HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 17_2/13/2025 Agenda Item #17.
Regular Council
STAFF MEMO
Meeting: Regular Council - Feb 13 2025
Staff Contact: Jay Hubsch Department: Community Development
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SEU 1-24: Application from Nate Albers for a Special Exception Use approval pursuant to Section 78-
178(d) of the Village of Tequesta Code of Ordinances. The Applicant is requesting Special Exception
Use Approval fora 6,350 sf"private museum" within the C-3 General Commercial Zoning District. The
subject property is located at 358 Cypress Drive.
The applicant is the owner of an existing 6,350 square foot building in the C-3 Zoning District. The
applicant is seeking to renovate the existing building to utilize the site fora "private museum which
will contain a small personal office and display space for personal collection of automobiles, art, and
other memorabilia." The use of the space will be private and not open to the public. At the August 8tr,
Village Council meeting, a Zoning Text Amendment (Ordinance 5-24), was approved to allow "private
museums" to be included as a special exception use in the C-3 General Commercial District.
Section 78-363 states that special exception uses "shall be permitted only upon authorization of the
village council provided that such uses shall be found by the village council to comply with the
following requirements:
(1) The proposed use is a permitted special exception use.
(2) The use is so designed, located and proposed to be operated so that the public health, safety,
welfare and morals will be protected.
(3) The use will not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhood where
it is to be located.
(4) The use will be compatible with adjoining development and the proposed character of the district
where it is to be located.
(5) Adequate landscaping and screening is provided as required in this chapter.
(6) Adequate off-street parking and loading is provided and ingress and egress is so designed as to
cause minimum interference with traffic on abutting streets.
Further, the code states that before any special exception is granted, the village council shall apply
the following standards:
(1) Compliance with all elements of the village comprehensive plan.
(2) Ingress and egress to property and proposed structures thereon with particular reference to
automotive and pedestrian safety and convenience, traffic flow and control, and access in case of fire
or catastrophe.
(3) Off-street parking and loading area, where required, with particular attention to the items in
subsection (2) of this section.
Page 277 of 347
Agenda Item #17.
(4) Nuisance factors detrimental to adjacent and nearby properties and the village as a whole.
Nuisance factors shall include but not necessarily be limited to noise, odor, smoke, glare, electrical
interference and/or mechanical vibrations.
(5) Utilities, with reference to location, availability and compatibility.
(6) Screening and buffering, with reference to type, dimensions and character.
(7) General compatibility with adjacent properties and other property in the district.
(8) Whether the change suggested is out of scale with the needs of the neighborhood or the
village.(9) Any special requirements set out in the schedule of site regulations in section 78-143 for
the particular use involved.
The applicant has provided a narrative in the application demonstrating consistency with the above
requirements. Additionally, a separate site plan application will be reviewed by Village Council if the
special exception use is approved. The site plan application contains architecture, site and landscape
plans, and other relevant materials.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-
768-0443.
BUDGET • - •
BUDGET AMOUNT n/a AMOUNT AVAILABLE n/a EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: n/a
FUNDING SOURCES: n/a IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTIONn/a
ATTACHMENTS: ow
MW
358 Cypress-Special Exception Application
358 Cypress Justification Statement - Special Exception
Page 278 of 347
Agenda Item #17.
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VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA DEPARTMENTAL USE ONLY
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345 Tequesta Drive
Intake Date:
r� Tequesta,Florida 33469 ,
Ph: 561-768-0451/ Fax: 561-768-0698
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SPECIAL EXCEPTION USE APPLICATION
ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL
VILLAGE COUNCIL Meeting Date:
The undersigned requests a Special Exception for the Use Specified below. Should this application be approved, it is understood that
it shall only authorize that particular use described in this application and any conditions or safeguards required by the Village of
Tequesta.
PROJECT NAME:Albers Private Museum
PROJECT ADDRESS:358 Cypress Drive
Applicant Name: Donaldson Hearing
Applicant Address: 1934 Commerce Lane, Suite 1, Jupiter, FL 33458
Applicant Phone No:561-747-6336 Cell No:561-718-6010
Fax No:561-747-1377 E-Mail Address: Dhearing@cotleur-hearing.com
Existing Use:Auto repair&body work shop
Description of Special Exception Use:
Private museum and personal office
The applicant will submit to the Village of Tequesta Department of Community Development the following documents for Planning
&Zoning Board review,forty-five business(45)days prior to the meeting date:
1. Current survey or site plan of property showing structures and setbacks.
2. Drawings to scale of proposed improvements requiring special exception use approval.
3. Written authorization from property owner if other than applicant.
4. All documentation required by Code: Chapter 78—Zoning,Division 3—Special Exception Uses
5. Three(3)11x17 size and one(1)24x36 size hard copies of all submittals and one(1)CD with PDF files and completed application.
