09-003597GM Bonnie Conklin And Wendy Goodson vs. Putnam County, Florida
 Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Thursday, December 24, 2009.


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Summary: Petitioners proved that the proposed amendment is not in compliance because it locates an industrial use in a rural residential neighborhood with inadequate road access.

1STATE OF FLORIDA

4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

8BONNIE CONKLIN AND WENDY )

13GOODSON, )

15)

16Petitioners, )

18)

19vs. ) Case No. 09-3597GM

24)

25PUTNAM COUNTY, FLORIDA, )

29)

30Respondent, )

32and )

34)

35STOKES LANDING ENTERPRISES, )

39LLC, )

41)

42Intervenor. )

44)

45)

46RECOMMENDED ORDER

48The final hearing in this case was held on August 31

59through September 1, 2009, in Palatka, Florida, before Bram D.

69E. Canter, an Administrative Law Judge of the Division of

79Administrative Hearings (DOAH).

82APPEARANCES

83For Petitioners: Michael W. Woodward, Esquire

89Keyser & Woodward, P.A.

93501 Atlantic Avenue

96Interlachen, Florida 32148

99Craig Z. Sherar, Esquire

1032701 South Bayshore Drive, Suite 303

109Miami, Florida 33133

112For Respondent: Russell D. Castleberry, Esquire

118Post Office Box 759

122Palatka, Florida 32148

125For Intervenor: T. R. Hainline, Esquire

131Ellen Avery-Smith, Esquire

134Rogers Towers, P.A.

1377 Waldo Street

140St. Augustine, Florida 32084

144STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE

148The issue in this case is whether the amendment to the

159Putnam County Comprehensive Plan adopted by Ordinance 2009-23 is

"168in compliance," as that term is defined in Section

177163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes (2008). 1/

182PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

184On June 9, 2009, Putnam County adopted Ordinance 2009-23,

193which amended the Future Land Use Map (“FLUM”) of the Putnam

204County Comprehensive Plan to change the future land use

213designation for a 2.4-acre parcel from Agriculture II to

222Industrial. The parcel is owned by Intervenor and located at

232597 Stokes Landing Road, which is south of Palatka in Putnam

243County (“the Property”).

246Because the amendment is a “small scale development

254amendment,” as defined in Section 163.3187(1)(c), Florida

262Statutes, no compliance review was conducted and no notice of

272intent was issued by the Department of Community Affairs.

281Petitioners filed a petition for an administrative hearing with

290DOAH to challenge the amendment. They subsequently amended

298their petition.

300At the final hearing, Joint Exhibits 1 through 5 and 7

311through 18 were admitted into evidence. Petitioners presented

319the testimony of Bonnie Conklin, Wendy Goodson, William Wilson,

328Cathy Jenkins, and expert planner Mack Cope. Petitioners’

336Exhibits 2.1 through 2.4, 3.1 through 3.90, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13.1

348through 13.3, 17A, and 17B were admitted into evidence. The

358County and Intervenor presented the testimony of Kenneth Gstohl;

367planning experts Brian Hammons, Laura Dedenbach, and Lanny

375Harker; wetland expert Jonathan Napier,; and surveyor Earl

383Wallace. The testimony of Lanny Harker was presented through

392the transcript of his deposition. Respondent/Intervenor’s

398Exhibits 2, 3.1 through 3.4, 4 (pages 14 through 26, 28, 31

410through 33, and 35 through 41), 7, 8(f), 8(g), 10, 17, 19, and

42321 through 26 were admitted into evidence.

430The three-volume transcript of the final hearing was

438prepared and filed with DOAH. The parties filed Proposed

447Recommended Orders, which were carefully considered in the

455preparation of this Recommended Order.

460FINDINGS OF FACT

463The Parties

4651. Petitioner Bonnie Conklin resides and owns property at

474600 Stokes Landing Road. She submitted oral comments to the

484County at the adoption hearing on the amendment.

4922. Petitioner Wendy Goodson owns property at 595 Stokes

501Landing Road in Putnam County. She submitted oral comments to

511the County at the adoption hearing on the amendment.

