HomeMy WebLinkAbout22-233 RESOLUTION NO. 22-233
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (AHAC)
2022 INCENTIVE AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 420.9076(4), F.S., each local government participating in the State
Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program must prepare an annual Affordable Housing Advisory
Committee (AHAC) report ("Incentive and Recommendation Report") that recommends to the local
governing body specific actions or initiatives to encourage or facilitate the development and preservation
of affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, the St. Lucie County AHAC held public meetings on June 3, 2022 and November 1,
2022, to review the County's existing affordable housing incentive recommendations in order to
determine which incentives should be updated and incorporated into the 2022 Incentive and
Recommendation Report; and
WHEREAS,the AHAC held a public hearing pursuant to the requirements of Section 420.9076(5),
F.S. on November 29, 2022 to review the 2022 Incentive and Recommendation Report; and
WHEREAS, an electronic copy of the 2022 Incentive and Recommendation Report was to be
submitted to Florida Housing Finance Corporation by December 1, 2022; and
WHEREAS, due to continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the convening of the AHAC and
preparation of the recommendation 2022 Incentive and Recommendation Report was delayed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County,
Florida:
A. The above recitals are ratified in their entirety.
B. The annual St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee 2022 Recommendation
Report, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated by reference, is
hereby approved.
C. This resolution shall take effect upon adoption.
After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as follows:
Commissioner Cathy Townsend, Chair AYE
Commissioner Linda Bartz,Vice Chair AYE
Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky AYE
Commissioner Larry Leet AYE
Commissioner Jamie Fowler AYE
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 13th Day of December 2022.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
.4i L
BY.
D• •uty Clerk AI Chair
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND
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County Attorney
ST. LUCIE __
COUNTY
F L O R I D A
Affordable
Housing
Advisiory
Committee
(AHAC )
2022 Recommendation
Report
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Approved by the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee at a Public Hearing on November 29, 2022
Accepted by the Board of County Commissioners-TBD
Resolution No. TBD
I. Overview
The St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) was established as required pursuant to
Section 420.9072, Florida Statutes, and formed via Ordinance No. 08-023. The AHAC shall submit a report to
the Board of County Commissioners annually on or before December 1st that includes recommendations,
evaluations, implementation of affordable housing in the following specific areas:
1. The processing of approvals of development orders or permits for affordable housing projects is
expedited to a greater degree than other projects, as provided in s. 163.3177(6)(f)3.
2. All allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of affordable housing.
3. The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.
4. The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low-income persons, low-income
persons, and moderate-income persons.
5. Affordable accessory residential units.
6. The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing.
7. The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations for affordable housing.
8. The modification of street requirements for affordable housing.
9. The establishment of a process by which a local government considers, before adoption, policies,
procedures, ordinances, regulations, or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing.
10. The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for affordable housing.
11. The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use
developments.
Meetings of the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee were held on the following dates:
• June 3, 2022
• November 1, 2022
II. Public Hearing
The report was presented at a public hearing on November 29, 2022.
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 1 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
III. INCENTIVES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Incentive 1: The processing of approvals of development orders or permits for affordable
housing projects is expedited to a greater degree than other projects, as provided in s.
163.3177(6)(f)3.
Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be
found in the County's Comprehensive Plan Housing Element. There are no Goals, Objectives or Policies that
specifically address the expedition of the review, approval and/or permitting of affordable housing projects. The
addition of language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the expedition of the approval of affordable
housing projects would be best suited in the Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
The County's Land Development Code makes no mention of affordable housing in definition, zoning, use or
expedition of review or approval of such developments. Chapter XI, Administration and Enforcement, deals
with the procedures required for obtaining development orders (any order granting, denying authorization, or
granting with conditions an application for a development permit) and certain types of permits. Chapter XII,
Decision Making and Administrative Bodies, defines the respective commissions, boards and agencies and all
matters related to their charge. Any modifications of review and approval procedures to expedite affordable
housing projects would be best suited to Chapter Xl. Consideration of the modification of duties and powers
with respect to the expedition of affordable housing permitting could be considered for the appropriate board
(BOCC) and/or Local Planning Agency (Planning and Zoning Commission).
Incentive 1 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes. However, the committee
recommends that should an affordable housing project be submitted to the County prior to the
Housing Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan being completed, it should be considered for
expedited permitting.
Incentive 2: All allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction of
affordable housinq.
Review Synopsis: Goals, Objectives and Policies regarding affordable housing and housing in general may be
found in the County's Comprehensive Plan Housing Element. The following objectives and policies do seem to
address the issue of fee waivers and alternative methods of fee payment, albeit not specifically.
Objective 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private
sector cooperation.
Policy 3.1.2.1 - The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations, and the permitting process
for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements and amending or adding other requirements in order to
maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the
health, welfare and safety of the residents. Policy 3.1.2.2 - Based upon economic data showing need, the
County shall continue to support incentives including fast track processing and reduced permit fees for
proposed affordable housing developments.
The addition of specific language, in the form of an objective or policy, regarding the reduction or waiver of fees
and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing may be considered. The County's Land
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 2 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Development Code makes no mention of reduction or waiver of fees and alternative methods of fee payment
for affordable housing. Any modifications of review and approval procedures to expedite affordable housing
projects would be best suited to Chapter XI Administration and Enforcement and Chapter XII Decision Making
and Administrative Bodies.
Road Impact Fees were last updated in 2019, and fee reductions were adopted for Affordable Housing
developments.
Incentive 2 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 3: The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.
Review Synopsis: The Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan does contain language that could be
construed to include the allowance of flexibility in densities.
Objective 3.1.1: The County shall ensure the creation and/or preservation of affordable housing for all current
and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction, and households with special housing needs including rural
and farmworker housing, workforce housing as well as adequate sites and distribution of housing for very-low-
income, low-income and moderate-income households.
Policy 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use
Development projects.
Policy 3.1.1.3 - In order to facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial enterprises especially high-
tech industries, the County shall maintain sufficient housing to encourage the relocation of new businesses.
Objective 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private
sector cooperation.
Policy 3.1.2.1 - The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations and the permitting process
for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements and amending or adding other requirements in order to
maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the
health, welfare and safety of the residents.
There appear to be no other Goals, Objectives, or Policies in any of the other Elements of the Comprehensive
Plan addressing the issue of flexibility in densities for affordable housing. Future modifications to nearly all the
Elements, such as Land Use, Transportation, Potable Water/Solid Waste/Drainage/Sanitary Sewer Sub-
Elements, may be considered in that the issue of density ought to be considered comprehensively.
The Land Development Code also does not address, specifically, allowances for flexibility in densities for
affordable housing. However, there are several chapters and their respective sections that either consider or
could be modified to better consider density flexibility regarding affordable housing. They include, however are
not necessarily limited to Chapter III Zoning Districts (Residential Multi-Family districts, Planned Development
and Planned Mixed Use Development), Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards
(Sections 7.01.00 Planned Unit Development, 7.03.00 Planned Mixed-Use Development, 7.04.00 Area, Yard,
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 3 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Height, and Open Space Requirements). Such modification considerations, with respect to density must also
take into consideration transportation issues (reference Section 7.05.00 Transportation Systems) and parking
(reference Section 7.06.00 Off-Street Parking and Loading).
Incentive 3 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 4: The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low-income
persons, low-income persons, and moderate-income persons.
Review Synopsis: The Housing Element of the Comprehensive Plan does contain language that could be
construed to include the reservation of infrastructure. The following goal (shown) and the subsequent
objectives and policies that follow appear to address this issue:
GOAL 3.2: To provide an adequate mix of safe and sanitary housing which meets the needs of existing and
future St. Lucie County residents.
Future modifications to the Elements, such as Land Use, Transportation, Potable Water/Solid
Waste/Drainage/Sanitary Sewer Sub-Elements, may be considered in that the issue of capacity ought to be
considered comprehensively.
The Land Development Code also does not address, specifically, the reservation of infrastructure capacity for
affordable housing. Modifications regarding the reservation of infrastructure capacity for affordable housing
appear to be limited to Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards.
Incentive 4 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 5: The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning
districts.
Review Synopsis: There appear to be no Goals, Objectives, or Policies in any of the Elements of the
Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the allowance of affordable accessory units. Arguably, some of
the goals, policies and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for
inclusion in the Land Development Code.
The Residential Zoning Districts (Chapter III Zoning Districts) could be modified to include such accessory
units. Chapter VII Development Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and
Open Space Requirements and Chapter VIII Accessory and Temporary Structures and Uses would also need
to be reviewed.
