4/13/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

F"__ APR 13 1993 BOOK FAuE:325 With respect to zoning, the county's policy has always been to retain agricultural zoning on property rather than changing it when the underlying land use designation increases. This not only reflects the county's policy of using agricultural zoning as a "holding" designation, but also recognizes that urbanization occurs incrementally with various tracts_. remaining agricultural for longer periods In this case,. however, the subject property is not in agricultural use. Instead, it is characterized by native vegetation. That indicates that the agricultural zoning is a remnant of the large scale, agricultural pattern which previously existed. Given the current development pattern on the north barrier island, the proposed rezoning is warranted. Not only will the requested RM -6 zoning continue an existinq pattern, but the proposed rezoning will ensure compatibility of de'Velopment in the area. For these reasons, staff feels that the requested RM -6 zoning would be compatible with the surrounding area. Potential Impact on Environmental Quality Residential development of the property will be subject to a number of environmental permits, including -land. clearing, tree removal, and mangrove alteration permits (as applicable). The county's native upland plant community set-aside requirement does not apply to the subject property, however, because the property is less than 5 acres in size. If the property were acquired and developed as part of a bigger project (over 5 acres), though, then the upland set-aside requirement would apply. The proposed rezoning from A-1 to RM -6 would not result in an increase in potential adverse environmental impacts associated with site development. Since agricultural use -is largely exempt from county permitting, the county, in fact, has more opportunity to regulate impacts associated with residential development than impacts associated with agricultural use. Conclusion The requested zoning is compatible with the surrounding area, consistent with the comprehensive plan, and meets all concurrency criteria. The subject property is located in an area deemed suited for low density residential uses and meets all applicable rezoning criteria. For these reasons, staff supports the request to rezone the subject property from A-1 to RM -6. Recommendation Based on the analysis performed, staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve this request to rezone the subject property from A-1 to RM -6. 32