5203. Putnam County is a political subdivision of the State

530and has adopted a comprehensive plan which it amends from time

541to time pursuant to Section 163.3167(1)(b), Florida Statutes.

5494. Intervenor Stokes Landing Enterprises, LLC (“Stokes

556Landing”), is a Florida limited liability company. It owns the

566Property affected by the amendment and submitted oral comments

575and evidence during the local hearings on the amendment.

584The Amendment

5865. The amendment changes the future land use designation

595of the Property from Agriculture II to Industrial. Section One

605of Ordinance 2009-23 provides that the re-designation of the

614Property is subject to the terms and conditions of the

624development agreement between the County and Stokes Landing,

632which is attached as an exhibit to the ordinance.

6416. The Property has approximately 220 feet of frontage on

651the St. Johns River. The development agreement requires that

660the Property be developed as a Planned Unit Development (PUD)

670for a “ship building and repair facility.” Contemporaneous with

679the adoption of the amendment, the County rezoned the Property

689to PUD.

6917. The development agreement includes the following

698recitals:

699D. Developer and the County wish to enter

707into this Agreement to set forth the

714conditions under which development of the

720facility shall be used.

724E. The County has entered into this

731Agreement in consideration of the commitment

737by Developer to construct certain

742improvements as further described in Section

7483 below (hereinafter the “Improvements”);

753and to redevelop the site and utilize the

761Property as a Planned Unit Development (PUD)

768only, with the understanding that the

774Developer shall apply for a PUD to operate a

783ship building and repair facility.

788* * *

791G. The conditions specified within a

797Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning

802district established by Developer pursuant

807to this Agreement will aid redevelopment of

814the Property, limit localized impacts of the

821Property and advance the implementation of

827the County’s Comprehensive Plan.

8318. Section 3 of the development agreement requires that

840the developer make the following improvements:

846(a) Access Roadway Improvement: Developer

851at its sole cost and expense shall design,

859engineer, permit, construct and install in

865accordance with all applicable laws, rules

871and regulations and the County’s approval of

878the design, the improvement(s) of the Access

885Roadway from Stokes Landing Road to the

892subject site via the established access

898easements. County approvals shall not be

904unreasonably withheld.

906(b) Timing: Developer shall complete the

912Access Roadway Improvements prior to

917starting redevelopment of the site for the

924proposed ship building and repair use.

930(c) Planned Unit Development (PUD) Zoning:

936Developer shall obtain approval of rezoning

942the Property to PUD prior to starting

949redevelopment of the site and shall maintain

956the approved PUD zoning throughout the

962duration of the Industrial future land use

969on the site. This requirement does not

976preclude any future request for a

982Comprehensive Plan Amendment to another

987future land use category and subsequent

993associated rezoning requests to a compatible

999zoning district.

1001The Property and Surrounding Land Uses

10079. Most land uses contiguous to or adjacent to the

1017Property are residential uses on lands designated Agriculture

1025II. However, 100 feet south of the Property are lands along the

1037St. Johns River designated Conservation. There are other

1045Conservation lands across the river from the Property and north

1055of the Property.

105810. The only other land uses in the area are a commercial

1070well-drilling business on land designated Agriculture II, and a

1079shipyard known as St. Johns Ship Building on lands designated

1089Industrial. The St. Johns Ship Building facility is located on

1099101 acres and is approximately 900 feet north of the Property.

111011. The lands abutting the Property on the west, south,

1120and east are currently undeveloped. Across the St. Johns River

1130from the Property is Stokes Island, which is also undeveloped.

114012. About 60 percent of the Property lies within the 100-

1151year flood zone. There are wetlands on the Property which are

1162generally of low quality due to invasive vegetation.

1170Historic Uses and Improvements on the Property

117713. The staff report for the amendment states that the

1187purpose of the amendment is to “make the land use designation of

1199the property consistent with the existing use of the land,”

1210which “according to the applicant,” has been ship building since

1221the 1960’s. This statement incorrectly characterizes both the

1229existing use and the past use of the Property.

