Planning and Development Commission - May 21, 2026

The Citrus County Government Planning and Development Commission meeting on May 21, 2026, focused primarily on land use and zoning issues, including a significant public discussion about proposed rezoning for industrial uses, particularly concerns about data centers and heavy industrial development. Public speakers expressed strong opposition to rezoning agricultural land to industrial, citing environmental, health, water resource, and property value concerns. The commission also reviewed and approved a conditional use application for an accessory dwelling unit and considered a variance request for a telecommunications tower, which was ultimately denied due to available compliant alternatives and concerns about unpermitted uses on the site. Additionally, the commission discussed amendments to the land development code, including introducing planned unit development (PUD) requirements for cement batch and asphalt plants in industrial zones to add an extra layer of public review and environmental safeguards. The meeting included motions to approve the land development code amendments and highlighted ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental protection and community interests. No contract awards or procurement decisions were made during this meeting.