Incentive 5 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 4 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Incentive 6: Reduce parking and setback requirements for affordable housing.
Review Synopsis: There appears to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any of Elements of the
Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable
housing.
Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to the reduction of
parking and setback requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to Chapter VII Development
Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements and
Section 7.06.00 Off-Street Parking and Loading.
Incentive 6 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 7: The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations
for affordable housing.
Review Synopsis: There appears to be no Goals, Objectives, or Policies in any of Elements of the
Comprehensive Plan that specifically address the allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line
configurations for affordable housing. However, some of the goals, policies and objectives language is broad
enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land Development Code.
Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to the reduction of
parking and setback requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to the Residential Zoning
Districts (Chapter III Zoning Districts) could be modified to include such flexibility. Chapter VII Development
Design and Improvement Standards, Section 7.04.00 Area, Yard, Height, and Open Space Requirements.
Sections 7.01.00 Planned Unit Development, 7.03.00 Planned Mixed-Use Development, also found in Chapter
VII should be considered as well.
Incentive 7 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 8: The modification of street requirements for affordable housing.
Review Synopsis: There appear to be no Goals, Objectives or Policies in any Elements of the Comprehensive
Plan that specifically address street requirements for affordable housing. Arguably, some of the goals, policies
and objectives language is broad enough that such standards would be appropriate for inclusion in the Land
Development Code.
Land Development Code Chapters and Section to be reviewed for modification with respect to street
requirements would include, but not necessarily be limited to Chapter VII Development Design and
Improvement Standards and Section 7.06.00 Off-Street Parking and Loading.
Incentive 8 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 5 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Incentive 9: Establish a process by which the County considers, before adoption of any
policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan a provision that prevents any increase the
cost of housing.
Review Synopsis: The following objectives and policies may be interpreted to provide for the establishment of
a process by which the County could consider, before adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations
or plan provisions that increase the cost of housing.
Objective 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives to facilitate public and private
sector cooperation.
Policy 3.1.2.1 - The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations and the permitting process
for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements and amending or adding other requirements in order to
maintain or increase private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to insure the
health, welfare and safety of the residents.
Policy 3.1.2.2 - Based upon economic data showing need, the County shall continue to support incentives
including fast track processing and reduced permit fees for proposed affordable housing developments.
Policy 3.1.2.4 - Based upon economic data showing need, the Land Development Code shall continue to
provide private sector and nonprofit organizations incentives for the provision of affordable housing, including
density bonuses.
Incentive 9 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing Needs
Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 10: Preparation a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for
affordable housing.
Review Synopsis: The following objective and policies do address, somewhat, the inventory of locally owned
public lands for affordable housing:
Objective 3.1.1: The County shall ensure the creation and/or preservation of affordable housing for all current
and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction, and households with special housing needs including rural
and farmworker housing, workforce housing as well as adequate sites and distribution of housing for very-low-
income, low-income and moderate-income households.
Policy 3.1.1.1 - To provide sufficient land to meet the future housing needs, the Future Land Use Map shall
provide future land use designations that allow a variety of housing types, affordability and densities.
Policy 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use
Development projects.
Objective 3.2.5: Sites suitable for low and moderate-income housing shall be maintained in the County to meet
the current and projected population needs.
Policy 3.2.5.1 - The County shall maintain Residential High (RH) designation in order to provide options for
development of low- and moderate-income housing.
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 6 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Policy 3.2.5.2 -The Towns, Villages, and Countryside (TVC) Element shall continue to require the creation of
workforce housing within the designated TVC area.
Incentive 10 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing
Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
Incentive 11: Support development near transportation hubs, major employment centers and
mixed-use developments.
Review Synopsis: The Comprehensive Plan provides several objectives and policies that seem to address the
support of development near transportation hubs and major employment centers and mixed-use
developments. Though not specific, through modification or addition of goals, objectives or policies that are
more specific, this area may be better addressed. The following are currently found in the Plan:
Policy 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential development in Planned Mixed Use
Development projects.
Policy 3.1.1.3 - To facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial enterprises especially high-tech
industries, the County shall maintain sufficient housing to encourage the relocation of new businesses.
Policy 3.1.1.4 - The County shall encourage residential development in the vicinity of new industrial and
commercial development.
Goal 2.2: Establish an integrated multimodal transportation system that meets the mobility needs resulting from
future development of the County
Objective 2.2.1: Coordinate the transportation system with the future land use map or map series and ensure
that existing and proposed population densities, housing and employment patterns, and land uses are
consistent with the transportation modes and services proposed to serve these areas, as identified in the
Go2040 LRTP
Goal 2.6: Incorporate the potential for mass transit into long range transportation needs.
Incentive 11 2022 Recommendation: The Committee recommends the completion of the Housing
Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan prior to making any policy changes.
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 7 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
IV. ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
2022 Additional Recommendations:
1. The AHAC strongly recommends the County support and encourage the creation or revision of land
use policies, as well as monetary policies that will incentivize the construction and preservation of
affordable housing.
2. The AHAC supports the County's initiative of conducting a Housing Needs Assessment and
Implementation Plan.
3. The AHAC recommends the County further explore the creation of an Inclusionary Housing Program.
Exhibits:
Exhibit A - Resolution No. TBD
Exhibit B - Previous Recommendations and Actions
Exhibit C - Housing Element
Exhibit D -Transportation Element
St. Lucie County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Page 8 of 9
2022 Recommendation Report
Exhibit B
1. The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as defined in
Sections 163.3164 (7) and (8), Florida Statutes, for affordable housing projects is
expedited to a greater degree than other projects.
2008
Recommendation: Specific policies and objectives regarding expedition of permits and
development approvals should be added to the Housing Element of the Comprehensive
Plan along with the addition of modifications in respect to expediting affordable housing
to the Land Development Code Chapter XII, Decision Making and Administrative Bodies.
Board Action: March 9, 2010, Resolution 10-060 was passed directing the St. Lucie
County building official to expedite the review of all building permit applications for
County funded affordable housing projects. A stamp has been created to mark plans as
affordable housing projects so that they are easily identified by the building department.
2011
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The committee has no further recommendation for this incentive.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive. County policies and procedures related to this incentive will continue to be
reviewed.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2. Consider all allowable fee waivers provided for the development or construction
of affordable housing.
2008
Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Comprehensive Plan, in
the form of an objective or policy, regarding the reduction, waiver or deferral of fees and
alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate and constraints on the County
budget, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for this incentive.
When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional
recommendations for this incentive.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends the BOCC support changes to the
State law regarding the collection of impact fees for affordable housing. Additionally, the
committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore local options to fund the cost of
impact fees for affordable housing.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive. County policies and procedures related to this incentive will continue to be
reviewed.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
3. The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing.
2008
Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Land Development Code
which would better address density flexibility for affordable housing.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do
not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves,
this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: The Committee would like to request that the BOCC direct the
Planning and Development Services Department to add language to the Comprehensive
Plan that residential development for affordable housing may receive a density bonus
not to exceed 15% of the density permitted by the applicable zoning district.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore an
allowance of a density bonus for workforce housing permitted for development located
within one-half(1/2) mile radius of a rail station, multimodal transit center or transit stop.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
4. The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low income
persons, low income persons, and moderate-income persons;
2008
Recommendation: To better plan for higher density land uses that can better
accommodate affordable housing, develop specific language in the Comprehensive Plan
for land use designations that will serve affordable housing infrastructure requirements
such as utilities and transportation.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do
not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves,
this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional
recommendations for this incentive. The Committee requests direction from the BOCC
on how and if to proceed with working towards Goal 5.2 above.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this
incentive.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
5. The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning
districts.
2008
Recommendation: Specific language should be added to both the Comprehensive Plan
and the Land Development Code. Comprehensive Plan language would include
additions to the Future Land Use and Housing Elements with regard to accessory
structures. Specific language to the Land Development Code would include additions to
Zoning Districts and to Development Design and Improvement Standards with respect to
accessory structures and area, yard, height and open space requirements. Accessory
structures would be considered in districts where best feasible or appropriate.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
2011 Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members
do not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate
improves, this incentive may be revisited.
