staff reminded the applicant that the concept drawings will require full building permits for final approval; staff also flagged that the below‑ground veil system for saltwater will be treated as a structure and likely require building and electrical permits. Utilities and public works had no additional comments beyond the staff report. Urban design said outstanding comments in the staff report must be addressed prior to final sign-off.

A committee member moved to approve DRC‑02‑2025 for the property at 115 Tamiami Trail, subject to the standard condition that all staff-report comments and required permits be satisfied. The motion passed by voice vote. The committee recorded that the applicant has three months from the DRC approval to obtain required signatures and address staff comments; if needed, the applicant may request an extension. Staff said police and fire signatures on the ERC sheet could be obtained outside the meeting.

The transcript records specific technical and compliance follow-ups: provide the DEP comment to the agent; resolve floor‑area‑ratio/development mitigation calculations; verify impervious‑surface requirements in chapter 26; secure building permits for below‑ground systems; and complete any required public‑parking agreements if additional public parking is proposed.