Zephyrhills O.K.’s zoning change and considers two moratoriums
By JOE POTTER
The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a request to change the zoning of .33 acres of property from OP–Office Professional to R3–Medium Density Residential during its June 23rd meeting.
And the Council approved by votes of 4-1 the first reading of proposed one-year moratoriums against the consideration of certain new residential applications for annexation, etc., for property; and the opening of any new Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers.
The property that was rezoned is located on the northeast corner of 12th Street and North Avenue. The first reading of the ordinance requesting the zoning change had been held on June 9th.
A representative of the applicant told Council members the property had been zoned for residential use prior to 1992. That’s when the zoning was changed to OP – Office Professional, he said.
Council members were told mobile homes that had been on the property in the past have been removed.
Any residences built on the property would reportedly have a 35-foot setback so there wouldn’t be a visual obstruction for people driving on 12th Street.
Also access to the property would reportedly be via North Avenue to the south and Naomi Avenue to the north.
Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson cast the lone vote against the proposed moratorium that would affectchanges requested for residential properties for properties over one acre during its first reading.
The second reading on it will be held July 14th.
If adopted, itwouldbe a 12-month extension of a moratorium originally adopted June 26, 2023.
The proposed moratorium would continue restrictions on accepting new residential development applications until July 13, 2026.
This would include applications for annexations, land use modifications, rezoning, Major Planned Unit Development amendments, conditional uses or variances for properties over one acre.
The purpose of the proposed moratorium is to give the City more time to try to be granted a Water Use Expansion Permit that is being sought from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
The moratorium would not apply to projects already approved or permitted prior to June 2023, nor to any residential developments under one acre or any non-residential projects.
Councilman Lance Smith cast the lone vote against the proposed moratorium on the opening of any new Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers not to exceed 12 months. The second reading will be held on July 14th.
If adopted, it would be effective from July 23, 2025 – July 22, 2026.
The moratorium would be an extension of a 12-month moratorium adopted by Council on July 22, 2024.
It is being considered because City staff believes an adequate number of medical marijuana treatment centers exist with in the boundaries of the city. Adoption of the moratorium would also be intended to allow City staff additional time to review possible regulations permitted under an applicable Florida statute.
In other business:
Two new members of the Zephyrhills Police Department were administered their oaths of office by ZPD Chief Derek Brewer.
They are Adina Burke and Noah Yanzer.
