St. Lucie County adopts seven‑year comprehensive plan updates after state review

St. Lucie County commissioners voted May 5 to adopt the seven‑year Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) amendments to the county comprehensive plan, a periodic update required by state law that incorporates new census data, population projections and statutory changes.

Planning and Development Services Director Ben Balser told the board the state review identified several provisions the state considered ‘‘more restrictive or burdensome’’ than existing law. To address Florida Commerce’s comments staff reverted certain locally tightened policy language (for example, changing instances of “shall” back to “should”) and updated transportation and infrastructure language per technical agency suggestions.

Key adjustments included reverting language in future land‑use policies, correcting outdated terminology (‘‘accident’’ to ‘‘crash’’ at FDOT’s request), adding FDOT consultation language where state roadway funding may be implicated, and updating potable water, sanitary sewer and solid‑waste rate tables following South Florida Water Management District feedback. Staff also added a deadline to address a septic‑to‑sewer consistency issue requested by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The board voted to adopt the EAR amendments and directed staff to return any remaining clarifications in future amendments as necessary. Commissioner comments reflected frustration with state restrictions but general support for completing the update on schedule to keep the county in compliance with statutory deadlines.