Commission approves zoning change for county‑donated parcel; YouthThrive to clarify unit type

The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted 4‑0 Oct. 7 to approve a rezoning (file H2530) requested by the county for a Spring Hill parcel donated to YouthThrive. The request changed the parcel from a plan development project single‑family designation to a plan development project multifamily designation to accommodate YouthThrive’s proposed housing product.

Representatives for the nonprofit and its development consultant told commissioners the parcel had been donated with conditions and that YouthThrive preferred single‑family housing but could build duplex units to meet the donation’s original stipulation. County and applicant representatives discussed deed restrictions and the need to coordinate any change in the donation conditions with the county and the nonprofit. The county attorney and staff advised that altering a contractual stipulation could require returning to the parties and reworking documents; staff recommended postponement if parties wished to change the original donation terms.

Townhouse/duplex plans had been prepared and applicants said they had expended funds on engineering. After discussion, the board approved the rezoning as requested, noting the parties could later return to amend deed restrictions or the development agreement as necessary. Members acknowledged residents’ tree‑protection concerns and asked staff to coordinate with the applicant on conservation and permitting steps.

Commissioners said they wanted the project to proceed quickly and urged coordination to resolve deed‑restriction and development‑type questions outside the hearing process.