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Highlands County planning commission continues review of 608-acre BLP Groves proposal to Jan. 13
Summary
The Highlands County Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to continue a large-scale comprehensive-plan amendment and corresponding zoning request for a roughly 608.22-acre development (BLP Groves LLC) to Jan. 13, 2026, while staff and the applicant finalize a developer's agreement; staff recorded 36 letters in objection and one in favor.
The Highlands County Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 8 voted unanimously to continue public hearings on a large-scale comprehensive-plan amendment (CPA-25-643LS) and associated zoning change filed by BLP Groves LLC to Jan. 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.
Planning staff, represented by Cindy Kramer, told the commission the proposal would change approximately 608.22 acres from Agriculture (AG) to Medium Density Residential (RM) and amend transportation maps to reflect road improvements required by a proposed development that could include up to 2,125 new homes. Staff said they had received 36 letters of objection and one letter in support and recommended a continuance to allow county departments and the applicant time to negotiate a developer's agreement that would memorialize the developer’s obligations for required improvements.
Nancy Owens, president of the Highlands Ridge Homeowners Association, addressed the commission during public comment and said she had no objection to postponing the hearing but asked whether the Jan. 13 packet would include clearer detail on the types of housing proposed (apartments, duplexes, mobile homes), whether any age restrictions were planned, and how roads such as Altvay would be affected. Staff told the commission those details would be included in the agenda packet published before the continued hearing.
After brief technical questions about who had been legally noticed, a commissioner moved to accept staff’s recommendation to continue the hearing; the motion was seconded and passed on a roll-call vote with all named members voting yes. The continuance gives staff and the developer additional time to prepare a negotiated developer's agreement and to provide fuller materials for the public and commission review.
The commission also heard the companion zoning case (PZ2176734) for the same property, and members voted to continue that hearing to the same Jan. 13 date. The commission’s action is procedural; the substance of the proposal will be considered at the continued hearing and at subsequent hearings required by county process.