123814. Aerial photography shows that much of the Property was

1248cleared in 1943. In the 1940s and early 1950s, the County

1259hauled shell rock from the Property for road building. The

1269Property was used intermittently to build fishing vessels

1277between the 1970's and 1998. The number of vessels that were

1288built on the Property was not established by the record

1298evidence. Some barge demolition activities also occurred on the

1307Property in 2006 and 2007. Intervenor started to build a barge

1318on the Property in 2008, but was almost immediately stopped by a

1330County code enforcement officer because such activities are not

1339allowed under the Property’s agricultural zoning.

134515. The evidence shows that the barge building and barge

1355demolition activities, and probably the earlier boat building

1363activities, were conducted in violation of the agricultural

1371zoning of the Property.

137516. Two steel mooring pilings and remnants of a dock or

1386platform are still located on the Property.

139317. There was some dispute about whether there still exist

1403on the Property the rails or “ways” used in the past for hauling

1416vessels out of the water and for launching vessels. Although a

14272008 survey of the Property (Joint Exhibit 12) shows the rails,

1438they do not appear in recent photographs of the Property

1448(Respondent/Intervenor’s Exhibits 3.1 through 3.4 and

1454Petitioners’ Exhibits 13.1 through 13.3).

145918. The shoreline along the east boundary of the Property

1469is not bulkheaded and, except for the clearing that has occurred

1480on the Property, remains in a relatively natural condition.

1489Whether the Subject Property is a Port

149619. The parties disputed whether the Property is an

1505existing water port, which is relevant to the Comprehensive Plan

1515policies regarding the location of industrial uses, as will be

1525discussed below. The term “port” is not defined in the

1535Comprehensive Plan. “Port facility” is defined in Florida

1543Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.003(92) as:

1548[H]arbor or shipping improvements used

1553predominantly for commercial purposes

1557including channels, turning basins, jetties,

1562breakwaters, landings, wharves, docks,

1566markets, structures, buildings, piers,

1570storage facilities, plazas, anchorages,

1574utilities, bridges, tunnels, roads,

1578causeways, and all other property or

1584facilities necessary or useful in connection

1590with commercial shipping.

1593This definition is not particularly helpful in resolving the

1602dispute in this case, because it is a list of facilities (e.g.,

1614buildings) that can be associated with a port, rather than an

1625identification of the elements that are essential to being a

1635port.

163620. In the traffic circulation section of the Putnam

1645County Comprehensive Plan Data, Inventory, and Analysis, under

1653the heading “Port Facilities,” there is one water port

1663identified:

1664Putnam County is currently served by a small

1672barge port on the St Johns River, which is

1681located between downtown Palatka and Rice

1687Creek. . . . This barge facility is

1695incorporated into a larger industrial park

1701setting and provides an alternative method

1707of moving certain types of goods and

1714material into and out of the County.

172121. The word “port” is defined in Webster’s Dictionary as

1731town or city where ships may take on or discharge cargo.”

1742Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary 889 (1979 ed.) The latter

1751definition indicates that the transport of cargo by water

1760between land sites (ports) is the core of the meaning.

177022. When deep harbors, channels, and turning basins occur

1779naturally or are created and used by ships, there is little

1790cause to dispute that a port exists. Here, there are no such

1802natural or man-made features. The shoreline at the subject

1811Property was not shown to differ from much of the shoreline

1822along the St. Johns River. 2/

182823. As indicated above, a port is a transportation

1837facility where waterborne goods are loaded and unloaded. A port

1847boats are built, repaired, and stored and often sold or rented.”

1858Merriam-Webster’s On-Line Dictionary (2009)

186224. The remnant boat building facilities on the Property

1871do not make a port. It is found that the Property was used

1884intermittently in the past as a boatyard, but it was never a

1896water port.

