Marion County Staff Recommends Denial of Bellevue Rezoning for 28 Residential Units

In a recent Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, discussions centered around a proposed zoning change for a 13.33-acre parcel located near Bellevue, Florida. The property, currently zoned for general agriculture, is seeking to be rezoned to allow for the development of up to 28 single-family homes. This request has sparked significant debate among commission members and staff, primarily due to concerns about school capacity and access points.

The parcel is situated at the end of Southeast 100 Sixth Place, adjacent to the Green Meadows subdivision, and falls within the urban growth boundary. The intended zoning change aims to facilitate medium residential development, which would reduce the minimum lot size from 10 acres to 7,700 square feet, thanks to connections to central water and sewer systems.

However, staff recommended denial of the request, citing the current utilization rates of local schools, which are nearing or exceeding capacity. Elementary schools in the area are operating at 99% capacity, while middle and high schools are at 110% and 119%, respectively. With no immediate plans for new school facilities, the potential influx of new residents could exacerbate existing overcrowding.

Another critical issue raised was the lack of a second access point for the proposed development. Current regulations require developments with more than 50 lots to provide at least two access points. The applicant argued that their plan for 28 units does not necessitate this requirement, but staff countered that the combined total of existing and proposed homes would exceed the threshold, thus necessitating additional access for safety and traffic management.

The applicant's representative emphasized their commitment to limiting the development to fewer than 30 units and proposed a development agreement to ensure compliance with access requirements. However, staff pointed out that the existing easement intended for secondary access is insufficient in width and does not provide a reliable connection to the necessary roadways.

As the meeting concluded, the commission faced the challenge of balancing the need for residential development with the implications for local infrastructure and community resources. The outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, as the commission deliberates on the potential impact on the Bellevue area and its residents.