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Commission approves amended conditional‑use for outbuilding at 433 SE Lake Circle Drive, allowing conversion to one unit and one additional dwelling
Summary
The City of Stuart Commission approved an amended East Stewart conditional‑use to regularize a 900‑sq‑ft outbuilding, reduce a rear setback to 5 feet, confirm impervious/pervious compliance, allow a fifth dwelling unit on the 0.29‑acre parcel and authorize a revocable right‑of‑way permit for driveway access. Vote was unanimous.
The City of Stuart Commission voted unanimously to approve an amended East Stewart major urban code conditional‑use for property owner Lewis Leonard at 433 Southeast Lake Circle Drive, resolving long‑running permitting issues and allowing the owner to convert an existing outbuilding into a single, code‑compliant dwelling unit and increase allowable density from four to five units on the 0.29‑acre lot.
Development Director Jody Cougler told the commission staff had reviewed a January 2026 survey showing the site is roughly 50 percent impervious — under the 75 percent maximum — and that the requested deviations are consistent with East Stewart goals to replace noncompliant housing and encourage attainable units. Cougler presented recommended conditions of approval addressing utility accounts, permits and construction‑level requirements.
Applicant Lewis Leonard testified under oath and described the building history and on‑site work. He said the project represents his last savings and that the converted unit would provide very low‑cost housing: “I have put it all in this building,” he said.
Commission discussion focused on process and permit history. Commissioners asked whether the outbuilding would be consolidated to a single meter and whether building permits would address occupancy/load and utility billing; staff said those items must be resolved in the building‑permit process and were made conditions of approval. Several commissioners acknowledged prior administrative lapses but said the conditional‑use process was an appropriate path to bring the property into compliance.
Neighbor Roderick Peterson spoke in support, calling the Leonards “good people” and urging the commission to approve the application so the family could secure stable housing.
Motion to approve staff’s recommendations, with the specified conditions, carried by roll call vote: Mayor Collins — yes; Vice Mayor Reid — yes; Commissioner Clark — yes; Commissioner Gobi — yes; Commissioner Rich — yes. The resolution (No. 16‑2026) will be recorded and the conditions must be met during permitting before a certificate of occupancy is issued.
