Elawyers Elawyers
Washington| Change

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS vs CHARLES MOORMAN AND KATHLEEN MOORMAN, OWNERS; YOUR LOCAL FENCE, CONTRACTOR; AND MONROE COUNTY, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, 91-004110DRI (1991)

Court: Division of Administrative Hearings, Florida Number: 91-004110DRI Visitors: 24
Petitioner: DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Respondent: CHARLES MOORMAN AND KATHLEEN MOORMAN, OWNERS; YOUR LOCAL FENCE, CONTRACTOR; AND MONROE COUNTY, A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA
Judges: WILLIAM J. KENDRICK
Agency: Office of the Governor
Locations: Key West, Florida
Filed: Jul. 02, 1991
Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Thursday, April 30, 1992.

Latest Update: Oct. 21, 1992
Summary: At issue in these consolidated proceedings is whether certain development orders (permits) issued by Monroe County to the respondents, as owners and Your Local Fence, Inc., as contractor, for the construction of fences in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern are consistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations.Fence permits issued by Monroe County in Big Pine Key area of critical concern inconsistant with Monroe County and development regulations
More
91-4110.PDF


STATE OF FLORIDA

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS


DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. ) CASE NO. 91-4110DRI

)

CHARLES MOORMAN AND KATHLEEN ) MOORMAN, Owners and YOUR LOCAL )

FENCE, Contractor; and MONROE ) COUNTY, a political subdivision ) of the State of Florida, )

)

Respondents. )

)

) DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. ) CASE NO. 91-5966DRI

) RAYMOND McRAE and ROSEMARIE McRAE, )

Owners; and MONROE COUNTY, a )

political subdivision of the )

State of Florida, )

)

Respondents. )

)

) DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. ) CASE NO. 91-5968DRI

)

NICHOLAS HORNBACHER and JEAN ) HORNBACHER, Owners; YOUR LOCAL )

FENCE, Contractor; and MONROE ) COUNTY, a political subdivision ) of the State of Florida, )

)

Respondents. )

)

) DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. ) CASE NO. 91-6603DRI

) JAMES DANIELS AND KATHRYN DANIELS, ) Owners; YOUR LOCAL FENCE, )

Contractor; and MONROE COUNTY, a, ) political subdivision of the )

State of Florida, )

)

Respondents. )

)


RECOMMENDED ORDER


Pursuant to notice, the Division of Administrative Hearings, by its duly designated Hearing Officer, William J. Kendrick, held a formal hearing in the above-styled cases on February 6, 1992, in Key West, Florida.


APPEARANCES

For Petitioner, Katherine Castor Department of David L. Jordan, Esquire Community Affairs: Assistant General Counsel

Department of Community Affairs 2740 Centerview Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100


For Respondents, Theodore W. Herzog, Esquire Charles Moorman, 209 Duval Street

Kathleen Moorman, Key West, Florida 33040 and Your Local

Fence, Inc.:


For Respondents, Raymond McRae and Raymond McRae and Rosemarie McRae, pro se Rosemarie McRae: Route 3, Box 283F

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


For Respondents, Nicholas Hornbacher and Nicholas Hornbacher Jean Hornbacher, pro se and Jean Hornbacher: Route 3, Box 223E

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


For Respondents, James Daniels and James Daniels and Kathryn Daniels, pro se Kathryn Daniels: Route 3, Box 297

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


For Respondent, No appearance1 Monroe County:

STATEMENT OF THE ISSUES


At issue in these consolidated proceedings is whether certain development orders (permits) issued by Monroe County to the respondents, as owners and Your Local Fence, Inc., as contractor, for the construction of fences in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern are consistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations.


PRELIMINARY STATEMENT


This is an appeal, pursuant to Section 380.07, Florida Statutes, to the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission from development orders (permits) of Monroe County which granted the applications of the individual respondents, as owners, and Your Local Fence, Inc., as contractor, to install fences on the respective owners' property. On appeal, petitioner, Department of Community Affairs (Department), contended that the subject permits were inconsistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations since they would allow the erection of fences in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern, and that there were no conditions under which such development could occur.


