Ocoee Commission approves land development code updates

The Ocoee Commission approved unanimously, with Commissioner Richard Firstner absent, updates to the Land Development Code during its Tuesday, June 20, meeting. 

According to the agenda, the city has experienced an increase in code-compliance issues that refer to the application of impervious surface materials on residential lots, which has created an impact on open space, drainage on the property and any surrounding area. Impervious materials include synthetic mulch, turf, gravel, rocks, pavers, roofed pergolas, sheds, and tents or canopies. 

The approval includes a clarification of the definition of impervious surface materials, an update to Section 6-4H to state that impervious materials are not permitted within two feet of side and rear property lines and a modification of Sections 5-4K and 6-4H to clarify that natural mulch — such as pine straws, needles and pine bark — will be considered impervious material when it comes to two-foot side and rear setbacks and open spaces when used for parking. 

The commission also approved the amendment to the definition of pet care services, which now defines the words “Kennel” and “Pet” as follows, “A place where dogs and other house pets are kept, sheltered or boarded for compensation and facilities for protection training,” according to the agenda. Furthermore, a new definition of “Pet Care Services” was approved.

The last amendment to the LDC approved was a correction. According to the agenda, “Over the years, the ‘Agriculture’ (less intensive uses) and ‘Agriculture Processing’ (more intensive uses) use categories changed their order of appearance in the Uses Regulations Table 5-1 multiple times, and the majority of the time, the determination of use (P, S or prohibited) went with their respective use categories.” 

In 2014, the “Agriculture Processing” use category became authorized in every zoning district, while the “Agriculture” use category was prohibited in every zoning district. Hence, the ordinance will reverse the “P” and “-” to correct the error.