The primary focus of the meeting was PB case 2527, a request for a variance concerning the minimum living area for a new single-family residence on Frank V. Oliver Way. A representative from the planning department introduced the case, detailing the location within the Veterans Village of Palatka subdivision, consisting of five lots approved in 2018. The variance request was necessitated by the city’s zoning ordinance adopted in August 2022, which established an 850-square-foot minimum living area for residences in the R1A zoning district. The variance was sought for a 512-square-foot home, proposed by Putnam Habitat for Humanity, smaller than the required size.

The executive director of Putnam Habitat for Humanity addressed the board, highlighting the financial and logistical challenges of revising plans to meet the new requirements. She explained that the plans for the home predated the ordinance and emphasized the importance of proceeding with the construction to provide housing for a single veteran who had been homeless and waiting for three years. The board members inquired about the square footage of existing homes in the subdivision and were informed that the smallest units were designed to accommodate single occupants, with larger units housing one or two individuals.

The board engaged in discussions about the historical context of the minimum square footage requirement. It was noted that the 850-square-foot minimum emerged from debates to prevent the construction of extremely small homes, with some proposals suggesting sizes as low as 100 square feet. Legal counsel clarified that the subdivision was built under R1A zoning regulations, which allowed for this minimum. Despite some uncertainty about exclusions for existing subdivisions, a legal argument was presented suggesting that the lots should retain their original entitlements from the time of plat approval.

A public speaker urged the board to approve the variance, emphasizing property rights and the potential negative implications of existing restrictions. She recalled the ordinance’s history, noting that the board initially recommended a minimum of 1,200 square feet, but it was reduced to 850 square feet to allow broader construction opportunities. Following these discussions, a board member motioned to approve the variance, which was seconded and passed unanimously, allowing the construction of the final home in the subdivision.

The meeting also addressed two annexation requests. The first involved a 1.09-acre parcel on South Highway 19, which the applicant sought to connect to city utilities. The proposal included amending the future land use map and rezoning the parcel to align with the city’s commercial designation. Staff confirmed that the annexation met statutory requirements and aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan. The board approved the annexation, land use map amendment, and rezoning without opposition.

The second annexation request concerned a 3.66-acre parcel on Comfort Road. The applicant intended to connect to city utilities and construct two industrial buildings, prompting another series of amendments to the land use map and zoning classification. The board discussed logistical concerns related to existing infrastructure connections, with the applicant affirming that the proposed zoning change from heavy to light industrial was consistent with their plans. Following public comments and no objections, the board approved the annexation, land use map amendment, and rezoning.