At hearing, the Department called as witnesses: Kenneth Metcalf, accepted as an expert in comprehensive planning, and Peter Kalla, accepted as an expert in Biology. Testifying on behalf of the individual respondents and Your Local Fence, Inc., were: Charles Moorman, James Daniels, Nicholas Hornbacher, Jean Hornbacher, Raymond McRae and Rosemarie McRae. Department exhibits 1-7, Moorman exhibits 1-5, Hornbacher exhibit 1, and McRae exhibits 1-6 were received into evidence.


At the conclusion of the hearing the record was held open to allow the Department an opportunity to review its records and to address certain issues raised by the Moormans through the taking and filing of a post-hearing deposition of Kenneth Metcalf. Such deposition was taken on February 6, 1992, filed with the Division of Administrative Hearings on February 24, 1992, marked as Department exhibit 8, and received into evidence.


The transcript of the hearing was filed March 9, 1992, and the parties were granted leave until March 19, 1992, to file proposed findings of fact. The Department elected to file such proposals, and they have been addressed in the appendix to this recommended order.


FINDINGS OF FACT


The parties


  1. Respondents, Charles and Kathleen Moorman (Moorman), Nicholas and Jean Hornbacher (Hornbacher), James and Kathryn Daniels (Daniels), and Raymond and Rosemarie McRae (McRae), are the owners of certain real property, described more full infra, that is located within the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern and the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern, and upon which they have received development orders (permits) from Monroe County to erect fences. Respondent, Your Local Fence, Inc. (Your Local Fence), is a business owned by Mr. Moorman and is the contractor that applied for the permits on behalf of the Moormans, Hornbachers and Daniels. The McRaes applied for their own permit, and proposed to install the fence themselves.

  2. Respondent, Monroe County, is a local government within the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern designated by Section 380.0552, Florida Statutes, and is responsible for the implementation of, and the issuance of development orders that are consistent with, the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations, as approved and adopted in Chapters 9J-14 and 28-20, Florida Administrative Code.


  3. Petitioner, Department of Community Affairs (Department), is the state land planning agency charged with the responsibility of administering and enforcing the provisions of Chapter 380, Florida Statutes, and all rules promulgated thereunder. Section 380.031(18) and 380.032(1), Florida Statutes. Here, the Department has filed a timely appeal to the issuance of the subject permits, and contends that construction of the fences authorized by such permits is inconsistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations.


    The Moorman permit


  4. The Moormans are the owners of Lots 15, 16 and half of Lot 17, Block D, Pine Heights Subdivision, Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida. Such property is located within, and surrounded by, native pine lands; natural habitat for the Key Deer.


  5. On March 20, 1991, Monroe County issued to the Moormans, as owners, and Your Local Fence, as contractor, building permit No. 9110002231 to construct a fence on the foregoing property. As permitted, the fence would be constructed of wood to a height of 6 feet and, except for a front setback of 25 feet, would completely enclose the Moormans' property. So constructed, the fence would measure 125 feet along the front and rear of the property and 75 feet along the side property lines for a total of 400 linear feet.


    The Hornbacher permit


  6. The Hornbachers are the owners of Lot 23, Block 3, Eden Pine Colony Subdivision, Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida. Such property is located on a cul-de-sac, at the terminus of a dead end street, and is bordered on the north and west by a canal and on the east by a neighbor's fence.


  7. On May 20, 1991, Monroe County issued to the Hornbachers, as owners, and your Local Fence, as contractor, building permit No. 9110002807 to construct a fence along the south side of their property. As permitted, the fence would be chainlink construction, 4 feet high, and would extend from their neighbor's fence on the east, around that portion of their property that abuts the cul-de- sac, and then along their southern boundary to the canal. So constructed, the fence would run a total of 90 linear feet.


