Planning staff reports CrestWinds permit progress, Waterman facility nearing CO; board flags roadside signage

Staff updates at the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board meeting covered development progress and code enforcement priorities.

A staff member reported that CrestWinds is ready to begin phases 2 and 3 and that site permits are printed and awaiting pickup. The same staff update said the Waterman facility under construction is nearing a certificate of occupancy and that the building official has been working to finalize code requirements: “We are close to providing CO for the Waterman facility that’s being constructed right now,” staff said.

Board members raised concerns about numerous temporary signs and clusters of small off-site signs along State Road 19 and at nearby intersections. Staff noted the city’s regulations do not allow off-site signage and that code enforcement will patrol; where signs are in the state right-of-way staff will coordinate with the relevant state jurisdiction.

The board also discussed a parcel near Leesburg (the former marina) that appears to have accumulated piles of trash. Staff said no application has been submitted for that parcel and that code enforcement has inspected the site; staff will continue monitoring and follow up as necessary.

On other operational matters, staff said they are working with property owners on trailer and residential-permitting issues and that one owner is pursuing proper permits for a unit to be used as a residence while addressing removal or permitting of other vehicles.

The board asked for an update on a traffic signal project at a location referenced in the record; staff said there is no firm time frame but the project is expected in mid-summer and that the signal is needed due to frequent accidents at the intersection.

Staff committed to follow-up actions including coordinating with code enforcement on signage and ensuring needed permits and certifications are tracked and reported back to the board.