Item C1 1.0 Introduction & Background Monroe County Comprehensive Plan Update
1.0 INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
Introduction:
Monroe County includes the Mainland area and over 1,700 islands which lie along the
Florida Straits, dividing the Atlantic Ocean to the east from the Gulf of Mexico to the west,
and defining one edge of the Florida Bay. The mainland part of the County is made up of the
Everglades National Park and the southern portion of Big Cypress National Preserve. The
Florida Keys extend 233 miles southwestward in a gradual arc from Biscayne Bay to the Dry
Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Florida Keys, that are within Monroe County, are a chain of islands -connected b}_112
of US Highway 1, extending from Key Largo to Key West, representing the most
southerly point of the continental United States. The surrounding water is designated as an
Outstanding Florida Water and includes the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the
second largest marine sanctuary in the United States.
t nd m se . r less
rida Ke 's are articularl vulnerable to the im acts of sea level ri and storm sur e. The
tide gauge at Key West has been measuring sea levels since �e
9 inc t ce last
The regional and statewide resources of the Florida Keys prompted its designation by the
Administration Commission as an Area of Critical State Concern in December, 1975 and the
Florida Legislature in 1979 (Section 380.0552, F. S.). The Florida Keys are the location of
North America's only coral reef and the third largest coral reef system in the world. The Keys
are also home to over 30 species of threatened and endangered species and is one of the most
ecologically diverse ecosystems in the United States. The designation is intended to protect
environmental or natural resources of regional or statewide importance, the historical or
archaeological resources and the major public facilities and area of major public investment.
Federal and State government involvement in Monroe County (the "County ") land use
planning and decision - making is extensive due to the presence of these aquatic and terrestrial
resources that are of regional and national significance. This involvement has heavily
influenced the County's comprehensive planning process. Many of the County's goals,
objectives, and policies have been mandated by the State pursuant to the Area of Critical
State Concern designation.
a. Florida Statutes:
In addition to those regulatory requirements established within Chapter 163, F.S., all
planning and development within the Florida Keys must be consistent with Sections 380.05
and 380.0552(7), F. S., Principles for Guiding Development. These statutory requirements,
cited below, were adopted by the Florida Legislature and are specific for the Florida Keys
area.
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380.0552(7), F. S. - PRINCIPLES FOR GUIDING DEVELOPMENT.
State, regional, and local agencies and units of government in the Florida Keys Area shall
coordinate their plans and conduct their programs and regulatory activities consistent
with the principles for guiding development as specified in chapter 27F -8, Florida
Administrative Code, as amended effective August 23, 1984, which is adopted and
incorporated herein by reference. For the purposes of reviewing the consistency of the
adopted plan, or any amendments to that plan, with the principles for guiding
development, and any amendments to the principles, the principles shall be construed as a
whole and specific provisions may not be construed or applied in isolation from the other
provisions. However, the principles for guiding development are repealed 18 months
from July 1, 1986. After repeal, any plan amendments must be consistent with the
following principles:
(a) Strengthening local government capabilities for managing land use and development
so that local government is able to achieve these objectives without continuing the
Area of Critical State Concern designation.
(b) Protecting shoreline and marine resources, including mangroves, coral reef
formations, seagrass beds, wetlands, fish and wildlife, and their habitat.
(c) Protecting upland resources, tropical biological communities, freshwater wetlands,
native tropical vegetation (for example, hardwood hammocks and pinelands), dune
ridges and beaches, wildlife, and their habitat.
(d) Ensuring the maximum well -being of the Florida Keys and its citizens through sound
economic development.
(e) Limiting the adverse impacts of development on the quality of water throughout the
Florida Keys.
(f) Enhancing natural scenic resources, promoting the aesthetic benefits of the natural
environment, and ensuring that development is compatible with the unique historic
character of the Florida Keys.
(g) Protecting the historical heritage of the Florida Keys.
