Maitland moves forward with duplex-split ordinance

Maitland City Council appointed new board members, pushed forward a split-duplex ordinance and discussed a name for the new downtown park at the first meeting of the year on Monday, Jan. 14. 

Duplex Split

The council introduced an ordinance allowing duplexes to be split into two fee simple residences within sections of the city. 

A split duplex would require a city attorney-approved declaration of covenants and restrictions that would need to run with the land; designate common areas such as driveways; maintenance and repairs of the common walls and exteriors; and more. Winter Park, Orange County and Seminole County already allow duplex splits, according to city staff. 

Both the Planning and Zoning board and Development Review Committee recommended approval of the ordinance. City staff also recommended counci to move the modified ordinance forward.

A concern for council members, which the Planning and Zoning board had highlighted when debating the matter in December, was the possibility of a property-owner stalemate in the case of damages to both units. City staff included a payment mechanism for shared maintenance that would involve an insurance company in case of a disagreement.

 A split duplex’s covenant agreement, which would settle disputes, would have to be first reviewed by the city attorney Cliff Shepard. Council members were wary the city could become too involved in an argument between private citizens. 

“There’s a reason why cities all over this state have stopped reviewing covenants,” Shepard said. “I’d be reticent to do more than review something else provided to make sure the city’s issues are covered. Anything else is beyond where we should be getting ourselves involved.”

The council was ultimately satisfied with the existing provisions and safeguards in the covenant agreement and introduced the ordinance unanimously.

A public hearing and action date has been set for the Jan. 28 meeting. 

Lakes Advisory Board Appointments

The council appointed one Maitland citizen to the Lakes Advisory Board and reappointed another. 

The terms for board member Heidi Barry and vice-chair Kathleen McIver expired Jan. 3. Barry did not wish to seek a new term, so the council looked at applicants Chris Rowley and Scott Thomas to replace her. 

The council ultimately nominated Rowley, a newcomer to Maitland who previously served as the president of a homeowners association for a lake community in Austin, Texas. 

“He’s always lived on a lake or lived near lakes,” Councilwoman Bev Reponen said. “It’s a real asset when someone on the (lakes board) understands and sees what’s happening and can guide other people in the community to include decisions to make our lakes safe.”

Downtown Park Name

Council discussed possible names for the city’s planned downtown park.

Councilman John Lowndes was interested in some of Florida’s earlier history when choosing a title  — specifically the state’s history fighting against the 13 independent colonies during the Revolutionary War. 

“(Maitland) has a long history of patriotism and goodwill that goes into that,” Lowndes said. “At the same time, I think we miss an opportunity to explore Florida’s actual history. ‘Independence Lane Park’ kind of implies Florida is part of this great independence movement that was started in the 13 colonies. … The history of Florida is actually that Floridians fought alongside the British crown against the 13 colonies. It’s an interesting and true fact about Florida.”

Although council members joked about Lownde’s possible redcoat sympathies, one resident appreciated his knowledge of Florida’s history.

The council approved moving the name decision to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

IN OTHER NEWS

The city passed a resolution designating polling locations and hours for the general municipal election on Tuesday, March 12. Former councilwoman Joy Goff-Marcil and current Councilman Mike Thomas’ seats are in contest this election.

The council amended the city’s athletic facility policy to issue licenses to athletic groups with the highest percentage of Maitland residents rather than the prior finite threshold of 55%. The Maitland Little League and Maitland Soccer club have been awarded the licenses — which allow groups priority scheduling privileges for the city’s various fields — in recent years. The city currently is drafting a joint calendar to let citizens know which times fields are reserved.