OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A recommendation to adopt a planning and zoning item for individual consideration as approved, whose recommendation has been approved by both Marion County staff and the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission, that would allow for four goats on the applicant’s residential property, will be heard by the Marion County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium.
The applicants and property owners are Yuriel Perez and Emilina Rosell, who’ve submitted a reasonable accommodation application to allow four goats on their residential property, which is located in an area with a zoning classification of single-family dwelling.
The property is located within the Rainbow Acres Unit 3 subdivision and within the primary springs protection overlay zone. The subject property is 1.03 acres, and the physical address is 7498 SW 204th Ave., Dunnellon.
The applicant stated the goats serve a therapeutic role as emotional support animals, which was corroborated by a letter from the applicant’s health care provider.
A site visit was conducted by Marion County staff on Dec. 9, 2025, and no noticeable odors, waste or noise was observed. Animal waste is properly collected and stored securely on the property.
The goats are currently housed within a fenced in area that’s toward the rear of the property and behind the existing residence.
The subject property is developed, with an existing residential home to the east, and a large portion of the property being behind the home to the west.
A large portion of the backyard area has been fenced off to allow ample room for the goats.
The surrounding properties to the north, south and east have similar single-family dwelling zoning, with the parcels to the west being zoned rural residential and planned unit development.
The subject property has an existing well and septic system, and water is provided for the goats in the fenced-in area.
The applicant’s yard is currently fenced around the entire perimeter, and a portion within the backyard is fenced to provide a controlled area for the goats to remain. The fenced-in area was found to be more than sufficient, meeting the provision for required yards and other green space, according to Marion County staff.