Planning commission moves rezoning for Phillips Dairy Road repair facility to commissioners

The Putnam County Planning Commission recommended approval of REZ25‑00009, a zoning map amendment to rezone a 0.82‑acre parcel at 143 Phillips Dairy Road in Palatka from commercial retail (C2) to commercial intensive (C4) to allow a heavy equipment repair facility.

Michael Graves of Putnam County Planning and Development Services told the commission the parcel has a commercial future land use designation, about 120 feet of road frontage and does not appear to contain wetlands on the GIS layers; FEMA flood mapping shows Flood Zone X. Graves said staff recommends approval because the rezoning meets the comprehensive plan goals, locational requirements for C4, and the land development code. He explained that C4 is used when environmental regulations tied to heavier repair uses require a higher intensity commercial zoning and related environmental controls.

Owner representative Jolene West and Randall Key addressed the commission. West said the buyers will mainly use existing onsite buildings and that additions are a possible future phase; they asked the commission to allow the rezoning to match the existing repair use. Commissioners discussed that the site sits within a commercial enclave with adjacent light industrial and commercial zoning and noted the property’s existing use and access. Graves said the applicants will need environmental review tied to hydraulic equipment and modern regulations; they may not require full DRC review unless they seek expansion.

A motion to recommend approval carried; the planning commission forwarded the rezoning to the Board of County Commissioners for a Sept. hearing. Staff advised the applicants to remain in contact with planning staff and to expect development review steps before building permits are issued.