(h) Protecting the value, efficiency, cost - effectiveness, and amortized life of existing and
proposed major public investments, including:
1. The Florida Keys Aqueduct and water supply facilities;
2. Sewage collection, treatment, and disposal facilities;
3. Solid waste treatment, collection, and disposal facilities;
4. Key West Naval Air Station and other military facilities;
5. Transportation facilities;
6. Federal parks, wildlife refuges, and marine sanctuaries;
7. State parks, recreation facilities, aquatic preserves, and other publicly owned
properties;
8. City electric service and the Florida Keys Electric Co -op; and
9. Other utilities, as appropriate.
(i) Protecting and improving water quality by providing for the construction, operation,
maintenance, and replacement of stormwater management facilities; central sewage
collection; treatment and disposal facilities; and the installation and proper operation
and maintenance of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems.
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(j) Ensuring the improvement of nearshore water quality by requiring the construction
and operation of wastewater management facilities that meet the requirements of ss.
381.0065(4)(1) and 403.086(10), as applicable, and by directing growth to areas
served by central wastewater treatment facilities through permit allocation systems.
(k) Limiting the adverse impacts of public investments on the environmental resources
of the Florida Keys.
(1) Making available adequate affordable housing for all sectors of the population of the
Florida Keys.
(m) Providing adequate alternatives for the protection of public safety and welfare in the
event of a natural or manmade disaster and for a post disaster reconstruction plan.
(n) Protecting the public health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the Florida Keys
and maintaining the Florida Keys as a unique Florida resource.
C. I's Ca` i :
In 1996, the INPIP7nor iss - -100 (th tule "), a filryeiMork programlWronroe
County (Florida Administration Commission Rule 28.20 -100, 1996). The Rule required the
completion of the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study (FKCCS) and its companion. the
Carrying Capacity Impact Analysis Model (CCIAM). According to the Rule, the CCIAM was to
be designed ``... to determine the ability of the Florida Keys ecosystem and the various segments
thereof, to withstand all impacts of additional land development activities." The U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Community Affairs (currently, the State Land
Planning Agency) jointly sponsored the development of the FKCCS.
The FKCCS provided four main guidelines for future development in the Florida Keys:
1. Prevent encroachment into native habitat. A wealth of evidence shows that terrestrial
habitats and species have been severely affected by development and further impacts
would only exacerbate an already untenable condition.
2. Continue and intensi existin_ •ro. ams. Man initiatives to improve environmental
conditions and quality of life exist in the Florida Keys. They include land acquisition
programs, the wastewater and stormwater master plans, ongoing research and
management activities in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and restoration.
3. If further development is to occur, focus on redevelopment and infill. Opportunities for
additional growth with small, potentially acceptable, additional environmental impacts
may occur in areas ripe for redevelopment or already disturbed.
4. Increase efforts to manage the resources. Habitat management efforts in the Keys
could increase to e p reserve and im prove t he ecological i ia� of_raa t J a
terrestrial ecosystems. efforts throughout the Keys
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In 2001, the National Research Council (NRC) conducted a review of the CCIAM; the report:
Florida Kevs Carrying Capacity Study: Test Carrying Capacity Analysis Model, First Draft. The
NRC noted that, "...the Committee does not believe that the current version of the CCAM is
ready to be used as an impact assessment tool to support regional land use policy decisions' or
to provide `an effective framework to determine whether scenarios fall within the carrying
capacity of the Florida Keys, determined by a set of ecological, socioeconomic, and human
infrastructure thresholds and criteria.'
However, the NRC report concluded that several of the modules can be used in their current
state, or with moderate revisions, as tools to, "...help assess a limited set of environmental,
socioeconomic, fiscal, and infrastructure impacts of land use change in the Florida Keys." The
report noted that for the Terrestrial Module, "...issues of terrestrial habitat and species richness
appear to be reasonably well addressed..." As stated in the Final Report of the Florida Keys
Carrying Capacity Study Implementation — Rule 28 -20 Work Group, (2003), "...the terrestrial
portion of the CCIAM was able to provide valid analyses and conclusions with respect to upland
habitat. Science can forecast from previous data what the impacts of a trend would be into the
future should things continue as they currently are and historically have been." Habitat
fragmentation was clearly identified as a concern and concluded that, `Any further development
in the Florida Keys would exacerbate secondary and indirect impacts to remaining habitat."
