Palatka planning board approves annexation, future land‑use amendment and rezoning for two parcels on Old Jacksonville Road

The Palatka Planning Board unanimously approved annexing two parcels near 1273 Old Jacksonville Road, amended their future land‑use designation to City Residential Medium, and rezoned the properties to City R‑2.

Senior Planner Michael Hill presented the annexation, future land use amendment and rezoning request on behalf of the applicant (Beck Sloane Properties). Hill said the request is intended to allow the properties to connect to the city’s water system; sewer is not currently available. He walked the board through the state statute criteria (chapter 171.044) used for annexation, explaining the parcels are treated as contiguous under the statute despite being across the street and noted the annexation would reduce an existing enclave within the city.

Hill said staff’s analysis of compatibility, compactness and zoning criteria supports annexation and an R‑2 zoning classification. When a board member noted the packet’s photo caption suggested eight parcels, Hill acknowledged a packet error and clarified the request is for two parcels; he apologized for the mistake.

A committee member moved to annex the two parcels (approximately 0.4 acre), the motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the annexation. The board then approved amendments to the future land use map and the rezoning request; all three motions were recorded as passing unanimously.

The board deferred selection of a planning board alternate because a member was absent, and the chair adjourned the meeting.