Government advisory board openings

[File photo by Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette]

Consider having your voice heard in local government by helping out on a volunteer board. Maybe you’re an expert in commercial real estate or you know a lot about environmental regulations. By serving on a local board, your experience and knowledge can influence governmental decisions and help you, your fellow citizens and local government. It gives you an inside look at the governmental systems and lets you participate more closely in your community.

These are the current vacancies for cities in Marion County and the county itself.

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City of Dunnellon:
The city’s general link is: dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions

Planning Commission
2 vacancies for alternate members; 1 vacancy for staff liaison

Description: The Planning Commission has an administrative review function whereby the commission reviews all changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, by amendment, evaluation, addition and appraisal for consistency with the existing comprehensive plan and reviews all land-related/zoning ordinances to determine consistency to the comprehensive plan. The commission holds quasi-judicial hearings with regards to land planning/zoning cases, site plan reviews, variances, special exceptions, and review/appeal of administrative orders, and forwards its findings/recommendations to the City Council.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.

dunnellon.org/government/boards-commissions/planning-commission

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City of Ocala:
The city’s general link is:
ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions
The City Council appoints individuals to serve on more than 20 boards, advisory committees and commissions. These volunteers are from all over Ocala and their experience, knowledge and expertise help influence decisions affecting the city by providing advice and feedback to city leaders and council.

If you have questions, contact [email protected] or call the Office of the City Clerk at (352) 629-8266. The main page is ocalafl.gov/government/city-departments-a-h/city-clerk/boards-and-commissions and each board has its own page and application link.

All are welcome to submit an application for consideration to a board or commission. Many boards have specific requirements, such as living within the city limits, being a qualified city voter, or owning real property within the city limits. The requirements, if any, are detailed for each board on their page.

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Description
The committee is responsible for developing an analysis of impediments to the creation of affordable housing, as required by the city’s affordable housing funders. Members represent various aspects of housing including residential home building, mortgage banking, labor, low-income advocates, nonprofit housing providers, real estate professional and other entities.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy, terms run for three years
Size: 11 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a

Board of Adjustment
Description
The board considers applications for zoning variances and special exception considerations for business and residential construction projects within the city limits, hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the building official in the enforcement of the zoning code (chapter 122), authorize special exceptions as provided in the zoning code and authorize variances as provided in the zoning code.
Vacancies: 2 current vacancies, terms run March 1, 2028.
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Brownfields Advisory Committee
Description
The purpose of the committee is to promote and receive public comment on the identification, rehabilitation and redevelopment of identified Brownfield sites. The committee shall provide guidance in areas such as land use, employment opportunities, development proposals, community safety and environmental justice. The committee consists of 11 members appointed by the Ocala City Council from boards, committees and organizations primarily representing West Ocala.
Vacancies: 3 current vacancies, terms from March 1, 2025, to March 1, 2028 and 2029.
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description
The committee shall advise the Community Redevelopment Agency on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. The committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the CRA Agency and City Council from property owners and organizations representing downtown Ocala.
Vacancies: 1 vacancy for term ending March 1, 2029.
Size: multiple members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

Historic Preservation Advisory Board
Description: The board oversees the historic resources of the city and advises City Council and city departments on matters relating to these resources and manages certificates of appropriateness for properties within the Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts. Make recommendations to City Council for matters relating to historic resources in the city changes to designated resources; attend pertinent informational or educational meetings, workshops and conferences; advise on development of goals, objectives and policies for historic preservation; advise city departments on matters relating to historic resources in the city; advise individuals on preservation of historic structures; educate public on economic benefits of same; and submit annual report to SHPO covering annual activities. The board approves certificates of appropriateness for exterior alterations to properties located in the local Tuscawilla Park and Ocala Historic Districts.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for an architect
Size: 9 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a

Municipal Code Enforcement Board
Description: The Code Enforcement Division enforces codes that pertain to zoning laws, nuisance abatement, contracting and permitting requirements of the city of Ocala and the state of Florida, occupational licenses, sign codes, alcohol location permits and many other local ordinances and state statutes. The board hears cases relating to code violations. Examine code violation cases presented by City Code Enforcement Officers. Empowered to levy fines and place liens on property if violation is not corrected.
Vacancies: 2 current vacancies for alternate members
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 3 years
Term Limit: n/a

Police Officers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees
Description: The board is responsible the administration and operation of the Retirement Plan for city of Ocala Police Officers.
Vacancies: 1 citizen term expired Aug. 6, 2024
Size: 7 Members
Term Length: 2 years
Term Limit: n/a

West Ocala Redevelopment Advisory Committee
Description
The committee shall advise the CRA Agency and City Council on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea. The committee is appointed as an advisory board to the Community Redevelopment Agency for the area defined as the West Ocala Redevelopment Subarea. The committee shall advise the CRA on redevelopment efforts of the established subarea pursuant to Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes. Meets at least two times per year.
Vacancies: 1 current vacancy for term ending March 1, 2029
Size: 9 members
Term Length: 4 years
Term Limit: n/a

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Marion County
Marion County shows vacancies on the boards listed below. These are volunteer positions and have specific qualifications and criteria depending on the focus. The county commission appoints members in regular meetings.

An application can be downloaded at marionfl.org/my-commissioners/advisory-boards and be printed or saved as a PDF. Email completed forms to [email protected]. Applications also may be obtained at the Marion County Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, or by calling (352) 438-2323.

Code Enforcement
(1 full member, 2 alternate members – Terms expire February 2026 and April 2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members shall be residents of Marion County.
Responsibilities: Members should have experience or interest in zoning and building control, and shall, whenever possible, be in the field of architecture, engineering, general contracting or subcontracting. Members shall have the power to adopt rules for the conduct of its hearings; subpoena alleged violators and witnesses to hearings; subpoena records, surveys, plats and other documentary evidence; take testimony under oath; issue orders having the force and effect of law, commanding whatever steps are necessary to bring a violation into compliance and establish and levy fines pursuant to county ordinance. Members are required to e-file Form 1 (Statement of Financial Interest) with the Florida Commission on Ethics.

Pine Run MSTU Advisory Council
(2 full members – Terms expire June 2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be residents of Pine Run MSTU.
Responsibilities: Make recommendations to the county commission pertaining to the
MSTU budget, activities, goals and objective; and other issues as directed by the county
commission.

Planning & Zoning Commission
(1 full member – Term expires September 2025)

Qualifications/restrictions: Members must reside in Marion County and cannot be county
employees.
Responsibilities: Employees of other government entities may serve if they are not elected
officials, department heads or higher, or in positions that set policy for their employer.
Members conduct public hearings on proposed rezonings and make recommendations to
the County Commission on adopting or amending the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code,
and Land Development Code.

Rainbow Lakes Estates MSD Advisory Council
(2 full members – Terms expire May 2027 and December 2028)

Qualifications/restrictions: Applicants must be registered electors residing within the Rainbow Lakes Estates Municipal Service District.
Responsibilities: Participate in the preparation of annual budget request; review and comment on programs, activities, goals and objectives and make recommendations on these and other issues as directed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Value Adjustment Board
(1 members – Full term May 2025)

Qualifications/restrictions: None specified.
Responsibilities: The board is an independent and impartial hearing body. Applicants must own homestead property in Marion County and cannot be employed by or represent any taxing authority or property owners in tax reviews.