HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-15-2010
St. Lucie County
1
Planning and Zoning Commission/ Local Planning Agency
2
rd
Roger Poitras Annex, Commission Chambers, 3 Floor
3
April 15, 2010 Meeting
4
6:00 p.m.
5
In the event of a conflict between these written minutes and a compact disc recording,
6
the compact disc shall control.
7
8
I. CALL TO ORDER
9
Chairman Mundt called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
10
A. Pledge of Allegiance
11
B. Roll Call
12
Craig Mundt ......................................Chairman
13
Pamela Hammer ...............................Commission Member
14
Edward Lounds .................................Commission Member
15
Stephanie Morgan ............................Commission Member
16
Tod Mowery ......................................Commission Member
17
Barry Schrader .................................Commission Member
18
Kathryn Hensley ...............................Ex-Officio Member
19
Brad Culverhouse (arrived at 6:35) ...Commission Member
20
21
Members Absent
22
Britt Reynolds (excused) ..................Vice-Chairman
23
Susan Caron (excused) ....................Commission Member
24
25
Staff Present
26
Mark Satterlee ..................................Planning and Development Services Director
27
Britton Wilson ...................................Senior Planner
28
Amy Griffin ........................................Environmental Regulations and Lands Manager
29
Laurie Waldie....................................Utilities Director
30
Dawn Milone .....................................Recording Secretary
31
C. Announcements
32
None.
33
D. Disclosures
34
None.
35
36
Page 2 of 7
II. MINUTES
37
Review the minutes from the March 18, 2010 meeting for approval.
38
Mr. Lounds motioned to approve the minutes as written.
39
Mr. Schrader seconded.
40
The motion carried 5-1, Mrs. Hammer dissented because she was absent from the
41
meeting and is not permitted to abstain.
42
43
III. PUBLIC HEARING
44
A. Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) Based Amendments to the St. Lucie
45
County Comprehensive Plan.
46
Petition for the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) Based Amendments to the St.
47
Lucie County Comprehensive Plan.
48
Mr. Satterlee, Planning and Development Services Director welcomed the Commission and
49
the public to the public hearing.
50
He told the Commission under the County reorganization the department’s name has changed
51
from Growth Management to Planning and Development Services so any references to Growth
52
Management will be changed as such.
53
He stated this is the fifth opportunity for public input and most comments and concerns from
54
previous meetings and workshops have been addressed.
55
He stated the EAR represents a continuum of the Comprehensive Plan that was established
56
20 years ago, and most of it is updating and “housekeeping”.
57
He wanted to emphasize that although there are not many new details being incorporated into
58
the Comprehensive Plan what staff is doing what is required by the State.
59
Ms. Wilson, Sr. Planner stated the update to the Comprehensive Plan is based on the
60
recommendations identified by the EAR, which was adopted and approved by the Board of
61
County Commissioners in October 2008.
62
Many of the proposed changes being made in the Comprehensive Plan are required by House
63
Bill 697 regarding energy efficiencies and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. The data
64
inventory and analysis has been brought entirely up to date. The amendments reflect current
65
St. Lucie County practices and the work of the Smart Growth Committee. No programs are
66
included that are not a part of current or future St. Lucie County initiatives.
67
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes
Page 3 of 7
Ms. Wilson stated based on the amount of feedback staff has received on the removal of the
68
waterways definition, staff is proposing to reference the definition in the Land Development
69
Code where the definitions currently remain unchanged.
70
Ms. Wilson introduced Lorraine Tappen, AICP, Sr. Planner with Calvin, Giordano &
71
Associates, Inc.
72
Ms. Tappen stated this is a state required evaluation of the St. Lucie County Comprehensive
73
Plan. This is a two-step process to update the Comprehensive Plan with current community
74
objectives and state regulations.
75
Ms. Tappen provided an overview of the Comprehensive Plan elements and sub-elements to
76
be amended. The EAR amendments will not include the Public School Facility, Towns Villages
77
Countryside, and Rural Land Stewardship.
78
She said each element consists of the data inventory analysis and the goals, objectives, and
79
policies, the content of which is largely regulated by Rule - 9J-5 of the Florida Administrative
80
Code and Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes. Ms. Tappen said the data inventory analysis of
81
each element that is being amended has been completely updated. The last update was done
82
in 2002. The EAR based amendments were adopted and in place in 2004.
83
Ms. Tappen stated one of the EAR recommendations was to fulfill a statutory requirement for
84
the Future Land Use Element to include intensity standards for the future land uses.
85
Ms. Tappen presented a power point, which included:
86
, ,
Intensity standards added for Non-residential UsesSmart Growth Initiatives2009 Statutory
87
Requirement for the Airport, Greenhouse Gas Reductions, Sustainable Western Land Plan,
88
Multi-Modal Options, Transportation, Housing, Greener Living, Infrastructure, Alternate Solid
89
Waste Disposal, Coastal Management Development, Hazard Mitigation, Conservation,
90
Recreation, Intergovernmental Coordination, Capital Improvements, Economic Development,
91
and Green Technology.
