Planning commission recommends approval for Kitten Trail rezoning after public concerns

The Pasco County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of a rezoning request by Landmark LLC (Kitten Trail Farms) for about 14.57 acres on Kitten Trail, moving the parcel from an AC agricultural commercial district to AR agricultural residential to allow split lots.

Planning staff presented the item and recommended approval with a voluntary deed restriction limiting lot sizes and with conditions tied to required technical reviews. Amy Toll of Planning, Development and Economic Growth described the site, said the applicant volunteered a deed restriction to limit lot size to 2.5 acres, and noted county plans for a five‑foot sidewalk nearby. During discussion, staff emphasized that any future subdivision would require geotechnical reports, listed‑species surveys, stormwater plans and Southwest Florida Water Management District permits.

Residents raised multiple concerns during public comment about aquifer impacts, a reported sinkhole on the site, and local road capacity. Kenneth Howard, a nearby resident, told the commission the property contains a sinkhole he said is open to the aquifer and warned of potential water and wildlife impacts. Another resident, Sarah Gonzales, described heavy traffic on Denton Road and asked how infrastructure would support additional homes.

Applicant representative Lisa Dimyanovich said her intent is to create "estate‑sized" lots and preserve rural character, not to build a high‑density subdivision: "I'm just trying to maximize the potential for the property so that we can... create some estate size lots," she said. Planning staff responded that technical and permitting hurdles (including recent SWFWMD water‑quality changes) will be required before construction.

After questions, a commissioner moved to recommend approval; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The record shows the recommendation will transmit to the Board of County Commissioners for a final decision.