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Pasco commissioners approve small‑scale land‑use change on Blanton Road over local opposition
Summary
The Pasco County Commission approved a small‑scale comprehensive‑plan amendment to change about 19.7 acres on Blanton Road from agricultural to Res‑1, with a sub‑area policy capping the site at six lots. Neighbors warned approval would set an undesirable precedent; the board approved the measure 3–2.
Pasco County commissioners voted 3–2 to adopt a small‑scale comprehensive‑plan amendment that changes roughly 19.69 acres on the north side of Blanton Road from AGR (agricultural) to Res‑1, while adding a sub‑area policy that limits the site to six dwelling units and 2.5‑acre minimum lots.
Amy Toll, a planner in Pasco County’s Planning, Development and Economic Growth department, told the board the amendment is paired with a sub‑area policy that keeps the site’s development rights well under a typical Res‑1 outcome and requires buffers, scenic‑roadway treatments and other restrictions. “The sub area policy is limiting it to 6 units. Six units only,” Toll said, noting that any request to increase density would require additional hearings, including state review.
Applicant Jerus Barbie of Symbiosis Planning Consulting said the request was intentionally conservative: the conceptual plan shows most lots above 2.5 acres and the smallest lot is a pre‑existing, platted 1.7‑acre parcel that would be treated as an exemption under the sub‑area policy. “This 6‑lot configuration represents a conservative, context‑sensitive subdivision that aligns with Pasco County’s adopted comprehensive plan,” Barbie said.
Opponents urged the board to follow the county’s Local Planning Agency, which denied the amendment 5–1. Nancy Hazelwood, a nearby resident, said the change would put Res‑1 “right in the middle” of the Northeast Rural area and risk a domino effect of future conversions. Julia Bartunick and several other residents echoed concerns about precedent, tree removal and traffic.
Commissioners debated whether the sub‑area policy and limits on lot count adequately protected the rural character of the area. Several members said they were reassured by the policy’s cap and by staff’s representation that future Res‑1 approvals will be restricted under the county’s pending Pasco 2050 update. The board approved the amendment, with Commissioner Oakley moving and another commissioner seconding the motion. The roll‑call vote recorded three ayes and two nays; staff will file the adopted amendment and proceed with the recorded effective steps.
The commission’s action alters the future‑land‑use map for this parcel but does not itself rezone the property; any rezoning to implement the amendment must be consistent with the sub‑area policy and would require additional approvals.
