TITLE
title
Special Exception Use Permit Petition Submitted by Pablo Barrozo (SE2607)
body
BRIEF OVERVIEW
Request:
Special Exception Use Permit for the use of a private Heliport
General Location:
South side of Peach Bloom Road Approximately 755 feet East of Peach Blossom Road
Parcel Key Number:
1403369
Summary of Applicant’s Request:
The petitioner is requesting a Special Exception Use Permit to establish a private heliport on a parcel zoned PDP (Rural) with agricultural uses. The subject property consists of approximately 8.4 acres.
The proposed facility will operate strictly as a private heliport and will not be open to the public or utilized for commercial aviation activities. All helicopter takeoffs and landings will be limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., which are within the hours permitted under any applicable noise ordinances of Hernando County .
The heliport is proposed to support a charitable event held approximately four times per year for autistic children in Lake City, Florida. Operational activity is expected to be minimal, consisting of approximately two takeoffs and two landings per event, for a total of approximately eight takeoffs and eight landings annually. The combination of minimal operational frequency, restricted hours of operation, existing FAA approval, and the use of an existing landing area is expected to minimize impacts on surrounding properties and preserve the rural character of the area.
All flights associated with the proposed heliport will be logged in accordance with standard aviation procedures. Additionally, the helicopter is equipped with an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system, which provides real-time flight tracking and permanently records flight activity.
The applicant has provided documentation demonstrating approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the proposed heliport. No site improvements, grading, or construction activities are proposed, as the heliport will utilize an existing grassed area on the property. All takeoffs and landings are proposed to occur within the southern portion of the site, which is free of structures and provides adequate separation from existing improvements.
The property is secured by fencing, and safety measures are in place, including the installation of warning markers on adjacent power lines by the local electric company. The applicant indicates that flight operations will be conducted over any adjacent properties.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
The request is consistent with Strategic Theme A, "Economic and Workforce Development".
FINANCIAL IMPACT
A matter of policy. There is no financial impact.
LEGAL NOTE
The Planning and Zoning Commission has jurisdiction over the subject application; the Commission has the ability to approve special exceptions with appropriate conditions and safeguards or deny special exceptions not in harmony with the Land Development Regulations. The Applicable Criteria for a special exception are contained in Appendix A, (Zoning Code) Article V, Section 8. The Special Exception must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
recommendation
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning and Zoning Commission approve the petitioner’s requested Special Exception Use Permit for a Private Heliport, with performance conditions.