Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rezoning Agriculture topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
PLDRC backs rezoning to allow farm animals on Mud Lake Road parcel despite neighbor concerns
Summary
The commission voted 6–1 to forward a rezoning request that would allow agricultural uses, including farm animals, on a 9.81‑acre Mud Lake Road parcel to county council, after neighbors raised concerns about possible future intensity of uses.
The Volusia County Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission voted 6–1 on Oct. 16 to recommend approval of a rezoning application (Z25‑011) that would change a 9.81‑acre parcel on the south side of Mud Lake Road from Rural Residential (RR) to Rural Agriculture (A2). The recommendation goes to county council for final action.
Staff said the proposed A2 classification aligns with the property’s rural future‑land‑use designation and would allow the property owner to keep farm animals for personal use. The parcel lies in the De Leon Springs area and is mostly vacant; staff noted the rezoning would provide transition between residential and agricultural development and that environmental permitting raised no objections provided development standards were met.
Romelia Gomez, the applicant, told commissioners the intent was to keep a few cows and goats and possibly build a small pole barn and, eventually, a home. Public commenters said the rezoning could allow a range of uses beyond what the applicant described and asked whether the change could be used for higher‑intensity agricultural or industrial activities in the future.
Raymond Bridal, who said he lives on Mud Lake Road and property touches the subject parcel, asked whether an owner could flip the property to more intensive uses such as large‑scale animal operations, diesel‑powered equipment, or other noisy or polluting activities. Dwayne Weldon, another nearby resident, said he values the current quiet, rural character and is concerned about odors, noise and traffic if intensive agricultural operations start on the parcel.
Staff and commissioners answered that the rezoning establishes allowable zoning uses for the parcel but that some higher‑impact activities require special exceptions or permits, and that a separate county process would apply to those uses. Commissioners discussed compatibility with surrounding uses before moving to a recommendation.
Commissioner Costa moved to forward the rezoning to county council with a recommendation of approval; the motion was seconded and carried 6–1, with Commissioner Bush voting no. The commission’s recommendation and the submitted public comments will be transmitted to county council for its final decision.
Why it matters: rezoning from RR to A2 changes the parcel’s permitted uses and could make it easier for the owner to establish agricultural activities on a parcel close to existing residential lots; neighbors urged caution and noted potential long‑term nuisances.
