The commission’s decision to pull a plan amendment changing 49.58 acres of land from agricultural use to an employment center from the consent agenda was a focal point. This amendment, presented by Brian Younger from the Planning, Development, and Economic Growth department, aimed to increase employment-generating land. Younger outlined the proposal’s alignment with existing zoning and its implications for the urban service area, using maps to illustrate the project’s location and relationship to surrounding areas. The amendment was deemed consistent with the comprehensive plan, inviting questions from commission members about transit and trail commitments. Despite initial concerns about a lack of trails and transit, it was clarified that future obligations for transit stops and trails were included, leading to an update in the agenda memo.

Public commentary highlighted potential impacts on neighboring properties, with Dr. Judy Horvath voicing concerns about her adjacent equine sanctuary. She emphasized the need for adequate barriers to maintain a peaceful environment for her horses and therapeutic activities. The development team assured compliance with a development agreement and noted minimal impact on her property due to planned stormwater drainage. They also committed to engaging with Dr. Horvath on future changes affecting her property.

The meeting also introduced a substantial modification to the Pasco Town Center Master Planned Development, now referred to as Double Branch. This modification included an increase in industrial and office entitlements, part of an economic development agreement enhancing the employment center. A connectivity plan was presented, highlighting trail segments and transit stops to facilitate movement between residential and employment areas. The discussion also covered variations in open play area dimensions, justified by the project’s mixed-use nature.

A significant topic was the amendment to parking regulations, particularly concerning RVs and commercial vehicles. Denise Hernandez from the Code Compliance Department presented a “glitch amendment” addressing issues within the land development code. The amendment proposed to Section 530.5 clarified the prohibition of parking or storing RVs in rights-of-way across all zoning designations, previously applicable only to small residential lots. The updated language aimed to prevent interference with sidewalks, multi-use trails, and bicycle lanes.

The amendment also addressed Section 530.16, prohibiting commercial vehicle parking in certain residential areas, now including Master Planned Unit Development districts. An exception was noted for commercial vehicles used in legally operating businesses within those districts. Concerns were raised about potential legal challenges under Senate Bill 180, with discussions on whether it would be prudent to include RV parking prohibitions in the code of ordinances for safer legal ground.

The conversation extended to enforcement complexities, highlighting inconsistencies in handling parking violations across different departments. A participant noted that parking prohibitions solely in the land development code might complicate enforcement. The potential for conflicts between the codes was acknowledged, especially concerning temporary RV parking during rebuilding efforts post-hurricanes. The discussion concluded with a consensus on the need for careful consideration of SB 180’s legalities and the possibility of adapting regulations to the code of ordinances if challenged.