1898Road Access to the Property

190325. The Property’s connection to the nearest public, paved

1912road, is currently by easements over an unpaved drive. A 50-

1923foot-wide easement extends north from the Property approximately

1931240 feet over an unpaved drive, then makes a 90-degree turn to

1943the west along a 25-foot-wide, unpaved easement that runs about

1953325 feet to the beginning of a paved portion of the easement,

1965then continues 545 feet further west to the publicly owned and

1976paved Stokes Landing Road.

198026. Petitioners Conklin and Goodson own property and

1988reside along the 25-foot easement. There are about a dozen

1998other residences along the easements. There are many other

2007residences along the public portion of Stokes Landing Road to

2017its connection with U.S. 19.

202227. Petitioners attempted to show that Intervenor’s access

2030to the Property from the public portion of Stokes Landing Road

2041is legally insufficient because a small strip of land at the

2052intersection of the 50-foot easement and the 25-foot easement is

2062not included in the easements held by Intervenor. However,

2071because Intervenor showed colorable easement rights over the

2079entire private roadway, the Administrative Law Judge declined to

2088take evidence on or determine the merits of the adverse real

2099property claim.

210128. Stokes Landing Road is classified as a “local road” by

2112Putnam County. It is not an arterial or collector road.

2122Although the properties along the unpaved road have a mailing

2132address of Stokes Landing Road, some of the official documents

2142that describe or depict Stokes Landing Road do not include the

2153private easement segments.

215629. It was estimated that the proposed boatyard would

2165generate about 30 daily employee vehicle trips and one trip for

2176pickup or delivery.

217930. Intervenor presented evidence that a truck with a

2188wheel base of 50 feet (typical of a truck and semi-trailer)

2199could make the 90-degree right turn from a 25-foot-wide roadway

2209onto a 50-foot-wide roadway. However, to do so, the truck would

2220have to use the left side of the 25-foot easement and the left

2233side of the 50-foot easement (from the driver’s perspective).

2242In other words, the truck would have to enter the lanes used by

2255oncoming traffic.

2257Internal Consistency

225931. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

2267with Policy A.1.9.3.A.6.d of the Future Land Use Element (FLUE)

2277of the Comprehensive Plan. That policy states:

2284Industrial Uses shall be located on sites

2291that “use existing utilities or resources;

2297utilize one or more transportation

2302facilities such as air ports, water ports,

2309collector roads, arterial roads, and

2314railroads; do not require significant non-

2320residential vehicular traffic to pass

2325through established neighborhoods; and are

2330sufficiently separated and/or buffered when

2335necessary from residential and other urban

2341uses to minimize adverse impacts of noise,

2348glare, dust, smoke, odor or fumes.

235432. The Property is not located on a collector road or

2365arterial road. It is not a water port.

237333. The amendment would require significant non-

2380residential vehicular traffic to pass through an established

2388neighborhood. The non-residential traffic is significant

2394because it more than doubles the existing traffic in the most

2405rural portion of Stokes Landing Road and would create an unsafe

2416condition for every trip to and from the Property by a large

2428truck. It is not sound planning to locate an industrial use on

2440property that is served only by a narrow residential driveway.

2450It is not sound planning to locate an industrial use on a road

2463where access by large trucks will require that the trucks travel

2474in the oncoming traffic lanes.

247934. The Property is not sufficiently separated or buffered

2488from residential uses to minimize the adverse impacts of noise,

2498glare, dust, smoke, odor, and fumes. Currently, there are

2507vacant, wooded parcels adjacent to the Property, but the

2516Intervenor has no control over these parcels and they will not

2527always be vacant. The proposed industrial use is incompatible

2536with the dominant pattern of development surrounding the

2544Property, which is rural residential.

254935. Intervenor argues that the Agriculture II land use

2558designation allows “intensive” agricultural land uses, such as

2566slaughter houses, suggesting that the residents are already

2574subject to the possibility of adverse impacts from noise, glare,

2584dust, smoke, odor, and fumes. However, there are no intensive

2594agricultural uses in the area and no evidence to suggest that

2605such development is likely to occur in the future. The dominant

2616land use is likely to remain rural residential.

