Commission transmits comprehensive‑plan amendment to restore wetland buffers after state reviewers raise questions

On May 8 the Board of County Commissioners voted to transmit a county‑initiated comprehensive‑plan amendment intended to restore higher wetland buffer protections and remove a 2021 text amendment that opened agricultural lands east of the county's Future Development Area Boundary to higher densities. Staff framed the change as restoring long‑standing development policies that prioritize agricultural uses east of the FDAB and protect watershed and groundwater recharge areas.

The text amendment would repeal policy 2.1.2.8 (adopted in 2021) and related references that allowed additional development east of the FDAB. County planners said the change restores a land‑use boundary meant to limit sprawl, reduce infrastructure costs and protect Lake Manatee and other sensitive areas.

At transmission, staff reported that several state reviewers provided written comments in the last week. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce and the Southwest Florida Water Management District sent letters noting the amendment is more restrictive than the county's current plan and asked for clarification, analyses and justification consistent with recent state statutory language cited in their letters. Staff requested a short interagency follow‑up period to answer those questions; the board agreed to transmit the amendment while staff coordinates with the agencies.

Commissioners expressed strong support for restoring the FDAB protections. Commissioner Siddique said the FDAB is a fiscally conservative planning construct that directs growth toward existing infrastructure. The transmittal starts the state review clock required under Florida's Community Planning Act; staff will return to the board with any required changes after agency review.