Charlotte County commissioners approved an applicant’s request to rezone a total of 12.85 acres along U.S. 17 across from the Lakewood Ranch community in Punta Gorda, to allow for commercial development on four lots.
Their approval comes after the county’s Planning and Zoning Board approved the changes on March 9.
Now, area residents will have more commercial choices. The land is located across the highway from the 55-plus community of Lakewood Ranch and near the Winn-Dixie at Cleveland Marketplace along Bermont Road and U.S. 17.
Duncan Road plan approved.
Charlotte County Government
The commissioners’ unanimous vote May 26 allows applicant 5905 Duncan Road LLC the right to choose from 22 specific businesses for lots 1 through 3, and either a 125-room hotel or an indoor storage unit on lot 4 located at the rear of the property. The other lots front U.S. 17, which is also known as Duncan Road.
Charlotte County Principal Planner Jie Shao said the zoning change limits the number of business uses that under current zoning would allow 46 different uses, seven conditional uses and 19 special exception uses.
Under the rezoning, the types of businesses allowed on lots 1 through 3 include animal hospital; art, dance or music studio; assisted living facility or adult daycare; bank; bar; business services; child daycare; pharmacy; dry cleaner; funeral home; offices; retail sales; hospital, laundromat, medical or dental office or clinic; car wash; nursing home; house of worship; indoor recreation, and a restaurant.
The businesses combined cannot exceed 70,000 square feet and are limited to a height of 35 feet, Shao said. A hotel on lot 4 cannot exceed 60 feet in height, while an indoor storage unit cannot exceed a height of 45 feet and be no larger than 140,000 square feet.
Duncan Road lots.
Charlotte County Government
One right in/right out and directional left access point on U.S. 17 is proposed, subject to approval from the county and Florida Department of Transportation.
Shao said the applicant has agreed to conditions including preserving 1.91 acres of wetlands and associated uplands and will adhere to a native habitat plan. Also, the applicant’s plan for a buffer along U.S. 17 exceeds the required perimeter buffer. Instead, a Type “A” buffer of canopy and accent trees along with hedge rows will run along the highway, she said.
Duncan Road mid range map.
Charlotte County Government
The county mandate of incorporating three recommended architectural designs will be exceeded, as the applicant will incorporate five, Shao added.
The entire 12.85 acres are located within a Coastal High Hazard Area flood zone, and the planned development for commercial use will “eliminate 12 high-hazard residential units,” as the county moves toward directing the population away from coastal high hazard areas, she said.
Attorney Derek Rooney of GrayRobinson Law Firm represented the applicant; no members of the public spoke on the matter.