    The Daniels permit


  8. The Daniels are the owners of Lots 1 and 2, Block 72, Port Pine Heights Subdivision, Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida. Such property, when acquired by the Daniels, was bounded on three sides by a 4-foot high chainlink fence and along the rear by a canal.


  9. On July 17, 1991, Monroe County issued to the Daniels, as owners, and Your Local Fence, as contractor, building permit No. 9110003165 to construct a fence along the rear portion of their property that abuts the canal. As

    permitted, the fence would be of chainlink construction, 4 feet high, and run a total of 158 linear feet.


    The McRae permit


  10. The McRaes are the owners of Lot 6, Block 17, Port Pine Heights Subdivision, Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida. Such property is bordered on the north and south by vacant lots, and on the west by a canal.


  11. On June 12, 1991, Monroe County issued to the McRaes, as owners and contractors, building permit No. 9110002853 to construct a fence along the front, as well as the north and south sides of their property. As permitted, the fence would be of chainlink construction, 4 feet high, and, except for a set back of 29.5 feet, would enclose the front and side property lines of the property. So constructed, the fence would run a total of 157 linear feet.


    Consistency of the permits with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations


  12. Big Pine Key is the primary habitat of the Key Deer, an endangered species, and Monroe County has designated most of Big Pine Key, including the properties at issue in these proceedings, as an area of critical county concern. Pertinent to this case, Section 9.5-479, Monroe County Land Development Regulations (MCLDR), provides:


    1. Purpose: he purpose of the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern is to establish a focal point planning effort directed at reconciling the conflict between reasonable investment backed expectations and the habitat needs of the Florida Key Deer which is listed as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

    2. Focal Point Planning Program:

      1. Monroe County shall initiate a focal point planning program for the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern that considers the following:

        1. The reasonable investment backed expectations of the owners of land within the Big Pine Key Area of Critical Concern;

        2. The habitat needs of the Florida Key Deer;

        3. The conflicts between human habita-tion and the survival of the Florida Key Deer;

        4. The role and importance of fresh-water wetlands in the survival of the Florida Key Deer;

        5. Management approaches to reconciling the conflict between development and the survival of the Florida Key Deer; and

        6. Specific implementation programs for the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern.

      2. The focal point planning program shall be carried out by the director of plan-ning, in cooperation with the officer in charge of the National Key Deer Refuge. The planning program

        shall include a public participation element, and shall provide for notice by publi-cation of all public workshops or hearings to the owners of land within the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern

      3. The focal point planning program for the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern shall be completed with-in twelve (12) months of the adoption of this chapter, and the director of planning shall submit a report together with recommended amendments to the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan and this chapter within thirty (30) days after the completion of the focal point planning program for the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern

    3. Interim Regulations: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, no development shall be carried out on the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern prior to the completion of the focal point planning program required by subsection C of this section and the adoption of amendments to the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan and this chapter except in accordance with the following

      1. No development shall be carried out in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern except for single-family detached dwellings on lots in the Improved Subdivision District or on lots having an area of one (1) acre of more.


        And, Section 9.5-309, MCLDR, provides:


        It is the purpose of this section to regulate fences and freestanding walls in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare

        * *

    4. Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern: No fences shall be erected here until such time as this chapter is created to provide for the regulation of fences within this ACCC.


  13. The foregoing land development regulations were adopted by Monroe County to further and implement the standards, objectives and policies of the Monroe County comprehensive plan. Here, such regulations further the plan's "Generic Designations and Management Policies," contained within the plan's "Criteria for Designating Areas of Particular Concern," to maintain the functional integrity of habitat and, more particularly, the requirement that:

    Development within areas identified as Key Deer habitat shall insure that the continuity of habitat is maintained to allow deer to roam freely without impediment from fences or other development.


    Rule 28-20.020(8), Generic Designations, subparagraph 4, Florida Administrative Code.


