St Lucie County considers future land use amendment for Rainbow Groves development

The Board of County Commissioners for St. Lucie County convened on December 3, 2024, to address several key agenda items, with a primary focus on the Rainbow Groves future land use map amendment. This item was prioritized due to its significance and was continued from a previous public hearing held on November 12, 2024.

The discussion began with an overview of the Rainbow Groves site, located in South Central St. Lucie County, approximately four miles north of the Martin County boundary. The current designation for the area is Agricultural 5 (AG 5), which is deemed outdated given its location within the urban services boundary. The proposed amendment seeks to change the designation to mixed-use development, which would accommodate various industrial and commercial activities.

The proposed future land use plan includes a heavy industrial area of approximately 151 acres, a light industrial area of about 72 acres, and a light commercial area of 22 acres along Range Line Road. This plan aligns with ongoing developments in the vicinity, including other applications for land use changes from AG 5 to mixed-use, indicating a trend towards industrial and residential growth in the area.

The Planning and Zoning Commission had previously recommended approval of this amendment during a public hearing in May 2023. Following this, the Board of County Commissioners conducted a transmittal hearing in June 2023, during which the applicant collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Florida Department of Transportation, to prepare a traffic impact report.

As the meeting progressed, the Board discussed the next steps should the amendment be approved. The application would need to be sent to the state and regional planning agencies for review. If approved, the amendment would become effective in approximately 30 days. However, further development would require a rezoning application to a planned non-residential development zoning district, accompanied by a preliminary development plan. This process would involve additional public hearings and scrutiny of the proposed uses, ensuring compliance with local regulations regarding stormwater management, landscaping, and transportation access.

The meeting concluded with a clear outline of the procedural steps ahead, emphasizing the importance of public engagement and adherence to regulatory standards as the county navigates its growth and development strategies.