92
Mr. Lounds asked if a development outside of the urban service boundary wished to install a
93
satellite water treatment facility, could they with the understanding that they would have to
94
hook up to a utility department.
95
Laurie Waldie, Utilities Director, stated currently it may be installed privately but may have to
96
be turned over to the County Utilities to operate. Ms. Waldie stated any development outside
97
the urban service boundary would need to be approved by the Board of County
98
Commissioners (BOCC), and there would be a utility service agreement set to delineate what
99
would be built for that development, the financing, and how it would be turned over to County
100
Utilities.
101
Chairman Mundt opened the public hearing.
102
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes
Page 4 of 7
Johnathan Ferguson, Land Use Attorney and resident, stated there are some vague policies in
103
the Comprehensive Plan. He suggested they consider whether there needs to be a reference
104
to the policies that they are self-enforcing or will have land development regulations to
105
implement them.
106
Peter Harrison, representing Adams Ranch, handed the Commission a letter regarding the
107
impact of the proposed changes to the Conservation Element to Adams Ranch, which he read
108
aloud. Mr. Harrison stated he has problems with policies that seem to prohibit, restrict, or
109
regulate agriculture. He concluded with a statement he requested the Commission add to the
110
Conservation Element before forwarding the item to the BOCC.
111
Mr. Mundt stated he discussed suggestions from Mr. Harrison’s February 15 letter with staff.
112
Mr. Lounds stated his concern that he did not want to put roadblocks to inhibit future and
113
progressive agriculture as it would change in the future.
114
Mrs. Griffin, Environmental Regulations and Lands Manager, stated the Land Development
115
Code exempts existing agriculture uses from the clearing process. New agriculture operations
116
that do not currently have an agriculture exemption will have to start from scratch with their
117
initial clearing. Their agricultural operation would have to be up and running before they can
118
get their agricultural classification from the Property Appraiser.
119
The Commission continued to discuss agriculture classification with staff.
120
Mr. Harrison stated he is ok with the way the policies are currently written, but would not like to
121
see agriculture further regulated by the new situations.
122
Mr. Satterlee stated it is not our intention to do that, and staff will be addressing Mr. Harrison’s
123
comments.
124
Robert Lucklow, resident, stated his appreciation that his comments have been received and
125
addressed. Mr. Lucklow stated he believes the plan being presented works against the
126
success of private enterprise.
127
Garrett Bussel, resident, stated he has a concern regarding “sustainable development” in that
128
it is a buzz-phrase for a bigger agenda. He stated it is not concerned with sustaining human
129
beings, but with sustaining the flora and fauna and environment of our state. Mr. Bussel
130
detailed his concerns for the Commission.
131
With no further comment from the public, Chairman Mundt closed the Public Hearing.
132
Mrs. Hammer provided her comments to staff, which included:
133
?
Underlining or numbering (which she will give to Ms. Wilson and Ms. Tappen)
134
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes
Page 5 of 7
?
Add policy 1.1.7.2 floor/area ratio to Note 2 on Page 1-15
135
?
Why policy 1.1.4.8 includes “or non-contiguous property” (Ms. Tappen responded so the
136
property owner may conserve land on property not contiguous to the land being
137
developed)
138
?
Page 1-29 Planned Unit Development should be changed to Planned Development
139
?
Page 1-32 policy 1.1.8.5 states regulations have to be amended within one year of
140
adoption, is that too short of a time? Ms. Tappen stated it is a state requirement.
141
?
Page 1-41 policy 1.1.17.5 did not make sense. Asked what “ School Board will ensure
142
no schools are constructed within school zones designated on the St. Lucie County
143
International Airport construction zone map” means. Ms. Tappen stated there is a
144
specific School Zone Map for airport uses where schools should not be constructed.
145
?
Page 1-45 Figure 1-1 is missing. Mr. Satterlee stated we are redoing the whole map
146
series
147
?
Page 2-58 policy 2.1.1.2 refers to the MPO should it be TPO?
148
?
Page 2-59 policy 2.1.1.6 should have been revised according to accompanying memo
149
?
Page 3-20 policy 3.2.4.2 a question regarding the date, to which Ms. Tappen responded
150
it reflects Florida statutes
151
?
Page 4-31 policy 4a.1.1.3 was there any consideration of it being considered a super
152
majority instead of just a majority vote, to which Mr. Satterlee responded that has not
153
been discussed
154
?
Page 4-43 clarification on the third paragraph that says “shall be 110 gpcd” Ms. Tappen
155
clarified it stands for gallons per capita per day
156
?
