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Commissioners approve Songer Trust rezoning to allow 1.13-acre split despite neighbor concerns
Summary
The board approved a land-use and zoning change to let a family split a 1.13-acre parcel for a second home; the decision drew a 4-1 vote and extended discussion about preserving agricultural character and alternative options such as guest houses or accessory dwelling units.
Brevard County commissioners approved two companion requests April 3 to change future land use and zoning on property owned by the Songer family, allowing a 1.13-acre split for an additional home. The two votes passed 4-1; Commissioner Delaney voted no on both items.
Thomas Songer spoke for the applicants and said the request was driven by family medical needs and the desire to live near his mother, who has owned the property for decades. Neighbors and Commissioner Delaney expressed concerns that approving small-lot splits in an agricultural area could set a precedent that erodes the long-term rural character of the Hogg Valley area.
The applications were recorded as a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment (application 24SS00020) to change future land use from agricultural to RES-1 and a zoning change (application 24Z0070) from AU and RR MH-1 to RR MH-1. Songer told commissioners the split request covered about 1.13 acres and that wetland delineations limit other development on the larger parcel.
Commissioner Delaney said she was “nervous if we keep chopping up this land that it’s gonna turn into Canal Groves,” citing campaign promises to keep the area rural. She asked staff about alternatives, including a guest house and accessory dwelling unit options. Planning staff said a guest house without a kitchen could be allowed under current density rules at about 700 square feet; an accessory dwelling unit or architecturally integrated second‑kitchen facility could be allowed if it meets county code (staff referenced a county-code provision for integrated units).
Neighbors, including Tony Cook who lives adjacent to the proposed split, described decades on the property and urged preservation of the land. In response, applicants said wetland boundaries and existing parcel designations limit other development and that part of the parcel is already designated RR MH-1 on county maps.
Commissioner Atkinson moved to approve H7 (plan amendment) and Commissioner Goodson seconded; the roll call was Goodson Yes, Atkinson Yes, Altman Yes, Feltner Yes, Delaney No. The board took a separate vote on H8 (zoning classification) with the same 4-1 tally.
Board members discussed the possibility of waiving fees or offering alternatives, but planning staff said while the board could waive fees, it cannot change the underlying submittal requirements such as survey and advertisement timelines without reinitiating a new application cycle.
The approvals allow the Songer family to proceed with the 1.13-acre split; staff and the applicants noted wetlands and other constraints will limit further subdivision of adjacent land.