6. List of all owners of property within a 300-foot radius of the boundary lines of the property for which a special exception is requested.The list
shall be provided by the applicant from the most recent tax roll information as provided by the county appraiser's office.The applicant must
furnish an affidavit signed by the person responsible for providing the list. Stamped,self-sealing envelopes with a Village of Tequesta return
address label and the property owner label is required. Note: this is not required for requests which are reviewed administratively by the
Community Development Director.
7. Special Exception Use Application Fee:
a) Vill age.Council:$500.00 PLUS Application Review Fee of$300.00=$800.00
b) Ad {' tr .tive R. ' w y Community Development Director: Application Review fee=$300.00
Applicant's Signature Date
To cover all additional administrative costs, actual or anticipated,including, but not limited to, engineering fees, consultant fees and
special studies,the applicant shall compensate the village for all such costs prior to the processing of the application or not later than 30
days after final application approval whichever is determined as appropriate by the village. Failure to make such payment may be
grounds for not issuing a building or zoning permit,certificate of occupancy or completion.Costs associated with advertising for public
hearings and other public notice requirements are the responsibility of the applicant. The fee shall be paid prior to such application
being scheduled for a public hearing requiring notice.
1
Page 279 of 347
Agenda Item #17.
Albers Private Museum —358 Cypress Drive —Special Exception Application
Sec. 78-363. - Criteria.
Special exception uses to which this division applies as set forth in section 78-362 shall be permitted only upon authorization
of the village council provided that such uses shall be found by the village council to comply with the following requirements:
(1) The proposed use is a permitted special exception use.
Response:
The Village of Tequesta approved an amendment to the official zoning code on July 11, 2024 providing for Private
Museum as a Special Exception use
(2) The use is so designed, located and proposed to be operated so that the public health,safety, welfare and
morals will be protected.
Response:
The property is located east of Cypress Drive and directly adjacent to the FEC Railroad.The site is within the Village's C-3
General Commercial Zoning District. The proposed use operation will not adversely affect,and in fact, improve the
public health,safety,welfare and morals of the surrounding property.The proposed development plan substantially
improves and upgrades the site.The improvements enhance aesthetics, lighting and public safety. Additionally,the
proposed plan enhances the Village of Tequesta Property east of the site adjacent to the FEC Railroad.The proposed
Special Exception use is quiet and a low generator of vehicular traffic.
(3) The use will not cause substantial injury to the value of other property in the neighborhood where it is to be
located.
Response:
Substantial enhancement to the value of this and surrounding properties is an integral component to the
proposed use. Currently the existing 6,350 SF building is in need of structural and cosmetic repair. The building
was previously occupied by an auto repair establishment providing paint and bodywork services.There have been
multiple Code Enforcement Violations issued in connection with the property's existing conditions and operation.
Vehicles in various states of disrepair could be seen in virtually every parking space. The applicant intends to
renovate the property by improving the architectural fagade, increasing green space, and enhancing landscape
areas, replacing the roof and replacing the existing lift station. The award-winning architectural firm Birse
Thomas, located in Palm Beach Gardens, has been hired to redesign the existing fagade. Cotleur& Hearing will
evaluate opportunities for additional green space and develop a landscape plan to complement the proposed
architectural design. Interior improvements will also be implemented. These improvements provide
sustainability to village business infrastructure and protect adjacent properties from damage during storm
events.The proposed improvements will result in measurable increases to property values.
(4) The use will be compatible with adjoining development and the proposed character of the district where it is to
be located.
Response:
The applicant proposes to utilize the building as a private museum which will contain a small personal office and
display space for personal collection of automobiles,art,and other memorabilia.The use of the space will be private
and will not be open to the public. On a limited basis Mr. Albers anticipates using the space for small philanthropic
fundraisers and invitation only showings.The surrounding developments are fully compatible with the proposed
use.The surrounding business and uses will be enhanced by the proposed private museum use.
Page 280 of 347
Agenda Item #17.
(5) Adequate landscaping and screening is provided as required in this chapter.
Response:
Virtually no landscaping exists on the site today.The applicant proposes a significant landscape upgrade to include
shade trees, native palms,shrubs and ground covers.All mechanical equipment will be fully screened from public view.
Additionally,the applicant is proposing to landscape the Village of Tequesta property located to the east of the site
along the FEC Railroad.This improvement enhances the aesthetic value of the community which, in addition to
residents, is seen by millions of passengers travelling on the Brightline each year.
(6) Adequate off-street parking and loading is provided and ingress and egress is so designed as to cause
minimum interference with traffic on abutting streets.
Response:
Parking in the existing condition is disorganized and haphazard.The proposed plan provides for clearly defined
parking areas for the applicant and guest.The Parking is upgraded to meet the requirements of the ADA and The
Florida Handicap Accessibility Code. New landscape terminal islands help to clearly define ingress and egress in
and out of the site.The proposed design reduces conflicts with traffic on abutting streets and improves public
safety.
The proposed development plan meets the established parking ratio for this use of,one space for each 500 square
feet of display area, plus one space per 250 square feet of business office/ancillary area to be utilized.
