**NOW HEARD BY THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AND THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
A use that would not be appropriate generally in the particular zoning district but which, if controlled as to number, area, location, or relation to the neighborhood, would protect the public interest.
The Board will consider the compatibility of the proposed use with surrounding land uses and development patterns in the area. Before granting a Special Exception, the Board must first determine that the proposed use:
- Is not detrimental to the character of the area or neighborhood or inconsistent with trends of development in the area; and
- Does not have an unduly adverse effect on existing traffic patterns, movements and volumes; and
- Is consistent with the county’s Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan; and
- Meets any additional requirements specified in the code section authorizing the use in a particular zoning district or classification; and
- Will not adversely affect the public interest.
Seminole County Land Development Code 30.43 Board of Adjustment
SUMMARY OF THE PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION
1. APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Prior to submitting an application for Special Exception, the applicant must have a Pre-application Review. Consistency with the County’s Comprehensive Plan will also be evaluated with the pre-application review. If the proposed Special Exception is not consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, an alternative course of action, if available, will be discussed with the applicant.
Special Exception Application
Link to required forms:
Owners Disclosure Form
Owners Authorization Form (if needed)
Applications are also available from the Planning Division located at:
County Services Building
Room 2028
1101 East First Street
Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 665-7371
2. PROCESS:
A Special Exception is a three step process:
- Pre-application review.
- Special Exception Approval: Application submitted to the Planning Division. This approval is based on a detailed conceptual site plan. Generally, a DRC meeting is held to discuss the project comments and the meeting schedule is determined at that time.
- Site Plan Approval: Application submitted to the Development Review Division. Following approval of the Special Exception a final engineered site plan is required to be submitted to Development Review. View Site Plan Review information
3. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING:
DRC staff will meet with the applicant to address issues, respond to questions and discuss recommendations based on the submitted application and site plan.
- The Special Exception site plan is reviewed by staff to ensure that the proposed development complies with the County’s development policies and/or technical requirements. Prior to the DRC meeting a Comments Document (COMDOC) is sent to the applicant, which outlines staff comments. The applicant may be requested to submit additional information or revise the proposal as a result of this review. County staff and the applicant meets to address issues, respond to questions by the applicant and discuss recommendations.
4. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff will prepare a written staff report and recommendation.
- The Planning & Development Division staff prepares a written staff report for consideration by the Planning & Zoning and Board of County Commissioners. The report presents factual information concerning the applicant’s request based on existing circumstances, consistency with the Seminole County Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code: future & existing land use, zoning, traffic & environmental impacts, public services availability, etc.
- The meeting agenda along with the staff report is available online approximately one week before the meeting.
5. TIME LIMIT:
Special Exceptions have an imposed time limit.
- Any special exception granted shall expire one (1) year after the effective date of approval unless a building permit incorporating the special exception is obtained.
- An extension of six (6) months may be granted, provided good cause is shown and request for extension is filed. The extension must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Special Exception