Commission reviews multiple annexations and PUD rezoning requests, including two large mixed-use and residential projects

The commission heard staff presentations and held first- and second-reading actions on several annexation and rezoning requests that together would add substantial residential and mixed-use development in the western and southern parts of the city.

24.43-acre PUD (Dilley Lake area): City staff described an annexation and small-plan PUD on approximately 24.43 acres west of U.S. 27 and north of the Florida Turnpike proposing up to 300 multifamily units (three stories max) and a commercial parcel along U.S. 27 (maximum building up to 10,000 square feet but conceptual plan currently shows ~6,000). The PUD requires 35% open space, a 25-foot perimeter buffer, a full earthen berm and landscaping along U.S. 27, dark-sky lighting and monument signage (25-foot max height), on-site recreation (minimum 1.4 acres for pool, clubhouse, playground, dog park), and phasing/expiration clauses requiring substantial commencement within 48 months or reversion to RE-1 zoning. Planning staff said density is roughly 13 to 14 units per acre; the planning commission recommended approval.

Kalos PUD (~90.28 acres): A proposal from Kalos Services would annex and rezone about 90.28 acres west of U.S. 27 and south of the Turnpike to planned unit development for a mixed-use site anchored by a 15,000-square-foot training center, 16,000-square-foot office building, and 32 apartment units in two buildings. Kalos told staff it employs about 300 people locally and said the project would add at least 50 jobs to Leesburg. The PUD relies on existing wetlands as natural buffers, prohibits disturbance of wetlands, requires dark-sky lighting, and would be served by city water and sewer; planning commission recommended approval.

Oak Ridge / large PUD (first reading): Planning staff presented a first reading on a 596.29-acre annexation and PUD rezoning east of County Road 48 and south of the Turnpike that would allow up to 910 single-family attached and detached units (642 detached; 268 villa/duplex units), required lot sizes and minimum home sizes, a minimum 35% open space (applicant proposes ~70% preserved open space), trails, boardwalks and wetland preservation/creation, and 4.18 acres of on-site recreation (pool, cabana, playground, dog park). Access improvements, required turn lanes and interconnectivity elements were described as conditions; utility service must be provided by the city. The item was transmitted to the state for review and is scheduled for second reading Oct. 13.

Staff emphasized standard PUD protections (landscaping, berming, signage controls, dark-sky lighting, on-site recreation and phasing clauses). Commissioners asked clarifying questions about densities, signage heights and recreation allocations. Several items were approved on the consent agenda or moved forward on first reading as noted in meeting minutes.