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Cocoa council approves 249‑unit ‘Sanctuary at Cocoa’ townhome development; 46 acres of wetlands to be conveyed to city
Summary
The council approved a two‑phase 249‑unit Meritage Homes townhome development with conditions including conveyance of roughly 46.12 acres of preserved wetlands to the city, tree‑mitigation payments of $550,000, and a requirement to install a PVC fence behind the townhomes.
Council voted unanimously to approve a large‑scale site plan, preliminary plat and related development agreement for the Sanctuary at Cocoa, a Meritage Homes proposal for about 249 fee‑simple townhome lots on approximately 89.5 acres.
Planning consultant Erica Hughes told council the proposal is for two phases (182 units in phase one and 67 in phase two), with two access points on Cox Road, three stormwater ponds, and about 8.83 acres of required open space (most to be completed in phase one). The application includes preservation and conveyance of roughly 46.12 acres of wetlands to the city and an environmental resource permit from the water management district allowing limited wetland impacts with mitigation requirements.
Staff noted a tree‑mitigation plan that identified approximately 5,295 trees slated for removal in the development footprint; the applicant will replant required trees on site and pay a $550,000 mitigation fee to the city before tree removal begins. Traffic modeling submitted with the application determined that nearby roadways could handle project traffic without near‑term roadway improvements, and the plan commits to constructing sidewalks and public connections as conditions of approval.
Meritage representatives described the product mix (one‑ and two‑car garage townhomes, three‑bedroom floorplans) and emphasized energy‑efficiency features. Attorney Kim Rosena and company representative Jeff Alexander said the developer intends to sell homes (fee simple) rather than rent and highlighted the developer’s approach to tree and wetland preservation.
Council opened the public comment period and heard multiple speakers; after discussion, council members proposed an amendment to require a PVC privacy fence to be run behind the row of townhomes along the southern boundary (outside of the preserved wetlands). The council adopted that amendment, and the motion to approve the development agreement and site plan passed unanimously.
Council also included several conditions in the approval: phase‑one vertical construction must begin within two years of the agreement’s effective date; required tree replanting in common areas must occur prior to the 100th certificate of occupancy in phase one; sidewalks must be completed before the 50th certificate of occupancy in phase one; and the $550,000 mitigation fee must be paid before tree removal and site construction.
The developer and staff noted ongoing coordination on easements and future roadway right‑of‑way dedications; the city will take ownership of the preserved wetlands as part of the agreement.