2011 Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the 2014 recommendation mirror
the 2008 recommendation. The Committee requests direction from the BOCC on how
and if to proceed with Incentive 5.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore a text
amendment to the land development code to allow accessory dwelling units no larger
than 50% of the main residence, where deemed appropriate.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
6. The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing;
2008
Recommendation: Specific language should be added to the Land Development Code
Development Design and Improvement Standards and Off Street Parking and Loading
requirements with respect to parking and setback requirements.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do
not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves,
this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional
recommendations for this incentive.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends to the BOCC that developers of new
affordable housing developments who are looking for a reduction of parking and setback
requirements have the opportunity to submit a traffic study in order to determine whether
a reduction is feasible. Any costs for the study would be at the developer's expense.
2017 Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
7. The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line configurations
for affordable housing;
2008
Recommendation: Specific language should be added to both the Comprehensive Plan
and the Land Development Code. Comprehensive Plan language would include
additions to the Future Land Use and Housing Elements with regard to zero-lot-line
configuration. Specific language to the Land Development Code would include additions
to Zoning Districts and to Development Design and Improvement Standards with respect
to accessory structures and area, yard, height and open space requirements. Zero-lot-
line type uses and configurations would be considered in districts where best feasible or
appropriate.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate, the Committee members do
not have any recommendations for this incentive. When the economic climate improves,
this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: At this time the Committee does not have additional
recommendations for this incentive.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2017
Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this
incentive.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
8. The modification of street requirements for affordable housing;
2008
Recommendation: Work with County Engineering to review and modify, where feasible,
street and parking circulation cross-section requirements for affordable housing
development.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: To take into the consideration the Urbanized Concept Transit
Network when developing affordable housing, with the idea that those seeking affordable
housing may also be seeking affordable transportation.
Board Action: None
2014
Recommendation: The Committee recommends that current and future public
transportation be taken into consideration when developing affordable housing.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends to the BOCC that the 2017
recommendation mirror that of 2008; Work with County Engineering to review and
modify, where feasible, street and parking circulation cross-section requirements for
affordable housing development.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
9. The establishment of a process by which the County considers, before adoption,
policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations, or plan provisions that increase the
cost of housing;
2008
Recommendation: Work with County Attorney's office to develop a process and/or
procedure by which any increase in the cost of housing be considered before the
adoption of any policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan, provision that prevents
any increase in the cost of affordable housing.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: The contact information of the Affordable Housing Advisory
Committee members will be made available to Planning and Zoning Department for
notification of public meetings that discuss items that may increase the cost of affordable
housing.
Board Action: None
2014
Exhibit B
Recommendation: The Committee has no additional recommendation for this incentive
and feels that the current process allows for proper public input for changes that may
affect affordable housing.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the BOCC direct staff to create a
formal notification process to notify affordable housing stakeholders before adoption of
any policy, procedure, ordinance, regulation, or plan a provision that prevents any
increase the cost of housing.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
10. The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable for
affordable housing;
2008
Recommendation: Follow the recommendations outlined in the County's Affordable
Housing Strategy which includes developing an inventory of publicly owned lands
suitable for affordable housing.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: Due to the current economic climate and the existing housing stock
available in the County, the Committee members do not have any recommendations for
this incentive. When the economic climate improves, this incentive may be revisited.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2014
Recommendation: The Committee recommends that the County continue its current
process in accordance with Florida Statute 125.379, which requires local governments to
identify locally owned public land suitable for affordable housing.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: At this time, the Committee has no further recommendations for this
incentive.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
11.The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment
centers and mixed-use developments.
2008
Recommendation: Follow the recommendations regarding development near
transportation hubs, major employment centers and mixed-use developments as
outlined in the Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
Board Action: The recommendation was reviewed by the board on January 27, 2009.
No further action was taken by the board.
2011
Recommendation: The Committee has no additional recommendations at this time.
Board Action: None
Exhibit B
2014
Recommendation: The committee recommends that the 2014 recommendation mirror
the 2008 recommendation.
Board Action: None
2017
Recommendation: The committee recommends the BOCC direct staff to explore an
allowance of a density bonus for workforce housing permitted for development located
within one-half(1/2) mile radius of a rail station, multimodal transit center or transit stop.
Additionally, the planning review of an affordable housing development should take into
consideration the proximity of the development to public transit.
Board Action: None
2021
Recommendation: The Committee does not have additional recommendations for this
incentive at this time. The Committee will continue to review County policies and
procedures related to this incentive.
Board Action: None
Additional Recommendations
2011:
❖ The Committee adopted the definition of affordable housing as it relates to the
eleven items in the recommendation report as "30% of one's gross income." This
definition is consistent with the HUD definition of housing affordability.
State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) rules have been updated to reflect if a
jurisdictions' annual SHIP funding distribution is $350,000 or less, they are
exempt from the AHAC reporting requirement. The committee recommends
updating the ordinance to reflect this change.
❖ The committee will continue to emphasize the need for affordable housing in
times of a declining economy, low housing values and record default/foreclosure
rates. Another critical element suffering is the jobless rate. There is a direct
relationship between housing and jobs. The committee adopts the theme
generated at the recent Florida Housing Coalition Conference—"HOUSING
Exhibit B
EQUALS JOBS". Statistics show that for every dollar spent on housing, it
equates to 8 dollars into the economy.
2014:
❖ The Committee would like to state that it will continue to support and emphasize
the need for affordable housing in St. Lucie County.
2017:
❖ The Committee recommends that the BOCC promote and support the
submission of tax credit projects from affordable housing developers. The
Housing Credit (HC) program provides for-profit and nonprofit organizations with
a dollar-for-dollar reduction in federal tax liability in exchange for the acquisition
and substantial rehabilitation, substantial rehabilitation, or new construction of
low and very low-income rental housing units. Each development must set aside
a minimum percentage of the total units for eligible low or very low-income
residents for the duration of the compliance period, which is a minimum of 30
years with the option to convert to market rates after the 14th year. At least 20
percent of the housing units must be set aside for households earning 50 percent
or less of the area median income (AMI), or 40 percent of the units must be set
aside for households earning 60 percent or less of the AMI.
❖ The Committee recommends that the BOCC support the creation of a
Community Land Trust (CLT) or an existing CLT servicing St. Lucie County.
A community land trust refers to the vehicle of separating land from building
(house) for the purpose of transferring title to the house without selling the land. It
also denotes the nonprofit organization that holds title to the land and manages
the ground leases on community land trust properties. Homeownership becomes
more affordable because the transfer of title to the homeowner does not include
a fee interest in the land; the sales price is based on the value of the
improvements, without the value of the land. The land is owned by a 501(c) (3)
corporation which provides a 99-year ground lease to the homeowner. The
ground lease has a resale provision which ensures the property will be affordable
in perpetuity. The home must be sold to an income eligible buyer at an affordable
price. The resale provision will typically provide a reasonable return to the
homeowner, but the appreciation may be far less than standard market
appreciation. From the standpoint of the buyer, the CLT home provides home
ownership in a market where the alternative is to rent or move away. From the
standpoint of local government, society, funders providing subsidy, and
affordable housing advocates in general, the CLT provides a way of creating
permanent housing stock with a single subsidy.
Exhibit B
❖ The Committee recommends the BOCC support the creation of a local
revenue source to fund affordable housing. The funding provided by the State
and Federal government is increasingly becoming less, thus leaving the County
with reduced resources to assist its most vulnerable citizens with the obtaining
and maintaining safe and decent housing. A local revenue source would allow
the County to continue providing services at the levels needed to support the
community, while having the discretion to decide how to best meet this need.
2021:
❖ The Committee recommends that it continue to evaluate county policies and
procedures that may adversely impact the development of affordable housing.
❖ The Committee recommends that an interim recommendation report be
submitted to the Board of County Commissioners prior to December 31, 2022.
HOUSING ELEMENT
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Goal 3.1: To provide guidance, based on accepted planning principles, for the provision of
housing resources for all citizens through public/private cooperative arrangements.
Objective 3.1.1: The County shall ensure the creation and/or preservation of affordable
housing for all current and anticipated future residents of the jurisdiction, and households
with special housing needs including rural and farmworker housing, workforce housing
as well as adequate sites and distribution of housing for very-low-income, low-income
and moderate-income households.
Policy 3.1.1.1 - To provide sufficient land to meet the future housing needs, the
Future Land Use Map shall provide future land use designations that allow a
variety of housing types, affordability and densities.
Policy 3.1.1.2 - The County shall continue to permit high density residential
development in Planned Mixed Use Development projects.
Policy 3.1.1.3 - In order to facilitate the location of new commercial and industrial
enterprises especially high-tech industries, the County shall maintain sufficient
housing to encourage the relocation of new businesses.
