Planning director warns of incoming state rules and data‑center inquiries

Kevin Freeman, Fort Pierce’s planning director, used the director’s report to warn the planning board that staff are reviewing newly enacted state statutes that will affect planning and building services, including timelines and fee schedules.

“There is a state statute that’s just been signed regarding mega data centers,” Freeman said, and he told the board staff are trying to understand how to apply new rules and prepare code amendments. Freeman said the department has seen inquiries about data centers and noted the key issues the city will need to evaluate: water supply, power demand, cooling systems and noise from mechanical equipment.

Freeman said the city plans to formalize a pre‑application process that would let applicants schedule coordinated meetings with planning, building and engineering staff through the online permitting system. He said the system could help the city respond if private providers begin offering paid pre‑application services under the new state rules.

On existing nonconformity issues, Freeman said many buildings and lots in parts of the city—he mentioned Lincoln Park—are technically nonconforming under the current zoning map and that staff are reviewing code updates to facilitate reuse of vacancies along corridors such as Orange Avenue and US 1. Freeman asked board members to expect memos and education on state statutes and proposed code changes this summer.

The board did not take formal action on these items; Freeman said staff will return with recommended ordinance or code changes as required by the state statutes or as they refine the city’s pre‑application program.