Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – May 26, 2026

The Ocala Planning & Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board considered two quasi-judicial items: a petition to annex approximately 82.40 acres at 5575 SW 52nd Street (Case ANX26-0001) and a companion future land use change from High Residential (County) to Low Intensity (City) (Case LUC26-0001). Both items were approved unanimously with conditions. Public comments raised concerns about density, former mining operations, and infrastructure capacity. The board also discussed the role of school capacity data in land use decisions and agreed to schedule a future workshop on the topic.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the March 9, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0) and the May 11, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Danielle Dovratz (Grace Hill Farm, 4750 SW 51st Street Road) expressed concern about the density of 590 homes on the property, noting that open space is disappearing and that townhomes are already being built across the street. She questioned the safety of building on former mining land.
• Marsha Armstrong (5765 SW 52nd Street) stated the land is a "mess" from mining and questioned how 590 homes could be built safely. She also noted that 300 apartments and 60 townhomes are under construction across the street and that infrastructure is struggling to keep pace.
• Grace Hill Farm owner (4750 SW 51st Terrace Road) raised concern about a 15-foot drop at the property line due to past mining and asked how the boundary between her property and the development would be managed.

Discussion Items

• Annexation (ANX26-0001) & Land Use Change (LUC26-0001) – Presentation by Aubrey Hale (Planning Director) and David Sabalon (Planner II)
  • The petitioner is Ocala 52 Partners; agent is Tillman and Associates Engineering.
  • The 82.40-acre parcel is contiguous to city limits; annexation would not create new enclaves.
  • The developer seeks city utilities; a fiscal impact analysis shows a net positive annual return to the city.
  • No level-of-service or capacity issues were identified, but sanitary sewer connection requires a private easement to Four Ranch.
  • The requested Low Intensity future land use allows 3–18 units per acre residential and up to 0.75 FAR commercial. The proposed Planned Development (PD) calls for 590 units (≈7.2 units/acre).
  • Staff recommended approval with conditions: existing agricultural use must cease within one year; existing structures/septic system must be removed; connection to city utilities required upon development.
• School Capacity Discussion
  • Commissioner MacDonald asked about school capacity. Staff reported that elementary (Saddlewood) and middle schools are under capacity, but West Port High School is over capacity. The project would generate 41 high school students; development impact fees would offset costs.
  • Director Jeff Shrum reminded the board that school capacity data is provided as background only and should not form the basis of a decision. The board requested a legal workshop on this issue, to be scheduled for June 8 or July 2026.
• Board Comments
  • Several commissioners expressed interest in understanding the legal limitations on using school capacity data in land use decisions. Planning staff agreed to prepare a workshop presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Annexation ANX26-0001 with staff conditions passed unanimously (7-0).
• Motion to approve Land Use Change LUC26-0001 (Low Intensity) passed unanimously (7-0).
• Next Meeting: June 8, 2026.
• Action Item: Planning staff and legal counsel to prepare a workshop on the appropriate use of school capacity data in quasi-judicial decisions, to be presented at a future meeting (target June 8 or July 2026).