Policy 3.1.1.4 - The County shall encourage residential development in the vicinity
of new industrial and commercial development.
Objective 3.1.2: The Land Development Code shall continue to define incentives
to facilitate public and private sector cooperation.
Policy 3.1.2.1 - The County will continue to review ordinances, codes, regulations
and the permitting process for the purpose of identifying excessive requirements,
and amending or adding other requirements in order to maintain or increase
private sector participation in meeting the housing needs, while continuing to
insure the health, welfare and safety of the residents.
Policy 3.1.2.2 - Based upon economic data showing need, the County shall
continue to support incentives including fast track processing and reduced permit
fees for proposed affordable housing developments.
Policy 3.1.2.3 - The County shall incorporate land development regulations which
insure that high density residential developments incorporate accommodations
for public transit facilities if along transit routes.
Policy 3.1.2.4 - Based upon economic data showing need, the Land Development
Code shall continue to provide private sector and nonprofit organizations
incentives for the provision of affordable housing, including density bonuses.
Goal 3.2: To provide an adequate mix of safe and sanitary housing that meets the needs of
existing and future St. Lucie County residents.
Objective 3.2.1: The County shall, as needed, review the housing needs within the
Unincorporated County of all income groups and shall amend the Comprehensive Plan
and the Land Development Code as necessary.
Policy 3.2.1.1 - The County shall review housing affordability based upon
property values to ensure efficiency of the workforce and affordable housing
delivery system.
Policy 3.2.1.2 - Consider developing guidelines for an inclusionary housing
program that provides incentives for private development to include a portion of
residential units.
Objective 3.2.2: The County shall continue to maintain a housing data which
includes updated information from the US Census and other sources about the type,
tenure, cost and condition of housing stock in St. Lucie County.
Policy 3.2.2.1 - The data shall be updated annually to assure that reliable and
current data are available.
Policy 3.2.2.2 - Using the housing database, the County will provide information,
technical assistance, and incentives to the private sector and nonprofit
organizations to maintain a housing production capacity sufficient to meet the
required demand.
Policy 3.2.2.3 - The Land Development Code shall not restrict the location of
publicly assisted or low and moderate income based housing within single-family
neighborhoods.
Objective 3.2.3: The County will develop a comprehensive housing program to address
substandard housing.
Policy 3.2.3.1 - The County shall continue to encourage rehabilitation of
substandard, dilapidated housing through rehabilitation grants that follow green
initiatives such as the use of green, energy efficient materials as appropriate.
These materials include, but are not limited to, green building materials, energy
efficient appliances, and renewable energy, such as photovoltaic and other
renewable energy as appropriate on projects.
Policy 3.2.3.2 - The County will seek partnerships with cooperative neighborhood
and civic groups to further the elimination of substandard dilapidated housing.
Policy 3.2.3.3 - Demolition may be undertaken by a public agency, or nonprofit
organization set up to meet the goals, objectives and policies of this Element.
Policy 3.2.3.4 - The County shall consider creating public-private partnerships
with private non-profit corporations for the provision of affordable and workforce
housing.
St. Lucie County 3-1 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Housing Element GOPs
Objective 3.2.4: The County shall maintain an Affordable Housing Advisory Committee,
consisting of public- and private-sector representatives. This committee will review the
local housing incentive strategies.
Policy 3.2.4.1 — In accordance with Section 420.9076, F.S., the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee will be assigned to review and make
recommendations in the following areas:
1) The processing of approvals of development orders or permits, as defined in
Sections 163.3164 (7) and (8), Florida Statutes, for affordable housing
projects is expedited to a greater degree than other projects;
2) The modification of impact-fee requirements, including reduction or waiver of
fees and alternative methods of fee payment for affordable housing;
3)The allowance of flexibility in densities for affordable housing;
4) The reservation of infrastructure capacity for housing for very-low income
persons, low income persons, and moderate-income persons;
5) The allowance of affordable accessory residential units in residential zoning
districts;
6)The reduction of parking and setback requirements for affordable housing;
7) The allowance of flexible lot configurations, including zero-lot-line
configurations for affordable housing;
8) The modification of street requirements for affordable housing;
9) The establishment of a process by which the County considers, before
adoption, policies, procedures, ordinances, regulations,or plan provisions that
increase the cost of housing;
10) The preparation of a printed inventory of locally owned public lands suitable
for affordable housing;
11)The support of development near transportation hubs and major employment
centers and mixed- use developments.
Policy 3.2.4.2 - Beginning in 2008 and every three years thereafter, the Affordable
Housing Advisory Committee shall assess housing needs, including affordable
housing, research issues; and make recommendations to the Board of County
Commissioners to meet the housing needs of St. Lucie County residents.
Objective 3.2.5: Sites suitable for low and moderate-income housing shall be maintained
in the County to meet the current and projected population needs.
Policy 3.2.5.1 - The County shall maintain Residential High (RH) designation in
order to provide options for development of low and moderate income housing.
Policy 3.2.5.2-The Towns, Villages, and Countryside (TVC) Element shall continue
to require the creation of workforce housing within the designated TVC area.
Objective 3.2.6: The County shall continue to provide regulations that permit mobile
homes in the county.
Policy 3.2.6.1 - The RMH-5 zoning or a similar classification shall be retained in
the Land Development Code.
Policy 3.2.6.2 - The Land Development Code shall provide provisions allowing a
Class A mobile home to be located in any residential zoning district.
St. Lucie County 3-2 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Housing Element GOPs
Objective 3.2.7: The County shall support energy efficiency and the use of renewable
energy resources in existing housing and in the design and construction of new housing.
Policy 3.2.7.1 - The County shall encourage support for residential construction
that meets the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system or the Florida Green
Building Coalition standards.
Policy 3.2.7.2 - The County shall educate residents on home energy reduction
strategies.
Policy 3.2.7.3 - The County shall not prohibit the appropriate placement of
photovoltaic panels. The County shall develop and adopt review criteria to establish
the standards for the appropriate placement of photovoltaic panels.
Policy 3.2.7.4 - The County shall provide educational materials on the strategic
placement of landscape materials to reduce energy consumption.
Policy 3.2.7.5 - The County shall ensure that safety, aesthetics, and energy
efficiency are considered in planning affordable housing projects.
Policy 3.2.7.6 - The County shall require in all rehabilitation and replacement
projects use of green, energy efficient materials as appropriate.
Policy 3.2.7.7 - The County shall include in affordable housing projects use of
renewable energy resources to the fullest extent possible.
Policy 3.2.7.8 - The County shall encourage water reuse including use of rain
barrels by residents to reduce overall water usage.
Policy 3.2.7.9 - The review of housing affordability shall include a review of
energy efficiency and energy costs for homeowners.
Policy 3.2.7.10 - The County shall facilitate the creation of low interest loans
to residents and business owners to install energy efficiency and conservation
measures as well as renewable energy technology.
St. Lucie County 3-3 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Housing Element GOPs
TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Goal 2.1: Provide a safe and efficient integrated multi-modal transportation system which
addresses the future needs of St. Lucie County for movement of people and goods, and which
considers social, economic, energy and environmental effects including greenhouse gas
emissions of the transportation system.
Objective 2.1.1: The St. Lucie County transportation system shall be reviewed in
coordination with any requested changes to the Future Land Use Element or other related
components of this plan. A report on the impacts to the system brought about by any
proposed land use changes shall be prepared and presented to the Board of County
Commissioners as part of the review of that Land Use change.
Policies 2.1.1.1 - The County shall conduct a regular review of accident data and
identify above average accident locations. Prepare an annual report on high accident
locations including proposed corrective measures and costs. This report will be shared
with the St. Lucie County Community Traffic Safety Team, or other appropriate County
board or authority, to identify potential funding sources and make changes or
improvements to high accident locations.
Policy 2.1.1.2 - The County shall develop an annual report, on the level of service
provided on the St. Lucie County roadway system and identify improvement needs and
costs to meet the adopted levels of service (LOS). Improvement needs will be
determined based on the plans and programs of the St. Lucie Transportation Planning
Organization (TPO) including the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), Advanced
Transportation Management System (ATMS), Congestion Management Process (CMP),
and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). This report shall be made available
during the summer of each annual reporting period.
Policy 2.1.1.3 - In coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
and the St. Lucie TPO, annually review the transportation network and define any areas
that may identify LOS standards lower than the adopted level of service standards,
consistent with the provisions of Section 163.3177, F.S.
