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Board approves Arden of Ocala PUD master plan with conditions on amenities and parking
Summary
The board approved the Arden of Ocala master plan (a multi‑phase project proposed for up to 648 residential units and 150,000 sq. ft. of commercial) with conditions that require covered shade structures at the pool/tot lot and additional guest parking to be resolved during improvement‑plan and DRC review.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the Arden of Ocala PUD master plan after hearing staff and applicant presentations and asking for specific conditions on amenities and parking.
Staff described the project as a 61.17‑acre development that has undergone multiple rezonings and PUD modifications and currently proposes up to 648 residential units (a mix of apartments, townhomes and other housing) plus approximately 150,000 square feet of commercial. The proposed amenity program includes two major pool and amenity centers, pickleball courts, a dog park and a community garden.
Commissioners pressed the applicant on amenity details and guest‑use facilities. Several commissioners asked that the tot‑lot include a shade structure and that at least one pavilion/cabana or other covered gathering space be provided near the pool deck so residents could hold small gatherings. Applicant representative Jimmy Gooding told the board the client was willing to add a covered area at the cabana and consider shade over the tot lot. Staff and applicant also discussed parking counts: the applicant reported providing 989 spaces for apartments (exceeding a 936‑space requirement under the referenced standard) and 360 spaces for townhomes, and commissioners asked that additional visitor/guest parking be provided or accommodated in the improvement‑plan/plat review if needed.
Commissioner Curry moved to approve the master plan with the conditions discussed (shade/covered gathering space and additional guest parking to be addressed in improvement plans); Commissioner McLean seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Staff will verify pavilion dimensions and parking provisions during technical review.
