OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala City Council will hold a public hearing at their meeting Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in relation to an ordinance that would rezone two parcels from planned development and undeveloped to light industrial.
The subject properties are located at 5019 W. Silver Springs Blvd, and the parcel adjacent to the east, composing 30.49 acres. The existing uses were single-family residential and undeveloped. The future land designation is for that of an employment center.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved the recommendation regarding the applicant’s request on Jan. 12, 2026. City Council had the first reading Feb. 17, 2026. The applicant is Steven Mendez, and the property owner is Chi Ocala Rancho, LLC.
The agent, Rodney Rogers, Rogers Engineering and Land Surveying, LLC, is representing the applicant in the request.
The current zoning land use, planned development, is approved for a maximum development program of 468 multi-family residential units, and up to 180.991 square feet of commercial/retail uses. The future land use is an employment center with a maximum of 24 units per acre.
The one parcel had remained vacant and undeveloped. Historically, the property has been used for agricultural purposes and is developed with single-family residences, with some being built as early as 1958.
The subject property can be accessed by W. Silver Springs Blvd and NW 52nd Ave. and is surrounded by light industrial zoning and industrial uses. The surrounding area west of I-75 is predominantly heavy commercial and industrial uses with a light mix of community business, according to City of Ocala staff.
Staff found that the zoning is consistent with the industrial and heavy commercial pattern surrounding the subject property. Residential areas are not permitted in the light industrial zoned district. The existing single-family residences located on the subject properties will remain non-conforming and must be removed prior to further development.
The proposed rezoning is consistent with the existing employment center future land use classification and the code of ordinances, according to staff.
City utilities are available at this location, and no level of service issues have been identified for public facilities as a result of the zoning amendment. Staff has recommended approval.
