Commission reclassifies landfill/MRF site to employment center; neighbors raise odor and health concerns

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved a future‑land‑use map amendment (LUC 25‑0004) to change nine parcels totaling about 74.11 acres from Medium Intensity Special District to Employment Center to reflect the long‑standing construction and demolition landfill and materials‑recovery facility (MRF) operations at the site.

Emily Johnson, City of Ocala Growth Management Department, summarized the site’s history, saying C&D landfill and MRF activities at the location date to the early 1990s. Johnson said prior petitions and zoning actions have left the site as a conforming use in practice but with a mismatch between zoning and the comprehensive plan; staff recommended the Employment Center designation because it better aligns with the high‑impact industrial nature of the facility and nearby Ocala‑Marion County Commerce Park. Johnson also noted a Florida Department of Environmental Protection permit for the landfill has been extended through 2029 and that prior code amendments and a chapter 163 development agreement already limit height and impose buffering and operational controls.

Fred Roberts, representing the property interests, told commissioners the change is a cleanup to make zoning and the comprehensive plan consistent and said the site remains restricted by the chapter 163 agreement; he said the amendment does not authorize expansion beyond what is allowed by existing permits.

Nearby property owners urged caution. Diana Trans, whose property fronts Northwest 20 First Avenue, described persistent foul odors and said the facility’s smell and debris harm surrounding properties and could deter hospitals, medical facilities and other development. Pamela Hayes, a nearby homeowner, said debris from the site lands on her property, that well water was “undrinkable,” and urged the commission not to approve any expansion. Both commenters asked the city to limit any enlargement; Johnson and Roberts said the amendment itself does not authorize expansion and that DEP permitting governs the landfill’s lifecycle.

Staff noted utilities were available, no public facility level‑of‑service issues were identified, and the Employment Center designation would be consistent with nearby industrial uses. After public comment and discussion, the commission voted to approve LUC 25‑0004; the motion carried during roll call.