Changes are coming to Pasco County’s land development code — but most of them are minor fixes to the regulations that govern the way land can be used in the county.
One of the biggest changes in the proposed amendments involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.
Previously, the changes went to the Pasco County Planning Commission for a recommendation, and then to the Pasco County Commission for approval.
Under the amended land development code, the changes would go to the county’s administrative staff for approval, and to the planning commission for variance requests.
The county has rules about the minimum distance for alcohol sales from schools, parks and churches. If someone wants a variance from those rules, that request will be considered by the planning commission.
That process change is being made by staff, at the county commission’s request.
These are among the other changes being recommended:
- The side setback can 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, since that is now handled by the state.
No one spoke during the county board’s first public hearing, held on Nov. 17, on the proposed changes. Final action is expected during the 1:30 p.m. public hearing on Dec. 8, in New Port Richey, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.
Published December 09, 2020
