Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission Vision 2050 Workshop - February 9, 2026

The Ocala Planning and Zoning Commission met on February 9, 2026, at 10:30 AM to conduct a workshop on the draft Vision 2050 plan. The meeting included a roll call (seven members present, quorum achieved), approval of minutes, withdrawal of a rezoning case, and a detailed presentation on the city's long-term vision. Board members provided feedback and posed questions regarding urban form opportunities, annexation, mobility fees, parking, and digital infrastructure.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Motion carried unanimously to approve the previous meeting's minutes (all members voted aye).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Case EON 25-0017 Rezoning Withdrawal: The applicant requested withdrawal of the rezoning case before the meeting, confirmed in writing. No further action was taken.
• Vision 2050 Workshop Presentation: Growth Management Director Jeff Rum, Planning Director Aubrey Hale, Chief Planner Indira Matt Rivera, and consultant Ali Palmer (Kimley Horn) presented the draft Vision 2050 plan. Key points:
  • The plan builds upon the Ocala Vision 2035 foundation and incorporates community feedback from over 1,000 participants, 23 outreach sessions, and surveys.
  • Population projected to grow 31% by 2050, reaching approximately 92,000 residents within city limits.
  • Urban 3 analysis showed 11% vacant land, 23% exempt properties citywide, and 53% exempt properties downtown, limiting tax revenue.
  • Four citywide building blocks: land use/housing, mobility/connectivity, public/open space, and gateways.
  • Action items include unified land development code, mobility fee transition, in-fill development incentives, CRA investments, and potential annexation evaluations.
  • Urban form opportunities (blue dots on map) target areas for form-based codes to allow higher density/intensity, especially along I-75 and SR 200 corridors.
  • Focus areas: East Ocala, High-Intensity Central Core, West Ocala, and Airport.
• Board Questions and Feedback:
  • Commissioner sought clarification on urban form opportunities; staff explained form-based codes and context-sensitive design.
  • Commissioner asked about annexation locations; staff noted winding oaks as a recent large annexation and emphasized ROI analysis.
  • Commissioner inquired about mobility fee transition; staff explained it provides flexibility for transit and bike/pedestrian improvements.
  • Commissioner suggested incorporating Ocala fiber network build-out strategy into the vision.
  • Commissioner raised parking concerns for North Magnolia and downtown; staff noted parking studies and master plan updates (Tuscawilla, midtown, downtown) will inform future decisions.

Key Outcomes

• The Vision 2050 draft was presented as a working document; no formal vote was taken.
• Staff will present the draft to City Council at a workshop on February 10, 2026, for input.
• Board members were encouraged to provide additional feedback via email.
• Next steps include adoption of the vision, comprehensive plan amendment, land development regulation updates, and updating study area plans (e.g., downtown master plan, Tuscawilla master plan).