The FKCCS noted the critical importance of preventing further destruction of terrestrial habitats.,
stating, "Any further encroachment into areas dominated by native vegetation would exacerbate
habitat loss and fragmentation ", and concluded, "Development in the Florida Keys has surpassed
the carrying capacity of upland habitats to maintain their ecological integrity." The FKCCS also
recommended the County continue its land acquisition and restoration programs and suggested
the following actions to guide future development:
1. "Prevent encroachment into native habitat.
2. Continue and intensify existing land acquisition programs, wastewater management, and
restoration efforts.
3. If further development is to occur, focus on redevelopment and infill.
4. Increase efforts to manage the resources to effectively preserve and improve the ecological
values of the remaining terrestrial ecosystems."
The FKCCS included specific implementation strategies such as, establishing a development
allocation system that protects the "unique character of the Florida Keys ", directs new
development to areas with existing or planned wastewater systems, focuses upon infill and
redevelopment, and ensures that the "...population should not exceed the ability of the
community to have reasonable safety in the event of a major hurricane."
Over the years, the Rule has been amended (assigning new numbering each time) to recognize
the progress made toward implementation of the tasks included within the initial Work Program.
Currently, the tasks within Rule 28- 20.140, F.A.C., focus upon continued implementation of the
recommendations within the Carrying Capacity Study, and completion of Wastewater and
Stormwater projects. In addition to the Work Program, the State has adopted reporting
fc ltnt�_Be iginning November 30, 2011
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Planning Agency annually reports to the /Ministration sumw. (Commin)
documenting the degree to which the work program objectives for the work program year have
been achieved. The Commission considers the findings and recommendations provided in those
r 'nes whether progress has been achieved.
from the current (July,e:
WORK PROGRAM.
(a) Carrying Capacity Study Implementation.
1. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall adopt the conservation planning mapping (the
Tier Zoning Overlay Maps and System) into the Comprehensive Plan based upon the
recommendations of the Tier Designation Review Committee with the adjusted Tier
boundaries.
2. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall adjust the Tier I and Tier IIIA (SPA) boundaries
to more accurately reflect the criteria for that Tier as amended by Final Order DCA07-
GM166 and implement the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study, utilizing the updated
habitat data, and based upon the recommendations of the Tier Designation Review
Committee Work Group.
3. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall create Goal 106 to complete the 10 Year Work
Program found in Rule 28- 20.110, F.A.C., and to establish objectives to develop a
build -out horizon in the Florida Keys and adopt conservation planning mapping into the
Comprehensive Plan.
4. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall create Objective 106.2 to adopt conservation
planning mapping(Tier Maps) into the Monroe Comprehensive Plan based upon the
recommendations of the Tier Designation Review Committee Work Group.
5. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall adopt Policy 106.2.1 to require the preparation of
updated habitat data and establish a regular schedule for continued update to coincide
with evaluation and appraisal report timelines.
6. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall adopt Policy 106.2.2 to establish the Tier
Designation Work Group Review Committee to consist of representatives selected by
the Florida Department of Community Affairs from Monroe County, Florida Fish &
Wildlife Conservation Commission, United States Fish & Wildlife Service, Department
of Environmental Protection and environmental and other relevant interests. This
Committee shall be tasked with the responsibility of Tier designation review utilizing
the criteria for Tier placement and best available data to recommend amendments to
ensure implementation of and adherence to the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study.
These proposed amendments shall be recommended during 2009 and subsequently
coincide with the Evaluation and Appraisal report timelines beginning with the second
Evaluation and Appraisal review which follows the adoption of the revised Tier System
and Maps as required above adopted in 2011. Each evaluation and appraisal report
submitted following the 2011 evaluation and appraisal report shall also include an
analysis and recommendations based upon the process described above.
