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Beaches, Shoreline and Estuarine Systems In Indian River County, the barrier island has 26 miles of beach frontage. Associated with the coastal area is the Indian River. This estuarine lagoon separates the barrier island from the coastal mainland. The Sebastian Inlet, located at the northern limit of the county, provides water access to the Atlantic Ocean from the lagoon. Along the 26 miles of the Indian River, there are approximately 15,000 acres of submerged and estuarine wetlands. These coastal areas provide a unique setting with exceptional social, economic and environmental opportunities. These topics are discussed in the Coastal Management and Conservation Elements. Areas of Critical State Concern Within Indian River County, there are no designated areas of critical state concern. In the early 1980's, however, the Hutchinson Island Resource Planning and Management Plan was developed. The study area for that plan included the barrier island in Indian River County. Because the State Department of Community Affairs found the county's comprehensive plan and land development regulations consistent with that plan, no area of critical state concern was designated. FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND INFRASTRUCTURE Because some natural features and resources restrict land use and limit land development, various man-made improvements are often made to increase the natural capacity of land to accommodate more intense uses at higher densities. Those public services, facilities and infrastructure not only increase the development capacity of land, but also encourage development in some areas while limiting it in others. For that reason, public and community based facilities have become essential aspects of urban development. Without the provision of those services which ensure that an acceptable quality of life is maintained, it is unlikely that large scale development could occur. In the past, however, some development has occurred without adequate urban services being available. The problems associated with that type of development have resulted in degradation of the environment, congestion and other transportation problems, inefficient use of existing services and costly expansion of urban services. As a group, these public improvements and infrastructure have become known as "urban services". Urban services include but are not limited to public water and sewer; solid waste and garbage collection and disposal; road, bridge and transportation facilities; public safety; education; and utilities such as gas, electric, cable television, and phone. These facilities are usually owned and operated by local governments or public and private corporations. The areas in which these services are made available and deliverable are designated as urban service areas. Future Land Use Element 59