  14. Over the course of the past five years, Monroe County has discussed design criteria for fences on Big Pine Key but has not yet adopted a regulation that would provide for fences within the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern, as mandated by Section 9.5-309, MCLDR, nor has Monroe County amended Section 9.5-479, MCLDR, to permit, pertinent to this case, any development except single-family detached dwellings on lots in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern. Under such circumstances, it must be concluded that the subject permits issued by Monroe County for the construction of fences in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern are not consistent with the Monroe County comprehensive plan and land development regulations.


    Extra legal action and the applicants voiced rationale for fencing their properties


  15. Notwithstanding express knowledge by the Moormans, Hornbachers, Daniels and Your Local Fence, that the subject permits were not effective until expiration of the time within the Department was authorized to appeal their issuance, the Moorman, Hornbacher and Daniels fences were erected by Your Local Fence. However, the McRaes, likewise knowledgeable about the time delay in the effectiveness of their permits, abided by existent law, and deferred erecting their fence pending resolution of this dispute.


  16. At hearing, proof was offered by the applicants to explain why they desired to fence their property. Proof was also offered to explain why the Hornbachers and Daniels felt a sense of exigency to erect their fences, and why they prevailed on Your Local Fence to erect such fences in the face of express notice from Mr. Moorman (the principal of Your Local Fence) that the permits were not effective and subject to appeal by the Department.


  17. According to the Hornbachers, the purpose for their fence was to keep stray dogs and their "leavings" from the yard, to keep the Key Deer that populate the area from eating their vegetation, and to keep uninvited persons and vehicles from entering their property. The later reason was of particular import to the Hornbachers since they were about to leave for their annual vacation in Michigan, and strangers had entered onto their property during their prior absences. Therefore, to provide their residence with a degree of security, they insisted the fence be installed before they left, and before their permit was effective.


  18. According to the Daniels, the purpose for their fence was primarily to provide a secure environment for their children.2 In this regard, the proof demonstrates that the Daniels are both police officers with the City of Key West and work the same shift; that they have three children, ages, 7, 4, and 2, that reside at the home and are cared for by an elderly woman in their absence; and that the canal that abuts their backyard, as well as an existent boatramp, represents a potential hazard to the children's safety. Cognizant of such hazard, which was magnified by one child having already slipped down the boat

    ramp, the Daniels insisted that the fence be installed, and Your Local Fence acquiesced, before their permit was effective.


  19. The Moormans offered no compelling reason for having erected their fence prior to the effective date of their permit, but did espouse its purpose. According to Mr. Moorman, the purpose for their fence was to keep the neighbors' two children from playing under his house where he had installed a hot tub, and to keep the Key Deer that populate the area from entering his property and eating any vegetation he might choose to cultivate.


  20. According to the McRaes, who have not yet erected their fence, they desire a fence to prevent neighbors' dogs from leaving "droppings" in their yard, and to keep the Key Deer from eating their plants.


  21. While each of the applicants have articulated logical reasons to fence their yards, such reasons are not relevant where, as here, the permits were issued as of right. Rather, with regard to the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern, the erection of fences is strictly prohibited until such time as the plan and regulations are amended to allow such use.3


    Other considerations


  22. At hearing, Mr. Moorman offered proof that the Department had failed to appeal every fence permit issued by Monroe County in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern, and contended, as a consequence of such failure, that the Department should be precluded from contesting the issuance of the subject permits. Mr. Moorman's contention is not, however, persuasive.


  23. Here, the proof demonstrates that the Department's Key West Field Office, to which Monroe County renders its permits, was established in 1983, and that from January 1, 1984 to September 15, 1986, the Monroe County land development regulations did not regulate fences on Big Pine Key and the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern (BPKACCC) did not exist. Effective September 15, 1986, the Monroe County land development regulations were adopted in their current form and, among other things, created the BPKACCC and prohibited fencing within such area. Accordingly, prior to September 15, 1986, there was no prohibition against erecting fences in the BPKACCC, and no reason for the Department to question the propriety of such develop-ments.4


