2010-252A (17) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Generally, multi -family residential development has occurred in areas designated M-1 and M-2, as well as in some areas designated L-2. In those areas, the density of new multi -family residential projects has been close to the maximum allowed by the L-2, M-1, and M-2 (6, 8, and 10 units/acre, respectively) designations. Because the L-1 and L-2 land use categories account for over 75% of residential land within the county, the county needs to ensure that the development pattern in those areas does not lead to low-density suburban sprawl throughout the urban service area. Suburban sprawl is characterized by low-density development consisting of disconnected, segregated uses. To achieve an efficient and compact land use pattern with an overall low density character, the county's policy should be to promote clustered development; walkable, connected neighborhoods; and mixed use projects. ➢ Development of Vacant Lots in Existing Subdivisions During the 1996-2007 period, a significant amount of residential construction occurred on vacant lots in existing, platted subdivisions. The three existing subdivisions with the highest number of single-family residences constructed during this period were Vero Lake Estates (1,709 homes), Vero Beach Highlands (466 homes), and Oslo Park (382 homes). Consisting of approximately 5,000 lots in an area of approximately three square miles, Vero Lake Estates is the largest subdivision in the unincorporated county. During the 1996-2007 period, the number of residences in Vero Lake Estates nearly quadrupled, increasing from 634 in 1996 to 2,343 in 2007. As of 2007, the unincorporated county area contained 10,098 vacant lots in existing, platted subdivisions. Of those lots, nearly a quarter (2,376 lots) are in Vero Lake Estates. The remaining vacant lots are dispersed in subdivisions, including both older and newer developments, throughout the unincorporated county area. While the long-delayed construction of the Vero Lake Estates subdivision is beneficial to the county, the rapid pace of construction in that subdivision does create challenges. Such challenges result from inadequate infrastructure within the subdivision (roads, water, and sewer) as well as increased demands on county roads used to access Vero Lake Estates. Because of the challenges resulting from construction of homes in older subdivisions with inadequate infrastructure, the county will need to make infrastructure improvements in existing subdivisions such as Pine Tree Park, Oslo Park, Vero Lake Estates, and others. In particular, unpaved roads need to be paved, and water lines need to be constructed. Usually, these types of improvements are done through assessment projects, where benefiting land owners pay their fair share of the improvement costs. Aesthetics of Residential Development Oftentimes, new residential developments are disconnected from adjacent neighborhoods and have insufficient pedestrian networks. In addition, some new residential developments have insufficient landscaping and monotonous architecture. Future Land Use Element 91