Page 5-33 the summary refers to goal 5.5 as being struck but some of the fives are
157
underlined, to which Ms. Tappen stated it would have been more correct to say goal 7
158
was struck. Mr. Satterlee stated some of the policies were to be retained at the request
159
of Don West, Public Works Director.
160
?
A numbering sequence that didn’t make sense on 9-23, 9-24, and 9-25
161
Ms. Tappen extended her appreciation for Ms. Hammer’s time.
162
Mr. Mundt stated the use of acronyms was an earlier conversation and the first time the term
163
comes up staff should spell it out and put the acronym in brackets.
164
Mr. Lounds asked about the eradication of invasive species specific to coastal areas in current
165
practice. Mrs. Griffin stated Land Development Code (LDC, the Code) chapter 6.00.5 that
166
requires all category 1 and 2 invasive species as defined by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant
167
Council need to be eradicated on any new developments.
168
Mr. Lounds asked if there is anything we could do to enhance that portion of the Code. Mrs.
169
Griffin stated there is nothing we can currently do to require an existing landowner to remove
170
invasive species unless there is new development.
171
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes
Page 6 of 7
Mr. Lounds asked if there could be intergovernmental coordination with the water management
172
districts to try to enhance the protection.
173
Mr. Satterlee stated the practicality and cost of doing so would be prohibitive, though we
174
encourage intergovernmental coordination.
175
Mr. Lounds stated he believes this is a “green” factor he believes is overlooked.
176
Mrs. Griffin said it could be discussed among staff could discuss how they can reach out to
177
other agencies.
178
Mr. Lounds asked Mrs. Griffin to share what is being done with the extension of some of the
179
creeks and what will be done with 10-Mile Creek.
180
Mrs. Griffin stated the definitions are in the Land Development Code, but the Comp Plan has
181
just a general list.
182
Mr. Mowery stated his comments:
183
?
Policy 1.1.1.2a. In reference to some letters and emails we have been receiving will we
184
still be requiring that CDDs be established? Mr. Satterlee stated that became an issue
185
because we had taken some of the description of the land uses out of the data and
186
analysis section and moved it into the goals, objectives, and policies, because we felt it
187
was policy. It is not really a directive but if you are developing you should consider
188
development with a Community Development District (CDD). Mr. Satterlee stated the
189
concern had been raised that it may be something the County would not want to
190
require. He said they might ask the BOCC whether they want to take that out.
191
?
Page 1-35 policy 1.1.9.14 would we like to add time period to when the LDRs be
192
modified.
193
?
Page 1-44 policy 1.3.2.3. Has further discussion taken place requiring that new single-
194
family homes meet green standards? Ms. Tappen was going to propose taking that out
195
since you cannot ask private buildings to meet green standards.
196
?
The word “conservation” had been excluded. Mr. Satterlee stated the discussions of the
197
semantic differences between the assumptions associated with what constitutes
198
“conservation” or “preservation” have not come to a resolution.
199
?
Page 2-66 policy 2.3.2.5 regarding sidewalks. The new language that seems to add
200
them to all local streets in addition to major and arterial roadways. Ms. Tappen stated
201
there is flexibility and some cases with fairly low density development you may not see
202
pedestrian facilities. Mr. Satterlee stated it would be required to add it to the LDC and
203
would have to go through the public hearing process to be vetted.
204
With no further discussion Chairman Mundt asked for a motion.
205
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes
Page 7 of 7
Mr. Lounds stated the last time this was done there was different staff and different public
206
comments, and stated staff has done an excellent job listening and understanding public
207
concern, and would like to see this board move this on.
208
Mr. Mowery made the motion:
209
After considering the testimony presented during the public hearing, including
210
staff comments, I hereby move that the Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
211
acting as the Local Planning Agency of St. Lucie County forward the Evaluation
212
and Appraisal Report Based Amendments to the St. Lucie County Board of
213
County Commissioners with a recommendation to transmit to the Department of
214
Community Affairs and adopt the amendments to the Comprehensive Plan based
215
upon the requirements established by state law as well as the local public
216
comments and input provided here.
217
Mrs. Hammer seconded.
218
The motion passed 5-2, Ms. Morgan and Mr. Schrader dissenting
219
Mr. Mundt extended thanks to staff, Ms. Tappen, and the Commission.
220
IV. OTHER BUSINESS
221
Mr. Satterlee stated the next draft of the EAR will be available the first week of May and we will
222
be updating the website as soon as possible.
223
Mr. Lounds asked if the Commission could get a copy of the document after it comes back
224
from Tallahassee. Mr. Satterlee said yes, and it will be on the web as well.
225
Mr. Mundt stated we are working on a new schedule for Chapters 10, 11, and 12. Mr. Satterlee
226
stated we would be continuing to pursue that.
227
V. ADJOURN
228
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:00.
229
Planning and Zoning Commission April 15, 2010
Minutes