Commissioners Review R4 Zoning Change for Lake Weir Subdivision Parcel

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 18, 2025, to discuss a zoning application concerning a parcel located south of Lake Weir, within the Starland subdivision. The meeting focused on a proposal to rezone the property from a split classification of R-1 and R-4 to entirely R-4, which would allow for the placement of mobile homes.

The staff presented the case, noting that the parcel is situated in an environmentally sensitive overlay zone and outside the urban growth boundary. The existing zoning allows for site-built homes and modular buildings, while the proposed R-4 zoning would permit manufactured and mobile homes. Staff recommended approval of the rezoning, stating that it aligns with the Marion County comprehensive plan and is compatible with the surrounding residential area.

The applicants, Ashley and her husband, expressed their desire to change the zoning to facilitate the placement of a mobile home on the property. They explained that they were initially misled about the zoning status when purchasing the land and emphasized the need for a driveway and a home that would be discreetly located among existing mobile homes.

Public comments were also heard during the meeting. Rebecca Hurrell, a neighboring property owner, raised concerns about the existing conditions in the area, citing the presence of dilapidated mobile homes and the need for better regulation. She argued that the area is already impacted and questioned whether the proposed zoning change would exacerbate the situation. Hurrell requested that the board consider tabling the application for further research, as she believed not all neighbors had been adequately informed about the proposal.

Commissioners engaged in a discussion about the implications of the zoning change, clarifying that the application pertains only to the specific parcel in question and does not automatically extend to surrounding properties. One commissioner noted that improving the property with a new mobile home could potentially lead to better oversight of the area.

The meeting concluded with no immediate decision made, as the board considered the various perspectives presented. The next steps regarding the application will be determined in future sessions, as the commissioners weigh the community's input against the proposed development.