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Resolution 041-1990 ?lanning Department RESOLUTION NO. 041-1990 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING AND ADOPTING THE FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW, AND RECOMMENDED ORDER CONCERNING THE VESTED RIGHTS HEARING OF TERRA COTTA REALTY, (FLORIDA) CORPORATION ......, ~ -11 :J -' '-, w-:J "') ~ .' , WHEREAS, on July 11, 1989, a public hearing was held in Key ~) J "J West, Monroe County, Florida, concerning the vested right claim of Terra Cotta Realty (Florida), Inc.; and WHEREAS, pursuant to section 9.5-183 of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances, sworn testimony and evidence were taken from those present at this public hearing; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the requirements of section 9.5-182 (b) (3) of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances, Hearing Officer John E. Bigler, Jr., has entered findings of fact, conclu- sions of law, and a recommended order resolving the vested rights claim by Terra Cotta Realty (Florida), Inc.; and WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners of Monroe County, Flori- da, now desires to adopt said findings of fact, conclusions of law, and recommended order concerning Terra Cotta Realty (Flori- da), Inc.: now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT: The Board hereby adopts, pursuant to section 9.5-182 (b) (5)of the Monroe County Code of Ordinances the said findings of fact, and conclusions of law, and recommended order entered by Hearing Officer John E. Bigler, Jr., resolving the vested right ~laim of Terra Cotta Realty (Florida) Inc., a copy of which is attached and made a part of this resolution. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to forward a certi- fied copy of this resolution to the Florida Department of Commu- ni'ty Affairs. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 10th day of January, A.D., 1990. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA ok~-;r By ~ Mayor/Chairman (SEAL) A ttest ~~J~..Q.J~1Y\.Q...~ ~~ ~ X?ft4'1~..e Clerk IW ~I . STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF MONROE VESTED RIGHTS HEARING TERRA COTTA P~TY (FLORIDA) INC., . . . Petitioners, vs. MONROE COUNTY, Resp'ondent. I FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ORDER (Jointly approved and executed by counsel for Petitioner and Monroe County). .-; before John E. Bigler, Jr., duly designated hearing officer, on July 11, 1989 in Key West, Monroe County, Florida. The appear- Pursuant to notice, this cause came on for hearing ances were as follows: ',} For Petitioners: Richard A. Pettigrew, Esq. Luis R. Figueredo, Esq. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius 5300 Southeast Financial Center 200 South Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131-2339 . .. ~ .ii '. ~ ~ i 1 ".\1 i,"I."'!!," .~" ~t~r .:.. ;,,1' ;.:' ..,~ 4 For Respondents: Joseph Kelinson, Esq. Assistant County Attorney 310 Fleming Street Key West, Florida 33040 ~~ "~,'J, ....1 ; .3 ,,'4 J ;,1 1. This cause arose up'on the filing of application for determination of vested rights dated September 15, 1987 filed by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius on behalf of Terra Cotta Real ty (Florida), Inc., (I'TCR"), the owners of Pumpkin Key. Tqe hearing was held pursuant to legal an F\~~I~lJd'jUrisdiction:as found in ~4-107 in' Chapter 8, " 1 'J DEe 1 8 1989 PLANNING DEPT. BY LAND (US~t~r~~~ EJ'/t/B/T .1 .:.~.::-"...... ::-:::. Vol. 3, Florida Keys Comprehensive Plan. The hearing was conducted under the rules of procedure as set forth in Chapter 28-5, Florida Administrative Code and Chapter 120, Florida statutes. The petitioner called one witness at the hearing, John Guttman, who gave sworn testimony. The f~ following exhibits were introduced into evidence. Exhibit No. 1 is a composite exhibit which consists of 137 documents as set forth. (See the Appendix attached hereto). Exhibit No. 2 is a schedule of TCR's acquisition and construction costs for Pumpkin Key from 1973 to 1987. ., , Exhibit 3 is a Building Permit dated February 18, 1983 (Permit No. C-12391) together with a site plan, for a single family residence and three accessory buildings. Exhibit 4 is a zoning checklist dated January 1, 1983. 