Planning panel recommends approval for John Wilson's accessory dwelling unit

The Citrus County Planning & Development Commission on Sept. 3 recommended approval of application CU-2026-00007, a conditional use request from John Wilson to place an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on his roughly 7.8-acre parcel.

Planner Heather Colford told the commission the proposed ADU is about 1,300 square feet and the site is zoned LDR; she said the request is made under LDC Chapter 3, Section 3101, which allows up to 1,500 square feet of living area for an ADU on parcels at least five acres. Colford said, "This property is large enough to accommodate the existing home, existing accessory structures, and the proposed ADU while meeting LDC standards such as ISR and setbacks." John Wilson, the applicant, said he wanted to place his daughter and granddaughter on family property to improve their living conditions, telling the panel, "We're just trying to make a better life for my kids."

Commissioners and staff discussed routine permit steps and possible minor upgrades such as septic improvements and impact fees; the applicant indicated awareness of those requirements. After questions and no public input, the commission voted to recommend approval with the staff conditions. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for final action.