Palatka planning board approves annexations, land‑use changes and rezonings for two commercial/industrial parcels

The Palatka Planning Board unanimously approved annexation and zoning changes for two parcels, clearing the way for utility connections and planned development.

For PB case 25‑20‑4, the board approved annexation of a 1.09‑acre parcel at 902 South State Road 19, an amendment to the city future‑land‑use map from Putnam County Commercial (CR) to City of Palatka Commercial (COM), and rezoning from Putnam County Commercial Retail (C2) to City of Palatka Intensive Commercial (C2). Staff told the board the annexation meets contiguity and water‑capacity requirements and cited Florida Statute 171 governing annexation.

For PB case 25‑25, the board approved annexation of approximately 3.66 acres at 106 Compton (Comfort) Road, amended the future‑land‑use designation from Putnam County Industrial (IN) to City of Palatka Industrial (IN), and rezoned the parcel from Putnam County Industrial Heavy (IH) to City of Palatka Light Industrial (M1). Staff said the change would permit the applicant to construct two light‑industrial metal buildings and to connect to city utilities.

Applicant Dominic Whitley (Whitley Automotive Restoration LLC) confirmed the proposed light‑industrial zoning would suit his needs. Contractor Brian Lester described coordination with staff and the fire marshal to install a roughly 620‑foot water tie‑in and add a fire hydrant, and said the connection would not require crossing under CSX railroad tracks.

Each motion — annexation, future‑land‑use amendment and rezoning for both parcels — was moved, seconded and approved unanimously by the board. Staff recommended approval for each request; no substantive public opposition was recorded during the meeting.

Votes were recorded as unanimous among board members present; the board then continued with remaining agenda items and adjourned.