Planning board recommends approval of Fifth Third Bank site plan and two waivers on S. Federal Highway

The Planning & Zoning Board unanimously recommended the City Commission approve a Level 4 site plan for a new Fifth Third Bank branch at 1820 South Federal Highway and two associated waivers: a reduction of the freestanding minimum floor area from 6,000 square feet to 2,578 square feet and a parapet height exception to fully screen rooftop mechanical equipment.

Tim Logan, architect for BDG Architects, said the proposal replaces a vacant former Burger King with a one‑story, 2,578‑square‑foot bank including two drive‑through ATM lanes, 15 parking spaces and stormwater improvements. Logan told the board the design steps down at the rear to help conceal mechanical equipment and that the requested parapet relief (about 1 ft 11 in above the 4‑ft parapet standard in order to meet the screening requirement) preserves proportion and street presence.

Staff reported the site meets traffic, drainage, parking and site‑design standards, and noted the project would reduce daily trips compared with the prior restaurant use. Board members praised the architectural proportions and landscaping approach; several singled out tree preservation and mitigation shown in the submittal.

The board voted 7‑0 to recommend approval; the item will be placed on the City Commission docket for final action.

Provenance: Topic introduced at SEG 3840 and concluded with the board recommendation at SEG 4726.