  24. Since the effective date of the current regulations, the Department has, as contended by Mr. Moorman, failed to appeal some permits for fencing in the BPKACCC. Such failure was, however, persuasively shown to have occurred as a consequence of severe understaffing, which inhibited the Department's ability to review all permits issued by Monroe County in a timely fashion (i.e., before the appeal period expired), and the breach of a memorandum of understanding entered into between the Department and Monroe County, and not as a consequence of any position adopted by the Department that fencing in the BPKACCC was permissible. Accordingly, the Department's appeal of the subject permits is not inconsistent with any position it has previously taken with regard to the propriety of fencing in such area.5 Moreover, neither the applicants nor Your Local Fence made any inquiry of the Department as to why some permits were appealed and others were not, or requested that the Department waive its appeal period, prior to erecting their fences. Under such circumstances, it cannot be reasonably concluded that the Department misled any applicant so as to bar it from contesting the propriety of the subject permits, and those who chose to erect their fences knowing their permits were not yet effective acted at their peril.6

    CONCLUSIONS OF LAW


  25. The Division of Administrative Hearings has jurisdiction over the parties to, and the subject matter of, these proceedings. Sections 120.57(1) and 380.07(3), Florida Statutes.


  26. This is an appeal, pursuant to Section 380.07, Florida Statutes, from a development order of Monroe County granting the applicants' request for building permits to install fences on their property in Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida; an area of critical state concern. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 120.57(1), Florida Statutes, the propriety of Monroe County's action was reviewed de novo. Transgulf Pipeline Co. v. Board of County Commissioners of Gadsden County, 438 So.2d 876 (Fla. 1st DCA 1983).


  27. The ultimate burden of persuasion rested on the applicants to establish their entitlement to the permits authorizing their proposed development. Young v. Department of Community Affairs, 567 So.2d 2 (Fla. 1st DCA 1990), and Florida Department of Transportation v. J.W.C. Co., Inc., 396 So.2d 778 (Fla. 1st DCA 1981). Here, for the reasons set forth in the findings of fact, the applicants have failed to demonstrate their entitlement to the subject permits. Succinctly, approval of the subject permits is contrary to the express provisions of the Monroe County land development regulations which currently preclude the erection of fences in the Big Pine Key Area of Critical County Concern. Moreover, there are no changes in the applicants' proposals that would make them eligible to receive such permits as of right.


  28. Notwithstanding, it has been urged on behalf of the applicants that the Department should be barred, ostensibly equitable estopped, from contesting the propriety of Monroe County's issuance of the subject permits simply because it failed to appeal all such permits in the past. Such circumstances do not, however, support application of the doctrine of equitable estoppel.


  29. The doctrine of equitable estoppel may be applied against the state, although only in exceptional circumstances, upon a showing of the following elements:


    . . . (1) a representation as to a material fact that is contrary to a later- asserted position; (2) reliance on that represen-tation; and (3) a change in position detrimental to the party claiming estoppel, caused by the representation and reliance thereon.


    Tri-State Systems, Inc. v. Department of Transportation, 500 So.2d 212, 215 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). Here, for the reasons set forth in the findings of fact, not one element of the doctrine finds support in the proof adduced at hearing. Moreover, the doctrine of equitable estoppel will not apply to transactions forbidden by statute or that are contrary to public policy. Tri-State Systems, Inc. v. Department of Transportation, supra, and Reedy Creek Improvement District v. Department of Environmental Regulation, 486 So.2d 642 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986). Monroe County's comprehensive plan and land development regulations, having been adopted as rules in Chapters 9J-14 and 28-20, Florida Administrative Code, are accorded such deference. See State v. Jenkins, 469 So.2d 733 (Fla.

    1985), and Florida Livestock Board v. Gladden, 76 So.2d 291 (Fla. 1954). Accordingly, where, as here, the Department has timely challenged Monroe

    County's action as being contrary to existent law, the doctrine of equitable estoppel will not apply, and the regulations must be applied as written. Tri- State Systems, Inc. v. Department of Transporta-tion, supra, Boca Raton Artificial Kidney Center, Inc. v. Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, 493 So.2d 1055 (Fla. 1st DCA 1986), and Reedy Creek Improvement District v. Department of Environmental Regulation, supra.


