LDRC workshop covers stormwater applicability, agricultural exemptions, CRS scoring and FEMA map timing; one item moves to public hearing

Marion County staff and commissioners held an extended workshop discussion on multiple proposed Land Development Code amendments related to stormwater applicability, agricultural exemptions, floodplain mapping and Community Rating System (CRS) scoring. County Engineer Stephen King and stormwater engineer Jason Cambrey led the discussion and asked the commission for guidance on several technical points.

Key points and outcomes:

• Applicability thresholds and impervious caps: Staff proposed an applicability rule that uses “the lesser of 35% of the gross area or 30,000 square feet,” and discussed a related prior-code threshold that used 3%. Commissioners questioned the origin of the 3% and whether the 3% vs. 30,000-square-foot cap produces intended results on parcels from 10 to 100 acres. The 3% figure remains in the draft as a percentage cap, subject to the cap at 30,000 square feet for larger tracts.

• Bona fide agricultural exemptions: King told the commission he had quoted the Florida statute for the bona fide agricultural exemption that limits local permitting authority over improvements deemed bona fide agricultural. Staff explained the statute exempts certain agricultural buildings from local permitting except where floodplain-management provisions apply. The draft language was changed to remove the…