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Cocoa council allows early permits for Michael C. Blake subdivision after staff-secured guarantee
Summary
The Cocoa City Council unanimously approved an addendum to the Michael C. Blake development agreement allowing the developer (Lenar) to obtain up to 22 of 30 building permits before final plat approval, contingent on a letter of credit to ensure completion of common infrastructure.
The Cocoa City Council on March 24 approved an addendum to the amended and restated development agreement for the Michael C. Blake subdivision that lets developer Lenar obtain up to 22 of 30 building permits — and an early start for a model home — before the project's final plat is recorded.
City development staff presented the measure and told the council the addendum amends a July 8, 2025 agreement that had previously tied building-permit release to substantial completion of common infrastructure. "They're asking to receive 22 of the 30 building permits prior to final plat approval, which is 75% of the homes," staff presenter Jen Webster said, and added that the developer must provide a letter of credit guaranteeing infrastructure completion.
The nut of staff's recommendation was risk management: allow the developer to start vertical construction sooner while requiring a financial guarantee to cover finishing roads, drainage and lot connections if the developer does not complete those obligations. Webster said the letter of credit would "cover the expense of doing those" infrastructure tasks if they were not finished by the developer.
Council members asked for clarification about which utilities were in place and which remaining work the letter of credit would secure; Webster said water and wastewater laterals exist but drainage and lateral connections and reclaimed-water or irrigation components remain on the punch list.
Councilwoman Calls moved approval; Deputy Mayor Goins seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The addendum aims to expedite housing construction in the Diamond Square Community Redevelopment Area while protecting the city with a contractual guarantee. City staff told the council they view the change as serving the public health, safety and welfare by speeding delivery of new housing while preserving a remedy if common infrastructure is not completed.
The council did not set a separate timetable for issuance beyond the terms described in the addendum; the agreement will be added to the city's project files and staff will monitor the letter-of-credit conditions.
Next steps: city staff will oversee the letter-of-credit documentation and monitor infrastructure completion tied to certificates of occupancy.
