Developer seeks annexation and PUD for 825 homes west of Number 2 Road; commission transmits large-scale comp plan amendment for review

The Leesburg City Commission heard a first‑reading presentation Jan. 27 on a proposed annexation, large‑scale comprehensive‑plan amendment and planned‑unit development that would bring roughly 337.15 acres into the city and allow up to 825 detached single‑family homes, along with required amenities.

Planning staff and the applicant’s attorney described changes made after two community meetings. The developer revised the plan to add one‑acre lots along Number 2 Road, increase lot sizes at perimeter locations, preserve roughly 85 feet of existing tree line on the Number 2 Road frontage, remove direct driveway access to Number 2 Road, and route project traffic to connect with neighboring Whispering Hills infrastructure if Whispering Hills proceeds. The proposal shows a mix of lot sizes, a cap of 2 floors for houses, architectural standards for facades, dark‑sky lighting standards, 35–39% open space (including about four acres of active recreation), trail connections and landscape buffers. The plan also requires all development to connect to city water and sewer — no wells or septic systems.

Dan Miller, planning and zoning, said the request includes a change from Lake County agricultural or CFD zoning to a City of Leesburg PUD. Miller noted the proposal meets statutory annexation thresholds, references a 2014 interlocal service boundary agreement that identified the property as eligible for annexation, and that the city’s planning commission recommended unanimous approval.

Attorney Tara Tedrow, representing the applicant, told commissioners the team had adjusted the layout in response to neighbors’ requests, including keeping houses away from Number 2 Road, preserving mature trees, adding a split‑rail fence and providing enhanced perimeter buffers and one‑acre lots along the road. Tedrow said the project would provide internal boulevard entryways, sidewalks, trail access to preserved wetland areas and on‑site recreation areas such as a pool and dog park.

Commission discussion focused on compatibility and density. One commissioner noted the county agricultural density would allow approximately 68 homes if built under Lake County rules; the city PUD would allow up to 825 units under the applicant’s request. Staff said the PUD would cap density at about 2.4 units per acre and described phasing language that requires substantial commencement within four years or the property would automatically revert to a lower density (RE‑1, one acre per unit).

On a motion to transmit the large‑scale future‑land‑use amendment to state and regional reviewing agencies, the commission voted to transmit for review. A roll call recorded at the meeting included at least one dissenting commissioner; staff said transmitting is a required procedural step to allow state and regional agencies to comment before the city holds future hearings and any final vote.

Next steps: the plan will go to reviewing agencies for comment under state rules; staff and the applicant will return to the commission for subsequent hearings, technical reviews and final action. If approved later, the annexation and PUD will require the developer to construct required roads and utilities or meet agreed arrangements to tie into neighboring projects.