The City Commission on Oct. 6 approved the final planned-development (PD) site plan for Symphony Lakes Pod 1, a roughly 88.5-acre low-density residential phase that will include 286 single-family homes and associated infrastructure, subject to eight development conditions required by staff and the Planning & Zoning Board.

Why it matters: Symphony Lakes is a multi-phase mixed-use PD previously approved by the commission; the Pod 1 site plan establishes the first residential build-out and sets public-works, platting, landscaping and public-safety conditions needed before vertical construction and certificates of occupancy.

What was approved: Planning staff and the applicant said Pod 1 would contain approximately 88.5 acres and 286 single-family units (about 3.2 units per acre). The design includes five lakes, an amenity center, sidewalks on both sides of internal streets, a school-bus turnaround and heavy perimeter landscaping with an enhanced 25-foot buffer and berms along Christianson Road and Divine Road to shield adjacent properties. The plan removes previously proposed homes on Christianson Road; access to Christianson is now emergency-only.

Staff recommendations and conditions: City staff recommended approval subject to eight conditions. Key conditions include completing all roadway improvements (turn lanes/medians/sidewalks) and required right-of-way dedications on Selvitz Road before final certificate of completion for dwellings; requiring a plat, unity of title and parcel combination with the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser before vertical building permits; a landscape-maintenance agreement prior to final certificate of occupancy; and receipt of required state and federal permits. Staff also noted the applicant had satisfied Planning & Zoning Board requests for fuller buffers and understory planting.

Review and public process: Planning Director Kevin Freeman described a long review that included neighborhood input and multiple public hearings. The planning board recommended approval 6–1. The developer team — represented by Leah Heintzelman of Kotler and Hearing and civil and traffic consultants — said they coordinated with St. Lucie County on road and traffic improvements and the school district on a bus stop location and turnaround.

Implementation and utilities: The site plan calls for a looped water main and a private lift station to serve the project; stormwater will be managed on site with lakes and retention features. Staff noted that approval by the city does not substitute for required permits from state or federal agencies.

Outcome: The commission voted to approve the final PD site plan with staff-recommended conditions. Commissioners praised staff and the applicant for responding to neighborhood concerns and said the reduced density and enhanced buffers addressed earlier objections.

Ending: The commission approved the plan and asked staff to ensure required right-of-way dedications, plats, utility connections and landscape agreements are completed before building permits or certificates of occupancy are issued.