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Planning & Zoning Commission approves Laurel Cove 165‑unit site plan with native preserve and emergency access
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a major site plan and preliminary plat for Laurel Cove, a 165‑unit residential project by the Concordia Group, which includes 3.65 acres of preserved native upland, 65% open space and an emergency access to 64th Avenue; the project frontage and driveway improvements are coordinated with the City of Sebastian.
The Indian River County Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a major site plan and preliminary plat for Laurel Cove on Dec. 11, authorizing a 165‑unit residential development proposed by the Concordia Group.
Staff presenter Brandon described the project as “located east of 66th Avenue, west of 64th Avenue” with the primary entrance on Schuman Drive, which is City of Sebastian right‑of‑way. Brandon told commissioners the applicant must provide required off‑site traffic improvements and right‑of‑way dedications and recommended the commission grant approval subject to the conditions listed in the staff report.
Wesley Mills, the engineer of record for Mills Short and Associates, told the commission the applicant has taken steps beyond minimum requirements to protect on‑site natural resources. “We actually have an approved right of way permit with the City of Sebastian,” Mills said, and the design preserves 3.65 acres of native upland—above the 2.8‑acre preservation requirement—and yields roughly 65% open space on the 51‑acre site.
Project features spelled out by staff and the applicant include a gated main entrance, an amenity center with a pool cabana, internal pocket parks and walking trails, three rain‑garden stormwater treatments that tie into wet retention ponds, and a required emergency access link to 64th Avenue for fire and police access. Staff noted the entrance and much of the roadway frontage fall under the City of Sebastian’s jurisdiction, and the applicant will be responsible for necessary driveway and right‑of‑way improvements in coordination with the city.
Commissioners asked detailed questions about lot widths (a mix of 30‑, 35‑ and 40‑foot products), side setbacks (a 10‑foot separation typically implemented as 5 feet per side under the site‑plan approach), drainage in narrow common areas and limits on private pools. Mills said the proposed design disallows private pools to reduce rear‑yard impacts and that grading and lot‑level details will be submitted with the county land‑development permit.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the major site plan and preliminary plat and the motion passed unanimously. The commission recorded no public speakers on the item during this meeting.
