Commission reestablishes Rivard master plan with modified side setbacks

The Hernando County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–0 to reestablish an expired master plan for Rivard Development (H2510), while modifying a previously approved side‑yard setback.

The 63.7‑acre property, previously granted entitlements that included up to 240 residential units, had failed to initiate vertical construction within the two‑year period required to maintain active plan status. Under county code the project’s density and intensity entitlements remain vested; the commission considered a reactivation request to reestablish the master plan and permit the project to move forward to conditional plat and permitting.

Applicant counsel Kyle Bridal said the request would reactivate the prior approval without changing the authorized unit count or the overall design; the applicant provided a master plan that staff noted required updating to reflect conditions previously attached by the Board of County Commissioners. Staff included the earlier performance conditions in its packet to make the reactivation consistent with the Board’s prior action.

At the commission meeting several neighbors and HOA representatives spoke about drainage, emergency access and the single existing entrance (Rivard Boulevard/Brevard Boulevard). Planning staff pointed to three performance conditions in the previous approval that address drainage, floodplain elevation and post‑development stormwater control; those conditions will carry forward and be enforced at conditional plat and engineering review.

Commission action Commissioner Holmes moved to approve the reestablishment with a single modification to staff recommendation 19.a: the smaller lots’ side setback shall be 7.5 feet instead of 5 feet. Commissioner Noe seconded the motion; the vote was 5–0 in favor. Staff will require the applicant to update the master plan packet to incorporate all prior performance conditions before the project may proceed to conditional plat.

Quote “If you look at the lot sizes and setbacks, the board has moved toward a 7.5 foot minimum in recent years,” said a commissioner during discussion, noting the county’s evolving design expectations.

Next steps The item is reactivated; the applicant must submit an updated master plan and the required engineering materials at conditional plat. Staff reminded the public that adopted performance conditions from the prior approval remain on the project and that drainage design and school concurrency will be reviewed during the conditional plat.