Planning commission recommends PUD for Jenkins Auto Group expansion in Homosassa

The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission on Sept. 17 recommended that the Board of County Commissioners approve a Planned Unit Development request to expand an existing auto dealership on South Suncoast Boulevard in Homosassa.

Applicant representatives told the commission the renovation converts a long‑standing building to a Hyundai franchise, adds a service lane and reconfigures parking and stormwater infrastructure. Rob Bridal, representing the applicant, emphasized the project reuses an existing footprint and preserves mature vegetation: "we're gonna be able to preserve 15 of the 17 specimen trees," he said. Staff and the applicant agreed most technical issues (stormwater, permits) will be addressed in the permitting stage.

Why it matters: The site is in the Coastal High Hazard Area and includes a roughly 5.03‑acre wooded parcel that staff said contributes environmental sensitivity to the application. Commissioners negotiated conditions intended to protect neighbors and natural resources while allowing the applicant to proceed with a renovation rather than new construction.

The commission added a condition requiring landscaping be provided according to the master plan submitted 08/28/2026 and specified a 6‑foot opaque vinyl fence where the project abuts low‑density residential zoning. Staff said those conditions — and the stipulation that preserved buffers are part of the PUD — will be enforced through the PUD process and code enforcement if altered in the future. The application is scheduled for the Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 26 for final action.

Quotes and next steps: "When we looked at this plan...they are offering natural buffering that exceeds what's required by code," County planner Frank Piland told the board in his analysis. The PDC's recommendation and the conditions will be forwarded as the county considers the formal site rezoning and any subsequent permits.