Planning commissioners recommend approval of rezoning for 18.08 acres to RS‑3

The Indian River County Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously Dec. 11 to recommend approval of a rezoning for roughly 18.08 acres from A‑1 (agriculture) to RS‑3 (single‑family residential), a change sought by Hires Properties LLC.

Staff presenter Lawrence told the commission the site lies inside the urban service boundary and that RS‑3 is consistent with the property's L‑1 future land‑use designation. Lawrence summarized the property's zoning history, explained that all rezoning review criteria in chapter 902.12 (A–K) were satisfied and said staff recommended the commission forward a recommendation of approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

Lawrence said the property has previously been the subject of a separate planned development application earlier in the year that was denied, and that the current request reduces density to a single‑family pattern suited for infill development near existing RS‑3 neighborhoods. “All rezoning review criteria A through K have been satisfied,” Lawrence said during his presentation.

The commission opened a public hearing and invited speakers; no members of the public stepped forward, and the hearing was closed. After brief commissioner discussion to confirm details about shared driveways and site plan requirements, a motion to recommend approval passed unanimously.

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final action in a subsequent public hearing.