7. By July 1, 2012 and each July thereafter, Monroe County and the Monroe County Land
Authority shall submit a report annually to the Administration Commission on the land
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acquisition funding and efforts in the Florida Keys to purchase Tier I and Big Pine Key
Tier II lands and the purchase of parcels where a Monroe County building permit
allocation has been denied for four (4) years or more. The report shall include an
identification of all sources of funds and assessment of fund balances within those
sources available to the County and the Monroe County Land Authority.
8. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall adopt Land Development Regulations to require
that administrative relief in the form of the issuance of a building permit is not allowed
for lands within the Florida Forever targeted acquisition areas or Tier I lands unless,
after 60 days from the receipt of a complete application for administrative relief, it has
been determined the parcel will not be purchased by any county, State, federal or any
private entity. The County shall develop a mechanism to routinely notify the
Department of Environmental Protection of upcoming administrative relief requests at
least 6 months prior to the deadline for administrative relief.
9. By July 1, 2012, in order to implement the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study,
Monroe County shall adopt a Comprehensive Plan Policy to discourage private
applications for future land use changes which increase allowable density /intensity.
10. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall evaluate its land acquisition needs and State and
federal funding opportunities and apply annually to at least one State or federal land
acquisition grant program.
11. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall enter into a memorandum of understanding with
the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Emergency Management,
Marathon, Islamorada, Key West, Key Colony Beach, and Layton after a notice and
comment period of at least 30 days for interested parties. The memorandum of
understanding shall stipulate, based on professionally acceptable data and analysis, the
input variables and assumptions, including regional considerations, for utilizing the
Florida Keys Hurricane Evacuation Model or other models acceptable to the
Department to accurately depict evacuation clearance times for the population of the
Florida Keys.
12. By July 1, 2012, the Florida Keys Hurricane Evacuation Model shall be run with the
agreed upon variables from the memorandum of understanding to complete an analysis
of maximum build -out capacity for the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern,
consistent with the requirement to maintain a 24 -hour evacuation clearance time and
the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study constraints. This analysis shall be prepared
in coordination with the Department of Community Affairs and each municipality in
the Keys.
13. By July 1, 2012, the County and the Department of Community Affairs shall update the
data for the Florida Keys Hurricane Evacuation Model as professionally acceptable
sources of information are released (such as the Census, American Communities
Survey, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, and other studies). The County
shall also evaluate and address appropriate adjustments to the hurricane evacuation
model within each Evaluation and Appraisal Report.
14. By July 1, 2012, the Department of Community Affairs shall apply the derived
clearance time to assess and determine the remaining allocations for the Florida Keys
Areas of Critical State Concern. The Department will recommend appropriate
revisions to the Administration Commission regarding the allocation rates and
distribution of allocations to Monroe County, Marathon, Islamorada, Key West,
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Layton and Key Colony Beach or identify alternative evacuation strategies that
support the 24 hour evacuation clearance time. If necessary, the Department of
Community Affairs shall work with each local government to amend the
Comprehensive Plans to reflect revised allocation rates and distributions or propose
rule making to the Administration Commission.
15. By July 1, 2013, if necessary, the Department of Community Affairs shall work with
each local government to amend the Comprehensive Plan to reflect revised allocation
rates and distribution or propose rule making to the Administration Commission.
(b) Wastewater Implementation.
1. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall annually evaluate and allocate funding for
wastewater implementation. Monroe County shall identify any funding in the annual
update to the Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. By December 1, 2013, Monroe County shall work with the owners of wastewater
facilities and onsite systems throughout the County and the Department of Health
(DOH) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to fulfill the
requirements of Sections 403.086(10) and 381.0065(3)(h) and (4)(1), F.S., regarding
implementation of wastewater treatment and disposal. This will include coordination
of actions with DOH and DEP to notify owners regarding systems that will not meet
the 2015 treatment and disposal standards.
3. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall annually draft a resolution requesting the
issuance of $50 million of the $200 million of bonds authorized under Section
215.619, F.S., and an appropriation of sufficient debt service for those bonds, for the
construction of wastewater projects within the Florida Keys.
4. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall develop a mechanism to provide accurate and
timely information and establish the County's annual funding allocations necessary to
provide evidence of unmet funding needs to support the issuance of bonds authorized
under Section 215.619, F.S., and to assure the timely completion of work as necessary
to fulfill any terms and conditions associated with bonds.
5. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall evaluate its wastewater needs and State and
federal funding opportunities and apply annually to at least one State or federal grant
program for wastewater projects and connections.
6. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall develop and implement local funding programs
necessary to timely fund wastewater construction and future operation, maintenance
and replacement of facilities.
7. By December 1, 2013, the County shall provide a report of addresses and the property
appraiser's parcel numbers of any property owner that fails or refuses to connect to the
central sewer facility within the required timeframe to the Monroe County Health
Department, Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department of
Community Affairs. This report shall describe the status of the County's enforcement
action.
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(c) Wastewater Project Implementation.
1. Key Largo Wastewater Treatment Facility. Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District
is responsible for wastewater treatment in its service area and the completion of the
Key Largo Wastewater Treatment Facility.
a. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete construction of the South
Transmission Line;
b. By July 1, 2013, Monroe County shall complete design of Collection basin C, E,
F, G, H, I, J, and K;
c. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete construction of Collection basins
E -H;
d. By December 1, 2011, Monroe County shall schedule construction of Collection
basins I -K;
e. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall complete construction of Collection basins
I -K;
f. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall complete 50% of hook -ups to Key Largo
Regional WWTP:,
g. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete 75% of hook -ups to Key Largo
Regional WWTP:
h. By July 1, 2013, Monroe County shall complete all remaining connections to Key
Largo Regional WWTP.
2. Hawk's Cay, Duck Key and Conch Key Wastewater Treatment Facility.
a. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete construction of Hawk's Cay
WWTP upgrade /expansion, transmission, and collection system;
b. By July 1, 2013, Monroe County shall complete construction of Duck Key
collection system;
c. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall initiate property connections to Hawk's
Cay WWTP;
d. By December 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete 50% of hook -ups to
Hawk's Cay WWTP;
e. By July 1, 2013, Monroe County shall complete 75% of hook -ups to Hawk's Cay
WWTP; and
f. By July 1, 2014, Monroe County shall complete all remaining connections to
Hawk's Cay WWTP.
3. South Lower Keys Wastewater Treatment Facility (Big Coppitt Regional System).
a. By July 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete 75% hookups to South Lower
Keys WWTP; and
b. By July 1, 2013, Monroe County shall complete all remaininu connections to the
South Lower Keys WWTP.
4. Cudjoe Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility.
a. By July I, 2011, Monroe County shall complete planning and design documents
for the Cudjoe Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Central Area
( Cudjoe, Summerland, Upper Sugarloaf) collection system and the Central Area
Transmission Main;
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b. By October 1, 2012, Monroe County shall initiate construction of Wastewater
Treatment Facility, Central Area Collection System and Central Area
Transmission Main;
c. By July 1, 2014, Monroe County shall initiate construction of Wastewater
Treatment Facility, Central Area Collection System and Central Area
Transmission Main;
d. By February 1, 2012, Monroe County shall complete construction of Wastewater
Treatment, Outer Area Collection System and Transmission Main;
e. By February 1, 2015, Monroe County shall complete construction of Outer Area
collection and transmission main;
f. By July 1, 2014, Monroe County shall initiate property connections — complete
25% of hook -ups to Cudjoe Regional WWTP;
g. By July 1, 2015, Monroe County shall complete 50% of hook -ups to Cudjoe
Regional WWTP; and
h. By December 1, 2015, Monroe County shall complete remaining hook -ups to
Cudjoe Regional WWTP.
