Legislative Hearing - Ordinance 25-031 - Review of an application to approve a planned development in respect of the Final Site Plan for Pod 1 and the Planned Development Zoning Agreement for the Symphony Lakes Planned Development (PD) generally located at or near the northeast corner of Selvitz Road and Devine Road and west of Christensen Road, containing approximately 88.5 acres of land, more or less, plus additional right-of-way; providing for a severability clause; providing for repeal of ordinances or parts thereof in conflict; and providing for an effective date. - SECOND READING.

The 122.8-acre site was approved for a Mixed-Use Future Land Use on April 1, 2024, under Ordinance number 23-057.
Subsequently, the property was rezoned to Planned Development (Master Site Plan) on June 3, 2024, under Ordinance 23-058. The overall master plan proposed 625 units which generate a gross density of 5.1 du/ac. The Symphony Lakes Planned Development consists of four Pods which are subject to a phased development program.

This application proposes a Final Site Plan for Pod 1. 
Pod 1 is the largest Pod on the site, providing the development with a conservation area as well as multiple lakes. The Selvitz Road development is a gated community with two access points to this site, which are both proposed on Selvitz Road. There is an entrance provided for emergency services use only along Christensen Road. This entrance is not to be used by residents or visitors at any time. Additionally, no entrance is proposed on Devine Road. Parcel #(s) 2432-211-0005-000-6 (portion), 2432-211-0006-000-3 (portion), 2432-343-0001-000-4 (entire). Containing 88.5 acres, more or less

The proposed Pod 1 Final Site Plan is consistent with the Pod 1 master site plan. The plan is approximately 88 acres, and its primary use is residential. Pod 1 provides the site with 286 single-family residential units, which generates approximately 3.2 gross dwelling units per acre.
A 20% minimum of lake/open space located within Pod 1 has been approved by the City of Ft. Pierce per the conceptual PD plan. The Final PD Plan further details this open space, a total of 37.9 acres, or 43% of Pod 1.

Pod 1 provides an amenity center. As part of the amenity center improvements, the existing lake onsite, which was previously used for mining operations, will be cleaned and enhanced to provide additional stormwater, aesthetic, and recreational opportunities for this neighborhood.
In addition, the Symphony Lakes development dedicated 3.8 acres of Pod 1 to an existing conservation easement. These 3.8 acres of preservation are located in the northeast area of the site.

The northern edge of the entire site borders a canal, separating the proposed development from the industrial use area north of this site. An existing 20-foot buffer exists on the industrial side of the 45-foot canal. In addition, there is a 40-foot landscaped berm on the northernmost edge of the site to aid in the separation and buffering of these two uses. This provides 200 feet between the residential properties and the buffer on the industrial site.

The project proposes traffic improvements, which have been agreed with St. Lucie County and consist of 60-foot and 80-foot / 50-foot access roads off Selvitz Road as shown on the Master Site Plan that will provide access to the Pods and shall be constructed as part of the development of Pod 1 and shall be constructed consistent with the approved plans.

Based on the review of the project, compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and consideration of the impact upon the Health, Safety and Welfare of the public. Staff recommend that City Commission APPROVE the application for Final PD Site Plan subject to the eight (8) conditions of development listed below.
(The conditions incorporate the recommendations made by the Planning Board).
 

1. All required Roadway improvements (including sidewalks) shall be completed and approved prior to issuance of first certificate of completion for a dwelling in Pod 1.
2. The development of Pod 1 shall satisfy all applicable conditions of the ‘Conceptual’ Symphony Lakes PD.
3. A Plat shall be required prior to the application for building permits in respect of vertical construction.
4. A Unity of Title with the St. Lucie County Clerk of Courts and a Parcel Combination with the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser shall be completed prior to the issuance of any Building Permit.
5. A General Address Request Form for the newly created Parcel ID and for any and each proposed building and residential unit shall be submitted to the Planning Department.
6. All required ROW dedication in respect of Selvitz RD shall be completed and approved prior to issuance of first certificate of completion for a dwelling in Pod 1.
7. A Landscape Maintenance Agreement shall be required prior to Final Certificate of Occupancy being issued for Pod 1.
8. The developer is responsible for obtaining all required state or federal agency permits. The approval of the development by the City does not create liability on the part of the City for issuance of this development approval if the applicant fails to obtain requisite approvals from other agencies.

Approve with Additional/Alternative Conditions.
 
Or
 
Disapprove.
 

Kev Freeman, Planning Director.

Technical Review Committee.
Planning Board.
City Attorney.