Local Planning Agency recommends second‑reading rezoning for Grace Bible Church property

At a public hearing on a rezoning application labeled LPTC.25.005RZ, Dana Riddell, the town planner, presented a request to rezone 580 East Inner Lake Boulevard (formerly part of South Florida State College) from R‑1A (single‑family dwelling) to C‑2 PD (limited commercial, planned development) so the property owner, Grace Bible Church of Highlands County, may use the site for church functions.

Riddell said the parcel had historically been zoned R‑1A and contained college facilities; the applicant is requesting planned‑development status to allow deviations from the town code. The application includes requested deviations for parking (including limited use of public right‑of‑way parking on Sundays and Wednesdays) and an expanded sign allowance: up to three additional permanent ground signs (approximately 6 square feet each at the three main entrances) and up to six temporary sandwich‑board signs one hour before events, plus up to two banner signs for no more than 21 consecutive days per year.

On procedural matters, Riddell said the case had already received first reading by the town council and was before the Local Planning Agency for a recommendation on second reading. She recommended approval: “My recommendation is to recommend that the town council approve and adopt hearing number LPTC.25.005RZ, Ordinance number 2025‑09, on second reading.”

During the public comment period, resident Beth Dagnon asked about placement of the college’s existing white sign and whether the church would place a new sign; the planner replied that the property acquisition included the existing sign and that the church may place new signage consistent with the approved deviations. A second public commenter offered spoken support for the church but did not raise technical planning concerns.

The Local Planning Agency moved and seconded a recommendation of approval and, in a roll‑call vote, recorded three members voting yes and one abstention. The record shows Chris Duncan, Gary Freeman and Alex Ramos recorded as voting yes; one member registered an abstention (the meeting record notes paperwork filed for recusal). The Local Planning Agency’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council, which holds final authority to adopt or deny Ordinance 2025‑09.

Why this matters: the rezoning would allow church uses and specific sign and parking deviations on property that had been part of a college campus. Approval by the Local Planning Agency advances the ordinance to the Town Council for final action.