Southern Valley Homes seeks rezoning for new agricultural commercial market

The Hernando County Planning & Zoning Commission convened on June 9, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning petition from Southern Valley Homes. The proposal seeks to change the zoning designation from Agricultural Residential (AR 2) to Agricultural Commercial (AC) for a site intended for an open-air farmer's market.

The petitioner aims to develop the site in phases, allowing local vendors to sell agricultural products and equipment. The revised master plan includes pavilions and parking, designed to integrate with the surrounding agricultural landscape. However, county staff expressed concerns that the proposed agricultural commercial designation might be too intense for the area, recommending instead a Planned Development Project Rural (PDP Rural) designation with specific permitted uses, including a produce market, dry goods store, and garden supply nursery.

Key requirements for the project include coordination with the Department of Public Works for a traffic analysis and compliance with the Florida Department of Health for an on-site sewage treatment system, as utilities are not available on-site. The surrounding area is primarily zoned AR 2, and the staff's recommendation aims to ensure that the development aligns with the existing community character.

During the meeting, the petitioner presented a detailed plan, addressing previous concerns about environmental impacts and parking. The plan includes provisions for adequate parking and measures to mitigate any potential effects on nearby natural springs. Public comments raised questions about parking capacity and the environmental implications of the proposed septic system.

After deliberation, the commission voted unanimously to approve the project, incorporating conditions to ensure that the architectural design reflects a rural aesthetic, enhancing compatibility with the surrounding area. The approval marks a step forward for local agriculture and small business development in Hernando County.