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Commissioners approve Chancey Bay Ranch PUD allowing 9 rural lots, higher 40-foot height and a fire signal device
Summary
The board approved a PUD rezoning for Chancey Bay Ranch, allowing nine two-acre lots, a planned maximum height of 40 feet (consistent with the rural-density future land use), and a $6,000 public-benefit contribution for a fire signal preemption device; the vote was 3-2.
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 25 approved a planned unit development (PUD) zoning agreement for Chancey Bay Ranch, allowing a nine-lot single-family subdivision on an approximately 18.2-acre parcel west of Southwest Connors Highway. The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Vargas and Hurd dissenting.
Why it matters: the approval rezones the parcel from RE-2A (rural estate) to a PUD to reconcile a 40-foot building height allowed by the county's rural-density future land use designation with existing zoning (30-foot limit under straight zoning). The PUD does not change the underlying rural land use or increase density: the project proposes nine lots at roughly one dwelling per two acres (0.49 units per acre) and a minimum 75% open-space standard.
Staff presentation: Brian Elam, principal planner, said staff found the application consistent with the comprehensive growth management plan and recommended approval. He noted the Local Planning Agency recommended approval 3-2. The dissenting LPA members cited concerns that one conceptual upper level shown could include living space and that there was no shoreline protection zone on the rim canal and lake.
Applicant presentation: Matthew Barnes, senior project manager for WGI representing CBR Investors LLC, said the property is long and narrow (about 5,600 feet) and not suitable for large-scale agriculture. He emphasized the PUD request was limited to matching the zoning height to the rural-density future land use (40 feet) to allow unobstructed lake views over the Herbert Hoover Dike. Barnes described stormwater facilities designed to the 100-year, 3-day storm event (larger than standard design) and proposed landscaping that would result in a net increase of trees onsite.
Public benefit and conditions: as a public-benefit proffer the applicant agreed to a one-time contribution of $6,000 to Martin County Fire Rescue for a signal preemption device. Staff noted the PUD sets development standards (setbacks, lot size and open space) that meet or exceed straight zoning except for height.
Board action and vote: Commissioner Campey moved to accept staff's recommendation and approve the PUD; Commissioner Heatherington seconded. Commissioners Vargas and Hurd voted against the motion; the resolution passed 3-2. Deputy County Attorney Elise Elder noted for the record that the PUD agreement imposes no enduring ownership requirement on the family owner (the property could be sold) and it contains no requirement to install advanced septic systems.
