Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - January 12, 2026
Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - January 12, 2026
The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission met on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The commission considered two conceptual subdivision plans and two rezoning requests, along with routine administrative items. All actions are advisory to the City Council. Key topics included a 97‑lot single‑family subdivision (Puravida), a 150‑unit townhouse subdivision (West Oak), a rezoning for multifamily near NE 14th Street, and a rezoning for light industrial on West Silver Springs Boulevard.
Consent Calendar
- Proof of Publication: Acknowledged that the public meeting notice was posted at City Hall and published in the Ocala Gazette on December 26, 2025.
- Approval of Minutes: The November 10, 2025 meeting minutes were approved unanimously by roll call vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Gerald Strand (1516 NE 12th Street) spoke during the Puravida subdivision (SUB25‑0006) and the rezoning ZON25‑0016. He expressed opposition to multi‑family development in his neighborhood, citing concerns about property values and neighborhood character. For the subdivision, staff clarified it consists of single‑family detached homes, not multi‑family. For the rezoning, he reiterated his opposition to multifamily.
Discussion Items
- Puravida Conceptual Subdivision (SUB25‑0006): Staff presented a proposal for 97 single‑family residential lots on 25.99 acres. The plan complies with the approved Planned Development (PD) standards. Traffic generation was under 100 peak trips, so a full traffic impact analysis was not required. Public comment was heard. The board clarified the project is single‑family detached. Motion to approve carried unanimously (7‑0).
- West Oak Townhouses Conceptual Subdivision (SUB25‑0002): Staff presented a proposal for 150 single‑family lots (townhouses) on 17.83 acres, also under PD zoning. Stormwater and roads will be maintained by the HOA; water/sewer by the city after a one‑year period. Approval is subject to the City Council’s concurrent approval of a concurrency development agreement. The item was added to the agenda the same day; board member Campbell noted the unusual timing. The petitioner was absent. Motion to approve carried unanimously (7‑0).
- Rezoning ZON25‑0016 (1400 block NE 14th Street): Request to rezone 2.26 acres from RO (Residential Office) and R‑1 (Single‑Family Residential) to R‑3 (Multi‑Family Residential). Staff found the proposal consistent with the low‑intensity future land use and noted utilities are available. Maximum density under R‑3 is 18 units per acre (≈40 units maximum). No specific development plan is tied to the rezoning; permitted uses include townhouses, apartments, and certain non‑residential uses. School capacity was confirmed available. Public comment reiterated opposition. Motion to approve carried 6‑1 (Commissioner Jenkins opposed).
- Rezoning ZON25‑0018 (5019 W Silver Springs Blvd): Request to rezone 30.49 acres from PD (Planned Development) to M‑1 (Light Industrial). The property was previously approved for up to 468 multifamily units and 180,991 sq ft of commercial uses. The applicant (Rodney Rogers, representing the owner) stated that the multifamily market has saturated and a commercial truck tire center is interested in the front parcel. The three non‑conforming single‑family residences on the property were recently demolished. Commissioner McDonald recused himself due to a potential conflict of interest. Motion to approve carried 6‑0 (McDonald recused).
- Rezoning ZON25‑0017 (2242 NW 1st Avenue): The applicant requested to postpone this rezoning case to the next regular meeting. The board voted to amend the motion to specify the date of February 9, 2026, and then approved the postponement unanimously.
Key Outcomes
- SUB25‑0006 (Puravida): Approved unanimously. Next step: submittal of improvement plans.
- SUB25‑0002 (West Oak Townhouses): Approved unanimously, subject to City Council approval of the concurrency development agreement.
- ZON25‑0016 (NE 14th St rezoning): Approved 6‑1; recommendation to City Council.
- ZON25‑0018 (W Silver Springs Blvd rezoning): Approved 6‑0 (with one recusal); recommendation to City Council.
- ZON25‑0017 (NW 1st Ave rezoning): Postponed to February 9, 2026.
- Next Meeting: February 9, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic. Of which it stands one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. Maybe seat them. Moving on to the agenda item one B. Can you please call the roll? Mr. Martin. Here. Mr. Branson. Here. Mr. Kerlock. Here. Mr. Jenkins. Here. Mr. McDonald should be here soon. Okay. Mr. London. Here. Mr. Lopez. Here. Ms. Campbell? Here. We have a quorum. Thank you. Moving on to agenda item one C, the agenda notes. Cases heard by the planning and zoning commission will be presented to City Council in accordance with the schedule provided after each case in the agenda. Please note that city council meetings will begin at 4 p.m. Um moving on to agenda item number two, the proof of publication. Can you please read it? It was acknowledged that a public notice public meeting notice was posted at City Hall and published in the Ocala Gazette on December 26, 2025. Thank you. On to agenda number three, the approval of minutes to have a motion for approval. So woo. Second. Okay. Can you please call rule? Yes. Mr. Carlot. Aye.
openpublica.com