Policy 2.1.1.4 -Provide comments and recommendations to the St. Lucie TPO in the
development of the TIP in accordance with the TIP development cycle.
Policy 2.1.1.5 - Facilities currently operating at conditions below the adopted level of
service standards shall be maintained at least at their current LOS through development
order conditions for roadway improvements within the radius of influence of a proposed
development. The radius of influence for a given development shall be further defined in
the County's Land Development Code traffic monitoring provisions.
Policy 2.1.1.6 - Utilize the St. Lucie ATMS to maintain the signal control for all roads for
which St. Lucie County has operational, maintenance and jurisdictional responsibility.
Policy 2.1.1.7 - The County recognizes that the roadway portion of the Strategic
Intermodal System (SIS) is a statewide transportation networks that provides for high-
speed and high-volume traffic movements for interstate and regional commerce and
other long distance trips. The system is intended to accommodate High-Occupancy
Vehicles (HOVs), express bus transit and, in some corridors, passenger rail service and
as such should not be relied upon as a local circulator for trips of local origin or
destination.
Policy 2.1.1.8 — The SIS shall not be relied upon as a local circulator for trips of local
origin or destination within the urban service area of the county. Accordingly, the 2040
Transportation Plan, as contained in this Transportation Element, shall include the
identification and development of alternative arterials/collectors within the urban service
area of the County to redirect local traffic from having to use the Strategic Intermodal
System (SIS).
Objective 2.1.2 - Existing and future roadway deficiencies, based on standards established
in this plan, shall be mitigated through a continuous multimodal transportation improvement
program when feasible. The County shall support infill development and consider
multimodal transportation improvements, or reducing level of service standards, where
appropriate, on constrained roadways.
Policy 2.1.2.1 - Develop and implement a Capital Improvement Program (TIP) (CIP) that
is consistent with the goals, objectives and policies of this plan. Update this plan
annually in conjunction with review of the capital improvement budget.
Policy 2.1.2.2 - Review all proposed developments for consistency with the goals,
objectives, and policies of this plan and require coordination of traffic mobility plans and
multimodal transportation improvements with land use, right-of-way and infrastructure
plans before development approval. Traffic circulation and Mobility plans shall include
the mitigation of all potential project impacts on the transportation system.
Policy 2.1.2.3 - Review access driveways and new roadway connections associated
with development to assure safety and compatibility with the existing and future roadway
network. Impose requirements for conformity, as condition of development approval.
Policy 2.1.2.4 - Maintain the operation of the roadway network for which St. Lucie
County has operational, maintenance or jurisdictional responsibility at or above the
adopted LOS standards.
Policy 2.1.2.5 - Coordinate with the St. Lucie TPO, City of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie,
and the FDOT to implement the US-1 Corridor Retrofit Project to meet future corridor
capacity needs for US-1.
Policy 2.1.2.6 - St. Lucie County adopts the following roadway level of service standards
for application within the unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County, as follows:
St. Lucie County 2-1 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
MINIMUM LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS FOR URBAN AND NON-URBAN ROADWAYS
IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY
Non-SIS Facilities
Facility Type Peak Hour/Peak Inside a Constrained
Direction Transportation /Backlogged
Concurrency Facility
Management Area'
Non-State Roadway(Local) D D Maintain2
Non-State Roadway(Major D E3 Maintain
City/County Road)
Non-State Roadway E3 E3 Maintain
(Arterial)
Other State Roads
Multi-Lane (Rural/Urban)
Rural B N/A N/A
Urban D Maintain2
Two-Lane (Rural/Urban)
Rural C N/A N/A
Urban D N/A Maintain2
1. Transportation Concurrency Management Areas are geographically compact areas designated in
local government comprehensive plans where intensive development exists or is planned in a
manner that will ensure an adequate level of mobility and further the achievement of identified
important state planning goals and policies, including discouraging the proliferation of urban sprawl,
encouraging the revitalization of existing downtowns and designated redevelopment areas protecting
natural resources, protecting historic resources, maximizing the efficient use of existing public
facilities,and promoting public transit, bicycling,walking and other alternatives to the single occupant
automobile. Transportation concurrency management areas may be established in a comprehensive
plan in accordance with with principles contained in in Section 163.3180, F.S.
2. Maintain means continuing operating conditions at a level such that significant degradation does not
occur based on conditions existing at the time of local government comprehensive plan adoption.
For roadways in rural areas, transitioning urbanized areas, urban areas or communities, significant
degradation means (1) an increase in average annual daily traffic volume of 5 percent below the
speed, of the adopted LOS standard. For roadways in urbanized areas, significant degradation
means for 100th highest hour of 5 percent below the speed, of the adopted LOS standard. For
roadways in urbanized areas, for roadways parallel to exclusive transit facilities, or for intrastate
roadways in transportation concurrency management areas, significant degradation means (1) an
increase in average annual daily traffic volume of 10 percent above the maximum service volume, or
(2) a reduction in operating speed for the peak directions in the 100th highest hour of 10 percent
below the speed, of the adopted LOS standard. For other state roads in transportation concurrency
management areas, significant degradation means that amount defined in the transportation mobility
element. For constrained roadways meeting or exceeding the level of service standards, (maintain)
does not apply until the roadway is operating below the applicable minimum level of service
standard.
3. The County wishes to maintain a LOS D or better for all roadways but recognizes that allowing a
LOS E allows development to proceed while a minimum of LOS D might cause severe constraints on
private development. However, a LOS D will be utilized for these roadways when establishing
transportation impact fees.
St. Lucie County 2-2 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
SIS Facilities
SIS Roadway Corridors Roadway Segment LOS
Standard
1-95 Martin County Line to Gatlin Boulevard C
1-95 Gatlin Boulevard to St. Lucie Boulevard C
1-95_ St. Lucie Boulevard to Midway Road C
1-95 Midway Road to SR 70/Okeechobee Road C
1-95 SR 70/Okeechobee Road to SR 68/Orange Avenue D
1-95 SR 68/Orange Avenue to SR 614/ Indrio Road D
1-95 SR 614/ Indrio Road to Indian River County Line C
Florida's Turnpike Martin County Line to Becker Road C
Florida's Turnpike Becker Road to Port St. Lucie Boulevard C
Florida's Turnpike Port St. Lucie Boulevard to SR 70/Okeechobee Road C
Florida's Turnpike SR 70/Okeechobee Road to Indian River County line B
SR 70/Okeechobee Road Okeechobee County Line to Carlton Road B
SR 70/Okeechobee Road Carlton Road to McCarthy Road B
SR 70/Okeechobee Road McCarthy Road to Florida's Turnpike B
SR 70/Okeechobee Road Florida's Turnpike to 1-95 C
Policy 2.1.2.7 - Designate as constrained facilities those roadways off the State
Highway System in St. Lucie County which operate below acceptable levels of service
and where capacity improvements are not feasible due to physical or policy barriers.
Policy 2.1.2.8 -When any County arterial or collector road or segment of such a road is
determined to be operating one level of service below its adopted standard, the County,
shall exercise one of the following options:
a. Enter into a contract that will result in the addition of capacity to the facility within
six months of the determination that the facility is operating below its level of
service standard, and delay issuance of development orders until the contract
has been executed;
b. Enter into an enforceable development agreement that specifies that new
development will provide for the upgraded facility;
c. Amend the plan to lower the level of service at the next opportunity;
d. Not issue any development permits in the impacted area. The purpose of
providing for the temporary operation below the adopted level of service is to
provide a reasonable period of time to restore the level of service through
appropriate improvements to roads that are forecast to operate at the adopted
Level of Service, but which may unexpectedly operate at a lower Level of
Service. All development orders issued pursuant to this policy shall be
conditioned on the attainment of the adopted Level of Service. However, this
policy shall not impair the county's right to refuse to issue a development order
pursuant to this policy if the Board of County Commissioners determines that the
resultant lower level of service caused by the proposed development order would
constitute a threat to public health or safety; or
e. Upon adoption of a-mobility fee, the County may consider the elimination or re-
evaluation of the Level of Service standards.
Policy 2.1.2.9 - Designate roadways or roadways segments off the State Highway
System as backlogged or constrained facilities which operate below the adopted level of
St. Lucie County 2-3 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
service standards. If so designated by the County, the County shall develop a program
that addresses how to eliminate the backlog or constraining circumstances associated
with the particular roadway or roadway segment with capacity improvements other than
roadway widening.
