Martin County commissioners held a substantive discussion Dec. 9 after multiple Stewart West residents testified about a proposed pre‑application seeking to amend the Stewart West PUD to allow unspecified "domesticated animals."

Residents described a long‑running dispute in which new HOA leadership sought to broaden the animals permitted beyond equine species. "By adding the undefined and broadened term of domesticated animals, it would authorize barnyard species such as chickens, ducks, goats, pigs," said public commenter Deb Vygotsky, who said she opposed the amendment and urged prioritizing public‑safety infrastructure to keep pace with growth.

County attorney/staff told the commission the Stewart West PUD (approved 1978; first final site plan 1980) currently permits stabled equestrian animals and that, based on the county's land‑development regulations and the PUD agreement, chickens are not allowed. "It was determined based on our land development regulations and the Stewart West plan unit development agreement that chickens were not permitted," staff said.

Commissioner Campe and Growth Management director Paul Schilling clarified an earlier community claim that a commissioner had offered a fee reduction. Schilling explained the administrative amendment fee would be $3,850 for a text modification while a revised site plan review that requires full department review would carry approximately $13,800; he emphasized the difference reflected application type, not a discretionary 'discount.'

Why it matters: Residents said the county's clarification is important to prevent misinformation and protect neighborhood character; others warned that poor HOA governance and recall challenges will be decided in court and recommended the county allow that process to play out.

Outcome: County staff stated there is no PUD amendment application currently pending in Growth Management and no formal action by the board was required or taken at the meeting. Commissioners urged neighbors to resolve HOA governance issues through the courts and elections and pledged that if an application is submitted it will be processed through the normal growth‑management workflow.

Quote: "As of today, there has been no application for a PUD amendment," said county staff, closing the item for board action.

The board moved on to other agenda items.