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Dade City advances comprehensive LDR updates; companion land‑use and zoning ordinances adopted
Summary
On first reading the commission approved ordinance 2026‑01 to update land development regulations (new zoning districts, conservation subdivision standards, grading rules). The commission also adopted two companion ordinances (a small‑scale comp‑plan amendment and a rezoning) on second reading for a 0.79‑acre parcel at Meridian and 14th Streets.
City staff and planning consultant Tara Salmeri presented a package of updates intended to align the city’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs) with the comprehensive plan adopted in May 2025. The commission approved ordinance 2026‑01 on first reading (roll‑call vote 5–0) and approved two companion items on final reading: a future land‑use map amendment (ordinance 2025‑20) and a rezoning (ordinance 2025‑19) for a 0.79‑acre parcel at the southwest corner of Meridian Avenue and 14th Street.
Salmeri said the LDR changes add three new zoning districts — country estate (RCE), estate (RSE) and conservation subdivision (a PD option) — and make substantive changes to grading, stormwater, open space counting, mixed‑use designations, fencing and parking standards. Key conservation subdivision provisions include a 25‑acre minimum, a requirement that at least 50% of gross acreage be set aside as perpetual conservation open space and new connectivity and viewshed protections. The grading and hillside ordinance sets criteria and a 15‑foot threshold referenced during Q&A.
At the meeting consultant Salmeri and staff described updates to use tables, dimensional standards for the new districts, and a new ‘‘mixed use’’ category to avoid duplicative use listings. Commissioners and members of the public asked technical and procedural questions: how ‘‘excessive grading’’ is measured (staff said the standards define a 15‑foot limit), whether accessory dwelling units (ADUs) required by state law will take effect locally (staff and counsel said the city will implement state law when it becomes effective and noted the LDRs already allow ADUs in residential districts), and various code cleanup items related to references to an obsolete Development Review Committee (DRC).
Resident Mary McKnight gave detailed comments on drafting inconsistencies, missing references (annexation, appeal procedures), and notification requirements; staff and counsel said many of McKnight’s points were clerical or organizational and could be corrected before second reading. The commission approved ordinance 2026‑01 on first reading and set a second‑reading date, and separately adopted the comp‑plan amendment and rezoning (ordinances 2025‑20 and 2025‑19) on second and final readings by unanimous votes.
Staff said the LDR package will return for additional cleanup and a second reading; planning staff will prepare corrected language addressing the procedural comments raised during public comment and commission review.
