Planning commission recommends rezoning for Habitat for Humanity restore at 210 South Palm Avenue

The Putnam County Planning Commission recommended approval of a zoning map amendment that would allow Putnam County Habitat for Humanity to open a secondhand store and office at 210 South Palm Avenue.

Planning staff presented REZ25-000005, describing the subject parcel as 1.21 acres with a future land‑use designation of Urban Service and roughly 200 feet of frontage on South Palm Avenue. Michael Graves, planning and development services, said the parcel is currently split between Commercial Neighborhood (C-1) and Residential 1A (R-1A) zoning and that the applicant seeks Commercial Retail (C-2) zoning to permit the proposed reuse. Graves said GIS layers show no FEMA flood zone or National Wetlands on the site and that, if approved, the project would be subject to Development Review Committee (DRC) review before any permits are issued.

The rezoning drew questions from commissioners about adjacent city zoning and annexation. Commissioner Morris asked whether the municipal boundary on the map indicated the adjacent property’s zoning. "It says on the zoning map there that it's municipal boundary, but do we even know what the zoning is to the south what the adjacent zoning corresponds from the city?" Morris asked. Graves replied that the adjoining property to the south is commercial and said the parcel sits next to a bank and within an enclave annexed by the city of Palatka, adding that the city has allowed a connection to city utilities for the area but does not intend to annex the parcel "at this time."

No members of the public spoke for or against the request. One commission member moved to recommend approval; another seconded the motion. Hafner recused himself from the discussion and vote because of his membership in the applicant organization. Chair Hancock called for a voice vote; the chair noted the vote was unanimous in favor among voting members and the commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action at its May 14, 2025 meeting.

Staff recommended approval, stating the proposed rezoning is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of the adopted comprehensive plan and meets the locational requirements for the C-2 zoning district in the Putnam County Land Development Code. The commission did not set conditions beyond normal DRC review and permitting.

The item concluded with the chair thanking Habitat for Humanity for its work in Putnam County and wishing the organization success with the proposed restore.