262436. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

2632with Goal 1 of the FLUE, which is to maintain the quality of

2645life by “establishing a pattern of development that is

2654harmonious with the County’s natural environment and provides a

2663desired lifestyle for County residents.” The proposed boat

2671building and repair operation in this rural residential

2679neighborhood would significantly degrade the desired lifestyle

2686of the residents in the area.

269237. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

2700with FLUE Policy A.1.1.1.A.3., which prohibits land uses that

2709generate, store, or dispose of hazardous waste in “areas of

2719special flood hazard”. However, Policy A.1.1.1.A.2.b. expressly

2726allows water-dependent components of a development to be located

2735in areas of special flood hazard. When FLUE Objective A.1.1 and

2746its accompanying policies are read in pari materia , they

2755indicate that a water-dependent land use can be allowed in the

2766floodplain as long as any generation, storage, or disposal of

2776hazardous waste will occur outside of the floodplain.

2784Petitioners did not show that the proposed boatyard cannot be

2794operated in conformance with these policies.

280038. For similar reasons, Petitioners’ contention that the

2808amendment is inconsistent with FLUE Policy A.1.1.E. is

2816unpersuasive. That policy encourages the clustering of

2823development away from flood-prone areas. However, in the case

2832of water-dependent land uses, the water-dependent components of

2840the land use must be located near the water.

284939. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

2857with FLUE Objective A.1.3 and FLUE Policy A.1.3.1, which

2866encourage the elimination or reduction of non-conforming uses.

2874Petitioners argue that past boat building and boat repair

2883operations at the Property were non-conforming uses under the

2892Agriculture II land use category and should be eliminated.

290140. Petitioners’ arguments are not persuasive because, if

2909the amendment is approved, the boatyard uses would not be

2919inconsistent with the FLUM. Furthermore, Petitioners showed

2926that there is no existing, non-conforming use of the Property,

2936so there is no non-conforming use that needs to be reduced or

2948eliminated.

294941. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

2957with FLUE Policy A.1.3.2, which states:

2963Adequate buffering and separation between

2968land uses of different densities and

2974intensities shall be provided in accordance

2980with the Land Development Code to minimize

2987compatibility issues.

2989This policy directs that the Land Development Code (“Code”)

2998shall establish buffering requirements to minimize

3004incompatibility. Compatibility is also a comprehensive planning

3011issue that can cause an amendment to be “not in compliance,”

3023regardless of the buffering regulations contained in the Code,

3032but this particular policy is only directed to the Code.

3042Petitioners did not show that the Code does not contain

3052buffering requirements.

305442. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

3062with FLUE Policy A.1.4.9, which requires a vegetated upland

3071buffer for any waterfront development. The Petitioners’

3078evidence on this issue was insufficient to establish that the

3088required buffer could not be provided. Furthermore, the policy

3097directs the County to adopt regulations to establish the buffer

3107requirements. Petitioners did not show that such regulations

3115were not adopted by the County.

312143. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

3129with FLUE Policy A.1.6.1, which encourages infill within the

3138designated urban service areas of the County. Water-dependent

3146uses must be located where the water is located. Therefore,

3156infill policies cannot be applied to water-dependent uses in the

3166same manner as with other land uses. Although the availability

3176of necessary urban services is still a relevant inquiry,

3185Petitioners did not present evidence on this point.

3193Consistency with Rule 9J-5

319744. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

3205with Florida Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.003(23), which

3212encourages the reduction or elimination of inconsistent uses;

3220Rule 9J-5.006(3)(c)2., which requires that comprehensive plans

3227provide for “compatibility of adjacent land uses”; and Rules 9J-

32375.006(5)(h)6. and 8., which require that amendments be reviewed

3246for compatibility and “functional relationship” with adjacent

3253land uses.

325545. The term “compatibility” is defined in Florida

3263Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.003(23) as:

3268[A] condition in which land uses or

3275conditions can coexist in relative proximity

3281to each other in a stable fashion over time

3290such that no use or condition is unduly

3298negatively impacted directly or indirectly

3303by another use or condition.

