St. Johns County commissioners on Aug. 5 approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and companion rezoning to permit the Schneider Family Campground on about 77 acres along U.S. 1 South, with an added condition limiting park-model units to 25 percent of the site’s units.
The board adopted Ordinance No. 2025-21 (comprehensive plan amendment COMPAMD 2024-03) and Ordinance No. 2025-22 (rezoning REZ 2024-11) after public hearings in which neighbors raised concerns about density, water demand, sewage management, wildfire risk and whether units might be sold or used as second homes.
Attorney James G. Whitehouse, representing the applicant, discussed the park model concept and density limits. County staff and the county attorney clarified regulatory distinctions between park models and recreational vehicles and cited state and federal standards affecting relocation frequency for park models. Growth Management Director Mike Roberson reiterated the County’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the Land Development Code and environmental protections.
Several public commenters opposed the request over density and infrastructure concerns; others supported family-oriented campground use if park models were restricted. After discussion, commissioners adopted the comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning with two conditions, including the added limitation that park models be limited to 25 percent of units on the property.
Motion by Murphy, seconded by Arnold, carried 5–0 to enact Ordinance No. 2025-21 (COMPAMD 2024-03). Motion by Murphy, seconded by Arnold, carried 5–0 to enact Ordinance No. 2025-22 (REZ 2024-11) approving the rezoning based on staff findings and with the two conditions described in the staff report, including the 25 percent park-model condition.