Planning commission approves accessory dwelling, setback variance; denies 199-foot Verizon tower variance

The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission on May 21 approved a conditional use allowing an accessory dwelling unit larger than 850 square feet on a nearly 17-acre property, and granted a variance that lets a homeowner rebuild a smaller residence on a storm-damaged site with reduced road setbacks. The commission denied a request for a variance to site a 199-foot monopole telecommunications tower.

Planner Frankie Piland gave the staff presentation for application CU-2026-0004, which would allow a 1,200-square-foot accessory dwelling unit on a 16.89-acre lot off Amarillo's Lane. Kelsey Wright, an agent for Brenda McKenzie, said the property owner supports the conditions in the staff report and asked for approval. Commissioners moved to approve the conditional use with the staff-recommended conditions; the motion carried.

Later the commission considered a rebuild-and-setback variance for a property in the Ozello area. Applicant Talmadge Williams said his previous home, built in the 1970s, received irreparable storm damage and he seeks a variance from the 35-foot roadway setback to allow a smaller home that is more conforming overall. Staff planner Melissa Morris explained the applicant had lost vesting under the 365-day rebuild provision after Hurricane Adeline 2023, and described the averaging method used for waterfront setbacks. Commissioners debated whether the hurricane-vesting argument applied but concluded the new home would decrease the previous nonconformity; the commission approved the variance with conditions.

On a separate application, Saffron Holdings requested a variance to allow a 199-foot monopole telecommunications tower with a reduced separation of about 48 feet from an adjacent industrial parcel, instead of the code-required separation (50% of tower height). The applicant's representative said Verizon needs coverage and argued the industrial parcel was the most compatible siting option; the presentation described search-ring constraints and a fall-zone certificate. Staff flagged unpermitted RV and boat storage on the parcel and showed a map with a small alternative area where the tower could be sited without a variance. Several commissioners said Verizon had not demonstrated why the code-compliant on-site location would not work and expressed concern about unpermitted uses on the property. A motion to deny the variance passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance:
- CU-2026-0004 (ADU on 16.89 acres): Motion to approve (first by Mr. Scherer, second by Mr. Varmus); voice vote recorded as aye; outcome: approved.
- V-2026-00002 (Ozello setback variance): Motion to approve with staff conditions; outcome: approved.
- V-2026-00001 (199-foot telecom monopole): Motion to deny (first by Mr. Sherra, second by Ms. Collins); outcome: denied unanimously.

Why it matters: The telecom denial underscores the commission’s insistence on exploring code-compliant placements and addressing site irregularities before granting variances; the approvals show the commission will weigh nonconformity reduction and site-specific hardship in storm-damage rebuild cases.

What’s next: The approved conditional use and variances proceed to permitting and any required follow-up; the denied tower applicant may revise siting plans or return with additional evidence.