Page 281 of 347
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Ag mllft.AJA.[!IHearing
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L AND PLAN N ING LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE T R A N S P 0 R TAT 10 N 1934 COMMERCE LANE • SUITE 1
JUPITER, FLORIDA • 33458
t,.561.7d7.6336 6561.747.1377
Village of Tecluesta
Special Exception Request
Ju1y24
Property Location: 358 South Cypress Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469
Property Control Number: 60-43-40-30-03-001-0050
PROJECT INFORMATION
The Village of Tequesta approved an amendment to the official zoning code on July 11, 2024
providing for Private Museum as a Special Exception use within the Village's C-3 General
Commercial Zoning District.
The applicant, Nate Albers, Principal of South Cypress Drive Properties, LLC, is the owner of a 0.4-
acre property located at 358 South Cypress Drive in Tequesta, Florida. The property is east of
Cypress Drive and directly adjacent to the FEC Railroad. The site is within the Village's C-3 General
Commercial Zoning District and contains a 6,350 square foot building.
The existing 6,350 square foot building constructed in 1970, is currently occupied by an auto repair
establishment providing paint and bodywork services. There have been multiple Code Enforcement
Violations issued in connection with the property's existing conditions and operation. Vehicles in
various states of disrepair can be seen in virtually every parking space. To say the least, the
existing conditions are not indicative of the image of the Village of Tequesta.
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Mr. Albers intends to substantially enhance the value of this and the surrounding properties. The
applicant intends to renovate the property by improving the architectural fagade, increasing green
space, and enhancing landscape areas, replacing the roof and replacing the existing lift station.
The award-winning architectural firm Birse Thomas, located in Palm Beach Gardens, has been
hired to redesign the existing fagade. Cotleur & Hearing will evaluate opportunities for additional
green space and develop a landscape plan to complement the proposed architectural design.
Interior improvements will also be implemented. These improvements provide sustainability to
village business infrastructure and protect adjacent properties from damage during storm events.
The proposed improvements will result in measurable increases to property values.
- 1 -
Page 282 of 347
Agenda Item #17.
Virtually no landscaping exists on the site today. The applicant proposes a significant landscape
upgrade to include shade trees, native palms, shrubs and ground covers. All mechanical equipment
will be fully screened from public view. Additionally, the applicant is proposing to landscape the
Village of Tequesta property located to the east of the site along the FEC Railroad. This
improvement enhances the aesthetic value of the community which, in addition to residents, is seen
by millions of passengers travelling on the Brightline each year.
Parking in the existing condition is disorganized and haphazard. The proposed plan provides for
clearly defined parking areas for the applicant and guest. The Parking is upgraded to meet the
requirements of the ADA and The Florida Handicap Accessibility Code. New landscape terminal
islands help to clearly define ingress and egress in and out of the site. The proposed design
reduces conflicts with traffic on abutting streets and improves public safety.
The proposed development plan meets the established parking ratio for this use of, one space for
each 500 square feet of display area, plus one space per 250 square feet of business
office/ancillary area to be utilized.
PROPOSED USE
The applicant proposes to utilize the building as a private museum which will contain a small
personal office and display space for personal collection of automobiles, art, and other memorabilia.
The use of the space will be private and will not be open to the public. On a limited basis the
applicant anticipates using the space for small philanthropic fundraisers and invitation only
showings.
The memorabilia, art and sculptures will be a limited amount to be utilized mostly as decor for the
space and display pieces. The interior design will be open and airy with clean lines and will not be
cluttered, consisting of the following:
- Models/photos of jets/helicopters owned to include Citation X, Citation CJ4, King Air 350, and
Airbus H 145 Helicopter
- Models/photos of sportfishing yachts owned to include 74' Spencer and 80' Spencer
- Sportfishing trophies from tournament fishing around the world
- Automotive art from Bentley, Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Aston Martin,
Koenigsegg, Mercedes, Jaguar
- Military memorabilia.
The maximum number of luxury automobiles will be 10-12 to include Bentley, Rolls Royce,
Lamborghini, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg, Mercedes, Jaguar. The vehicles will contain some
fuel, generally a minimal amount to drive the vehicles in and out of the building periodically. The
entire space will be equipped with cameras, alarms, and sprinklers.
-2-
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Agenda Item #17.
There will be no full-time employees at the site but there will be an employee that comes in and out
to monitor the vehicles and property. There will be no fixed hours of operation. Signage will be
minimal and most likely limited to the street address number.
The surrounding developments are fully compatible with the proposed use. The surrounding
business and uses will be enhanced by the proposed private museum use.
SUMMARY
In summary, the applicant desires to substantially improve an existing, deteriorated property for
personal use as a Private Car Museum as a Special Exception use within the Village's C-3 Geneal
Commercial Zoning District.
The applicant commits to work with the Village to upgrade the property, including substantial
architectural and landscape enhancements, with a focus on the building's orientation to Cypress
Drive. A site plan application is being submitted concurrently with this request. The applicant
commits to enhance the landscape within the 50-foot-wide parcel of land contiguous to the eastern
boundary of th site and the FEC Railroad.
-3-
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