P & Z Minutes 05/14/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning & Zoning Commissionl Local Planning Agency May 14, 2008 Page 3 In response to the Board's question, Ms. Drage said that there was a challenge to the Jacksonville check cashing ordinance but that ordinance also included regulation of the fees charged by the businesses. She said the Court struck it down and she was not aware that Jacksonville went back to limit the location of the check cashing establishments. Ms. Drage said that the City of Sanford classifies a check cashing business as an exceptional use, It requires a 1500' separation from other exceptional use businesses and it cannot be located within 300' of a school, church, park or residentially zoned land. She said there is also design criterion for exceptional use businesses and limited hours of operation. A discussion ensued regarding modifying the check cashing criteria presented by staff and adding additional uses to the distance separation requirements such as tattoo parlors. The challenge of the Jacksonville ordinance was discussed. Ms. Smith stated that Jacksonville repealed the entire ordinance including the zoning provisions which were upheld by the Court. Ms, Drage said the Court only struck down the portions that regulated the amount of interest charged, etc. Ms. Smith said if the Planning and Zoning Commission chooses to adopt this ordinance that it is adopted based on the "whereas clauses". She said that the State of Florida has set forth the requirements for payday loan/check cashing businesses and it deemed those requirements appropriate. Mr. Buchanan asked if there was anyone in the audience who wished to speak in favor of, or in opposition to, the request. Mr. John Casselberry, 700 South Lost Lake Lane, Casselberry, Florida came forward. Mr. Casselberry said he is not familiar with check cashing businesses, He suggested that the check cashing businesses install security systems in their businesses and a required distance separation of at least 1,000 feet. Mr. Casselberry also suggested holding a meeting with representatives from the existing check cashing businesses to obtain more information regarding that type of business. He said he hadn't heard that check cashing businesses were harmful to the community but felt that the businesses were a risk environment due to the amount of cash in sight. He was concerned about possible robberies in the parking lot.