Commissioners Order Start of Comp‑Plan Amendment After Variance Denial; Applicant Asked to Seek Change

Clark Hatcher, the property applicant, asked the board for a variance on a lot on Pebble Hill Road he said measures about 0.70 acres and currently contains one manufactured home. Hatcher asked permission to place a second trailer; county rules in the applicable mixed‑use designation allow multiple dwelling units only when public water and sewer are present or when a full acre standard is met.

Planning staff advised that the planning commission recommended denial on Feb. 17 because Florida law does not allow a governing body to grant a variance from the comprehensive plan density standard. County legal counsel told the board that the only lawful route to change the density is a formal amendment to the county’s comprehensive plan, which requires multiple public hearings and transmittal to state reviewing agencies.

After discussion — during which commissioners and the applicant explored options including adding land to reach 1.0 acre or seeking public water — Commissioner Doc Spires moved that county legal staff begin the process to amend the comprehensive plan to allow higher density (the motion sought to permit two units in the applicant’s area); a second followed. The motion carried on a recorded vote of 4–1.

The board directed staff and legal counsel to work with the applicant on next steps for an amendment, which will require public hearings, state review and a longer timeline than a variance.

Why it matters: The action opened a formal, county‑wide amendment process rather than granting a site‑specific variance. That process could change development density for properties in the same land‑use designation and will require public notice and state review.

No change to the applicant’s parcel was authorized immediately; a comprehensive‑plan amendment process was initiated instead.