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Commission approves planned‑development overlay to allow agricultural use on 16.22 acres
Summary
The commission approved a planned development overlay to permit agricultural uses on about 16.22 acres on the south side of County Road 48; the owner said the intent is to keep the parcel rural and not develop it.
The Leesburg City Commission voted April 28 to add a planned development overlay (PDO) to an R‑1A single‑family residential zoning district for about 16.22 acres on the south side of County Road 48, allowing agricultural uses on the site.
Dan Miller, planning and zoning director, told commissioners the city does not currently have an active agricultural zoning district and that the PDO would allow the owner temporary agricultural uses that are compatible with surrounding properties. Miller said staff reviewed the proposal and “found no negative impacts on the surrounding properties are anticipated.”
Owner John McGee spoke in support and said he and his wife bought the property to preserve a rural area. “We don't intend to build anything on the property. I'm 80 years old,” McGee told the commission, and asked that the application be approved to keep the land rural.
The commission voted by roll call with Commissioner Berry, Commissioner Connell, Commissioner Peterson and Mayor Alan Reisman recording yes votes; there were no recorded no votes or abstentions.
Why it matters: The PDO creates a local mechanism to allow agricultural activity where the city lacks a formal agriculture zoning district, enabling the owner to use the land for agriculture rather than immediate development.
What’s next: The PDO is effective following adoption; any future non‑agricultural development would require separate zoning or platting actions.