(d) Stormwater Treatment Facilities.
1. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall evaluate and allocate funding for stormwater
implementation. Monroe County shall identify any funding in the annual update to the
Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
2. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall apply for stormwater grants from the South
Florida Water Management District.
3. By July 1, 2011, Monroe County shall complete Card Sound Road stormwater
improvements.
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Background:
The Monroe County Year 2992030 Comprehensive Plan is divided into three volumes: a
Technical Document (data and analysis)., Policy Document (Comprehensive Plan), and Map
Atlas.
Technical Document: The 2030 Technical Document is intended to address the data,
inventory, and analyses requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes (F.S.). The data,
inventory and analyses contained within the Technical document supports the
development of goals, objectives, policies, and implementation programs established in
the Policy Document component of the Monroe County 2030 Monroe County
Comprehensive Plan. The Technical Document contains background information
including the technical support data and analyses for the various elements of the plan.
Comprehensive Plan: The Policy Document contains the goals, objectives and policies
for each element, the capital improvements implementation program, and the
Comprehensive Plan monitoring and evaluation procedures.
Map Atlas: The Map Atlas contains maps depicting background information for the
Section 163.3177 F.S. establishes the minimum required maps:
Map Series 2 -1 (Existing Land Use)
Map Series 2 -3 (Future Land Use)
Map Series 3 -1 (Soils)
Map Series 3 -2 (Flood Zone)
Map Series 3 -3 (Terrestrial Habitat)
Map Series 3 -7 (Coastal High Hazard Area)
Map Series 4 -1 (Road System)
Map Series 4 -2 (Roadway Functional Classification)
Map Series 4 -3 (Number of Through Lanes)
Map Series 4 -4 (Roadway Level of Service)
Map Series 8 -1 (Facilities Service Area — Potable Water)
_ - _ ., . . . - . .. .. - - .Additionally, the Map Atlas contains
maps depicting other background information for the various elements.
In accordance with the requirements of Rule 9J 5Chapter 163, F.A-., S., Part II, the Policy
Document contains the following sections of the Comprehensive Plan adopted by the Board of
County Commissioners (BOCC):
1. theThe Goals, Objectives and Policies of the plan, as well as the requirements
for capital improvements implementation, including the Five- Year Schedule of
Capital Improvements, contained in Chapter 3.0;
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2_heThe procedures for monitoring and evaluation of the plan, contained in
Chapter 54.0;
3. The procedures for public participation and comment on the comprehensive
planning process, contained in Chapter 5.0; and
4. The map series included in the Map Atlas which depictdepicts future conditions
in Monroe County: Future Land Use and Future Transportation also require
adoption by the BOCC. [The remainder of the map series contained in the Map
Atlas and the background data and analyses contained in the Technical
Document do not require adoption by the BOCC.]
The Goals, Objectives and Policies contained in Chapter 3.0 are the primary mechanism for
implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Goals, Objectives and Policies are presented for the
following wed- elements:
1. Future Land Use
2. Conservation and Coastal Management
3. Traffic Circulation
4. Mass Transit
5. Ports, Aviation and Related Facilities
6. Housing
7. Potable Water
8. Solid Waste
9. Sanitary Sewer
10. Drainage
11. Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge
12. Recreation and Open Space
13. Intergovernmental Coordination
14. Capital Improvements
15. Energy and Climate
- - - • • - 1 - - - -
_ ..
