DRC (Development Review Committee)

The City of Leesburg offers online Application request to submit projects to the Development Review Committee for consideration.

To submit an application for review you must first meet and receive a clearance letter by the Planning and Zoning Department. Please contact Planning and Zoning department with your request. 

The following documents will be required for the application submittal process.

•  Digital copy of the signed site plan application must be uploaded in PDF format
•  Digital site plan must be uploaded in PDF (one single document)
•  Digital site plan must be uploaded in AutoCAD (projected - State Plane Coordinate System, Florida, East Zone, US Survey foot; Vertical NAVD 1988 Datum, US survey foot)
•  Digital landscape plan uploaded in PDF (one single document)
•  Digital upload of the sealed Boundary and Topographical survey must be uploaded in PDF and AutoCAD format
•  Digital copy of fire flow calculations in PDF format
•  Digital copy of the signed and sealed Stormwater calculations in PDF format
•  Digital copy of the signed and sealed traffic impact analysis in PDF format
•  Digital copy of response letter must be uploaded in PDF format
• Clearance Letter from Planning and Zoning

•  Tree Removal Permit Application – Instructions & Form
•  Statement of Authorization  - Property Owner & Agent Affidavit – Affidavit Form
  

SITE PLAN AND SUBDIVISION APPLICATION & INSTRUCTIONS
Subdivision Development plans shall not be permitted to change street names after final approval.

APPLICABILITY
The procedures contained in this chapter are applicable to all projects which involve the construction of any facility other than single-family dwellings or minor appurtenances thereto (for example swimming pools, sheds, fences and the like); or three or less duplex (two-family) units in a subdivision where a certificate of completion has been issued for the subdivision by the City.  Projects which are subject to site plan review include; land developments, projects which involve the alteration or conversion of existing structures, or the change of use of a structure where the site or structure does not meet the current criteria of these regulations.  Changes in use shall be evaluated by the City as to the need for a complete site plan review, and possible modifications, based on the nature of the change in occupancy or use, and the need for compliance with current regulations.  Any developments permitted under conditional use must additionally undergo the site plan approval process.  The provisions of this chapter, where appropriate, are to be applied both on-site and off-site of the development.  This document shall be the "governing” document for such development.  Where there are conflicts or discrepancies with other city policies, ordinances, or regulations, the more restrictive requirements shall govern.

INSTRUCTIONS
The following site plan application instructions are provided for the assistance of the applicant and may be modified from time to time as need dictates.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the current requirements of the applicable portions of the City Code and the City of Leesburg Construction Standards and Details are met.

The following sections of the City Code of Ordinances apply to site development criteria:

Site Plan Application Submittal Checklist

New Site Plan Application
Once an applicant submits an application, the application will be processed within 3-5 business days and payment will be requested. You will be notified via email of pending payments, which can be made on-line through your account page. Once payment has been received the review process will begin and you can access your account at any time to check the status of reviews in progress along with any notes made by the reviewer. Once all reviews are complete you will again be notified of any further requirements for proceeding with your project. The following documents will need to be uploaded/delivered for review. Reviews will not be initialized until all required documents have been received.

•  Digital copy of the signed site plan application must be uploaded in PDF format
•  Digital site plan must be uploaded in PDF (one single document)
•  Digital site plan must be uploaded in AutoCAD (projected - State Plane Coordinate System, Florida, East Zone, US Survey foot; Vertical NAVD 1988 Datum, US survey foot)
•  Digital landscape plan uploaded in PDF (one single document)
•  Digital upload of the sealed Boundary and Topographical survey must be uploaded in PDF and AutoCAD format
•  Digital copy of fire flow calculations in PDF format
•  Digital copy of the signed and sealed Stormwater calculations in PDF format
•  Digital copy of the signed and sealed traffic impact analysis in PDF format
•  Digital copy of response letter must be uploaded in PDF format
• Clearance Letter from Planning and Zoning
• Tree Removal Permit Application – Instructions & Form
• Statement of Authorization  - Property Owner & Agent Affidavit – Affidavit Form

All Site Plans DISAPPROVED after the third review will require a $200 resubmittal fee for each subsequent review. 

• Five hard copies of the site plan must be delivered to 550 S 14^th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
• Five hard copies of the landscape plan must be delivered to 550 S 14^th St, Leesburg, FL 34748
• Digital copy of the signed site plan application must be uploaded in PDF format and labeled “FINAL”
• Digital site plan must be uploaded in PDF (one single document) and labeled “FINAL”
• Digital site plan must be uploaded in AutoCAD and labeled “FINAL” (projected - State Plane Coordinate System, Florida East Zone, US Survey foot; Vertical NAVD 1988 Datum, US survey foot)
• Digital landscape plan uploaded in PDF (one single document) and labeled “FINAL”

Survey requirements
A boundary, topographic and location survey and legal description of the property, prepared by a Professional Surveyor and Mapper licensed in the State of Florida. Surveys shall be on Horizontal NAD 1983 Datum, State Plane Coordinate System, Florida East Zone, US Survey foot; Vertical NAVD 1988 Datum, US survey foot. A minimum of two property corners shall show associated horizontal and vertical datum.

Statement of Authorization
If the applicant is someone other than the property owner, the applicant must include a statement attached to the application that is signed by the property owner and authorized agent, which authorizes the applicant to apply for this specific purpose and location on their behalf. Applications submitted without a complete notarized authorized agent form will be disapproved without department review.

Unity of Title
If the Site Plan encompasses multiple parcels, all parcels must be combined under one alternate key number through a Unity of Title before submitting Site Plan Application. This applies to all affected parcels and is not limited to project boundary or construction area. If the building encompasses all affected parcels a simplified parcel combination through the property appraiser office is acceptable.

