In a recent government meeting, the board discussed a special use permit request from Melba Rodriguez to keep two horses on her 0.49-acre property, which is zoned for single-family residential use (R1). The request arose due to an active code enforcement case, as horses were already present on the property without the necessary permit.

Staff raised concerns regarding the property's insufficient open pasture area, which does not meet the land development code requirements. For two horses, a minimum of 15,000 square feet of pasture is needed, but the available area is only about 10,000 square feet after accounting for structures and fencing. Staff noted that while the property could accommodate one horse, it fell short for two.

Despite these concerns, the planning and zoning board voted 4-3 in favor of the permit, contingent upon specific conditions, including the applicant's responsibility for animal waste removal. Rodriguez argued that her horses are show animals and do not require as much space as typical livestock, citing their exercise routine and the therapeutic benefits they provide, particularly for her nephews with autism.

The board also heard from Justin McClure, an investigator from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, who supported staff's recommendation against the permit due to the property's size limitations. He emphasized that the University of Florida recommends 1.5 to 2 acres per horse, further complicating the case for allowing two horses on the property.

The meeting concluded without public opposition, and the board will consider the conditions set forth before making a final decision on the permit.