Fort Pierce delays change to impact-fee code to re-advertise revised ordinance after commissioners request clearer upstream approvals

The commission discussed a first-reading ordinance (chapter 113) to allow recognition of certain transportation improvements performed in county right-of-way as eligible for city transportation impact-fee credits, provided those improvements increase roadway capacity and meet county/transportation planning organization standards.

Planning Director Kevin Freeman explained the amendment aims to resolve a gap that left applicants who improved county-controlled roadways (but whose improvements were outside city right-of-way) unable to receive city transportation impact-fee credits. Freeman said the change would require evidence the county approved the improvement and that the improvement relates to county or TPO CIP priorities; credits would be limited to the city's portion of transportation impact fees and could not exceed the amount the applicant paid in transportation impact fees.

Commissioners raised practical questions: whether applicants must seek city approval before starting county work; whether the board should explicitly require pre-approval to avoid duplicative or post-facto credits; and how the city and county would coordinate cost estimates and proportionate credit allocations. City attorney and clerk advised that adding a material requirement between first and second reading would change the advertised title block and require re-advertising. The commission directed staff to revise the ordinance to explicitly address pre-approval and return with a new first reading after re-advertisement (anticipated at the next meeting cycle). No formal adoption occurred tonight.

What's next: Staff will prepare a revised ordinance that explicitly requires applicants to obtain city approval prior to performing county right-of-way work (or otherwise clarifies the process) and will re-advertise for first reading at a future meeting.