Informing adjacent landowners of proposed zoning amendments
Dear Editor:
Given that a home is often a person’s most valuable asset, it is essential that homeowners are notified of issues that affect their home values. Zoning classifications affect home values of entire areas. Consequently, when a zoning amendment is requested, all surrounding properties should be notified. Generally, this includes posting a sign, publishing an announcement, and sending a notice via certified mail.
Unfortunately, Osceola County code only requires that zoning amendment applicants only send notice IF the parcel is under 10 acres. (Osceola Land development code 2.3.5) This is counter intuitive because larger parcels have a larger impact on a adjacent properties. (Note that Orange County’s land development code doesn’t restrict notification based on parcel size). Certified mail is essential because posting signs may not notify absentee landowners like landlords, deployed soldiers, etc. And delivered USPS mail is easily tracked online using the free service “Informed Mail”.
Florida’s Sunshine Laws are the hallmark of democracy, because knowledge is power, and when information is readily available, informed and fair decisions can be made collectively. Currently, the Osceola planning department is revising its requirements for zoning amendments. Please contact the board with your views regarding the requirement that zoning amendment applicants send notice of proposed change via certified mail to all property owners within 300 feet, regardless of parcel site. The Osceola County Planning Commission can be reached by phone, email, or at their monthly meeting – the first Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. This public meeting can be attended in person or via teleconference.
Kia Ricchi
St. Cloud