1 j . ~ ~ . -~., i< ';~ .., .: Exhibit 5 is a building permit routing schedule dated January 6, 1983. "; '-'~ . ..~ . ,~ .~ The following additional exhibits were introduced d . into evidence after the hearing. .~ Exhibit 6 is an affidavit from John Guttman stating that he had various meetings and communications with Monroe County Building and Zoning and it was ultimately determined that the Monroe County major development ordinance did not apply to TCR's proposed development. Exhibit 7 is a Joint stipulation for Positive Determination of Vested Rights filed by the parties on August 1989. ,~ '. { 1 .~ .~ ',~ i , ~ ~ ~ ~ 1 i '1 , ~ ." .J ~ The hearing was open to the public and provisions were made for public input, if any. The issue to be resolved in this proceeding is -2- .~.~ 1 , ::_:"" (~ 1 i~ ~ ~ j 4 i , L , whether or not petitioner meets the standards for vested rights as set forth in Division 3 of Vested Rights Vol. 3, , ~ . , Florida Keys Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Monroe County. Findinqs of Fact . . . 1. Mr. John Guttman, a professional engineer affiliated with the firm, Consulting Engineering and Science, located at 7520 Red Road, Suite 200, South Miami, Florida 33143, testified that he has worked on the proposed residential development of Pumpkin Key since 1973. (See Hearing Transcript at Page 26).* 2 . As per Section 99.5-183(a) (1) of the Monroe County Code, John Guttman testified that he was intimately involved in obtaining permits and approvals from federal and ~ % state agencies as well as Monroe County. (T:27). In that capacity Mr. Guttman testified that he had close interaction with the staffs and directors of various departments within ~ 1 ~ 1 , ] , 1 1 the County. (T:28-29). Mr. Guttman testified that Composite Exhibit 1 contains various documents submitted to Monroe County which bear his initials and signatures, together with correspondence to county staff and directors discussing various aspects of Pumpkin Key's development. (T:27). Composite Exhibit 1 also contains correspondence and permits from Monroe County authorizing various aspects of TCR's proposed development. * (References to the hearing transcript will be hereinafter designated as (T: ) indicating the appropriate page in the transcript). -3- I l t 3. Mr. Guttman presented a historical background of the Pumpkin Key proposed development. Mr. Guttman stated that as a result of preliminary meetings with both state agencies in Tallahassee and the director of the then Monroe county planning department, Mr. Kermit Lewin, it became evident that a proposed development project consisting of sixteen (16) residential homes on lots, one acre or greater in size was consistent with Pumpkin Key's GU zoning and acceptable to Monroe County. (T: 28-29). 4. Mr. Guttman testified that the health . } department stated that it would allow the establishment of sixteen (16) single family lots using septic tanks on the j ;~ :,( .~ :~ , '~ J I ''.1 'i .:) J "l :i I '] : island. (Ex. 1 No. 100, Ex. 3) (T. 29). Mr. Guttman asserted that once conceptual approvals were attained from the various agencies for TCR's proposed residential development, TCR complied with all applicable permitting requirements which ultimately led to Monroe County's approval of TCR's development plan. (T: 29). Mr. Guttman also asserted that once Monroe County approved TCR's development plan, no other approvals, other than standard building permits were necessary in order to proceed with the proposed development. (T. 55). (See also Ex. 6). 5. TCR also submitted the following documents as a part of composite Exhibit 1 as proof of unexpired Monroe County governmental acts. A. Letter from Monroe County Planning and Zoning Department dated December 12, 1974 -4- J , .~ " ~ " .. E. j ~ 1 , j ; ., I , F. i '1 .