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Commission recommends approval of 13.36-acre land-use and zoning change to agricultural for proposed private airstrip
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the Board of County Commissioners approve a future land-use change and companion zoning change to agricultural for a 13.36-acre parcel owned by HTFL Inc., clearing the way for a later special-exception review for a private airstrip; the commission voted unanimously and staff noted no letters for or against the request.
The Highlands County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of a future land‑use map amendment and companion zoning change for a 13.36‑acre parcel owned by HTFL Inc., allowing the property’s designation to change from Medium Density Residential (RM) to Agriculture (AG) and converting zoning from R1A to AU (agricultural).
Rachel Navarette and Haley Collins of staff noted that no letters had been received either in favor or in opposition to the request. Agent Dana Riddell told the commission the long‑term plan is to allow a paved private runway on the property; an existing grass strip sits just north of the parcel. Riddell said the applicant will pursue a special exception for the airstrip at a later meeting, and staff and the applicant have proposed conditions intended to minimize nuisances and ensure compatibility with surrounding residential and conservation uses.
Commissioners asked whether an airport future land‑use designation or a planned‑development approach would better reflect a paved private runway; staff explained that agricultural zoning already permits private airstrips by special exception and that a special‑exception review would be the forum to set operational conditions (hours, haul routes, setbacks, water‑quality or noise mitigation if desired). The commission discussed ways to require sufficient documentation at the special‑exception stage without forcing applicants to absorb studies that properly belong at the permitting stage.
A motion to recommend adoption of CPA‑25‑646SS (future land‑use change) was moved and seconded and passed by unanimous roll‑call vote. The commission also voted to recommend approval of the companion zoning map amendment (PZ2182). Staff announced the Board of County Commissioners would hear the items on Nov. 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The special‑exception application for the private runway will follow the zoning/future‑land‑use approvals and will be reviewed separately.
