OCALA, FL (352today.com) – An ordinance was amended by the Ocala City Council at their July 1, 2025, meeting by a unanimous 5-0 vote to expand the boundaries of the Ridge at Heathbrook Community Development District.
What is a CDD?
A Community Development District, commonly called a CDD, is an independent unit of special-purpose local government authorized to plan, finance, construct, operate, and maintain community-wide infrastructure and planned community development under state law.
“A CDD is merely an alternate means of financing, constructing, and maintaining public infrastructure such as the Ridge at Heathbrook,” said Emily Johnson, City of Ocala Growth Management Senior Planner. “It’s noted in the report that the CDD does not possess the permitting, zoning or policing powers typically held by general purpose governments.”
The applicant submitted a request to amend their CDD boundaries to include an additional 29.142 acres, which would increase the CDD to 104.938 acres. A total of 391 residential dwelling units are now protected, said Johnson. Staff had reviewed the application against the criteria listed under Florida Statutes and found that all statements contained in the petition to amend the boundaries of Ridge at Heathbrook CDD were true and correct, and recommended approval of the request.
Boundary Expansion Details
The applicant submitted a request to amend the Ridge at Heathbrook CDD boundaries to include an additional 29.142 acres. With this expansion, the CDD now totals 104.938 acres. According to Johnson, a total of 391 residential dwelling units are now protected under the district.
City staff reviewed the application and confirmed that all statements contained in the petition to amend the boundaries were true and correct. The application met the necessary criteria under Florida Statutes, and staff recommended approval.
Consistency with City Planning
Johnson explained that the expansion is not inconsistent with any applicable element or portion of the city’s comprehensive plan. The area within the expanded district is of sufficient size, is sufficiently compact, and is contiguous enough to be developed as an optional-interrelated community.
She further explained that the district is an available alternative for delivering community development resources and facilities to the area that will be served by the district.
Compatibility and Services
The city also determined that the community development services and facilities of the district will not be incompatible with the capacity and uses of existing local and regional developments and infrastructure.
With council approval now in place, the Ridge at Heathbrook CDD can move forward with planned development and improvements under the new boundaries.