•
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2.0 GENERAL
Policy 1
Implementation of this Plan, particularly:
A. Policies 102.4.1, 102.4.2 101.7.1 and 101.6.3 (land acquisition for permit
allocation system), 102.1.1, 204.2.4 --2 (100% open space ratio for salt marsh and
buttonwood wetlands), and 204.43.2-1 (wetland acquisition) -and . (inspeetion
• - - - . • .. . - - = - - ; and
B. Implementation of Objectives 901.4 -3 (sewer master plan) and 100141
(stormwater master plan), as found in Table 3.1 (five year schedule of capital
will require funding which exceeds the reasonable budgetary constraints of Monroe
County. As an Area of Critical State Concern and site of unique natural resources of
national importance, Monroe County should not be expected to bear the sole burden of
implementing these policies without substantial financial assistance. The State of Florida
has made a substantial commitment to provide, and actively assist in securing, financial
assistance to implement these policies. Accordingly, Monroe County will pursue, in
cooperation with the State Land Planning Agency, all available federal, state and private
funding sources for implementation of these policies and for preparation of studies and
master plans identified in the Plan. Monroe County will commit to no less than 35% of
the Monroe County Land Authority annual budget to the acquisition of lands rendered
unbuildable by this Plan, and, where feasible, will commit additional funds from other
local revenue sources. When an implementation date cannot be met by reason of
unavailability of sufficient funds, -_that date will be extended by Plan amendment to the
earliest date that is reasonably practical after receipt of sufficient funds.
Policy 2
To provide specific interim criteria and standards pending the adoption and effective date
of revisions to the land development regulations which are consistent with and further the
policies set forth in this Plan, certain land development regulations in effect on the
adoption date of this Plan have been incorporated by reference. Upon the effective date of
revisions to the land development regulations which are required by and consistent with
this Plan, all references in this Plan to prior land development regulations shall include or
be superseded by such revisions.
Poliey-3
. . •
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Policy document shall be intcrprctcd as follows for those policies that were effective on
January, 1996:
A. all datcs up to and including Juno 30, 1993 shall bo interpreted to mean "within
B. from July 1, 1993 to September 30, 1996 shall be interpreted to mean "within two
.. - - " • -
• • - •. •
Policy 34
Monroe County shall be responsible to implement the Comprehensive Plan to the extent
authorized by law. While all plan policies are contingent upon funding, many require
substantial funds in order to be implemented. Therefore, the County shall be responsible
to implement the objectives and policies enumerated in Policy 1 (a) and (b) above, to the
extent that local funds for implementation are available, and to maintain and continue
implementation to the extent that additional local funds or state and federal funds,
become available. Further, the County, with the assistance of the State, shall determine
the ultimate fiscal cost of implementing the plan and the federal, state and local fair share
of implementation. By Juno 13, 2000, tThe County with the assistance of its state and
federal partners - - - • . - - • ' - - - - - - • = ; • - . -
A€faiFs -shall report to the Legislature the full fiscal cost of implementing the plan, the
state and local shares of such implementation, and shall include recommendations for
funding initiatives and alternatives for implementation. The report shall include a full
cost/benefit analysis relative to the cost of providing facilities and services to
development in the county compared to the cost of acquiring the remaining undeveloped
land.
Policy 54
Monroe County is not required to increase property taxes in order to provide funds
necessary to implement this Plan. It is, however, required to commit its reasonably
available funds to funding what the State Land Planning Agency Department of
and Monroe County ultimately agree is Monroe County's reasonable
share of the cost of implementation. Policy 34 above, does not require Monroe County's
taxpayers to bear the entire financial burden imposed by the Monroe County 2030 2044
Comprehensive Plan. Monroe County's commitment is limited to its reasonable ability to
fund only part of the cost of implementation. To the extent that the state should assist
Monroe County and does not, Monroe County is not required to provide such funds.
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Policy 65
Florida's Growth Management System, including rules promulgated by the
Administration Commission, has created major mandates of state requirements for
Monroe County with respect to the County's designation as an area of critical state
concern. These mandates, together with other federal statutes and programs, have created
an interlocking partnership between the state, Monroe County and federal agencies to
plan for and implement major environmental and growth management systems. This
partnership entails responsibilities for the stateState, federal government, and County to
work together in policy development and legal proceedings so responsibility for liabilities
that arise from this partnership are fairly allocated.
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Introduction and Background 15 Keith and Schnars, P.A.
Comprehensive Plan: July 2014