Citrus County planners review Cardinal Street IMA and draft land‑development code updates amid debate over graywater, density and truck stops

Consultants for Citrus County on Thursday presented a draft land‑development code (LDC) intended to implement the Cardinal Street interchange management area (IMA), a plan-area tied to the Suncoast Parkway extension, and invited commissioners to weigh in on density, infrastructure and permitted uses.

Amanda Warner, a planner and project manager for Wade Trim, traced the project’s history to a 2019 Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council focus‑growth scenario and subsequent county comprehensive‑plan amendments. She said Wade Trim worked with county staff and stakeholders beginning in 2022 to craft LDC language to reflect the 2024 comprehensive‑plan changes and now proposes a Cardinal Mixed‑Use District and accompanying use standards.

The draft sets numeric rules for two subareas: an Economic Development Target Area (EDTA) and a Mixed‑Use Area. Key proposed standards presented to the Planning and Development Commission include a nonresidential floor‑area ratio of 1 (upgradable with residential components); EDTA lot coverage of 70% (50% in the mixed‑use area); a 20% minimum open‑space requirement for residential uses; a mixed‑use minimum density of 6 dwelling units per acre, a baseline maximum of 12 du/acre and a density bonus up to 20 du/acre where projects provide integrated public…