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Planning board approves Samadi Wildlife rehabilitation facility with conditions
Summary
The board approved a special exception for Samadi Wildlife Inc. to establish a wildlife rehabilitation facility and residence on a 10‑acre agricultural parcel, subject to standard conditions: buffer setbacks, limiting exterior animals, maintaining Florida Fish & Wildlife permits, and contingent waiver approval from commissioners for sterilization rules.
The Planning & Development Board on July 14 approved a special exception request for Samadi Wildlife Inc., a Florida nonprofit that rehabilitates native wildlife and seeks to relocate to a 10‑acre agricultural parcel near Carter Trail.
Staff summarized the proposal: a single‑family dwelling for 24/7 caretaking, a separate facility building connected by a breezeway, up to 10 outdoor containment structures located at least 100 feet from property lines, a 25‑foot natural vegetative buffer, a private well and septic, and no public access—the facility will operate by employees and volunteers. Staff also noted the applicant maintains a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rehabilitation permit and had provided a veterinary care plan and emergency procedures. The applicant requested a waiver from a local sterilization requirement; staff said that waiver will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action should the board recommend approval.
Applicant representatives described their current operations, emphasized volunteer support and the nonprofit model, and said they would abide by conditions including veterinary oversight, reporting requirements and limits on exterior animals. Neighbors asked about road access, protections for livestock, buffers and whether licensing and site engineering would address stormwater and fire safety concerns. The applicant and project team said they would work with adjacent landowners and follow fire‑code access standards.
The board moved to approve the special exception subject to staff‑recommended conditions (including maintaining FWC permit, limiting exterior animals, veterinary oversight and a two‑year commencement requirement). They also approved forwarding the sterilization waiver with the staff recommendation to the County Commissioners.
The planning board vote was unanimous. Staff will include the required conditions in the development order and the matter of the sterilization waiver will be placed on the Commissioners’ agenda.