~ t 1 G. confirming Pumpkin Key's Zoning as GU and thereby permitting the development of detached single family residences on lots one acre or larger. (See Ex. No. 15, NO.1, Document Number I5). B. . . . Monroe County Commission Resolution dated March 18, 1975 permitting TCR to construct rip rap breakwaters, a multi- resident dockage facility, the performance of maintenance dredging on the existing channel and basin, and placement of the subaqueous utility crossing from Ocean Reef approximately 1300 feet from the island in order to service the proposed Pumpkin Key development (See Ex. 1, No. 23). C. Monroe County Building Permit for Land Clearing No. C-8879 issued to TCR for the fire and security path, interior cart path, utility service lines and tennis courts. (See Ex. 1, No. 75). D. Monroe County Permit No. C-9073 for construction of concrete walkway from dock to the island dock house dated February 12, 1981. (See Ex. 1, No. 75). Letter to Henry Weinkem of the Monroe County Building and Zoning Department, dated February 18, 1981, confirming his approval of construction of the beach area on south side of Pumpkin Key. (See Ex. 1 No. 77). Monroe County Building and Zoning Building Permit No. C-12391 for the construction of the electricity, plumbing and air conditioning for building construction of the main residence and Buildings 1 and 2. (See Ex. 1 No. 84). Approved construction drawing for service complex for TCR Pumpkin Key signed by Howard Johnson, Monroe County Building Department, on January 17, 1983 to service the 16 residential sites per site plan consisting of 16 pages. (See Ex. 1 No. 88). -5- .' 'd '') '7. J . ,; i .~~ H. Monroe County Construction Permit for the extension of electricity to the existing dock (Permit No. C-12516). (See Ex. 1, No. 93). I. Monroe County Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy per approved plans for single family residence and three accessory buildings. (See P. Ex. 1, No. 94). J. Monroe County Health Department (State of Florida, Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services), septic tank permits T-2006-83 issued on February 21, 1984; T-2007-83 issued on August 6, 1983 and T-008-83 issued on July 27, 1983 approving the septic tank systems on Pumpkin Key. The permit application includes a site plan filed with the Monroe County Health Department, approved by Art Maze, which depicts the proposed development of the 16 lots, a dock facility, the internal and perimeter paths, the conservation area (a boardwalk over a mangrove area) and two tennis courts. (See Ex. 1, No. 100 and Exhibit 3) . .1 I ., .~ j ,) ~ j ~ 'j . 6. Mr. Howard M. Tupper, a Monroe County Planning Official testified that he has discovered a Monroe County Health Department permit and a site plan setting forth the sixteen (16) subdivisions, the existing residences together with the dock facility, perimeter and security paths, and tennis courts dated February 18', 1983, which demonstrates .~ " , . j ~ I l " ~ I 1 " ~ (T: 47). that Monroe County was aware of the ongoing project. (Ex. 3) 7. Mr. Tupper testified that he conferred with the County Attorney's office and was advised that the Monroe County Health Department Permit constituted an unexpired governmental act of Monroe County. (T:' 48). " ~ :1 ~ 1 1 j J , 1:-"""-:-"1&:; -6- 8. Mr. Tupper further testified that he also met with growth manager, Don Craig, and it is their opinion that there is sufficient evidence in Monroe County's file for Monroe County to enter into a stipulation that Pumpkin Key has vested rights and should be allowed to complete its . . . proposed development. (T: SO) (See Ex. 7, Joint stipulation for Positive Determination of Vested Rights.) 9. Under 99.S-183(a) (2) Mr. Guttman confirmed that the expenditures by TCR as set forth in Exhibit 2 which cover TCR's costs from 1973 to 1987 are correct. The costs set forth in Ex. 2, however, do not include the carrying costs for Pumpkin Key such as real estate taxes, insurance and interest. 10. Mr. Guttman testified that the construction of the subaqueous utility crossing, extending telephone, , :~ .1 ~ I electricity and water to Pumpkin Key together with the docking facility, two tennis courts and perimeter and security paths were all planned and constructed to meet the ultimate demands of sixteen (16) single family residences and " " ;1 :l . , ..j ~ l~; {1 '~ , . '. q :1 J "l " v ] .., ;., are not reasonably usable in a development presently permitted under Monroe County Land Development Regulations. (T: 30, 31, 39 and 40). 11. TCR submitted into evidence a certificate 'of investment dated July 10, 1989 and signed by its controller, which states that the certified audit of Peat Marwick Main dated March 31, 1989 indicates that TCR had expended a total ,:~ .