Port St. Lucie Development News

Port St. Lucie Planning and Zoning Board Recommends Approval for Comprehensive Plan Update

The Planning and Zoning Board conducted a public hearing for the city's comprehensive plan update and Evaluation and Appraisal (EAR) report, referred to as P24-185. The update extends all elements to the year 2050, incorporates state statute changes, and integrates various existing studies such as the mobility plan, parks and recreation master plan, and infrastructure study. Key proposed changes include extending land use categories to 2050, introducing new land use categories like 'Activity Center One' and 'Activity Center Two' to support specific developments and redevelopments, and allowing flexibility in mixed-use development (vertical or horizontal). The plan also addresses housing demand, aiming to accommodate projected population growth by ensuring sufficient land and dwelling units, and explores policies for affordable housing through incentives. For infrastructure, levels of service for water, sewer, and drainage have been updated, with a continued emphasis on aquifer recharge and adherence to state mandates regarding septic-to-city service connections. The transportation element focuses on implementing the mobility plan, introducing quality of service standards for multimodal transportation (pedestrians, bicyclists) alongside traditional level of service for vehicles, and encouraging complete streets. The housing element addresses the need for diverse housing types and explores incentives for affordable housing. The plan also strengthens policies for voluntary annexations, requiring connectivity, street standards, and advance infrastructure improvements. The economic development element aims to protect industrial and commercial land, promote infill development, and support targeted industries and small businesses. The parks and recreation element maintains the current level of service of five acres per thousand population for the city but will apply eight acres per thousand for new annexations, balancing aspirational goals with achievable standards and considering future park impact fees. The update also incorporates public feedback regarding concerns about urban sprawl, preservation of green spaces, and wildlife corridors, strengthening coastal management and conservation elements. The board recommended approval of the comprehensive plan amendments with revisions to the city council.