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Currently, the term "public benefit" is not defined in the County LDRs, and the only direct reference to public benefit is listed in Section 902.04 as follows, "enhanced development features or improvements that provide public benefits that are proportionate to the degree of exception or variation requested." Recommendation: Staff recommends that the current LDRs be amended to include a written definition for the term "public benefit." While each PD project has been approved via a separate PD plan approval that is specific to each project, staff has identified the below -referenced list of some of the most commonly acceptable public benefits that have been approved over the past ±35 years. This list is not exhaustive but is provided as guidance for a larger discussion on public benefits: a. Right-of-way (ROW) dedication, over and above the minimum required ROW width, without compensation; b. Acceptance of off-site stormwater into the project's stormwater system; c. Off-site traffic improvements that exceed required improvements (e.g. turn lane, traffic signal); d. Extension of off-site sidewalks beyond required sidewalk improvements; e. Conservation/set-aside of all or most of a project site's on-site natural features (e.g. wetlands, native uplands, Florida scrub jay habitat, Bald eagle's nest, etc.) over -and -above minimum requirements; f. Dedication of land for a public purpose (e.g. a park, public school, fire station); g. Upsizing of off-site Utilities improvements (e.g. water main, sanitary sewer main); h. Enhanced stormwater treatment for project sites near the Indian River Lagoon; i. Provision of a transit stop with a shelter; and j. Provision of public access to project improvements on a limited basis (e.g. public access to a town square or amphitheater during special events or concerts). Staff is also providing a list of items or project features that have historically not been considered public benefits: a. Enhanced amenities within the project that are not accessible to the public; b. General statements like "increased tax base" or "nicer homes" in the area; c. Enhanced project signage and/or entry features; d. Smaller lots equal less yard to maintain or community -wide maintenance programs; and e. Limiting homes to one-story (sometimes this item is considered as a compatibility measure, but not a public benefit). Lastly, staff is providing a list of items or project features that are considered a "marginal" public benefit or land somewhere in the "gray" area: a. Significantly increased open space within a project, but not available to the public; b. ROW dedication, over and above the minimum required ROW width, but offset by density credits and/or traffic impact fee credits; c. Off-site traffic improvements that are required for a specific project, but also provide significant additional capacity for the surrounding area; d. Reduced density when compared to the project site's underlying zoning or future land use designation; e. A project feature that only benefits one or two nearby property owners (e.g. enhanced access through the project or allowing those properties to connect to the project's water or sewer improvements). Recommendation: Staff recommends that the BCC and the PZC consider providing policy direction or actual Indian River County, Florida Page 2 of 5 Printed on 10/17/2025 powered IV LegistarT'"