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Commission approves annexation and PD amendment to expand Jesus Image campus
Summary
On first reading the commission approved a series of related ordinances (4845–4847) to annex 19.76 acres at 3850 Snipes Avenue and amend the Jesus Image Planned Development to create a unified church campus; staff cited tree‑preservation commitments and no change to intensity of use.
The Sanford City Commission on March 9 took first readings on a set of related land‑use ordinances to annex and rezone roughly 19.76 acres for an expansion of the Jesus Image campus.
Ordinance 4845 would annex the property into the city by voluntary petition; Ordinance 4846 would amend the city’s comprehensive plan future‑land‑use designation for the parcel; Ordinance 4847 would amend the existing Jesus Image Planned Development to incorporate the additional acreage. Planning staff recommended adoption and described conditions including tree preservation, stormwater relocation to the newly annexed parcel and a restriction prohibiting vehicular access from Sipes Avenue to the primary house of worship.
Planning director Eileen Hinson summarized the PD amendment’s purpose: to unify three parcels under a single PD so the campus can function more effectively, accommodate an on‑site prayer chapel and pond relocation while maintaining the existing single‑family home on the southern parcel. “The amended PD expands the land area but not the intensity,” Hinson said, adding that the applicant committed to preserving existing vegetation on the south parcel and to locating required stormwater infrastructure away from preserved trees where feasible.
Applicant representative Randall Morris said the project team met with neighbors and that most community attendees favored the revised site plan. Morris said the expanded acreage allows better internal circulation, stormwater solutions and buffering that make the campus more compatible with neighboring residential properties.
Staff noted a Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation in favor of the amendment (6–0) and explained a modification to a prior internal parking‑bay break requirement (from 300 feet to approximately 400 feet, reflecting installed curbing). Commissioners had limited questions, asked staff to note conditions in the development order, and approved first readings on the related ordinances.
Next steps: The ordinances will return for second readings and final adoption per the city’s standard public‑hearing process, with the PD development order to be finalized prior to full implementation.