  30. The circumstances considered, the decision of the Moormans, Hornbachers, and Daniels, as owners, to install their fences, as well as the decision of Your Local Fence, as contractor to install such fences on their behalf, prior to the effective date of their permits, was ill-advised, and their decision to do so was at their peril. See e.g., Boca Raton Artificial Kidney Center, Inc. v. Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, 475 So.2d 260 (Fla. 1st DCA 1985), and Sexton Cove Estates, Inc. v. State Pollution Control Board, 325 So.2d 468 (Fla. 1st DCA 1976). The McRaes' decision to abide by the terms of their permit and the pendency of these proceedings was prudent.


RECOMMENDATION

Based on the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Florida Land and Water Adjudicatory Commission enter a

final order reversing Monroe County's decision to issue building permit Nos. 9110002231, 9110002807, 9110002853, and 9110003165, and deny the applications of the Moormans, Hornbachers, McRaes, and Daniels, as owners, as well as your Local Fence, as contractor, where pertinent, for such permits. It is further recommended that such final order specify that there are no changes in the subject proposals that would make them eligible to receive the permits as requested.


DONE AND ENTERED in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida, this 30th day of April 1992.



WILLIAM J. KENDRICK

Hearing Officer

Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building

1230 Apalachee Parkway

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550

(904) 488-9675


Filed with the Clerk of Division of Administrative Hearings this

30 day of April 1992.


ENDNOTES


1/ Antonia Gerli, a Monroe County planner did attend and observe the proceedings. Monroe Count was not, however, represented by counsel at the proceedings.


2/ At hearing, the Daniels also suggested that the fence would serve to secure their 90-pound Rottweiler and thereby accord protection to the Key Deer. Such was not, however, a very compelling rationale. Rather, the Daniels' judgment in introducing such an animal within Key Deer habitat, assuming he

presents a danger to Key Deer as they suggest, must be seriously questioned, as well as their apparent failure to otherwise secure such animal in the past.


3/ Where a resident's perceived needs conflict with the land development regulations, the regulations provide, under certain circumstances, for consideration by the county of an application for conditional use. During the course of such procedure, competing interests can be examined and, if possible, a balanced result obtained that will further or not adversely affect either interest. Here, since the permits were issued as of right, such issues were not considered by the County and are not relevant here. Whether the applicants could qualify for a conditional use was not at issue in these proceedings and, therefore, no opinion is rendered in that regard.


4/ The fences that existed on or abutted the applicants' properties when they applied for the subject permits were not at issue in these proceedings, and were presumably erected prior to the effective date of the current regulations.


5/ Moreover, as discussed in the conclusions of law, the subject regulations do not suffer any ambiguity regarding the propriety of fences within the BPKACCC that would render any contrary position taken by the Department, had there been one, of any significance.


6/ This is not the first case in which the Department has appealed one of Mr. Moorman's permits. On April 12, 1990, the Department appealed building permit no. 9010000369 issued to Mr. Moorman and Your Local Fence to erect a fence on his property for the same reasons advanced in this case. On November 14, 1990, Mr. Moorman entered into a consent agreement whereby he represented that he did not dispute the allegations in the petition appealing the issuance of such permits, and consented to the issuance of an order cancelling such permits. Mr. Moorman then went to the county and withdrew such permit and applied for a refund on it. The very next day, Mr. Moorman submitted a permit application, identical to the one that had been appealed, which resulted in the permit at issue in this proceeding, Considering the proof, it is apparent that Mr. Moorman knew some applications were not being caught by the Department, and was hoping that his new application would likewise escape scrutiny. Mr. Moorman was not, however, so fortunate, and his suggestion that he was in any manner misled by the Department is not credible.


APPENDIX


The Department's proposed findings of fact are addressed as follows:


  1. Addressed in paragraphs 3 and 12.

  2. Addressed in paragraphs 1 and 2.

3-5. Addressed in paragraphs 3-5 and footnote 6.

