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Lake City council raises maximum building heights in most commercial and industrial districts to 85 feet
Summary
Council adopted a text amendment (LDR25‑04, Ordinance 2026‑23‑48) that sets single‑family and duplex heights at 35 feet and raises most other district maximums to 85 feet, aimed at resolving existing nonconforming tall structures and aligning rules with neighboring jurisdictions.
Lake City’s City Council voted Jan. 5 to amend the city’s land development regulations to change building‑height limits across multiple zoning districts.
The adopted ordinance (Ordinance 2026‑23‑48, LDR25‑04) sets the height limit for single‑family dwellings and duplexes at 35 feet and raises the maximum allowable height for other residential and commercial structures to 85 feet, except where new development would be contiguous to single‑family zoning. Mister Angelo, presenting the amendment, said dozens of existing structures—including many hotels—exceed the current 35‑foot standard and would remain nonconforming under the old rule; the 85‑foot cap aligns Lake City with nearby jurisdictions, he said.
Angelo explained that the city coordinated with the building official and the fire chief on safety considerations before recommending the change. He noted comparable nearby rules: Columbia County at 70 feet and St. Augustine at 60 feet.
A motion to approve LDR25‑04 was moved, seconded and adopted by roll call with all members voting in favor.
Council recorded that, when a proposed development is contiguous to single‑family zones, the 35‑foot limit will still apply to protect those neighborhoods. The amendment will be effective according to the ordinance schedule and staff will update permitting guidance to reflect the new heights.
