Submitted By: Emily W. Johnson
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Presentation By: Emily W. Johnson
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Public Hearing to amend the code of ordinances permitted uses of the M-1, Light Industrial, zoning district to include Churches/Places of Worship on major and minor arterial roadways subject to supplemental regulations (COD25-0003).
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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* Applicant: A Plus Homes Inc.
* Agent: James W. Gooding, III, Gooding and Batsel, PLLC
BACKGROUND:
The applicant owns property along SW 17th Street (SR 464) and initially inquired about a rezoning to allow a church/place of worship or a medical/dental office. However, the surrounding area between US 441 and SW 19th Avenue Road is industrial and a part of the Ocala Industrial Park. An alternate zoning district would raise the question of compatibility with the surrounding area. The applicant elected to amend the code to allow greater flexibility. Their agent subsequently prepared an amendment to the Code of Ordinances requesting to amend the permitted uses of the M-1, Light Industrial, zoning district to include church/place of worship and medical/dental offices on major and minor arterial roadway uses.
Review of the code amendment request by staff discovered that the definition of medical and dental laboratories (currently a permitted principal use in the M-1 zoning district) encompasses medical and dental offices. Staff notified the applicant that this request was unnecessary and recommended removal from the proposed amendment, while also noting concerns with the introduction of heavy pedestrian activity within a light industrial zoning district, traffic circulation and parking demands associated with churches and places of worship. The applicant's agent provided an updated amendment, which is being presented that addresses considerations for location and special exce...
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