Planning commission recommends special exception for Vantage Bank at SR 434 and E. Lake Brantley Drive

The Seminole County Planning and Zoning Commission voted Dec. 3 to recommend that the Board of County Commissioners approve a special exception allowing Vantage Bank to reinstate bank operations at an existing building on about 1.52 acres at the corner of State Road 434 and East Lake Brantley Drive.

Annie Silaway, principal planner with Development Services, told the commission staff’s review found the request was consistent with the Seminole County Land Development Code and existing development patterns. "Due to the property not being used as a bank for more than 180 days, the applicant Vantage Bank is required to obtain a new special exception to continue the bank use on the site," Silaway said, noting the property previously operated as a bank and staff determined the use would not be detrimental to the surrounding character.

Silaway cited the county code’s special-exception provisions and said no site improvements are proposed; the existing building would be reoccupied. Staff also noted the site has two established access points—primary access on State Road 434 and a secondary access on Lake Brantley Drive—and that the proposed use would not increase the floor‑area ratio beyond the 0.35 maximum for the zoning district.

Greg Nowak, representing the applicant, confirmed the building had been closed for more than 180 days and said the filing is intended to restore the prior bank use. There were no public comments on the item.

After discussion, the commission moved and seconded a recommendation for approval and voted in favor with no recorded opposition. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.

The commission’s vote does not approve bank operations; it is a recommendation to the county commission. The Board of County Commissioners will make the final decision at a later hearing.