Planning commission approves multiple zoning changes in Putnam County

The Putnam County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss several significant zoning and land use amendments that could impact local development and community planning. The meeting, led by Planning and Development Services representative Zachary Baker, highlighted three key cases that received unanimous support from the Planning Commission earlier in January.

The first case involved a request from Robin Matthews to rezone a 0.85-acre parcel located at 135 Finney Trailer Park Road in Palatka from a Residential Mobile Home Park (RMH) designation to Residential 2. This change is necessary as the property currently houses a single-family residence that does not conform to the RMH zoning. The staff recommended approval, noting that the amendment aligns with the Putnam County comprehensive plan's goals and objectives. The board voted in favor of the rezone, allowing the property owner to maintain their residence under the new zoning classification.

Next, the Jones family sought amendments for a 6-acre parcel on County Road 308 in Crescent City, requesting changes to both the future land use and zoning designations from Agriculture Estate to Agricultural. This property, which includes special flood hazard areas and jurisdictional wetlands, will need to comply with FEMA regulations if the amendments are approved. The board also unanimously supported this request, emphasizing its consistency with local development codes.

Lastly, a proposal from Kathleen Weaver and others aimed to rezone a 2.22-acre parcel at 921 South Moody Road in Palatka from Agriculture to Commercial Neighborhood (C1) for the establishment of a dance studio. The site is strategically located near existing commercial and multifamily developments, making it a suitable candidate for commercial use. The board approved this request as well, recognizing its alignment with the comprehensive plan.

Overall, the meeting underscored the BOCC's commitment to facilitating responsible development in Putnam County while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The unanimous support for these amendments reflects a proactive approach to managing land use and zoning in a way that meets community needs and fosters growth. As these projects move forward, they will be subject to further review by development committees to ensure adherence to all applicable regulations.