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Charlotte County Planning Commission advances draft zoning amendments on floodplains, accessory dwellings, farms and campgrounds
Summary
At its Oct. 16 meeting, the Planning Commission gave staff direction and consensus on a suite of zoning amendments: adopt floodplain cross‑reference language, revisit accessory‑structure rules for farms, set accessory‑dwelling limits tied to principal dwelling size, add small rural home businesses as a by‑right use, and request drafts for campground/RV park rules.
The Charlotte County Planning Commission on Oct. 16 reviewed a broad package of proposed zoning amendments and agreed by consensus to several staff recommendations that will move forward for formal drafting and a public hearing.
On floodplain rules, staff recommended removing the existing 1‑13 language and instead require that zoning applications be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator and comply with Charlotte County’s Floodplain Ordinance (Article III of Chapter 42). Commissioners accepted that substitution by consensus.
Commissioners discussed accessory structures and how the ordinance treats farms. Staff said accessory structures have traditionally required a principal structure, but that farms are often allowed exceptions; the Commission asked staff for additional review of the definition of “farm” and related exemptions and asked for revised language at the November meeting.
On accessory dwellings in Agricultural districts, staff had argued the 1,200 square‑foot cap was unduly restrictive. Commissioners agreed to a standard tying accessory‑dwelling size to 50% of the principal dwelling with a minimum of 1,500 sq. ft. above‑ground floor area, and to clarify that when an existing home is under the minimum it may be designated the accessory dwelling if a second home is established on the property. For Village Center and Residential districts, the Commission agreed to increase the lot‑size threshold from 20,000 sq. ft. to 1.5 acres, set accessory dwellings at 50% of the principal dwelling, and retain a 1,200 sq. ft. minimum where applicable.
The Commission also agreed to add “Small Rural Home Businesses” to the Use Matrix as a by‑right use in all districts except General Industrial, and asked staff to draft separate recommendations for campgrounds and retreats: renaming current campgrounds as “Recreational Campgrounds,” creating a conditional‑use category for “Recreational Vehicle Park” intended for longer stays (including travel workers), drafting RV‑park regulations, and limiting single campsites to temporary use. Commissioners emphasized the importance of public input on campground and worker‑housing provisions.
No formal ordinance was adopted; the Commission’s consensus directions will be folded into a draft for the public hearing process and a future Commission recommendation.
