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Council approves small‑scale comprehensive‑plan change to allow three homes on 0.91 acres near golf course
Summary
The council approved a first‑reading, small‑scale amendment to change roughly 0.91 acres on Ponce de Leon Boulevard from recreation open space to low‑density residential, enabling up to three single‑family lots; council preserved buffer strips and the item passed after debate about precedent and park replacement.
On first reading July 21, the Jacksonville Beach City Council voted to amend the future land‑use map for a 0.91‑acre parcel on Ponce de Leon Boulevard from recreation open space to low‑density residential, clearing the way for up to three single‑family lots consistent with RS‑1 zoning.
Planning and development director Heather Ireland and applicant representative Zach Miller told the council the parcel had long been designated ROS (recreation/open space) but has underlying RS‑1 zoning, which allows single‑family homes. Miller said the property was never used as part of the golf course and staff and the applicant agreed to preserve narrow buffer strips on both sides of the new lots to protect neighboring yards and maintain access for golf‑course maintenance.
Miller presented a preliminary lot layout showing three lots ranging from roughly 12,000 to 15,000 square feet and said the applicant reduced the application footprint after meeting extensively with adjacent property owners to address visibility and setback concerns. The planning commission recommended approval.
Several council members asked whether the city would be left without the required replacement of recreation/open space called for by the comprehensive plan policy; staff said they had searched city property and could not locate an alternative city‑owned site large enough to accept an in‑kind swap without acquiring private property. Staff also said the city’s planned passive park on South Beach Parkway (the “South End Passive Park”) remains a separate project and not contingent on this amendment.
Councilmember Waters opposed the amendment, saying it set a precedent and raised the prospect of future high‑end homes becoming short‑term rentals; she cited property‑value implications and expressed concern about public interest. Supporters noted the parcel’s zoning and the large lot sizes proposed and stressed the preserved buffers. On roll call, the council approved the ordinance on first reading and scheduled a second reading for Aug. 4, 2025.
