Planning commission approves Miller Street land-use change to allow light industrial flex space

The Clay County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a comprehensive plan amendment (CP 2052) and a companion planned industrial development rezoning (PUD 2051) for two parcels on the west side of Miller Street in Orange Park.

Staff said the proposals would change the parcels’ future land use from Urban Core 10 to industrial and permit light-industrial uses configured as flex or warehouse/showroom space. Chief Planner Dodie Seelig told the commission that staff found the applications meet the criteria for both the future land use change and the zoning change and recommended approval.

The applications cover two parcels at the end of Miller Street. Seelig said the site backs up to an existing drainage tract and that wetlands cover a considerable portion of the land, which limits the developable footprint. The proposed PID site plan shows two flex-space buildings, parking and stormwater retention; proposed setbacks and buffers include a 30-foot buffer on one side, 15-foot buffers adjacent to other parcels and right-of-way, a 100-foot buffer on the west edge backing up toward the subdivision, and a 25-foot front setback along Miller Street.

The PID text limits accessory retail to uses that accompany a warehouse/showroom in the same building, caps each accessory retail use at 2,000 square feet and limits all such uses to a maximum of 10 percent of the PID’s total square footage. Seelig said off‑street loading must be visually screened from any abutting public street or residential land.

Susan Fraser of SLF Consulting, representing the owner and successor developer, said the parcel sits at the end of Miller Street next to the existing sewage treatment plant and that the proposed development would “meet the code for landscaping and buffering, new buildings, [and] stormwater treatment that’s required by the district.” She said the applicant does not plan to fill or mitigate wetlands as part of this proposal; any future mitigation or expansion would require a new PUD application. Resident Thomas Cooper, who owns property across the street, spoke in favor, saying the proposed industrial use would be preferable to other potential uses for that location.

Commissioners made a motion to recommend approval of both the comprehensive plan amendment and the rezoning. The motions carried on voice vote; commissioners voiced “aye” with no recorded opposing votes.

The Planning Commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Clay County Board of County Commissioners, which will hold a final public hearing on both items on July 22.