  1. Addressed in paragraphs 3, 6 and 7.

  2. Addressed in paragraphs 3, 10 and 11.

  3. Addressed in paragraphs 3, 8 and 9.

  4. To the extent necessary, addressed in paragraphs 23 and 24.

  5. Addressed in paragraph 15.

11-13. Addressed in paragraphs 12 and 13, otherwise unnecessary detail.

14. Addressed in paragraphs 23 and 24, otherwise unnecessary detail.

Copies furnished:


Katherine Castor, Esquire Department of Community Affairs 2740 Centerview Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100


David Maloney, Esquire Assistant General Counsel Office of the Governor The Capitol, Room 209

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001


James and Kathryn Daniels Route 3, Box 297

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


Your Local Fence, Inc. Post Office Box 1720

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


Theodore W. Herzog, Esquire 618 Whitehead Street

Key West, Florida 33040


Charles and Kathleen Moorman Route 3, Box 439

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


Randy Ludacer, Esquire Monroe County Attorney

310 Fleming Street

Key West, Florida 33040


Nicholas and Jean Hornbacher Route 3, Box 223E

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


Raymond and Rosemarie McRae Route 3, Box 283F

Big Pine Key, Florida 33043


Jack Osterholt, Director

South Florida Regional Planning Council Suite 140

3400 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, Florida 33021


Douglas M. Cook, Secretary Florida Land and Water

Adjudicatory Commission Executive Office of the Governor The Capitol, PL-05

Tallahassee, Florida 32399 Copies furnished continued:

Mr. Bob Herman

Monroe County Growth Management Division Public Service Building

Wing III

5100 Junior College Road West Stock Island

Key West, Florida 33040 Linda Shelley, Secretary

Department of Community Affairs 2740 Centerview Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100

488-8466


G. Steven Pfeiffer General Counsel

Department of Community Affairs 2740 Centerview Drive

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100


NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS:


All parties have the right to submit written exceptions to this Recommended Order. All agencies allow each party at least 10 days in which to submit written exceptions. Some agencies allow a larger period within which to submit written exceptions. You should contact the agency that will issue the final order in this case concerning agency rules on the deadline for filing exceptions to this Recommended Order. Any exceptions to this Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that will issue the final order in this case.