3308A definition is not a regulation that requires compliance. A

3318definition simply shows the intended meaning for a term used in

3329a regulation. Therefore, a comprehensive plan amendment cannot

3337be inconsistent with a definition.

334246. Florida Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.006(3)(b)3.

3348requires the future land use elements of comprehensive plans to

3358contain one or more objectives that encourages the elimination

3367or reduction of uses inconsistent with the community’s character

3376and future land uses. This rule addresses existing non-

3385conforming uses. The Property is no longer being used in a

3396manner that is inconsistent with the community’s character.

3404Therefore, there is no inconsistent use of the Property that

3414needs to be reduced or eliminated.

342047. Florida Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.006(3)(c)2.

3426requires the future land use element of a comprehensive plan to

3437contain one or more policies that provide for compatibility of

3447adjacent land uses. It was found, above, that the rural

3457residential neighborhood adjacent to the Property would be

3465negatively impacted by boat building and boat repair uses of the

3476Property. The amendment is incompatible with the surrounding

3484rural residential neighborhood.

348748. Florida Administrative Code Rules 9J-5.006(5)(h)6. and

34948. relate specifically to the analysis of whether an amendment

3504fails to discourage the proliferation of urban sprawl. Because

3513Petitioners did not raise urban sprawl as an issue, they cannot

3524claim inconsistency with these rules.

352949. Petitioners contend that the amendment is inconsistent

3537with Section 163.3177(8), Florida Statutes, and Florida

3544Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.005(2), which require that an

3552amendment be based on relevant and appropriate data and

3561analysis. Petitioners believe that there is no demonstrated

3569need for additional industrial uses in the County.

357750. Petitioners’ argument and evidence on the issue of

3586need failed to take into account the water-dependent use that is

3597proposed. Petitioners’ computations to show that there are

3605substantial acres of unused industrial lands in the County fails

3615to address the question of whether there is a need for

3626additional water-dependent land uses.

3630CONCLUSIONS OF LAW

363351. The Division of Administrative Hearings has

3640jurisdiction over the subject matter of and parties to this

3650proceeding pursuant to Sections 120.569, 120.57, and

3657163.3187(3)(a), Florida Statutes.

366052. In order to have standing to challenge a plan

3670amendment, a challenger must be an “affected person,” which is

3681defined in Section 163.3184(1)(a), Florida Statutes, as a person

3690who resides, owns property, or owns or operates a business

3700within the local government whose comprehensive plan amendment

3708is challenged, and who submitted comments, recommendations, or

3716objections to the local government during the period of time

3726beginning with the transmittal hearing and ending with

3734amendment’s adoption.

373653. Petitioners Conklin and Goodson and Intervenor Stokes

3744Landing are "affected persons" as that term is defined in

3754Section 163.3184(1)(a), Florida Statutes.

375854. Pursuant to Chapter 163.3184, the Department of

3766Community Affairs is charged with the duty to determine whether

3776comprehensive plan amendments are “in compliance.” However,

3783because this amendment involves a parcel of land that is smaller

3794than ten acres, it is a “small-scale development amendment” and

3804is not subject to a compliance review by the Department.

3814See § 163.3187(1)(c), Fla. Stat.

381955. If the Administrative Law Judge recommends that a

3828small scale development amendment be found not in compliance,

3837the recommendation is submitted to the Administration Commission

3845for final action. If the Administrative Law Judge recommends

3854that a small scale development amendment be found in compliance,

3864the recommendation is submitted to the Department of Community

3873Affairs for final action. See § 163.3187(3)(b), Fla. Stat.

388256. The term “in compliance” is defined in Section

3891163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes:

3894In compliance means consistent with the

3900requirements of ss. 163.3177, when a local

3907government adopts an educational facilities

3912element, 163.3178, 163.3180, 163.3191, and

3917163.3245, with the state comprehensive plan,

3923with the appropriate strategic regional

3928policy plan, and with chapter 9J-5, Florida

3935Administrative Code, where such rule is not

3942inconsistent with this part and with the

3949principles for guiding development in

3954designated areas of critical state concern

3960and with part III of chapter 369, where

3968applicable.

