Auburndale planning panel recommends Lakes District land-use and Estate Residential zoning for Gapway property

The Planning Commission of the City of Auburndale on Nov. 4, 2025 unanimously recommended that the City Commission approve a small-scale Future Land Use and Zoning Map amendment for the Gapway property, a parcel annexed into the city measuring about 0.06 acres.

City Planner Jesse Pearson told the commission that the request follows a voluntary annexation and is intended to align the tiny enclave with surrounding residential parcels. "As a result of voluntary annexation, the City is requesting a Small-Scale Future Land Use and Zoning Map amendment on a parcel totaling +/- 0.06 acres," Pearson said, adding that staff recommends a Future Land Use of Lakes District Mixed Use (LDMU) and a zoning classification of Estate Residential (ER) "consistent with residential land uses adjacent to the site." Pearson said the property is planned to be developed with the parcel to the south and west on Gapway Road and that the requested amendments are consistent with the City of Auburndale Comprehensive Plan and the Lakes District Overlay in Chapter 15 of the Land Development Regulations.

Commissioner Dave Holt moved to recommend approval of the Future Land Use Map amendment; Commissioner Donishia Yarde seconded. The motion passed on a unanimous voice vote recorded as "all ayes." The commission then voted to recommend the corresponding Zoning Map amendment on a motion by Commissioner Steve Lawson, seconded by Commissioner Dave Holt; that motion also passed with all ayes. The record does not specify dates for City Commission consideration.

The Planning Commission's recommendation is advisory: the City Commission will next consider the two proposed amendments when it takes up annexation and zoning matters at a future meeting.