Board grants water‑connection waiver, approves buffer and PUD changes in planning session

During the Planning & Zoning session the board handled multiple land‑use requests and waivers. Utilities Director Tony Cunningham described a water‑connection waiver request in Ocala Waterway Estates: the required extension cost was estimated at about $58,000 to serve three lots. Applicant David Labby said the fee created a financial hardship; commissioners approved a waiver that allows the property owner to build without immediate connection, conditioned on future connection if a well fails or at time of well replacement, and noting planned road work that will relocate water mains within about a year.

Growth Services staff presented a buffer compliance issue at Southern Oaks RV Resort where a 2003 approval required a 25‑ft buffer and 6‑ft privacy fence; unpermitted sheds and other encroachments had accumulated. Neighbor Robert Gagnon told the board he preferred a practical solution; the applicant agreed to install an 8‑foot fence along the property line rather than a dirt berm to achieve effective screening. The board approved the 8‑foot fence option and instructed staff to carry conditions to the Board of Adjustment where needed for remaining setbacks.

A PUD modification (Liberty Triangle / case 260908ZP) was discussed and amended with conditions. The applicant proposed reducing approved entitlements from 621 units (including multifamily) to 337 detached single‑family lots, relocating amenities and adjusting certain buffers. Staff and the applicant agreed to revisions addressing driveway/parking dimensions, buffer details, and accessory‑structure setback parity; the board approved the modification with the conditions outlined by staff.