Commissioners pause Paddock at Palm City rezoning after access, buffer and public-benefit concerns

The Board of County Commissioners paused consideration of a rezoning request for an 8.6‑acre parcel in Palm City after discussion about driveway placement, right‑of‑way widths, buffers to Danforth Creek and the content and enforceability of proposed public benefits. The applicant sought to rezone from RM‑8 (medium density residential) to a planned unit development (PUD) for 51 two‑story townhomes, six duplex units and one single‑family house, a proposed density of 6.7 units per acre.

The PUD hearing mattered because the PUD would change setback and lot standards that govern where buildings and driveways can be placed, and commissioners and members of the public raised traffic‑safety, stormwater and neighborhood‑compatibility questions. Planning staff and the applicant said the design met comp plan and LPA (local planning agency) conditions but that a final engineering check of the driveway location was needed before the board could conclude whether a variance or an additional public hearing was required.

Planning staff presented the application and noted the property is across from Hidden Oaks Middle School and within walking distance of…