The Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is preparing to review significant changes to the county’s land development code regarding the approval and expansion of private airports and residential “fly-in” communities.
The commission is scheduled to hold a workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 7, to discuss amendments that would formalize the approval process for private aviation facilities and refine the regulations for communities designed around aircraft access.
Under the proposed language, any new private airport, or an existing one planning a geographic expansion beyond its previously approved limits, would require approval through a Special Use Permit (SUP) or a Planned Unit Development (PUD) process.
To obtain a permit, applicants would be required to submit a conceptual plan that details the airport’s limits in relation to adjacent properties, proposed setbacks and structure heights, provisions for ingress and egress, and evidence of general compatibility with the surrounding area.
The commission will also review updates to Section 4.3.28 of the code, which governs fly-in communities. The revised text defines these developments as mixed-use residential areas that include legal taxiway access to a private airport for residents and guests.
The amendments emphasize a shift in planning philosophy, stating that the purpose of the regulations is to “design the Fly-In Community to ensure a cohesive and well-integrated layout” that actively incorporates aircraft operations into the residential environment, rather than simply accommodating them. These communities would be permitted in all Future Land Use categories that allow residential development, including mixed-use zones.
Stricter oversight is proposed for new or expanding fly-in communities, which would need to receive approval from the Board of County Commissioners through the PUD process. The code strictly defines “expansion” as increasing geographic boundaries or land use densities and intensities beyond what was previously approved.
Developers would be required to provide a master plan depicting accessory structure criteria, aircraft circulation, and taxiway access, with a new provision specifically limiting the height of accessory aircraft hangars to 50 feet.
The proposed changes also clarify regulatory boundaries and offer protections for established developments. The code explicitly states that the county will not impose conditions on issues already preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or Florida Department of Transportation, such as airspace, aircraft operations, or lighting.
Additionally, fly-in communities established lawfully before the ordinance would be considered “legal conforming” uses. If an existing community seeks to expand, the county would only be permitted to review and condition the expanded area, leaving the previously approved portion of the development untouched.
The Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission next meets on Wednesday, January 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Growth Services Training Room (319 SE 26th Terrace) in Ocala.