Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-16-06-071 — BOB LOOMIS

Request: Special Exception and Variance in the A-2 zoning district as follows: 1) Special Exception: To allow an outdoor recreation facility with primitive camping and canoe/kayak rental; and 2) Variance: To allow unpaved parking in lieu of paved. (Note: The camping will not have any facilities for trailers or RVs. There will not be electrical or sanitary hook-ups at camp sites. There will be no motorized craft. The facility will be primarily for scout groups).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is proposing a primitive campground for boy scouts, eagle scouts, and youth groups. The western parcel will be used solely for elite scouts. The middle parcel will have primitive campsites; a rope course; and, a small parking lot. The parking lot will be grassed. Staff gave a brief presentation. The property is bordered on the north by a State park and on the south by a County park. Staff advised the BZA there were numerous environmental conditions the applicant must meet. The applicant gave a brief overview of the project. He stated this is primarily for Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts. The applicant also stated he wants to retain the natural environment. He met with the Friends of the Wekiva, who is in support of this request. The City of Apopka has also submitted a letter in support. Two (2) adjacent property owners spoke of concerns regard the request. They had concerns about security, traffic, and strangers using the land near their homes. The BZA imposed additional conditions to further lessen any impacts to those neighbors. Staff received approximately 300 letters in support of this request.