396957. A local government’s determination that a small scale

3978amendment is “in compliance” is presumed to be correct and shall

3989be sustained when challenged unless it is shown by a

3999preponderance of the evidence that the amendment is not in

4009compliance. § 163.3187(3)(a), Fla. Stat.

401458. The amendment is inconsistent with Section 163.3177,

4022Florida Statutes, because the amendment violates Subsection

4029163.3177(2), Florida Statutes, which requires the elements of a

4038comprehensive plan to be internally consistent. Petitioners

4045proved by a preponderance of the evidence that that the

4055amendment is internally inconsistent with FLUE Goal 1 and FLUE

4065Policy A.1.9.3.A.6.d.

406759. The amendment is inconsistent with Florida

4074Administrative Code Chapter 9J-5, because Petitioners proved by

4082a preponderance of the evidence that the amendment fails to

4092comply with Florida Administrative Code Rule 9J-5.005(3)(c),

4099which requires compatibility with adjacent land uses.

410660. Petitioners failed to prove by a preponderance of the

4116evidence that the amendment was not supported by appropriate

4125data and analysis with regard to the issue of the need for

4137additional water-dependent, industrial land uses. Despite this

4144conclusion, the more persuasive evidence in the record shows

4153that the proposed industrial use should not be placed in this

4164location.

416561. Because Intervenor showed colorable easement rights

4172over the entire private portion of Stokes Landing Road, the

4182Administrative Law Judge declined to take evidence or determine

4191the merits of Petitioners’ argument that Intervenor’s easement

4199rights were subject to an adverse claim. The circuit courts

4209have exclusive jurisdiction to resolve real property disputes.

4217See § 26.012, Fla. Stat.

422262. In summary, Petitioners proved by a preponderance of

4231the evidence that the amendment is not “in compliance,” as the

4243term is defined in Section 163.3184(1)(b), Florida Statutes.

4251RECOMMENDATION

4252Based on the forgoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of

4262Law, it is

4265RECOMMENDED that the Administration Commission enter a

4272Final Order determining that the amendment adopted by Putnam

4281County through Ordinance 2009-23 is not in compliance.

4289DONE AND ENTERED this 24th day of December, 2009, in

4299Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida.

4303BRAM D. E. CANTER

4307Administrative Law Judge

4310Division of Administrative Hearings

4314The DeSoto Building

43171230 Apalachee Parkway

4320Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060

4323(850) 488-9675

4325Fax Filing (850) 921-6847

4329www.doah.state.fl.us

4330Filed with the Clerk of the

4336Division of Administrative Hearings

4340this 24th day of December, 2009.

4346ENDNOTES

43471 / All references to the Florida Statutes are to the 2008

4359codification.

43602/ In contrast, St Johns Ship Building constructed a dry dock,

4371turning basin, and artificial channel to connect its facilities

4380to the St Johns River.

4385COPIES FURNISHED :

4388Russell D. Castleberry, Esquire

4392Putnam County Attorney

4395518 St. Johns Avenue

4399Post Office Box 758

4403Palatka, Florida 32178-0758

4406Barbara Leighty, Clerk

4409Transportation and Economic

4412Development Policy Unit

4415The Capitol, Room 1801

4419Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001

4422Robert Wheeler, General Counsel

4426Office of the Governor

4430The Capitol, Suite 209

4434Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001

4437Shaw P. Stiller, General Counsel

4442Department of Community Affairs

44462555 Shumard Oak Boulevard

4450Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

4453Michael W. Woodward, Esquire

4457Keyser & Woodward, P.A.

4461Post Office Box 92

4465Interlachen, Florida 32148-0092

4468Craig Z. Sherar, Esquire

44722701 South Bayshore Drive, Suite 303

4478Tallahassee, Florida 33133

4481Theodore Ronald Hainline, Esquire

4485Rogers Towers, P.A.

44881301 Riverplace Boulevard., Suite 1500

4493Jacksonville, Florida 32207

4496Ellen Avery-Smith, Esquire

4499Rogers Towers, P.A.

