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Commission approves AOK Construction's duplex site plan at 209 N. 18th St.; landscape maintenance required
Summary
The City Commission approved a minor innovative site plan for a single‑story duplex on 0.31 acres at 209 North 18th Street submitted by AOK Construction. Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval; a landscape maintenance agreement is required before final certificate of occupancy.
The City of Fort Pierce Commission approved an innovative minor site plan June 16 for a single‑story duplex proposed at 209 North 18th Street by AOK Construction. The commission’s decision was unanimous and included a condition that a landscape maintenance agreement be recorded or approved as specified prior to final certificate of occupancy.
Why it matters: The project was presented as infill development that uses the city's architectural design standards to improve aesthetics and pedestrian access. Commissioners said the proposal could serve as a model for similar workforce‑oriented infill projects in undersized urban lots.
Planning staff and the planning board found the application consistent with the city’s design and innovative community development standards. Staff described the parcel as roughly 0.31 acres in land area with future land use RL (low density residential) and zoning R‑3 (single‑family moderate). The proposal is for two single‑story duplex units with a combined above‑ground footprint the applicant described as a little over 3,300 square feet and each unit roughly 1,600 square feet. Each unit is shown as a four‑bedroom, three‑bath layout with granite countertops, stainless‑steel appliances and in‑unit washer/dryer.
Landscape and maintenance: The submittal shows landscaping that exceeds the city’s minimum tree requirement; staff noted the proposed plantings (including palms and an existing oak) exceed the four trees required by the landscape code. Planning board approval included one written condition: "Prior to the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy, a landscape maintenance agreement shall be approved and shall acknowledge the following" (as stated in the staff report). At the commission meeting staff confirmed the property owner will be responsible for ongoing landscape maintenance and that the agreement will be filed to ensure compliance.
Applicant comments and ownership: Applicant Andre Baxom of AOK Construction told the commission this is his second or third project in Fort Pierce and said he intends to maintain the property—stating the units will likely be rental properties and that he will be hands‑on with maintenance. Commissioners praised the design and encouraged similar submissions for infill lots.
Next steps: Planning staff will condition the issuance of a final certificate of occupancy on an approved landscape maintenance agreement and will track compliance through inspections and code enforcement channels if needed.
Evidence: The proposal was reviewed by the planning board (05/12/2025) which voted unanimously to recommend approval with the maintenance condition; the commission’s roll call approving the site plan is in the official minutes.
