Board approves Lakeshore Preserve future‑land‑use change and PUD; requires off‑site roundabout and wastewater MSBU

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners approved a future land‑use amendment and companion planned‑unit development (PUD) ordinance for Lakeshore Preserve, a proposed 149‑lot residential community south of Lakeshore Drive near Claremont, after securing commitments to two off‑site road improvements and a distributed wastewater treatment system funded through a municipal service benefit unit (MSBU).

Project summary: The development spans roughly 94–154 acres (future‑land‑use and rezoning parcels differ due to project boundaries) and proposes 149 lots at about 1.46 dwelling units per net acre, with roughly 40–50% open space preserved. Significant portions of the project lie in or abut the Green Swamp area of critical state concern; the developer proposed conservation easements and a 50‑foot upland buffer in those areas. The concept plan includes internal trails and a mix of lot sizes (65‑, 70‑ and 120‑foot lots).

Traffic and public works conditions: County staff and the applicant described two off‑site transportation improvements to be completed prior to the issuance of certificates of occupancy: a roundabout on Lakeshore Drive at the project entrance and a separate roundabout addressing a problematic intersection to the west (a location described during staff remarks as a priority safety improvement). The applicant committed funding assistance toward the construction of those intersections and the county placed a condition that no certificates of occupancy be issued until both improvements are complete.

Wastewater and roads funding: The applicant and staff said central water is available but central sewer is not; the PUD includes distributed wastewater treatment systems (DWTS) to be funded and maintained through an MSBU assessed to the development. Internal roads will be private but included in an MSBU for long‑term maintenance funding. The school board asked for a proportionate‑share mitigation agreement to address projected student impacts; staff said elementary and middle school capacity exist but high‑school capacity shows a deficit that would be managed through the mitigation agreement.

Environmental and regulatory notes: The developer said federal and state species surveys (gopher tortoise, sand skink screening) were completed; U.S. Fish and Wildlife had indicated no viable sand skink habitat. The PUD protects 46.3 acres as conservation area and will place conservation easements over the Green Swamp portions.

Outcome: The planning and zoning board recommended approval; the county commission voted to adopt the future land‑use change and the rezoning to PUD by the recorded vote. Commissioners noted the project brings roadway safety improvements sooner than waiting for county funds alone and said the conservation commitments protected sensitive wetlands.

Ending: Staff will proceed with platting and permitting under the PUD conditions; the MSBU and proportionate‑share arrangements remain to be finalized during site plan and permitting.