Commission clears first reading for 1.29‑acre commercial land‑use change; staff backs zoning amendment

The City of Live Oak approved, on first reading, a small‑scale future land‑use amendment to reclassify about 1.29 acres from industrial to commercial, a step the city says will clear the way for a single commercial zoning and future development and help the CRA's TIF revenue goals.

Counsel introduced ordinance 15‑49 (CPA‑25‑03) and City Manager George Curtis described the site as three parcels at the corner of Palm Street and Ohio that a developer is assembling. Curtis said some parts of the parcels are already commercial and that the amendment "clean[s] up" a mix of industrial and commercial designations to provide a single standard for future development. "So, it enables them to move forward with a commercial development, that'll benefit that area," Curtis said.

Planning staff and the planning board recommended approval, and the commission moved and seconded the first reading. Commissioners then recorded voice votes in favor, with multiple "aye" responses. The ordinance was advanced on first reading.

Immediately following the land‑use change, staff presented ordinance 15‑50 (LDR‑25‑07), a zoning map amendment to change the same 1.29 acres from Industrial‑1 to Commercial‑Intensive (C‑1). Staff reiterated the planning board recommendation and recommended approval based on the applicant's submittal and compatibility with the city's comprehensive plan; the record in the provided transcript ends after staff recommendation and does not show a final vote on the zoning ordinance.

City staff noted the site sits in the CRA district, where a commercial conversion can aid tax increment financing and redevelopment goals. Planning staff said the applicant provided a professional analysis as part of the packet and met the statutory criteria for the land‑use amendment.