Council approves first reading for small‑scale South Brooksville land‑use amendment

Brooksville — The City Council voted 5–0 to approve the first reading of Ordinance 10‑11, a small‑scale amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan that reclassifies a recently annexed 1.3‑acre tract on the east side of South Main Street for inclusion in the South Brooksville Plan Development District with an industrial designation.

Staff explained this is the second step in a three‑step process following annexation: update the future land‑use designation, then process rezoning and any site‑level permits. Mr. Hamley told council the parcel is an enclave that was recently annexed and that the change will move to the state for review as required for comprehensive‑plan amendments.

Why it matters: The amendment allows the property owner to align the small parcel’s future land‑use designation with an adjacent facility to the north and clears a procedural hurdle so the applicant can pursue rezoning and later building permits. No development plan or new floor area was presented at the hearing; applicant consultant Betsy Jolley (Coastal Engineering) said there are currently no plans to build new floor space and that the extra land may be used in conjunction with an existing business to the north.

Council discussion focused on boundaries and tree cover; council received assurances that any future construction would return to the council for permitting and zoning steps. After public hearing requirements were met, the council approved first reading by roll call vote, with the clerk recording unanimous support.

What happens next: The ordinance will go to the state for its required review and, after that review and any required adjustments, will return to the council for a second and final reading.

Ending: Council approved first reading 5–0 with the item set for further state review before final local action.