Policy 2.1.2.10 - Continue utilizing tools such as Proportionate Fair Share and impact
fees as further implemented in the LDC until new tools such as a mobility fee are
available to help shift the burden for funding and constructing roadway capacity
improvements away from the taxpayers towards new development.
Policy 2.1.2.11 — Consider amending the adopted LOS standards to conform with
current FDOT standards for state facilities.
Objective 2.1.3 - The County shall continue to address backlogged or constrained facilities,
consider mobility needs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through promoting
increased transit usage, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and more efficient roadways.
Policy 2.1.3.1 - In coordination with other relevant agencies, consider modification of the
County's transportation concurrency system, impact fee, structure LOS standards,
Proportionate Fair Share, and adequate public facilities in the LDC for the ability to
implement a mobility fee structure that develops the County mobility plan, encourages
multi-modal planning, promotes infill development, discourages sprawl, reduces the
complexity of the current system, and strengthens the interlocal coordination of inter-
jurisdictional impacts.
Policy 2.1.3.2 - The County shall consider implementing a mobility fee that charges all
new developments with costs varying on location and vehicles miles traveled (VMT).
Policy 2.1.3.3 - The County shall continue seek to utilize Transportation Regional
Incentive Program (TRIP) funds when made available to finance projects with regional
impacts when developing the County's budget. The County shall consider the adoption of
transportation demand management programs to modify peak hour travel demand, reduce
the number of vehicle miles traveled per capita within the community and region and
improve overall system efficiency and enhance safety.
Policy 2.1.3.4 - The County will consider inclusion in the County's budget funding for
planning Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures and related land use
alternatives to reduce traffic congestion, improve levels of service, reduce single occupant
automobile trips, reduce fossil fuel consumption and emissions, and reduce the need to
fund, construct and maintain additional lane miles of roadway capacity within the County.
Policy 2.1.3.5 - The County shall continue supporting the implementation of the St. Lucie
ATMS and Walk-Bike Network.
Policy 2.1.3.6 — In order to facilitate the construction of sidewalks as needed to infill
sidewalk gaps, the County shall consider completing the following priority sidewalk areas
(the list is not ordered by priority) when reviewing requests for fee-in-lieu contributions
from developers:
St. Lucie County 2-4 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Project From To Approx.
Length (miles)
Angle Road Kings Highway N. 53rd Street 1.26
Indrio Road Kings Highway Route One 2.63
Indrio Road Route One Old Dixie Hwy. 0.16
Juanita Avenue N. 53rd Street N. 25th Street 1.76
Juanita Avenue Bridge US1 0.17
Keen Road Angle Road St. Lucie Blvd. 1.0
N. Kings Hwy. N. of 1-95 Indrio Road 4.5
Oleander Ave. _ Midway Road Edwards Road 2.5
Oleander Ave. Midway Road Saeger Avenue 1.5
Route One St. Lucie Blvd. Turnpike Feeder 5.26
Selvitz Road Edwards Road So. of Midway Rd. 2.38
Silver Oak Drive Easy Street E. Midway Road 1.79
Taylor Dairy Rd. Angle Road St. Lucie Blvd. 1.01
Walton Road Lennard Road Green River 1.1
Weatherbee Rd. US1 Oleander Ave. 0.5
St. Lucie Blvd. Kings Highway N. 25th Street 3.02
Objective 2.1.4: St. Lucie County shall acquire and maintain right-of-way for the roadway
network based upon the right-of-way protection plan, Transportation Element and the Future
Land Use Element of this plan.
Policy 2.1.4.1 - Prohibit encroachment of development and required setbacks into
established present and future rights-of-way and, within the law, require dedication of
right-of-way through development orders issued by the County.
Policy 2.1.4.2 - Review all proposed development plans for impact on the future land use
plan and assess the capacity needs of each project as it relates to the thoroughfare right-
of-way protection plan by requiring a traffic impact analysis, as further described in the
County's LDC, with proposed development applications.
Policy 2.1.4.3 -Use the minimum right-of-way standards as described in the LDC to
implement the thoroughfare right-of-way protection plan.
Policy 2.1.4.4 - Roadways and roadway corridors shown on the thoroughfare right-of-way
protection plan, excluding those that are part of the SIS, that are outside of the urban
service area of the County shall not be widened or constructed until it is demonstrated to
the County that the roadway construction is required to meet the development impacts of
the area. Nothing in this Policy shall be construed or otherwise interpreted as to restrict or
limit the ability of the County, the State or other lawful entity, to perform routine
maintenance, rehabilitation or safety improvements to any roadways or roadway corridor
located outside of the urban service area.
Policy 2.1.4.5 — Review bi-annually the status of the thoroughfare right-of-way
protection plan and submit any changes to that plan as necessary to address the
mobility needs of the community.
Goal 2.2: Establish an integrated multimodal transportation system that meets the mobility
needs resulting from future development of the County.
St. Lucie County 2-5 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Objective 2.2.1: Coordinate the transportation system with the future land use map or map
series and ensure that existing and proposed population densities, housing and employment
patterns, and land uses are consistent with the transportation modes and services proposed
to serve these areas, as identified in the Go2040 [RIP.
Policy 2.2.1.1 - Include within the LDC provisions for requiring an adequate number of
motorized and bicycle on-site parking spaces for each new site development and
provide for safe and efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians within the site in
conjunction with plan review and permitting.
Policy 2.2.1.2 - Review on-site traffic flow to assure adequate circulation for motorized
and non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians is provided. Require signage and roadway
specifications that conform to the County's adopted standards.
Policy 2.2.1.3 - The County shall continue to review the off-street parking standards to
determine what modifications, if any, may be made to those standards that would
effectively encourage the use of alternative transportation modes.
Policy 2.2.1.4 - The County shall include within the LDC-incentives to encourage the
use of reduced parking standards in areas of the County designated for Mixed and
Planned Unit developments.
Policy 2.2.1.5 - To improve accessibility for all modes of transportation and reduce
environmental impacts, encourage all adjacent developments to share common
driveways and provide pedestrian interconnections whenever feasible, to reduce the
number of driveways on major thoroughfares and potentially reduce environmental
impacts on Hutchinson Island and other environmentally sensitive areas of St. Lucie
County.
Policy 2.2.1.6 - To support the enhancement of a competitive regional industrial
environment with the airport and port facilities, the County will continue to review the
transportation network and the future land use map to ensure the proposed population
densities, housing, employment patterns, and land uses are consistent and integrate
multimodal transportation systems and land, sea and air distribution opportunities.
Policy 2.2.1.7 - The County supports the expansion and recruitment of manufacturing
industries, especially those within the Targeted Industry List and located within the
Foreign Trade Zone, and supports the development of transportation improvements,
including a roadway connection of Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike to the Treasure
Coast International Airport.
Objective 2.2.2: Update the long-range transportation needs of the County on a regular
basis.
Policy 2.2.2.1: - Revise the transportation element as appropriate upon the completion
of updates to the St. Lucie TPO LRTP and Treasure Coast Regional LRTP.
Goal 2.3: To develop a safe bicycle and pedestrian transportation system accessible to all
major public and private facilities.
St. Lucie County 2-6 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Objective 2.3.1: Identify the bicycle and pedestrian transportation system needs for St.
Lucie County through the continued implementation of the St. Lucie Walk-Bike Network.
Policy 2.3.1.1 - The County shall coordinate with the FDOT, the St. Lucie TPO, the City
of Fort Pierce, the Town of St. Lucie Village and the City of Port St. Lucie to implement
the recommendations of the St. Lucie Walk-Bike Network as it may be updated, when
funding is available, or as provided in the LDC.
Policy 2.3.1.2 - The CIP for St. Lucie County shall continue to include, and address the
need for, the integration of both countywide and regional/statewide greenway and trail
networks into the St. Lucie Walk-Bike Network.
Objective 2.3.2: Improve the transportation system to appropriately accommodate bicycle
and pedestrian roadway design and facility requirements.
Policy 2.3.2.1 - Include within the LDC design criteria and standards to be used in
addressing the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.
Policy 2.3.2.2 - Continue to participate in St. Lucie TPO advisory committees that
provides input and recommendations on the implementation and updates to the St. Lucie
Walk-Bike Network. The St. Lucie Walk-Bike Network should provide access to major
public and private facilities including parks, schools, beach accesses and major
shopping facilities.
Policy 2.3.2.3 - The County shall assist in maintaining an inventory of all significant
streets within the TPO area, with particular attention given to hazards, bottlenecks, and
barriers to bicyclists. The County should implement the recommendations presented in
the St. Lucie Walk-Bike Network when funding is made available.
