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Land-use panel defers Starrett Road rezoning after residents push back on density and lot sizes
Summary
The Land Use & Zoning Committee continued a public hearing on a proposed rezoning for about 42 acres along Starrett Road after neighbors objected to townhomes and later to proposed 40-foot lot single-family homes; the applicant agreed to consider larger lot sizes and the item was continued to Sept. 3 for a lot-size-focused discussion.
Jacksonville’s Land Use and Zoning Committee on Aug. 19 continued the public hearing on Conventional Rezoning Ordinance 2025-215, a proposal to rezone roughly 42 acres along Starrett Road from residential rural (RR) and RLD-100B to RMD-A (allowing townhomes or single-family homes) and instead consider single-family development options.
The planning department’s staff presentation said the property is in a low-density residential land-use category permitting up to seven units per acre and that the site is located on Starrett Road, a collector roadway operating at about 44 percent capacity. Staff recommended approval, saying the rezoning would provide a greater variety of housing choices and is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval after hearing the application on Aug. 7 with little public opposition at that meeting.
Neighbors and community leaders turned out in force on Aug. 19 and strongly opposed the original townhome proposal. During the hearing, the applicant, represented by Cindy Trimmer, announced she would amend the application to RLD‑40 zoning permitting detached single-family homes with 40-foot lots. That prompted renewed comment: many residents said 40-foot lots would be out of character with surrounding properties — which they described as predominantly 60‑foot-plus lots and, in many cases, 100‑foot or larger lots — and would increase traffic, remove tree cover and increase flooding and other infrastructure pressures.
Speakers who said they live in Amelia View and adjacent neighborhoods emphasized the area’s existing lot sizes, tree canopy and rural character. Multiple residents reported long traffic backups at the Starrett/Yellow Bluff area and warned emergency response or daily travel could deteriorate further with higher density.
Council members and staff asked the applicant to study alternative lot configurations. Planning staff reported a not‑engineered “test fit” for RLD‑40 that could yield roughly 193 lots; the applicant said it would take community feedback back to the owner and run additional test fits for RLD‑50 and RLD‑60. Committee members repeatedly urged the applicant to consider 60‑foot lots as a compromise that could better match surrounding zoning and development patterns.
After public comment, the committee closed the hearing and agreed to reopen and continue the public hearing to Sept. 3, 2025, limited to discussion of lot sizes (RLD‑40 vs. larger minimum widths). Committee members signaled they expect the applicant to return with specific test fits and comparisons for RLD‑50 and RLD‑60 and asked staff for parcel- and capacity-related figures that clarify vehicle and infrastructure impacts.
No formal rezoning vote was taken Aug. 19; the public hearing remains open and will resume Sept. 3 for further deliberation on lot-size alternatives.
