One of the biggest changes in a batch of proposed amendments to Pasco County’s land development code involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.
Previously, the Pasco County Commission has considered these requests.
Under the proposed change, the requests would be handled administratively, unless a waiver is requested — which would be considered by the Pasco County Planning Commission.
The shift is highly likely to be approved by the county board, since they requested it.
The update to the land development code creates a new section where package sales and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages are approved administratively.
That section also adds the Planning Commission as the decision-making body, when specific distance waivers are requested from places of religious worship, schools and parks.
Another change in update clarifies that single-family detached homes on individual lots are only permitted on parcels zoned R-MH Mobile Home District prior to Dec. 8, 2020.
Other proposed changes:
- Allows the side setback to be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry
- In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
- In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
- In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements
- Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and
Conditional Use, and Administrative Use Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals.
- In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted; and, the section specifies that such mobile food operations are allowed at construction sites, as long as they are intended to serve patrons working at the site.
In other action, the planning commission recommended approval of a rezoning request by Charles Gilbert Tucker to change the designation on his 5.46-acre property to allow an agricultural designation that qualifies for an agricultural tax break. Tucker told planning commissioners that he just wants to have a pine tree farm, as well as some orange trees for personal use. He intends to sell some of the pine trees, but does not envision a large-scale operation.
The property is on the east side of Conner Drive, about 1,750 feet south of the intersection of Cypress Lane and Dupree Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.
The planning commission recommended approval, despite concerns about potential impacts raised in an email from a neighbor.
The Pasco County Commission will determine the final outcome of both the proposed land development code amendments, and of Tucker’s request.
Published November 11, 2020