45027 Waldo Street

4505St. Augustine, Florida 32084

4509NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS

4515All parties have the right to submit written exceptions

4524within 15 days from the date of this Recommended Order. Any

4535exceptions to this Recommended Order should be filed with the

4545agency that will issue the Final Order in this case.

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PDF
Date
Proceedings
PDF:
Date: 04/14/2010
Proceedings: Agency Final Order
PDF:
Date: 04/14/2010
Proceedings: Agency Final Order of Dismissal filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/12/2010
Proceedings: Order Granting Joint Motion for Extension of Time to file Exceptions to Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 01/12/2010
Proceedings: Notice of Prohibited Parties filed.
PDF:
Date: 12/24/2009
Proceedings: Recommended Order
PDF:
Date: 12/24/2009
Proceedings: Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
PDF:
Date: 12/24/2009
Proceedings: Recommended Order (hearing held August 31-September 1, 2009). CASE CLOSED.
PDF:
Date: 11/10/2009
Proceedings: Order (motion to strike is granted).
PDF:
Date: 10/27/2009
Proceedings: Motion to Strike Respondent and Intervenor's Notice of Supplemental Authorities filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/21/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Supplemental Authorities filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/14/2009
Proceedings: Petitioners' Proposed Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/14/2009
Proceedings: Petitioners' Notice of Filing Proposed Recommended Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/14/2009
Proceedings: Proposed Recommended Order by Respondent Putnam County and Intervenor Stokes Landing Enterprises, LLC filed.
PDF:
Date: 10/14/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Filing Proposed Recommended Order by Respondent Putnam County and Intervenor Stokes Landing Enterprises, LLC filed.
Date: 09/24/2009
Proceedings: Transcript (Volumes I-III) filed.
Date: 08/31/2009
Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
PDF:
Date: 08/31/2009
Proceedings: Motion in Limine to Exclude Evidence Regarding Ownership or Title Matters Related to Easement Area filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/21/2009
Proceedings: Pre-hearing Stipulation filed.
PDF:
Date: 08/12/2009
Proceedings: Respondent's and Intervenor's Joint Notice of Taking Deposition filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/31/2009
Proceedings: Amended Notice of Hearing (hearing set for August 31 through September 2, 2009; 1:00 p.m.; Palatka, FL; amended as to dates).
PDF:
Date: 07/30/2009
Proceedings: Joint Motion to Reschedule Hearing Date Pursuant to Section 163.3187(3)(a), Florida Statutes filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/22/2009
Proceedings: Order of Pre-hearing Instructions.
PDF:
Date: 07/22/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Hearing (hearing set for December 9 through 11, 2009; 1:00 p.m.; Palatka, FL).
PDF:
Date: 07/17/2009
Proceedings: Response to Availability Inquiry filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/16/2009
Proceedings: Order Granting Petition to Intervene (Stokes Landing Enterprises, LLC).
PDF:
Date: 07/15/2009
Proceedings: Petition for Leave to Intervene (filed by Stokes Landing Enterprises, LLC) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/14/2009
Proceedings: Order (Motion to Amend Petition is granted).
PDF:
Date: 07/13/2009
Proceedings: First Amended Petition for Administrative Hearing filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/13/2009
Proceedings: Motion to Amend Petition filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/13/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Appearance (of C. Sherar) filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/13/2009
Proceedings: Notice of Unavailability filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/10/2009
Proceedings: (Joint) Response to Initial Order filed.
PDF:
Date: 07/09/2009
Proceedings: Initial Order.
PDF:
Date: 07/09/2009
Proceedings: Petition for Administrative Hearing filed.

Case Information

Judge:
BRAM D. E. CANTER
Date Filed:
07/09/2009
Date Assignment:
07/09/2009
Last Docket Entry:
04/14/2010
Location:
Palatka, Florida
District:
Northern
Agency:
ADOPTED IN TOTO
Suffix:
GM
 

Counsels

Related DOAH Cases(s) (1):

Related Florida Statute(s) (9):

Related Florida Rule(s) (2):