City of Ocala Board of Adjustment Meeting - September 21, 2026

The City of Ocala Board of Adjustment held its first 2026 meeting on September 21, 2026, at 10:30 AM (as per the date provided). The primary agenda item was a special exception application for a professional office use at a historic 1938 residence located at 11 Northwest 56th Street. Staff presented a revised site plan with conditions, and after discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the special exception with a key modification that the approval runs with the land for the same professional office use rather than being limited to the current applicant.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the August 17, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously (motion by Mr. Jergins, seconded, roll call: all present voted yes).
• Proof of publication was acknowledged: public notice posted at City Hall and published in the Ocala Gazette on July 3, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Special Exception Application (LLC) – 11 NW 56th Street
  • Staff Presentation: Indira Madravarin (Growth Management) summarized the revised concept plan. The 1938-built residence would be converted to a professional office. The revised plan relocates six parking spaces (including one ADA) to the southern portion, adds a driveway off Southeast Third Street, extends a pedestrian connection, relocates a sign, and expands landscaping. However, staff noted remaining concerns: the two existing driveways on Sanchez Avenue should be consolidated, and additional screening is needed on the southwestern corner. Staff recommended approval subject to eight conditions, including that the special exception is limited to the applicant and this specific use, that site plan approval be obtained within one year, and various construction and landscaping timelines.
  • Board Discussion:
    • Mr. Carrasco objected to condition #1 that restricts the special exception to the current applicant, arguing that if a subsequent owner uses the property for the same professional office use, they should not have to undergo a new special exception process. He noted that the city does not actively police such conditions.
    • Mr. Hartley and others debated enforcement mechanisms, with Mr. Hartley stating that a condition running with the land provides a tool for future compliance if problems arise. Ms. Gibb and Mr. White joined the discussion.
    • Board members also questioned why the revised plan did not address all staff concerns, and staff clarified that further details would be resolved during the site plan approval process.
  • Applicant Testimony: William Martyr, the property owner, expressed frustration with the lengthy five-month process and high costs (estimated $60,000-$100,000). He stated he owns the adjacent corner and plans a future $10-15 million development with 30 units and commercial space, contingent on form-based code approval. He argued that public street parking should suffice and that the city’s requirements were excessive for an interim use. He noted he would demolish the building for future development.
  • No public comments were offered.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on Special Exception: The board voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the special exception application with the following modifications:
  • Condition #1 was revised to read: “The special exception approval shall run with the land,” meaning it applies to subsequent property owners as long as the use remains a professional office substantially consistent with the concept plan. Staff clarified that future changes of ownership or occupancy would be reviewed for substantial deviations, and if none, a new special exception would not be required.
  • All other recommended conditions from staff were adopted as presented, including requirements for site plan approval within one year, driveway consolidation, landscaping, signage restrictions, and 18-month timelines for building and exterior permits.
• Board Comments: Mr. Carrasco raised a general concern about the city’s lack of routine enforcement of landscaping conditions, citing an example at South State Bank where overgrown shrubs create safety issues. He urged code enforcement to address such problems.
• No applications were scheduled for the October 19, 2026 meeting.