City of Parker Council Addresses Nonconforming Properties and Engineering Costs

PARKER, FL – The City of Parker Council convened on August 5, 2025, tackling pressing community issues, including nonconforming properties, engineering contract concerns, and parking challenges at PEEK Park. Several key decisions were made to address these matters, reflecting the council’s commitment to resolving longstanding issues for residents.

A major focus of the meeting was the city’s land development regulations (LDR) concerning nonconforming properties, particularly duplexes and mobile homes predating 2021-2022 rule changes. Approximately seven properties, including duplexes and a small mobile home park, are affected by regulations that prevent owners from selling or transferring them as multifamily units, requiring conversion to single-family homes upon sale.

Residents voiced concerns about the fairness of these rules, noting that their properties were legally multifamily when purchased.  The council acknowledged potential misinterpretations in the 2021-2022 LDR adoption, which sought to phase out nonconforming uses to align with low-density residential zoning.

Decision: The council agreed to hold a workshop soon to draft revised LDR language, ensuring that nonconforming properties can be sold or transferred as multifamily units if they predate the regulation changes. The goal is to protect property owners’ rights while preventing new multifamily conversions in single-family zones. A 180-day rule, similar to mobile home replacements, was suggested to prevent flipping properties back to multifamily use after conversion to single-family.

The council postponed discussion of a grant-related item due to incomplete documentation from a state grants organization, revealing errors in the meeting packet. This led to a broader critique of the city’s reliance on Anchor Engineering, with council members questioning the firm’s high fees and lack of competitive bidding. Concerns were raised about Anchor’s limited communication with developers, complicating construction processes.

Decision: The council directed staff to research alternative engineering firms under existing continuing contracts and explore competitive bidding options. Staff will confirm whether other firms are available and report back before any paving commitments are made, seeking to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Councilman Chappell highlighted parking congestion at PEEK Park during events, where trailers and vehicles block access to the boat launch and violate fire codes by obstructing the building. The council discussed solutions to prevent such issues while maintaining park accessibility.

Decision: The council agreed to amend rental agreements for PEEK Park, requiring event organizers to direct parking to the nearby sports complex and limiting on-site parking. Signs designating “boaters only” spaces and potential deposits for improper parking were proposed to enforce compliance.

Minutes Correction: The council approved the July 15, 2025, minutes with a correction to attribute an oil container overflow complaint to Mrs. Morris, noting that Public Works promptly resolved the issue.

Surplus Equipment: The council authorized the sale of surplus items, including old equipment and a truck, to clear city inventory.

Community Events: Councilman Chappell announced the second Saturday community yard sale at the sports park pavilion and a pig roast event through September 1, encouraging resident participation.

Public Records Request: Councilwoman Barham reported challenges obtaining complaint records from the State Attorney’s Office, which only provided criminal complaints. She plans to pursue civil complaints, asserting their status as public records.

Watch meeting here: https://www.youtube.com/live/46GfvYWtS_0?si=AswTUZ_VRfFRkpO_