Site Plan prepared by a licensed professional
Pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 471.025, 481.321 and 481.221, FS and Section 25-91 of the City Code, each applicable site plan sheet shall be prepared by an architect, engineer, and/or surveyor, whichever is applicable for each section, currently licensed in the State of Florida, pertaining to their respective profession and shall include the following:

1. All survey and site plan drawings must be the same scale. The scale used must be no smaller than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet. Detail plans may be drawn at a scale no smaller than one (1) inch equals fifty (50) feet.  This information may be combined in the provided drawings so long as they remain relatively uncluttered.
2. A statement listing the name of the developer; the owner of the real property which is the subject of the development; the name of the proposed development and a general statement of all objectives giving the purpose and character of the proposed development. (See application form).
3. A vicinity map showing the location of the proposed site plan, showing relationships to surrounding streets and thoroughfares, existing zoning on the site and surrounding areas, and existing land use on and surrounding the site.
4. A boundary, topographic and location survey bearing the legal description of the property, dated no later than 180 days before the first submittal, prepared by and bearing the original signature and raised seal of a Florida Licensed Professional Surveyor and Mapper. Surveys shall be on Horizontal NAD 1983 Datum, State Plane Coordinate System, Florida East Zone, US Survey Foot; Vertical NAVD 1988 Datum, US survey foot.
   1. Topographic survey must show existing contour intervals of one (1) foot, extending Twenty-Five (25) feet off the site and proposed finished elevations.
5. A table showing acreage for the parcel under consideration, stating existing and proposed impervious surface and open area, or a table of proposed net and gross densities for residential land uses.
6. A statement and map describing the planned phases of development, if any. Note:  Approval of a phased plan does not constitute approval of subsequent phases.
7. The Site Plan shall show all structures including roadways, sidewalks, parking lots, recreation areas, utilities (existing and proposed) and their respective connection points and exterior lighting installations.
8. Site Plan shall show all existing and proposed easements for utilities and/or drainage.  See 25-450. Utility Easements, of the Municipal code, for easement requirements. Additional easements may be requested as needed.
   1. Existing easements shall list the O.R. Book and Page
   2. Proposed easements shall be submitted as a separate Sketch and Description for review and approval. All required easement documents shall be executed and returned to the city attorney before final Site Plan approval is issued.
9. A survey of the existing trees by species, diameter and approximate height. The site plan must indicate which trees will be removed by the construction.
10. A statement of the traffic generated during the PM peak hours as based on the Institute of Traffic Engineers Trip Generation Manual, fifth edition (or most current update or edition), or a more detailed traffic impact analysis as determined during the conceptual review phase. This information may be supplied on a separate document. Traffic Study’s shall be submitted to the Lake Sumter MPO for review and comment. Comments shall be supplied to the City of Leesburg for consideration.
11. Any other information as may be identified during the conceptual review phase.
12. Any other information required by City Code as may be amended from time to time.

Site Plan Review Process

1. Submit Site Plan, completed Site Plan check list, all required supporting documentation, and applicable fees. 
2. Site Plan will be reviewed for conformity with Site Plan application requirements and check list. (review will take 1-3 business days)
   1. If Site Plan submittal is found to be incomplete it will not be distributed for review and will be returned to Engineer or Project Representative for re-submittal. A re-submittal fee may apply.
   2. If Site Plan submittal is complete and meets application standards, payment will be requested. Once received a Application Request number will be assigned and the Site Plan will be distributed for review.
3. The Development Review Committee reviews the Site Plan for conformity with all applicable Federal, State, County and City of Leesburg codes, ordinances, and statutes. 
   1. Within Ten (10) business days of distribution the comments will be completed.

Departmental Reviewer Requirements can be found here 

4. After the comments are completed they will be sent to the owner of record and the project engineer for review. The engineer shall contact the disapproving departments directly to discuss and resolve disapprovals. An applicant may, within five (5) business days of receiving of comments, request a DRC meeting. If no response is given then a re-submittal will be required without a DRC meeting.
   1. If the Engineer requests a DRC meeting the project will be placed on the next available DRC agenda date and a fee will be assessed.
   2. At the next available DRC meeting the comments are reviewed with the project representative and said representative has the chance to rebut or discuss the comments with each department representative.

5. If the project is disapproved the Site Plan will be re-submitted with the required changes and fees within 180 days of disapproval or the site plan application will be void and require a new application and fee. (Fees may be waived for the first re-submittal if there is no DRC meeting requested)
   1. Re-submittal Fee
      1. $200 Re-Submittal Fee
      2. $500 DRC Meeting Fee
   2. Steps 1-5 are repeated

6. After Site Plan Approval, Engineer must submit:
   1. All applicable outside agency permits and approvals (that were not required during the review process)
   2. Five (5) signed and sealed approved Site Plans (Five (5) if engineer request signed hard copy)
   3. One pre-paid postage return envelope for stamped plans. (If requesting mail delivery of site plan)

7. After all information is received a digital approval letter is sent to the project. Two (2) signed and sealed site plans will be retained by the City of Leesburg. Two (2) signed site plans will be distributed to the contractor and one (1) signed and sealed site plan will be distributed to the engineer of record.
8. Before construction can commence on the project a pre-construction meeting is required with the general contractor and underground utility contract if applicable, other representatives may attend. At this meeting the plans will be discussed with city representatives and the project contractor.
   1. The contractor will be given Two (2) signed copy of the site plan
   2. The contractor must supply a Construction Commencement Date on company letterhead containing all pertinent contact information, project name and location no later than 48 hours before construction shall commence