Agenda Item Name:
Title
ZOX-03-21: Duke Energy Substation Special Exception
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Presenter:
Mehdi Benkhatar, 352-374-5261
Description:
A request by Shutts & Bowen LLP, agent, for Duke Energy Florida, Inc., owner, for a special exception to allow a major utility in the Agriculture zoning district. The site has an existing utility substation and is proposing to add a new, unmanned telecommunications shelter (13’ x 17’ building within a 40’ x 40’ gated compound area). As the existing substation predates the Comprehensive Plan and ULDC (operating since 1962), it exists as a legal, nonconforming use. The site has a future land use designation of Institutional and is approximately 15.12 acres
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve ZOX-03-21, with the conditions and bases as listed in the staff report.
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Prior Board Motions:
None.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
None.
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Strategic Guide:
Infrastructure
Background:
The applicant is requesting a special exception for a major utility (Duke Energy substation). The intent of this application is to upgrade the substation with a new telecommunications equipment shelter, generator and LPG tank. The substation on site has existed since the 1960s; however, it has never received approval from the Board of County Commissioners as a major utility and has existed as a legal, nonconforming use. Nonconforming uses cannot be expanded, per Sec. 408.12 of the Unified Land Development Code. Therefore, the Board of County Commissioners must formally approve this use as a major utility in order for Duke Energy to make the desired upgrades to the site.