County staff advances housing, economic development and capital improvements in comprehensive plan update

Simone Kenny, county planner leading the comprehensive plan update, gave the board a workshop‑level review on March 17 of three major elements: housing, economic development and capital improvements, and outlined next procedural steps toward transmittal to state reviewers.

Kenny said the housing element aims to “ensure quality housing in all neighborhoods at affordable costs” and includes objectives to revise county ordinances and permitting to allow a broader variety of housing types. The draft policies include permitting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single‑family zoning districts and encouraging integration of affordable housing throughout the county rather than concentrating projects in single areas. Kenny noted a pending state legislative bill could preempt local rules about accessory dwellings; the comp‑plan language records the county’s intent either way and reflects public input gathered through workshops, stakeholder meetings and an online portal (tinyurl.com/flagler20fifty).

On economic development, Kenny said staff propose four goals: diversify and enhance the tax base; improve quality of jobs; balance economic development with quality of life; and sustain tourism through the TDC strategic plan. New policy language directs county support for workforce housing tied to economic goals, for workforce training pathways, and for tourism‑oriented assets including regional sports facilities and year‑round events. Commissioners queried staff to ensure soft policy language does not attempt to direct the school district or other independent entities; staff confirmed the language is supportive rather than regulatory.

On the capital improvements element — the county’s bridge between policies and projects — Kenny reviewed adopted levels‑of‑service and how the proposed CIP appendix will document five‑year projects, funding sources and timing. She emphasized that Flagler County is not itself a water or sewer provider for large parts of the county and that coordination with municipal and quasi‑governmental utility providers will be necessary when analyzing future land‑use changes. Kenny also reviewed water, wastewater, solid‑waste and stormwater standards that guide development review and noted the county will align certain transportation levels‑of‑service for state arterials with FDOT standards.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm: (1) that the housing element explicitly considers proximity to daily services when siting affordable housing; (2) how the county will treat legislative programs such as the state “Live Local” initiatives; and (3) whether airport overlay zoning and airport land‑use compatibility items are aligned with the comp plan transportation, future land use and capital improvements elements. Kenny said staff will incorporate clarifying language where appropriate and will continue working with the advisory committee; the housing element will return with any a‑Hack committee changes at the next board workshop (April 7) before transmittal hearings and subsequent state review.

Public comment during the comprehensive‑plan portion included a retired firefighter who supported continued investment in public safety staffing and equipment and repeated calls for the board to account for operating costs as new facilities come online.

Ending: Staff set a schedule for a final public workshop in April and for transmittal to state reviewers; the board will consider adopting the plan after staff and the advisory committee address edits and state comments.