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Planner outlines UDO text changes aimed at readability, limited county impact
Summary
A county planner presented a package of Unified Development Ordinance text changes focused on formatting, clearer subdivision standards and limited zoning tweaks; presenters said most changes primarily affect Sanford and Broadway, with minimal substantive change to unincorporated Lee County.
Thomas, a county planning presenter, told the Lee County Board of Commissioners the UDO update is intended largely to align the ordinance with the Plan San Lee long‑range plan and make the document easier to read.
"Most of these changes are for both the city of Sanford and the town of Broadway, and it focuses primarily on residential growth," Thomas said, describing a single‑column 12‑point font, color‑coded permit matrices and clearer diagrams. He emphasized that nearly all unincorporated county areas zoned RA and RR will be unaffected by most changes.
The proposed edits include renaming the R20 district to RN20, small reductions in minimum lot width and some shallower setbacks in limited areas, clarified standards for duplexes and accessory dwelling units, and a new staff process for exempt plat certification. Thomas said about 55 county parcels are in the R20 category and would retain their existing use; he described many changes as codifications of longstanding staff interpretations rather than new policy.
One substantive policy change would prohibit creation of buildable lots inside flood hazard areas for major subdivisions, replacing a previous practice that allowed limited buildable space in floodplains. Thomas also described a requirement that new major subdivisions of 10 acres or more preserve a 20‑foot perimeter tree band rather than allowing grading to the lot line.
Board members asked how the updates interact with school capacity and whether administrative subdivision approvals can be denied when they meet the ordinance. Planning staff and the county manager noted that major subdivisions come through the technical review committee — which includes school system representatives — and that administrative decisions are limited if an application meets the prescribed standards.
The board opened a public hearing on the text amendment and then closed it without speakers specifically signed up for the amendment; the matter will move through the county's formal review processes.
