Title
Quasi Judicial - Final Plat for Grand Oaks at Tower - Phase 2, a Cluster Subdivision (B)
Resolution No. 201078
A resolution of the City of Gainesville, Florida, approving the final plat named “GRAND OAKS AT TOWER ‐ PHASE 2, A CLUSTER SUBDIVISION” located in the vicinity of SW 17th Road and SW 68th Terrace, Gainesville, Florida, as more specifically described in this resolution; authorizing the City Manager to execute a security agreement to secure required public improvements; accepting the dedication of the public rights‐of‐way, easements, and other dedicated portions as shown on the plat; providing directions to the City Clerk; and providing an immediate effective date.
Explanation
The platting of land, which is governed by Chapter 177, Florida Statutes, and the City of Gainesville Land Development Code (LDC), serves to establish the legal identity of all lands included on the plat to provide for conveyance (i.e., the sale of land) by reference to such plat. Platting also ensures that adequate and necessary physical improvements will be installed in subdivisions by the subdividers. Sections 30‐3.38 and 30‐6.6 of the LDC describe the subdivision improvements that the subdivider must construct for plat approval. The subdivider may choose to provide security (i.e., surety bond, letter of credit, cash deposit, or construction loan agreement) to ensure that the improvements get constructed within 12 months of plat approval, and in such case the subdivider may record the plat and sell lots therein immediately upon City Commission approval.
In this case, the owner has submitted a security agreement along with a construction loan agreement to secure the construction of the required subdivision public improvements. This resolution will approve a Final Plat for Grand Oaks at Tower ‐ Phase 2, a cluster subdivision, which is located in the vicinity of SW 17th Road and SW 68th Terrace. The property totals 25.90 acres. The plat subdivides the land into 96 single‐family residential lots, plus additional parcels for stormwater management, utilities, common area, and other amenities.
On October 18, 2018, the City Commission approved the design plat (a preliminary and temporary development order that is a prerequisite of a final plat) for the overall subdivision (308 lots total), and on March 7, 2019, approved the final plat for Phase I (126 lots). As approved in the design plat, this subdivision is a Cluster Subdivision of the Infill Category in accordance with Section 30‐6.7 of the Land Development Code.
The purpose of a cluster subdivision is to allow residential development without strict adherence to the dimensional requirements of the zoning code of the city in order to provide for infill development where appropriate; to provide for better utilization of land; to provide for zero lot line development; to promote efficiency through design; and to provide for design flexibility to meet changing market conditions. Because this subdivision is not reducing the minimum lot size below the RMF‐5 zoning, cluster open space is not required per code. However, residential single‐family homes shall meet the cluster subdivision garage placement standards during building permit review and all streets within the subdivision must include sidewalks on both sides
Strategic Connection:
Goal 3 of the City Commission’s Strategic Plan concerns making Gainesville a great place to live and experience including the development of new housing within the City.
Fiscal Note
N/A
Recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed resolution.