OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) meets at 5:30 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to discuss two potential Land Development Code (LDC) amendments which have the potential to impact communities throughout the county.

The first concerns LDC Section 4.3.30, which covers smoke shops. The LDRC will discuss potential text additions to the code to clarify where smoke shops can exist in relation to county institutions such as schools and public parts.

The following additions to the text of LDS Section 4.3.30 will be considered:

  • Identify that the sale of tobacco and tobacco products or paraphernalia are the primary
    purpose for the business.
  • Provide for 1,000-foot spacing requirement from all schools and public parks for new smoke shops
  • Address how the measurement of the 1,000-foot spacing is to be conducted
  • Provide for an opportunity for a Special Use Permit for potential smoke shops that will not meet
    the spacing requirement.

The second agenda item for discussion this evening concerns LDC Section 4.3.12, which covers roadside vendors. The LDRC will discuss potential text additions to the code to clarify when roadside vendors would require approval under a Minor Site Plan or Major Site Plan.

The following changes to the text of LDS Section 4.3.12 will be considered:

  • Correct the reference to the permitting agency name from the “Florida Department of Business
    and Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants” to the “Florida Department of Business
    and Professional Regulation, Division of Hotels and Restaurants.”
  • Clarify what qualifies as a roadside vendor by removing the descriptor, “cart: food such as but
    not limited to hot dogs or sausages, barbecued meat and uncooked seafood” and replacing it
    with “Hot Dog Cart or Mobile Food Dispensing Vehicle (aka “Food Truck”).” This change makes
    the LDC consistent with State definitions and terms.
  • Add requirements for Special Use Permit and Minor or Major Site Plan review and approval
    where more than one roadside vendor operates on a single parcel of land. Revise subsection
    lettering sequence accordingly.
  • Clarify the intended temporary nature of roadside vendors.

Land Development Regulation Commission meetings are open to the public. Tonight’s meeting takes place at the Main Training Room at Marion County Growth Services, 2710 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.

The LDRC is a volunteer body that takes its recommendations to the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.