~ :~ !,' -7- ~ d ~ 1 ,~ ~ :.:'~-;-::: " {I ,"~ ,1 " ',j " " 1 of $4,976,154.50. TCR has incurred these expenditures in reliance on Monroe County's various authorizations and approvals for Pumpkin Key's development. (Ex. 1, No. 137). 12. TCR has also submitted additional documents which are included in Composite Exhibit 1 and further demonstrate TCR's expenditures in furtherance of the development of Pumpkin Key made in reliance on Monroe County Acts. (Ex. 1, Nos. 25, 28, 30, 49, 50, 72, 98, 104 and 123). 13. Under 99.5-183(a) (3)a, Mr. Guttman testified that as early as September of 1974 a guidance conference occurred between Mr. Guttman, Mr. Berry and Mr. Kermit Lewin, at which time Mr. Lewin was advised of TCR's proposed development and existing site plan. (T:29). 14. TCR's proposal to construct a subaqueous < .~ utility crossing together with maintenance dredging of an existing channel, installation of three-way breakwaters to protect both a proposed mUlti-residential docking facility and a man-made beach was publicly noticed on March 9, 1975 in ~ ;~ . '~ 1 ,; of .~ . , }, the Key West Citizen (Ex. 1, No. 20). Thereafter, TCR's I j application to construct was unanimously approved by the Board of County Commissioners by a resolution dated March 18, 1975. (Ex. 1, No. 23). The construction of the subaqueous ,; " utility crossing extending electricity, telephone and water ~ ~ '~ i 'j ,~ ,~ " ~ to the island together with maintenance dredging and the construction of the three-way breakwaters to protect the :~ ~ -8- ~ ,. ~ ~ \ " l.;_:-t '. docking facility and beach commenced in 1976. (Ex. l, Nos. 32, 33, 35, 42-48, 51-57). Mr. Guttman testified that the infrastructure on the island and utilities extending water, power and telephone . . . to each of the sixteen (16) lots is completed. 15. The construction of the perimeter and security paths, residential'docking facility, two tennis courts and ,0 :~ beach have also been completed. (T:2). 16. Mr. Guttman further testified that the expenditures made in the development of Pumpkin Key to date are disproportionate to the value of the property under its present zoning and are not reasonably usable by the j , > , ~ presently permitted uses for Pumpkin Key. .J; ",," 'it :.'" ,~ " Mr. Guttman stated: ~ ',1,1 '1 I believed that we have expended significantly greater amounts of funds than would be necessary to allow support of three residential units on Pumpkin Key. For example, I maintain that we wouldn't need sUb-access [sic] utility crossing for water, power and telephone. We will go with cisterns and auxiliary generators. Mr. Berry wouldn't have had to spend any of the money that he has at this point. He wouldn't have built a docking facility if he envisioned three people living on the island. Two tennis courts are nice, too, but it is disproportionate ... the marina is permitted for residential docking facilities, and as such it would be unfeasible to rent slips out to the general public to fill out the difference between the three residents that could live on the island now and the 20 slips that are there. It' hasn't been designed for that purpose. The expenses incurred by TCR are therefore unique to the development previously approved and not reasonably usable by the development presently permitted. ~t . ,~. :1 , ) ",; ',<~ ;) '1. ,;1 "~~ ...., <~ , ',j - " ::~"~ (,."" '. : :. ~"',' ';. .' ~ -; ;;~ -9- ,)j 1 ~~ 17. Under ~9.5-183(a} (3) (b), Mr. Guttman testified that in 1974 his firm conducted a detailed environmental assessment of the proposed development. (T:32). The assessment studied the potential impacts of the development on groundwater conditions, natural vegetation and endangered species. The study concluded that the proposed development of sixteen (16) residences on Pumpkin Key would have negligible impact on the environment. (Ex. 1, NO.7). Mr. Guttman also stated that the breakwaters and dockage areas appear to have enhanced marine life by increasing the habitat. (T:33}." 18. Mr. Guttman also testified that without a positive determination of vested rights, the damage suffered by TCR would be tremendous. The designation of Pumpkin Key as an offshore island land use district deprives TCR from the beneficial use of its property and the improvements made thereon. (T:33). Mr. Guttman testified that TCR would not be able to realize a return on its investment if it were denied vested rights from this project at this point. Mr. Guttman added "I think the costs that have been expended to date have always been in pursuit of distributing those costs between 16 building sites. Right now, we have expended hundreds of thousands of dollars simply to provide utiliiles for one house." (T:33). 