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Commission approves petition to change Williston‑area parcel from residential to commercial despite planning board recommendation
Summary
The commission voted to approve a petition to change a 21.25‑acre parcel near US‑27 in the Williston MSD from low‑density residential to commercial, setting the path for a future rezoning ordinance. Planning staff said utility extensions are not yet available and the planning commission had recommended denial.
The Levy County Board of County Commissioners voted on May 20 to approve a petition to change the future land use designation of a 21.25‑acre parcel at 21350 NE 30th Street (parcel 051500010A) in the Williston municipal service district from low‑density residential to commercial.
Planning staff described the application (SSA2502 / CZ2503) as a small‑scale comprehensive plan amendment and noted the parcel’s proximity to existing commercial uses along US‑27. Staff said the site meets several review criteria — including consistency with the comprehensive plan and suitability of soils for development — but emphasized that public facilities and city services are not currently available at the property and that development would likely rely on private well and septic systems until services are extended.
Kenneth Metcalfe, representing the applicant, and his consultant explained how the change would align with the county’s future land‑use map and said commercial designation would allow a more flexible mix of uses appropriate to the highway frontage. "We think this is an appropriate location," Metcalfe said, describing the parcel as compatible with the county’s economic development goals.
Several residents and the planning commission disagreed. Diane Gart told the board the planning board had recommended denial and argued the petition "did not represent growth from the center out," warning it risks rural sprawl. Others questioned where water and sewer services would come from and how annexation by the city of Williston might affect future development rights.
Staff explained that the board was acting on a petition (a land‑use decision) and that if the petition is approved staff will draft an ordinance and the applicant would later seek a corresponding rezoning through the planning commission and a formal ordinance adoption by the board. The board’s approval of the petition directs staff to prepare the ordinance language and continue the formal process.
On a voice vote after discussion, commissioners approved the petition; staff will draft the ordinance and present it at a future meeting for formal adoption and any subsequent rezoning hearings before the planning commission.
