Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-02-10-077 — REPUBLIC SERVICES OF FLORIDA- Cont. to 11-7, 2002

Request: Special Exception in A-1 (agricultural) zone to allow a vertical expansion of the existing "545 C & D Landfill". The proposed expansion is vertical, measuring 50 ft. in height at cap.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The Staff Report and Recommendation is located on Pages_____. Staff recommended denial of the request due to inconsistency with the Comprehensive Policy Plan with respect to Horizon West. The applicant's representatives gave testimony to the BZA that Republic Services runs a model landfill and provides volunteer services to the community. Further, they stated that in all the years they have operated on the site, they have had a clean record of environmental compliance and no record of citizenry complaint with the State Department of Environmental Regulation. The applicant gave a presentation on how they would buffer the mound to preclude visual impact. This element included specific plans and documents on the buffer types, location, implementation phasing and sequencing, and irrigation method. In summary, all areas of the mound exposed to public view will be covered with hydroseeding material that produces a rapid growing green grass. Trees will also be planted throughout. A copy of the plans and a written synopsis of the plan are located on Pages ------------ for informational purposes. A written proposal was also submitted for a detailed odor/gas emissions control plan to address problems associated with gypsum board decomposition and gas emissions; the plan is an enhanced plan that exceeds code. The BZA incorporated the plan as a condition of Special Exception approval (enforcement will be via the Environmental Protection Department). The applicant introduced a professional property appraiser who addressed the BZA and stated in his opinion, the proposed landfill expansion would not have a detrimental impact on property values for lands 1/4 mile away (in reference to Lake Hickory Nut Subdivision) nor would it detrimentally impact the Orange county National Golf Course. Approximately one dozen citizens attended the public hearing in opposition, with several addressing the BZA. Some of speakers either represented or were associated with *