19. There was neither testimony nor evidence offered which stated that the public would be harmed if TCR's -10- <) r. . proposed development were permitted to go forward. 20. Under 99.5-183(a) (3)c the joint stipulation filed by the parties acknowledge that the evidence contained in record contains ample evidence that Pumpkin Key was in fact economically viable when approved." (See Exhibit No. . , 7) . 21. Under 99.5-183(a) (3)d, Mr. Guttman testified that he has been working on the proposed development since 1974. Expenditures were incurred in the furtherance of TCR's :-.... '~ development ten years prior to the amendment of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan regulations in September 1986. 22. Under 99.5-183(a) (3}e, Mr. Guttman testified : " '" ,j ~ 4 A 1 j I 1 j -1 ,~ I 1 , ';, ;1 '~ 1 .1 3 , that TCR, under its offshore island land use district designation cannot utilize or make a reasonable return on its expenses or obligations incurred to date and thus it would be irreparably injured if the residential development is not permitted to proceed as a originally planned and authorized. (T:33). Conclusions of Law As a result of the documents placed into evidence and the testimony given in these hearings the following conclusions of law are made: 1. This hearing officer adopts and incorporates into this order the joint stipulation for a positive determination of vested Lights entered into between the petitioner TCR and Monroe County; ~ ~ '~ -11- i , . ,) , . j 1:.........;-... 2. This hearing officer finds in the conclusion of law that the petitioners have satisfied each of the criterion set forth in 99.5-183, Standards for Vested Rights Required by the Monroe County Code; 3. This hearing officer finds in the conclusion of law that the petitioners are entitled to a positive determination of vested rights under Florida Statutes Chapter 380.05(18}, 1985. This section states in part: Neither the designation of an area of critical state concern nor the adoption of any regulations for such an area shall in any way limit or modify the rights of any person to complete any development that has been authorized ... by a building permit or other authorization to commence development on which there has been reliance and a change of position ... If the developer has, by his actions and in reliance on prior regulations obtained vested or other legal rights, that law would have prevented a local government from changing those regulations in the way adverse to its interests. Nothing in this Chapter authorizes any governmental agency to abridge those rights. That the various site plans submitted in petitioners composite Exhibit No. 1 for the development of Pumpkin Key provided the Monroe County Department of Building and Zoning with ample notice of TCR's intended development; 4. This hearing officer finds in the conclusion of law that plat approval is not required for TCR's proposed development under Section 9.5-81(b) of the Monroe County Code. Section 9.5-81(b} of the ~onroe County Code provides: (b) No building permit, except for single family detached dwellings and accessory uses ther~to, shall be issued for the -12- j' ;:'~~ '>~ ~; ';~ construction of any building, structure or improvement unless a final plat has been approved in accordance with the provisions of this division, and recorded' for the lot on which the construction is . . proposed. 