Council adopts PUD rezoning for Treasure Bay (former Vickers sand mine) after setback debate

The Sebastian City Council approved Ordinance O-25-05 on Dec. 3, rezoning about 148.5 acres formerly known as the Vickers Sand Mine to a PUD-R for the Treasure Bay development.

Engineer Elise Shaughnessy and project representatives presented a conceptual plan for roughly 180 residential units (about 110 single-family detached and 70 paired villas) surrounding an existing 85-acre lake. The plan included nearly 3 acres of recreation (more than the required 1.8 acres), an 8-foot public bike lane along Industrial Park Boulevard dedicated for public use (to be maintained by the HOA), a kayak launch and other private and public amenities.

Shaughnessy said the project aims to provide "quality" and "economical" housing. Staff noted the conceptual plan met the comprehensive plan and Land Development Code and recommended approval with eight conditions. Key council discussion focused on dimensional concessions: the applicant requested 5-foot side setbacks (a common PUD concession in town) and increased building coverage; several council members said they were concerned about 5-foot side setbacks for two-story homes and suggested requiring 7.5-foot setbacks on two-story units.

Developer representative Mike Dula said many similar communities use 5-foot setbacks and that smaller setbacks help keep prices lower: "We're staying away from the word affordable, but economical housing... the smaller setbacks play a big role in that," he said. Staff noted requiring larger setbacks for two-story units could eliminate that building type from the offering, potentially reducing housing choice.

After deliberation and a motion to approve second reading of the ordinance, council voted to adopt O-25-05 by roll call. Staff will return with a preliminary plat and finalize the design and connection details, and conditions will be attached to the rezoning approval.