LDC Chair Tillman Addresses Significant Change in Marion County Lot Grading Plans

The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on September 3, 2025, to discuss an ordinance aimed at amending the Marion County Land Development Code. This meeting was the second of two public hearings on the matter, focusing on significant changes to lot grading plans.

David Tillman, chair of the Land Development Code (LDC), opened the discussion by highlighting a crucial change in the proposed ordinance. He noted that the minimum lot size had shifted from 75 feet to 85 feet. Tillman emphasized that this alteration was significant, as it would impact a larger number of unbuilt lots in Marion County. He explained that the original 75-foot requirement had been thoroughly vetted through community discussions and consultations with the Builders Association and the Road Builders Association.

Tillman pointed out that the previous standard of 75 feet affected very few lots, but increasing the requirement to 85 feet would necessitate professional surveys for many more properties. This change raised concerns about the implications for future development and the potential challenges it could pose for builders and landowners in the area.

The meeting proceeded with further discussions on the ordinance, but the primary focus remained on the implications of the lot size increase. The commissioners and attendees engaged in a dialogue about the potential effects on the community and the development landscape in Marion County.

In conclusion, the public hearing underscored the importance of the proposed amendments to the Land Development Code, particularly the shift in lot grading requirements. The board is expected to consider the feedback received during the hearings before making a final decision on the ordinance.