12/11/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

M DESCRIPTION AND CONDITIONS Robert Riggio, on behalf of Anthony Coraci, an intervener in the comprehensive plan administrative process, has submitted a request to amend the Comprehensive Plan and create a new conservation land use designation to replace the present C-2 conservation land use designation in the area surrounding the St. Sebastian River. Mr. Coraci is the present owner of the W.W. Ranch, an area of approximately 8,000 acres. The ranch property lies predominately within the AG land use designation, with the exception of approximately 600 acres designated C-2 and lying west of and adjacent to the St. Sebastian River. The 600± acres is a largely undisturbed xeric scrub community. The purpose of this request is to modify existing land use designations as they apply to xeric scrub communities adjacent to the river to allow for residential development up to 1 unit per 2� acres. The applicant has been involved in the comprehensive plan preparation process and has participated in various meetings and hearings. Subsequent to plan adoption, the applicant challenged the county's plan by formally intervening in the adoption process. It is the applicant's contention that the C-2 land use designation of his property with its 1 unit/40 acre density limitation is an unreasonable restriction of his land in the C-2 District. Attachment "A" attached hereto contains the applicant's .proposed modifications to Future Land Use Element policies 1.4 and 1.5 and a new Conservation Element policy 6.14. These have been modified somewhat by staff, but still reflect the applicant's intent and are satisfactory to the applicant. Also in attachment "A" are changes to the data and analysis section of the Future Land Use Element which have been proposed by staff. Attachment "B" contains planning staff recommendations, with changes to the applicant's proposal. The C-2 designation in this area applies to the St. Sebastian River, associated wetlands, and xeric (dry) scrub uplands adjacent to the river. According to the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (GFC), approximately 900 acres of "viable" (relatively undisturbed) scrub habitat exists along the south fork of the St. Sebastian River. Approximately 300 acres along the east bank are dominated by xeric hammocks undergoing sporadic development:- The remaining 600 acres along the west bank are a mosaic of xeric hammock, scrubby flatwoods, sand pine scrub, dry prairie, pine flatwoods, and forested wetlands. The combination of the mentioned natural communities provides significant biological benefits beyond each individual, separate community type. Ospreys, bald eagles, and river otters are examples of wildlife found in the St. Sebastian River area that utilize the combined upland/wetland St. Sebastian River ecosystem. The GFC describes the area as one of the most valuable natural areas remaining in the county. On November 15, 1990, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3 to 2 to recommend to the Board of County Commissioners the approval of staff's recommendation (as presented in Attachment "B"), and transmit the request to the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs for their review and comment. ALTERNATIVES AND ANALYSIS In this section, an analysis of the reasonableness of the application is presented. The analysis includes a description of current and future land uses, potential environmental impacts, and potential impacts relating to future development. This section will also consider alternatives to the request. DEC 111990 73 RO["X °,ter'„GE 192