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Planning commission recommends denial of land‑use change that would allow higher-density multifamily on 2.55‑acre Ocala parcel
Summary
Staff recommended denial of LUC 25-000, which would change a 2.55-acre property from 'neighborhood' to 'medium intensity special district' (up to 30 dwelling units per acre). The commission voted to recommend denial, citing incompatibility with surrounding densities and traffic concerns; applicant Juan Vasquez said he plans a PD for 56 apartments if the land‑use change is approved.
The Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend denial of a proposed future land-use amendment (LUC 25-000) that would redesignate a 2.55-acre wooded parcel at the SE quadrant of NW 21st Street and NW 27th Avenue from "neighborhood" to "medium intensity special district."
Growth management planner Indira Madreveran presented staff's analysis and recommended denial. Staff reported that the surrounding developed area averages roughly 4.03 dwelling units per acre, while the requested designation permits up to 30 dwelling units per acre. "Staff finds that the proposed land use amendment is inconsistent with the maximum historic future land use densities for the subject property and those surrounding properties," Indira said.
The applicant, Juan Vasquez, described plans to submit a planned development (PD) for a multifamily complex and said his PD would propose 56 apartment units. "Since I am, proposing 56 apartment units in the development in the PD," Vasquez said, noting neighborhood meetings and some written support he received. Vasquez also said similar medium-intensity districts and multifamily complexes exist nearby.
Commissioners raised traffic and compatibility concerns, including whether the 0.5-mile density calculation considered only residential parcels and whether the 2050 vision update would change future maps. One commissioner said they preferred considering PD and land-use requests together and moved to recommend denial to preserve the board’s ability to evaluate site-level impacts alongside density allowances.
The motion to recommend denial was seconded and carried on roll call.
Because the matter is a future land-use designation, staff emphasized that changing the designation would allow a range of potential uses and densities (including up to 76 units on the parcel under the maximum of 30 du/acre) and that subsequent PD and site-plan approvals would be separate decisions.
The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council as part of the usual review process.
