Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - March 9, 2026

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission met on March 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting included the election of officers, approval of minutes, two major rezoning cases (PD25-0001 and PD25-0007), a discussion on Vision 2050, and public comments. Both rezoning cases were approved, one with a 4-1 vote and the other unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission unanimously approved the February 9, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Kevin Lopez was elected Chairman and Tamboura Jenkins was elected Vice Chairman for the upcoming term.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Regarding PD25-0001 (KAS Ocala SR): Mary Fraser (9820 SW 89th Terrace) expressed strong opposition, stating the development would destroy Ocala's natural beauty and that the city is "destroying your community." She criticized the lack of environmental consideration and questioned FDOT's role.
• Regarding PD25-0007 (Mockingbird Ridge): Nedumportakeli Temperlay (4552 SW Preservator) voiced concerns about increased noise, traffic, and declining property values. He requested a strong sound barrier and safety wall to mitigate impacts on his home adjacent to the project.

Discussion Items

• PD25-0001 (KAS Ocala SR): The Commission considered rezoning approximately 251.09 acres (parcels 23812-001-00 and 2380-000-001) from PUD-06 and OP to PD, and approving the associated PD Plan and Standards Book. Staff (Emily Johnson) presented the proposal for a mixed-use development with up to 595,683 sq ft of commercial/retail/office/recreational space and a maximum of 860 residential units—a reduction from the prior PUD allowance of 1,260 units. Applicant Fred Roberts highlighted community feedback that led to converting multi-family along the northern boundary to single-family and adding a 6-foot opaque fence along the Bear Track subdivision, along with a 30-foot undisturbed buffer. The Commission discussed school capacity, traffic access, and a 100-foot building height variance (for commercial areas). A motion to approve carried 4-1 (Member Jenkins dissenting), with conditions including updating the PD plan and standards book to reflect the fence and buffer, plus all staff-recommended conditions.
• PD25-0007 (Mockingbird Ridge): The Commission considered rezoning approximately 283.55 acres (parcels 23875-000-01 and 35364-000-00) west of I-75 and north of SW 66th Street from PUD-02 to PD, and approving the PD Plan and Standards Book for 592 single-family residential units. Staff (Emily Johnson) explained the property is part of the Heathbrook DRI with prior entitlements. The proposed density (2.1 du/ac) and 25% open space (70.59 acres) were consistent with the DRI. Applicant Fred Roberts noted the rezoning reactivates a lapsed PUD. Public comment raised noise and value concerns. The Commission unanimously approved with staff conditions.
• Vision 2050 Update: Planning Director Aubrey Hale provided an update on the Vision 2050 comprehensive plan amendment, noting it will return to the P&Z in April for a recommendation and to City Council in May. Commissioners encouraged language emphasizing vertical growth, density to reduce sprawl, and coordination with the county’s comprehensive plan. The discussion highlighted that concentrated development can reduce traffic and preserve open space.

Key Outcomes

• PD25-0001 (KAS Ocala SR) rezoning and PD plan/standards approved (4-1), with additional conditions for a 6-foot opaque fence along the northern boundary and updating the PD documents.
• PD25-0007 (Mockingbird Ridge) rezoning and PD plan/standards approved (unanimous 6-0).
• Election of Chairman (Kevin Lopez) and Vice Chairman (Tamboura Jenkins) confirmed.
• Approval of February 9, 2026 meeting minutes.
• Staff announced a Planning Officials Training Workshop on April 9, 2026, from 8 AM to 4 PM at the County Commission Chambers (2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd).
• Next P&Z meeting: April 13, 2026.