SUMMERFIELD, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners approved a small-scale land use change and zoning request for Sunkissed Village RV Resort during a public hearing on July 21.
The 5-0 vote supports changing the land use from rural to commercial and rezoning to accommodate expansion of the existing RV resort in Summerfield, which has been in operation for five to six years.
Expansion details and occupancy rates
The subject parcel, totaling approximately 20.27 acres, is located west of the current operating area. The expansion, known as phase two, would include:
- 158 new RV units, bringing the total to 414 units
- Additional amenities, building on those already available in phase one
- Connection to county water and sewer services, which are accessible in the area
For most of the year, the park operates at roughly 80% occupancy, according to the applicant’s submitted data. This information was used in a need analysis required because the parcel lies outside the urban growth boundary.
Surrounding land use and compatibility
The area surrounding the resort includes a mix of land types:
- Agricultural and residential parcels adjacent to the resort
- Another RV resort directly to the north
- Two RV sales sites located in front of both resorts
- Rural land to the north, west, and south, though the site is in a commercial corridor along U.S. 441
Despite some public opposition related to buffer installations, the change was found to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and compatible with nearby uses.
Developer’s agreement and zoning
The applicant voluntarily submitted a developer’s agreement, which is typically used for planned unit developments. This particular agreement:
- Has no expiration date
- Applies to a by-right zoning request, which is uncommon for this type of request
- Was approved without negotiation, according to Kenneth Odom of Marion County Growth Services
According to Kenneth Odom of Marion County Growth Services, the developer’s agreement is considered “all or nothing,” meaning the applicant must fully adhere to the by-right zoning with no room for negotiation.
Prior to the approval, the applicant did not have by-right zoning and required board action to move forward. The motion was amended to include this by-right request.
Ownership and planning requirements
The parcel is located in southern Marion County along U.S. 441. It is owned by the Estate of John Rains Sr., and James Gooding III is the applicant’s agent.
Because the land sits outside the urban growth boundary, the county required both an urban sprawl analysis and a need analysis as part of the application.
Although technically outside the boundary, the parcel exhibits characteristics similar to those within it, supporting the board’s decision to approve the request.