The City of Leesburg Planning & Zoning Commission on Nov. 20 recommended that the City Commission approve SPUD25704, a rezoning to allow multiuse office/warehouse (flex) buildings on approximately 7.8 acres east of U.S. 27 near Commander Road.

Planner Melissa Meders de Los Santos presented maps showing wetlands and flood‑zone constraints and described surrounding land uses. Staff reported that city departments, Lake County and the school board provided no substantive comments for this nonresidential proposal.

Staff said the SPUD would permit uses typical for flex developments — office, warehousing, light manufacturing and contractor/trade offices — with design standards requiring 35% open space, a two‑story maximum, screening for mechanical equipment, code‑compliant landscaping and a sidewalk along Commander Road. Because U.S. 27 is under FDOT jurisdiction, any necessary roadway improvements or entryway upgrades will be coordinated with FDOT and Lake County Public Works.

Developer Rick Blunt of Blunt Development, who said he was raised locally, described the project as an affordable location for small businesses and estimated it would create "somewhere between 45 and 68 jobs." The project team emphasized that wetlands and flood areas would be protected with appropriate buffers.

No members of the public registered to speak in opposition. After a short discussion, the commission voted unanimously to forward a recommendation of approval to the City Commission.

The P&Z’s recommendation will now be included in the City Commission packet for final action.