Policy 2.3.2.4 - The County shall continue to identify road segments and intersections
having frequent bicycle and pedestrian-related crashes and accidents.
Policy 2.3.2.5 - Continue to implement the LDC requirement that all new development
inside the Urban Service Boundary provide pedestrian facilities and/or sidewalks along
all major collector, arterial and local roadways adjacent to the proposed development
project as necessary to support the intensity and density of development.
Policy 2.3.2.6 - Coordinate bicycle planning activities with other agencies (including
FDOT) associated with bicycle planning activities in Okeechobee, Martin and Indian
River Counties.
Policy 2.3.2.7 - Mobility needs shall be identified and addressed and met for each new
development approval.
Policy 2.3.2.8 - The County shall continue to implement the necessary LDC
amendments to require that all new land development activities include dedicated
bicycle and pedestrian facilities on internal arterial and collector roadways. Complete
streets should be required along all local streets as necessary to support the intensity
and density of development. 'Complete streets' is a transportation policy and design
approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained to
St. Lucie County 2-7 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
enable safe, convenient and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and
abilities regardless of their mode of transportation.
Policy 2.3.2.9 - Establish bicycle and pedestrian facilities around schools, with emphasis
placed upon the area encompassing schools that are not serviced by the school bus
system. Prioritization for the development of these facilities will be determined by the
Board of County Commissioners and should be consistent with the St. Lucie TPO Walk-
Bike Network.
Policy 2.3.2.10 - Continue to provide, in association with all new road construction in the
urban area, bicycle and pedestrian facilities along all arterials and collectors identified in
the Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 2.3.2.11 - Continue to provide additional sidewalks, where necessary, to connect
or complete either existing or proposed sidewalks in a manner that provides a complete
pedestrian circulation system.
Goal 2.4: Coordinate transportation-related issues with the plans and programs of the FDOT,
the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the St. Lucie TPO, Florida Department of
Economic Opportunity, the Hutchinson Island Resource Management Plan, the City of Port St.
Lucie, the City of Fort Pierce, the Town of St. Lucie Village adjacent municipalities, adjacent
counties, and other private transportation-related agencies.
Objective 2.4.1: The County shall coordinate and communicate with the agencies listed in
Goal 2.4 regarding transportation activities and planned improvements which may have
impacts within their respective jurisdiction and request comments as applicable.
Policy 2.4.1.1 - The County shall maintain a mailing list to ensure that all interested
agencies listed above are informed of transportation related activities and improvements
via copies of correspondence.
Policy 2.4.1.2 - As a part of the Capital Improvements Element update process,
annually review transportation improvements planned for St. Lucie County indicating the
agency responsible for the improvement and the estimated date of completion.
Policy 2.4.1.3 - Review the existing Transportation Goals, Objectives, and Policies of
other agencies when revising or altering Goals, Objectives, and Policies for St. Lucie
County.
Policy 2.4.1.4 - The County shall coordinate and work closely with the St. Lucie TPO,
City of Port St. Lucie and the City of Fort Pierce to achieve coordinated multimodal
planning to address extra-jurisdictional transportation system impacts.
Objective 2.4.2: St. Lucie County shall take actions necessary to preserve, maintain and
enhance social, environmental and historic resources along the scenic corridor while
minimizing any potential negative impacts on adjacent properties.
The following roadways are designated scenic by the FDOT and so recognized by St. Lucie
County for preservation of their intrinsic (historical, archeological, cultural, recreational,
scenic and natural) resources:
St. Lucie County 2-8 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
1. Atlantic Beach Boulevard / SR A1A from Indian River County south to US
Highway 1
2. US Highway 1 from North Beach Causeway to Seaway Drive
3. Seaway Drive/ SR A1A south to Martin County
4. Indian River Drive from Seaway Drive south to Martin County
Policy 2.4.2.1: St. Lucie County shall encourage the protection and preservation of
scenic features, natural resources, and historic sites along the Indian River Lagoon -
Treasure Coast Scenic Highway Corridor through implementation of Chapter 4 and
Chapter 6 of the LDC.
Goal 2.5: Provide public transportation for the transportation disadvantaged population of St.
Lucie County in a safe and convenient manner.
Objective 2.5.1: Address the provision of efficient public transit services based upon
existing and proposed major trip generators and attractors, safe and convenient public
transit terminals, land uses and accommodation of the special needs of the transportation
disadvantaged in St. Lucie County.
Policy 2.5.1.1 - St. Lucie County shall, in cooperation with the St. Lucie TPO and other
appropriate agencies, continue to analyze the recommendations of the St. Lucie County
Transit Development Plan (TDP), to determine the future system needs, transit right-of-
way needs, Level of Service standards and the capital expenses necessary for the
implementation of a fixed route transit system for the area based on the community's
future land use designations and projected population characteristics.
Policy 2.5.1.2 - Continue to assist the local coordinated community provider in seeking
additional state and federal assistance funds in order to provide additional services.
Policy 2.5.1.3 - Continue to assist the Community Transportation Coordinator in seeking
additional state and federal assistance funds in order to add vans or other vehicles to
handle work trips for the transportation disadvantaged as demand increases.
Policy 2.5.1.4 - Promote the availability of transportation to all transportation
disadvantaged throughout St. Lucie County through sound marketing and public
information efforts.
Objective 2.5.2: Maintain coordination and communication among agencies involved in
providing transportation to the transportation disadvantaged including FDOT, St. Lucie TPO,
St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie Village and Port St. Lucie.
Policy 2.5.2.1 - Maintain a mailing list of the agencies enumerated in Objective 2.5.2 to
convey information on existing affairs and plans for future activities.
Goal 2.6: Incorporate the potential for mass transit into long range transportation needs.
Objective 2.6.1: Continue to Monitor and evaluate the demand for transit through the
implementation of the TDP.
Policy 2.6.1.1 - Continue coordination with Martin and Indian River Counties to develop
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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
a regional transit connections.
Policy 2.6.1.2 - Encourage the local Community Transportation Coordinator to expand
paratransit services to meet the service needs of the transportation disadvantaged
residents of St. Lucie County.
Policy 2.6.1.3 - In coordination with Community Transit or its successor agency,
continue to identify and develop opportunities for private sector participation in funding
both the coordinated transportation system and public transportation services.
Policy 2.6.1.4 - In coordination with the St. Lucie TPO and Community Transit or its
successor agency, continue to search for and identify any realistic public/private
partnerships in the provision of transportation disadvantaged services and public
transportation services.
Policy 2.6.1.5 - Consider the feasibility of implementing the fixed bus route
recommendations in the TDP.
Policy 2.6.1.6 - The County shall pursue transit funding sources through the South
Florida Commuter Service, FDOT, FTA, and any additional sources outlined in the TDP
3.
Policy 2.6.1.7 - The County shall actively pursue federal funding and grants for
transportation, transit, transportation demand management, transit oriented design, and
other innovative strategies to meet the mobility needs of the County.
Policy 2.6.1.8 - The County shall consider improving amenities at bus stops when
funding is made available to promote increase transit ridership.
Objective 2.6.2: Provide, for the protection of future mass transit, rights-of-way and
exclusive mass transit corridors.
Policy 2.6.2.1 - As part of the Development Review process, review all future
development plans for compatibility with transit plans in the TDP and identify those areas
which have a high probability for being served by transit.
Policy 2.6.2.2 - In coordination with the St. Lucie TPO, explore in which cases and what
types of incentives could be provided to encourage the use of high occupancy vehicles
and alternative modes of transportation during the planning of transportation system
improvements.
Policy 2.6.2.3 - When funding is made available, implement the recommendations
developed in the TDP and the St. Lucie TPO LRTP with regard to the need and locations
for HOV lanes and park-and-ride lots, including right-of-way considerations for all new
major arterials and limited-access roads to be constructed based on future land uses,
projected population distribution and the potential impact of such facilities on the
transportation network.
Policy 2.6.2.4 - The County will continue to designate and provide protection for future
public transportation corridors. These public transportation corridors shall be based upon
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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
the most recent St. Lucie County TDP.
Policy 2.6.2.5 - St. Lucie County will continue to consider a coordinated and consistent
policy with the Future Land Use Element to encourage the concentration of land uses,
including major generators and attractors such as shopping malls, in order to promote
the use of public transportation along designated future public transportation corridors.
