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Levy County commissioners warn state-level land-use proposals could curtail local home rule, urge comp-plan update
Summary
Commissioners raised concerns about a state-level "Blue Ribbon" proposal affecting timber tracts in Levy County (commissioner cited four tracts totalling about 77,975 acres), warned continued loss of local home rule, and urged preparation for a comprehensive plan rewrite and possible impact-fee study to preserve local density and control over water/sewer-driven development.
During commissioner comment, multiple board members expressed concern about pending state-level land-use proposals (described in the meeting as a "Blue Ribbon" measure) they said could remove local control over zoning and development of large timber tracts in Levy County.
One commissioner said there are at least four tracts in Levy County affected by the proposal — two owned by Boston Timber, one by Hancock Timber and one by Trailhead Blue Springs — totaling roughly 77,975 acres. Commissioners noted that while much of that land may be within conservation or reserve areas, the acreage potentially affected is substantial and could change local planning authority.
Commissioners framed the discussion as part of a broader trend of erosion of home rule, with several saying developers unable to obtain approvals locally have successfully lobbied for state-level actions that preempt local land-use controls. The board discussed the role of water and sewer infrastructure as a determinant of development and spoke in favor of preserving current density and rural character through the comprehensive plan and land development code.
Several commissioners urged staff to prepare for a comprehensive-plan rewrite and start an RFP for a land-development-code consultant (estimates discussed in the meeting put the cost of a comprehensive-plan rewrite for a county this size roughly in the mid-six figures), to coordinate with regional economic development partners, and to study impact fees if the board seeks to adjust them without a single large increase.
The comments were advisory and part of the normal commissioner-discussion period; no formal policy directive was adopted on the Blue Ribbon proposal at the meeting. Commissioners urged continued vigilance with state legislation and recommended staff and commissioners coordinate on messaging and next steps.