Docket for Case No: 91-004110DRI
Issue Date Proceedings
Oct. 21, 1992 3DCA Order filed. (Appellant`s Motion for Extension of time granted)
Oct. 20, 1992 Motion for Extension of Time to File Brief filed. (from T W Herzog)
Sep. 08, 1992 (Respondents) Motion to Stay Final Order filed.
Aug. 17, 1992 3DCA Case No. 3-92-1785 filed.
Aug. 17, 1992 AGENCY APPEAL, ONCE THE RETENTION SCHEDULE OF -KEEP ONE YEAR AFTER CLOSURE- IS MET, CASE FILE IS RETURNED TO AGENCY GENERAL COUNSEL. -ac
Jul. 10, 1992 Final Order filed.
May 14, 1992 (ltr form) Exceptions to Recommended Order filed. (From Nicholas and Jean Hornbacher)
Apr. 30, 1992 Recommended Order sent out. CASE CLOSED. Hearing held 02/06/92.
Mar. 13, 1992 Department of Community Affairs Proposed Recommended Order filed.
Mar. 09, 1992 Notice of Filing Transcript w/Transcript filed. (From Theodore W. Herzog)
Feb. 24, 1992 Deposition of Ken Brian Metcalf filed.
Feb. 07, 1992 (DCA) Notice of Taking Deposition filed.
Feb. 06, 1992 CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
Jan. 29, 1992 (Petitioner) Motion to Take Official Notice filed.
Jan. 29, 1992 Department of Community Affairs` Notice of Filing Respondents Nicholas Hornbacher and Jean Hornbacher Responses to Department`s first Set of Interrogatories filed.
Jan. 29, 1992 Department of Community Affairs` Request to Produce; Department of Community Affairs` Interrogs. to Respondent Kathryn Daniels; Department of Community Affairs` Request for Admissions to Respondent Kathryn Daniels; Department of Community Affairs` Reque
Jan. 29, 1992 Department of Community Affairs' Notice of Filing Respondents James Daniels and Kathryn Daniels Responses to Department's lst Set of Interrogs, Request for Admissions, and Requests to Produce; Department of Community Affairs' Interrogs to Respondent Jam
Jan. 24, 1992 Department of Community Affairs` Motion to Compel Discovery filed.
Jan. 15, 1992 Order sent out. (RE: Rulings on Motions).
Dec. 30, 1991 Department of Community Affairs Request for Admissions to Respondent Charles Moorman filed.
Dec. 30, 1991 Department of Community Affairs Request for Admissions to Respondent Kathleen Moorman filed.
Nov. 27, 1991 Response to Initial Order (filed in DOAH Case No. 91-7300) filed.
Nov. 26, 1991 Notice of Service of Petitioners` First Set of Interrogs. to Respondent Kathleen Moorman; Department of Community Affairs` First Set of Interrogs. to Respondent Kathleen Moorman; Department of Community Affairs` Request to Produce to Respondent Charlie
Nov. 26, 1991 Notice of Service of Petitioner's Request for Admissions; Department of Community Affairs' Request for Admissions to Respondent Charles Moorman; Notice of Service of Petitioners' First Set of Interrogs. to Respondent Chales Moorman; Department of Commun
Nov. 26, 1991 Notice of Service of Petitioner`s Request for Admissions; Department of Community Affairs` Request for Admissions to Respondent Kathleen Moorman filed.
Nov. 22, 1991 Order of Consolidation and Notice of Hearing (set for 2/6/91; 8:30am;Key West) sent out. (91-4110DRI, 91-5966DRI, 91-5968DRI, 91-6603DRI and 91-7300 are consolidated).
Nov. 01, 1991 Order to Show Cause sent out.
Nov. 01, 1991 (Petitioner) Motion to Consolidate (with DOAH Case No/s. 91-6603DRI, 91-5966DRI & 91-5968DRI) filed.
Oct. 25, 1991 (Respondents) Amended Notice of Demand for Formal Hearing filed.
Oct. 18, 1991 Order Granting Continuance and Rescheduling Hearing sent out. (hearing rescheduled for Feb. 6, 1992; 8:30am; Key West.
Oct. 15, 1991 (Respondents) Motion for Continuance filed.
Oct. 11, 1991 Amended Notice of Hearing sent out. (hearing set for Oct 21-22, 1991;Key West)
Oct. 03, 1991 (DCA) Notice of Additional Counsel filed. (From Katherine Castor)
Aug. 06, 1991 Order Requiring Prehearing Stipulation sent out.
Aug. 06, 1991 Notice of Hearing sent out. (hearing set for Oct. 21-22, 1991; 1:00pm on the first day, 9:00am on the second day; Key West).
Jul. 11, 1991 Department of Community Affairs` Petition for Appeal of Development Order w/Composite Exhibit A&B filed. (From Sherry A. Spiers)
Jul. 09, 1991 Notification card sent out.
Jul. 02, 1991 Agency referral letter; Notice of Appeal; Department of Community Affairs Petition for Appeal of Development Order; Consent to Entry of Final Order; Petition of the Department of Community Affairs for Appeal of Permits; Notice of Filing Proof of Service r

Orders for Case No: 91-004110DRI
Issue Date Document Summary
Jul. 08, 1992 Agency Final Order
Apr. 30, 1992 Recommended Order Fence permits issued by Monroe County in Big Pine Key area of critical concern inconsistant with Monroe County and development regulations.
Source:  Florida - Division of Administrative Hearings

Can't find what you're looking for?

Post a free question on our public forum.
Ask a Question
Search for lawyers by practice areas.
Find a Lawyer