Policy 2.6.2.6 - Continue to enforce land use, site and building design guidelines for
development in future public transportation corridors to assure the accessibility of that
new development to public transportation including the safe and convenient location of
future public transportation terminals, such as bus stops, with appropriate
bicycle/pedestrian connections.
Objective 2.6.3: St. Lucie County shall support efforts to extend passenger rail service and
associated safety improvements to St. Lucie County.
Policy 2.6.3.1 - St. Lucie County shall continue to support the reestablishment of
regularly scheduled passenger rail service along the east coast of Florida.
Policy 2.6.3.2 - St. Lucie County shall support the establishment of rail stations in Fort
Pierce, Port St. Lucie and/or within the County's Urban Service Area.
Goal 2.7: Provide airport facilities that are adequate to meet present and future demands to
operate general aviation facilities in a safe and efficient manner which will maximize ease of
movement of people and goods, and to minimize conflicts with adjacent land uses and adverse
environmental impacts.
Objective 2.7.1: Provide for a periodically updated Airport Master Plan that directs airport
growth consistent with this Comprehensive Plan, County Policy, and adjacent land uses.
Policy 2.7.1.1 - Continue implementation of and ensure consistency with the2018
Treasure Coast International Airport Master Plan Update.
Policy 2.7.1.2 - Promote the expansion of the airport as outlined in the latest Airport
Master Plan.
Policy 2.7.1.3 - The Treasure Coast International Airport shall be developed and
operated in conformance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Policy 2.7.1.4 - Work to assure that the surface transportation needs of the Treasure
Coast International Airport are considered in and are consistent with the goals,
objectives and policies in the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 2.7.1.5 - The Master Plan for the Treasure Coast International Airport shall be
updated every five to ten years when changes have occurred such as an increase in
operations, land use changes, or change in type of operations or demand. The purpose
of the Master Plan is to evaluate concurrency of actual airport development with the
Master Plan and to determine future development concurrent with plans of the FDOT,
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Florida Aviation System and any other plans
prepared pursuant to Chapter 380, F.S.
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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Objective 2.7.2: All aviation facilities and related airport activity shall be located in areas
that will not impede the safe and efficient operation of aviation services and service facilities.
Policy 2.7.2.1 - The St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Element,
shall delineate all existing airport locations and ensure that all adjacent areas are
restricted to airport compatible land uses. The type and intensity of the adjacent land
uses shall be determined based on the classification of the airport.
Airport compatible land uses are those uses which, based on the size and use of the
particular airport, can coexist without major negative impacts to either the particular land
use or the airport itself. In the case of "fly in" type residential subdivisions, these uses
would include residential homes which under this section, would only apply to private
residential airparks since there is no federal obligation for reasonable access. In the
case of larger, more developed airports, these uses should be non-residential and be of
a type and nature that should rely on a location adjacent to the airport for a portion of
their business or be of a type and nature that would not be negatively affected by the
airport operations. In no case should uses which violate federal grant assurances or any
or any portion of the St. Lucie County LDC be considered airport compatible.
Policy 2.7.2.2 - St. Lucie County shall make every effort to purchase aviation
easements, acquire land and residences and require compatible land uses in areas
consistent with the high-noise areas as delineated in the Federal Aviation Regulations
(FAR) Part 150 Study for Treasure Coast International Airport.
Policy 2.7.2.3 - St. Lucie County shall follow existing and projected noise levels as
delineated in the FAR Part 150 Study completed for the Treasure Coast International
Airport when considering requests for zoning changes and building permits for new
construction or major reconstruction and prohibit construction of noise sensitive
structures within the 65 dnI contour of the airport.
Policy 2.7.2.4 - St. Lucie County shall continue to maintain and enforce the adopted
height restriction ordinance consistent with height restrictions as outlined the FAR Part
77 Study for applicable areas adjacent to the Treasure Coast International Airport. St.
Lucie County shall follow this ordinance when considering requests for building permits
for new construction or major reconstruction and prohibit construction of structures in
violation of the height restrictions.
Policy 2.7.2.5 - St. Lucie County shall review proposed development within and
surrounding the airport for compliance with the Treasure Coast International Airport
Master Plan and the County's Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 2.7.2.6 - St. Lucie County shall continue to maintain and enforce, as part of its
LDC, an airport overlay zoning district which will more clearly delineate restricted land
uses within the airport approach paths.
Objective 2.7.3: The County shall strive to generate full use of all County-owned airport
property for commercial and/or industrial use except on environmentally sensitive or "buffer"
lands.
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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Policy 2.7.3.1 - Improve and maintain the airport's image with the establishment of an
ongoing improvement program that addresses identification and directional signs,
perimeter and interior/facility landscaping, facility rehabilitation, and general clean up.
Policy 2.7.3.2 - The County shall encourage the use of non-aviation-related lands or
those lands identified as incompatible for commercial or industrial use at the airport for
appropriate recreation and related public use consistent with federal and state
safety/security regulations regarding airports.
Policy 2.7.3.3 - When applicable and funds are made available, review, revise and
update as necessary the business plan for the Treasure Coast International Airport. This
plan shall include a general marketing plan that will be designed to attract new and
retain existing businesses at the airport.
Objective 2.7.4: All aviation facilities and related airport activities shall be located in areas
which minimize adverse impacts on the environment.
Policy 2.7.4.1 - To the maximum extent feasible, aviation facilities or airport-related
activities shall not be located in areas which would result in alteration, degradation or
destruction of wetlands, coastal scrub habitat, the historic coastal ridge or other unique
or special habitat protected by the State agencies such as the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (FDEP), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD),
and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Policy 2.7.4.2 - In the event that any wetland, coastal scrub habitat the historic coastal
ridge or other unique or special habitat is degraded or destroyed, St. Lucie County shall
ensure that mitigation will occur on the airport property to the maximum extent
technically feasible through the restoration of degraded habitat or enhancement of
functions and values provided by existing habitat consistent with requirements of State
agencies such as-FDEP, SFWMD, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Policy 2.7.4.3 - All post-development runoff shall be managed consistent with SFWMD
requirements.
Policy 2.7.4.4 - All aviation-related activities shall be in compliance with the ambient Air
Quality Standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Objective 2.7.5: All future development of the Treasure Coast International Airport and
related aviation facilities shall be consistent with all elements of this Comprehensive Plan.
Policy 2.7.5.1 - Development at the airport including aviation, commercial, and industrial
shall be consistent with all St. Lucie County codes and regulations.
Objective 2.7.6: Surface transportation to the Treasure Coast International Airport shall be
coordinated with the transportation system identified in the Transportation Element of the St.
Lucie County Comprehensive Plan so that levels of service are maintained.
Policy 2.7.6.1 - All access routes to the Treasure Coast International Airport will be
integrated with all other modes of surface transportation so that Levels of Service, as
provided elsewhere in this plan, are maintained.
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Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs
Policy 2.7.6.2 - The County will coordinate intermodal management of surface and
water transportation through the St. Lucie TPO to ensure the safe and efficient
movement of goods and services while maintaining levels of service as provided
elsewhere in this plan.
Goal 2.8: St. Lucie County shall continue to implement the Port Master Plan for the Port of Fort
Pierce.
Objective 2.8.1: Continue to implement the Port Master Plan consistent with Section
163.3178(2)(a-k), Florida Statutes.
Policy 2.8.1.1 - The Port Master Plan shall address the environmental conditions of the
Indian River Lagoon and its interaction with existing and proposed port activities.
Policy 2.8.1.2 -The Port Master Plan shall address all aspects of port management and
operation including safety and security of commercial, industrial, recreational, and
environmental activities.
Policy 2.8.1.3 - Coordinate with the City of Fort Pierce to ensure consistency with the
City's Comprehensive Plan including the Port Sub Element and Coastal Management
Element.
Policy 2.8.1.4 - Coordinate with the St. Lucie TPO and other appropriate local, state,
and federal agencies to ensure adequate intermodal access and adequacy of public
facilities and infrastructure.
Policy 2.8.1.5 - Develop funding mechanisms to implement the Port Master Plan such
as a Tax Increment Financing District, Community Development Area, as well as
exploring other funding mechanisms such as grants.
Policy 2.8.1.6 - Throughout the development of the Port Master Plan, ensure and
encourage public participation of all affected parties through a formalized public
participation process.
Policy 2.8.1.7 - Upon the completion of the Port Master Plan, make any appropriate
amendments to the St. Lucie County Comprehensive Plan.
St. Lucie County 2-14 Adopted 4.2.2019
Comprehensive Plan Transportation Element GOPs