CLICK HERE to review the document presented by Leslie Olson, and Kori Benton, from SLC Planning & Development Services

​December 2, 2021
Ms. Leslie Olson, Director
SLC Planning & Development Services
2300 Virginia Avenue
Ft. Pierce, FL 34982
RE: Hutchinson Island Proposed Amendment to Building Height Overlay Zone
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Ms. Leslie Olson:
The President’s Council (PC) sincerely appreciate the time you and members of your department have spent with us and our membership discussing and explaining the proposed amendment referenced above.
While we now have a more thorough understanding of this amendment, we cannot support it for the following reasons:

1. The proposed amendment to the long-standing Land Development Code (LDC) is neither merited, warranted, nor justified.
2. The proposed amendment is a step backward from the benefits derived from the Hutchinson Island Residential District (HIRD). Over the years, HIRD has accommodated the changes in market standards for realistic residential requirements and has allowed for architectural creativity and flexibility.
3. The proposed amendment is too broad and a far-reaching alternative to the current height standards contained in Section 4.01.00-.06 of the Land Development Code (LDC).
4. Goal #1.1 of the SLC Comprehensive Plan is “to ensure the highest quality living environment possible, through a mixture of land uses reflecting the needs and desires of the residents and how they want their community to develop. The goal shall be implemented by strictly enforced building, zoning and development codes based on objectives and policies that will enhance St. Lucie County”. This amendment is strictly focused on developer desires/input for increased height development and has no consideration of “local residents” desires nor is it concerned with maintaining long standing codes for HI development.

We ask you to please consider our concerns and request the BOCC to deny any current or future applications to amend Section 4.01 of the LDC, regarding height restrictions on Hutchinson Island.

Thank You for your support.
President’s Council Board of Directors

CC:   Board of County Commissioners; Howard Tipton, County Administrator; Mark Satterlee, Deputy County Administrator; Kori Benton, P&DS Sr Planner; Presidents Council Board.

November 2, 2021 Property Developments Report

Emergency Responder Communication Legislation
Deadline for all HI Rise buildings to have a Radio Frequency Survey has been extended to January 1, 2024. SLC Fire department will be making contact soon with all hi-rise condos with more information. If you have any questions regarding this notification, please contact the St. Lucie County Fire District’s Office of the Fire Marshal at 772-621-3322 or via email at wboyer@slcfd.org.  Emergency Responder Communication Legislation - BDAS

New Development on SHI

• Galleon Bay

Conceptual plan was well received in 9/16/21 DRC pre app meeting. Fire truck access to all buildings and beach construction access will be design challenges on narrow property.
   

• Treasure Cove

9/16/21 DRC meeting discussed modifying current County conservation easement as an alternative to a wetland waiver to account for storm surge impact on the reshaped the property and wetland boundary. Wetland jurisdiction limits for both state & federal need to be re- established following unapproved (storm related) fill.

Property Rights
Property Rights Comprehensive Plan required by recent state legislation was brought before SLC Commissioners. The intent of the proposed amendments is to ensure that local government respect judicially acknowledged and constitutionally protected private property rights. The intent is also to ensure that private property rights are considered in local decision-making. More information will be forthcoming after the next county meeting.
9/16/21 Planning & Zoning approved proposed amendment to the county Comprehensive Plan to include a new element entitled Property Rights as required by recent legislation. The language for the amendment has been provided by the state. Amendment requires 2 advertised public hearings before BOCC. PC is requesting meeting with Planning department to better understand local application.
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Land Development Code (LDC) Proposed Height Zone Amendment
PC has requested a meeting with the Planning & Development Staff to better understand the implications of the proposed height zone amendment on undeveloped island parcels and Sand & Sea property.