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County approves Pike Electric contractor site at Shinn Road with conditions
Summary
The Board approved a conditional use permit and major site plan for utility contractor facilities on an 87‑acre White Marsh LLC property intended to host Pike Electric and up to four contractor sites; approvals included conditions on noise alarms, wildlife surveys and permit timelines.
The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners approved a conditional use permit and the associated major site plan to allow utility trade contractor facilities on an 87‑acre property at 3742 Shinn Road, adopting conditions planned by staff and recommended by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The applicant, White Marsh LLC, proposed phased development to support Pike Electric as the initial tenant (approximately 70 employees based at the site) and up to four contractor facilities, with stormwater treatment, a private access road and a 30‑foot enhanced perimeter landscape buffer along Shinn Road. Planning manager Corey Benton summarized the site features and code compliance requirements during the public hearing.
The board’s approval includes staff‑recommended conditions: compliance with the county noise ordinance; on‑site cranes and forklifts using white‑noise backup alarms approved by OSHA instead of standard beepers; required environmental resource submittals and retention/pond planting; a vegetation removal permit or exemption where applicable; an updated gopher tortoise survey consistent with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission standards; removal of Category 1 invasive species before certificate of occupancy; and a requirement that any unpermitted structures secure building permits within 180 days of conditional‑use approval and close permits before a county certificate of zoning compliance is issued.
Mike McCarty of McCarty Land Planning and Design, representing White Marsh and property owner George Pantuso, described the proposal as a rural‑sensitive approach that retains agricultural zoning while enabling industrial support uses for the county’s infrastructure needs. McCarty said the plan minimizes paved area, retains stabilized surfaces for overflow parking, and phases improvements to preserve rural character.
Why it matters: County staff emphasized the item implements a land‑use option the board adopted last year for the Agricultural 5 district that allows utility trade contractors within defined limits and supplemental standards. Supporters noted the site addresses local needs for utility infrastructure contractors and keeps operations compatible with surrounding agricultural uses.
Vote and next steps: A motion to approve was made and seconded; the board voted in favor and the conditional use permit and major site plan were approved. Staff will process the required permits, surveys and environmental compliance actions detailed in the motion and conditions.