6. This hearing officer also takes jUdicial notice of paragraph 10 of the Joint Stipulation for a Positive Determination of Vested Rights which recommends that 'j ^ \ the zoning for Pumpkin Key be changed from offshore island district to suburban residential district, and specifically :J states: ... " ,~ :j :,) ,~ J .;,.,.". .' The parties acknowledge that, since the sixteen lots may be constructed by sixteen different homeowners, certain flexibilities with respect to the construction of the homes may be desired by the future homeowners, a positive determination of vested rights, absent a change in the zoning classification for Pumpkin Key from offshore (OS) island to suburban residential district (SR) may place unnecessary restrictions on the development which would otherwise be consistent with the SR zoning classification. The parties therefore recognize that a zoning change for Pumpkin Key from OS to SR would provide TCR with the desired flexibility for developing the sixteen (16) single family homes. Therefore, Monroe County's Building and Zoning Department agrees to recommend to the Monroe County Commission that it approve an application from TCR to re-zone Pumpkin Key from OS to SR. -13- :~ ,~ <1 '~ :1 l .1--- :.:~,...",;~ Recommendation Having considered the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, the evidence of record, the candor and . . . . demeanor of the witnesses, and the' pleadings and 'arguments of the parties, it is therefore recommended that the petitioners, TCR, be and are entitled to a positive determination of vested rights under both ~8-303 of the new Monroe County Comprehensive Land Use Plan (codified at 9.5-183 of the Monroe County Code), as well as Florida Statutes Chapter 380.05(18) (1985), to construct fifteen (15) single family residential homes on lots one acre or greater in size on Pumpkin Key. It is further recommended that the positive determination of vested rights permitting the construction of fifteen (15) additional single family residential homes be limited to a period of five years. In this regard TCR shall secure or have pending the building permits for the proposed single family dwellings. 'I The conclusions or law, and the terms and conditions of this document are agreed and stipulated to by the parties. j '1 j ,,~ 1 j , .! i .:~ For Petitioners: ~. ~~~-- u . n~-ue -0, sq. . MOrga~. Lewis & Bockius 5300 S.E. Financial Center 200 South Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131 os p . e 1nson, sq. s istant County Attorney for Monroe County, Florida 310 Fleming Street Key West, Florida 33040 -14- :; 1 " j " 1:.:.............:--. -~; .., J. )1 "~~ \ ,'i ....:. ~ "- :i 1 j j . ,'I 'j , . ,,l '~ :,. "I -j . .:~ ,~ :! j ,4, " ~ .,1, I~'!i , :i '~ ~':,~ .:1 '.'~ " i~ ..'~'''' < ;~;: "-0:1 ....' -~ ....~ ..~ ,~ ,:~ :,,'~,,' " "/ STATE OF FLORIDA, COUNTY OF MONROE TERRA COTTA REALTY (FLORIDA) INC., Petitioners, , . , vs. MONROE COUNTY, Respondent. . . / FINAL ORDER This Hearing Officer has heard the €vidence presented by Petitioners and Respondent, Monroe County, and has considered both the evidence and the stipulations entered into by and between the parties and more specifically those FINDINGS OF FACT. CONCLUSIONS OF LAW AND ORDER whose certificate of service is dated 6 November 1989, IT IS ORDERED as follows: 1. That Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Order, whose certificate of service is dated 6 November 1989, be and is admitted and adopted, in its entirety, as a portion of this FINAL ORDER (hereinafter "Stipulation"); attached as Exhibit 1 hereto; 2. That the letter of July 27, 1989, from Howard M. Tupper, Planning Official of Respondent, is admitted as Exhibit 138 and evidences the Respondent's ongoing recognition of development of this site: 3. That the public was invited to participate and no one availed themselves of this opportunity after proper publication of hearing notice therefore, this petition was heard without objection; 4. That the Petitioners are entitled to and do have the vested rights to -1- RECEIVED DEe 1 8 lH8Q PLANNING DEPT. LAND USE DIVISION BY _....~v_,'~--' " .' ,,",' '1 I 'j , .~ " , construct the fifteen (15) single family residences on Pumpkin Key as set forth in said "Stipulation"; DONE and ORDERED at Key West, this I~ day of December 1989. cc: Honorable John Stormont Mayor, Monroe County Board of county Commissioners Key West, Florida 33040 Capt. Tom Brown County Administrator Monroe County Public Service Bldg. stock Island Key West, Florida 33040 Howard Tupper j Planning Official I , Monroe County,Public Service Bldg. Stock Island Key West, Florida 33040 -2- ::"":","",,,,---'7-' Monroe County, Florida, Joseph H. Kenison, Esq. Assistant County Attorney 310 Fleming street Key West, Florida 33040 Louis R. Figueredo, Esq. 5300 S.E. Financial Cnt. 200 S. Biscayne Boulevard Miami, Florida 33131-2339