Commission amends first-reading zoning for Evans property to RS-1; second hearing set

The Dade City Commission on Jan. 14 approved an amendment at first reading to the zoning map for a roughly 142-acre property owned by Evans Property Inc., changing the proposed district to RS‑1 (residential, single‑family, maximum 4 dwelling units per acre). The change passed on a 3‑2 roll call and will return for a required second public hearing and re-advertisement before final adoption.

The vote matters because the property already is annexed and carries a low‑density future land‑use designation. Commissioners and staff said the zoning decision sets the maximum allowable density under the city’s Land Development Regulations but does not authorize any construction. City attorney and staff repeatedly noted the difference between a zoning entitlement and later development approvals, which require engineering, utility service agreements and demonstration of adequate…