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Commission creates Agricultural Technology (AgTech) zoning district for corporate park
Summary
The commission on June 9 adopted an ordinance creating an Agricultural Technology (AT) zoning district for the corporate park future land use to encourage ag-based research, education and agri-tech businesses while limiting nuisance and heavy industrial activities.
The City Commission approved a new zoning district intended to support an AgTech (agriculture technology) research park on property designated Corporate Park in the future land use map.
Staff described the AgTech zoning district as intended to promote agriculture-based innovation, commercialization of agricultural technologies, and related agribusiness and support technology companies near IFAS. The zoning text lists principal permitted uses such as agriculture-related research, educational facilities, public and private labs, technology-dependent facilities and accessory uses; it includes special exceptions for uses like daycare, athletic facilities, livestock or animal-processing facilities and accessory storage when additional oversight is appropriate.
Staff also listed prohibited uses to protect the park and nearby town, including unrestricted outdoor storage of agricultural equipment, use of tires or plastics as feedstock or fuel, and heavy industrial processes. Design standards were highlighted: gateway corridor overlay application to fronting parcels, dark-sky-compatible lighting, sidewalks throughout the park for internal pedestrian connections and standards to prevent nuisances and emissions.
The Planning & Zoning Board recommended unanimous approval; the commission voted to adopt the ordinance and set a reading for June 23. Staff said it aimed to be permissive for AgTech activities while protecting surrounding neighborhoods and town character.
